Radiotherapy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Radiotherapy, including details on cancer treatment, side effects.

Surgical interventions for the treatment of radiation-induced alopecia in pediatric practice.

Rannan-Eliya YF, Rannan-Eliya S, Graham K, Pizer B, McDowell HP

Department of Pediatric Oncology, Royal Liverpool Children's NHS TRUST, (Alder Hey), Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Permanent alopecia can occur following treatment for pediatric malignant disease, especially cranial irradiation, resulting in identity and self-image problems. This late effect is usually addressed through external cosmesis and psychological adjustment. Surgical options are less commonly utilized. The experience of reconstructive procedures in patients at RLC NHS Trust, Alder Hey with alopecia is presented. Four patients had scalp tissue expansion and one had hair transplantation. The reconstructive options available are discussed as well as the potential opportunities and difficulties in this population. Post-radiotherapy alopecia can be successfully addressed by reconstructive surgery, and should be considered more often in this population.

Published 27 August 2007 in Pediatr Blood Cancer, 49(5): 731-6.
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