Abstract

Background: Cancer is a Worldwide Health problem. Ionizing radiation have been proved to be effective for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. External radiotherapy is considered one of the main tools to treat cancer. In spite of the development of new techniques, approximately 90 % of patients suffer from side effects as a result of high energy radiation exposure. The presence of cutaneous reactions is an adverse condition known as radiodermatitis or radiation-induced dermatitis. A greater understanding of the physiopathology and biological mecanisms responsible for the skin toxicity following radiotherapy would lead to an earlier diagnosis and proper management. A presentation of a complicated radiodermatitis is the aim of this case report.

Methods: A 41-years old female patient with a medical history of surgery due to a genital epidermoid carcinoma, receiving external radiotherapy, which was interrupted during the third week of treatment because of the presence of painful necrotic skin lesions, and some ulceratives zones in pelvic area. Was admitted at hospital with the diagnosis of Acute Complicated Radiodermatitis. A systemic antibiotic medication was prescribed and topical oclusive dressing with 1 % Silver Sulfadiazine.

Results: A complete recovery of patient was observed after 25th days of treatment.

Conclusion: In spite of absence of a medical consensus about the treatment of radiodermatitis, and early diagnosis and an appropiate management, leads to a favorable evolution of affected patients.

Keywords

cancer, radiodermatitis, radiotherapy