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Osteonecrosis of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage
Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Cobalt therapy for right pyriform fossa carcinoma led to thyroid cartilage osteonecrosis. This resulted in pathological fractures and spontaneous expulsion of bone fragments (sequestrae).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Pyriform fossa carcinoma is a type of head and neck cancer.
- Cobalt therapy is a form of radiation treatment used for cancer.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with right pyriform fossa carcinoma underwent cobalt therapy.
- Following treatment, the patient developed osteonecrosis affecting the right greater horn and right superior horn of the thyroid cartilage.
Findings:
- The osteonecrosis progressed to involve pathological fractures of the thyroid cartilage.
- Spontaneous expulsion of necrotic bone fragments (sequestrae) from the affected area was observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential long-term complication of cobalt therapy in head and neck cancers.
- Understanding these sequelae is crucial for patient monitoring and management after radiotherapy.
- Further research may explore strategies to mitigate radiation-induced osteonecrosis of laryngeal cartilages.