Post-radiation soft tissue damage in endometrial carcinoma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone treatment for uterine cervical and body cancers, improving survival outcomes.
• RT techniques include external beam radiation and brachytherapy.
• While effective, RT can cause early or late complications, frequently affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Observation:

• This case report details a 38-year-old woman with endometrial cancer (EC) treated with surgery and adjuvant external beam RT.
• During RT, she developed necrosis of the anterior abdominal wall at the surgical scar site.
• This complication manifested as an early adverse event of RT for EC.

Findings:

• The RT-induced abdominal wall necrosis was successfully managed with surgical intervention.
• The oncological treatment for endometrial cancer was not compromised by the complication or its management.

Implications:

• RT-induced necrosis of surgical scars is a rare but significant early complication.
• Prompt surgical management is crucial for addressing this specific RT-related morbidity.
• This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for adverse events during and after RT for gynecological cancers.