Radiation-induced fibrosarcoma

Six cases of fibrosarcoma arising in previously irradiated tissues are reported, out of a total of 220 cases of fibrosarcoma treated at Mount Vernon Hospital during the last 23 years.This rare occurrence may follow at any interval from 3 to 38 years after irradiation, usually after high dosage. Four of our six cases are known to have died of the disease.The literature regarding radiation-induced fibrosarcoma is reviewed and it is suggested that adequate excision or amputation may be curative, if undertaken early enough.