Chondroradionecrosis of the larynx: 24‐year University of Wisconsin experience. Issue 6 (11th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gessert, Thomas G.; Britt, Christopher J.; Maas, Austin M. W.; Wieland, Aaron M.; Harari, Paul M.; Hartig, Gregory K.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 39:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 1189
• Page End: 1194
• Publication Date: 2017-03-11
• Subjects: chondroradionecrosis -- radionecrosis -- radiation injury -- radiation -- larynx; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.24749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Chondroradionecrosis (CRN) is an uncommon but significant complication of laryngeal radiotherapy that presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians through its similarity in presentation to cancer recurrence. Methods: Two hundred ninety‐four patients underwent primary, adjuvant, or salvage radiation for laryngeal cancer from 1991 to 2015 at the University of Wisconsin. Medical records were reviewed to identify and characterize patients with a diagnosis of CRN. Results: Of the 294 patients, 7 cases (2.4%) of CRN were identified. Development of CRN was associated with the presence of cartilage invasion by tumor ( p = .038) and ongoing alcohol use postradiotherapy ( p = .036). Additionally, a trend between development of CRN and ongoing smoking postradiotherapy was observed ( p = .067). Conclusion: The diagnosis of CRN is challenging, and the likelihood of successful resolution is modest. A high premium should be placed on efforts directed at prevention, such as tobacco and alcohol cessation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1189–1194, 2017