Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Radiation Therapy of Nonmalignant Skin Disorders

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Radiation Treatment and Radiation Reactions in Dermatology

Abstract

While the modern use and indication for radiotherapy (RT) of malignant skin disorders is a well-established strategy which includes the treatment of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell tumors Kaposi’s sarcoma, and cutaneous lymphomas (all, see previous chapters of this book), the use of ionizing radiation for nonmalignant or benign skin disorders is less recognized, is not represented in actual interdisciplinary treatment guidelines, and has clearly decreased as many new and better systemic and local noninvasive and invasive treatment options have become available in the past two decades. Moreover, in many dermatological departments throughout the world, the actual training and knowledge of medical specialists about the possible implementation of ionizing radiation to treat nonmalignant skin disorders has slowly faded away and is dismissed in modern dermatology textbooks. Local surgical methods and/or systemic medication options dominate the actually recommended treatment strategies for most nonmalignant skin disorders.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 159.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Goldschmidt H (1989) Radiotherapy of benign skin conditions. In: Newcomer VD, Young EM (eds) Geriatric dermatology. Igaku-Shoin, New York, pp 89–96 [former # 13]

    Google Scholar 

  2. Goldschmidt H (1978) FDA recommendations on radiotherapy of benign diseases. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 4:619–620

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Goldschmidt H, Sherwin WK (1985) Radiation therapy of benign skin disorders. In: Moschella SL, Hurley HJ (eds) Dermatology, 2nd edn. WB Saunders C, Philadelphia, pp 2075–2078

    Google Scholar 

  4. Rowell NR (1977) Ionizing radiation in benign dermatoses. In: Rook AJ (ed) Recent advances in dermatology, vol 4. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, pp 329–350

    Google Scholar 

  5. Rowell N (1978) Adverse effects of superficial x-ray therapy and recommendations for safe use in benign dermatoses. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 4:630–634

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Panizzon RG (2007) Dermatologische radiotherapie. Hautarzt 58:701–712

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Micke O, Seegenschmiedt MH (2002) German working group on radiotherapy in Germany. Consensus guidelines for radiation therapy of benign diseases: a multicenter approach in Germany. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 52(2):496–513, Review. PMID: 11872298

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Leer JW, van Houtte P, Seegenschmiedt HM (2007) Radiotherapy of non-malignant disorders: where do we stand? Radiother Oncol 83(2):175–177

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Seegenschmiedt MH, Micke O, Willich N (2004) Radiation therapy for nonmalignant diseases in Germany. Current concepts and future perspectives. Strahlenther Onkol 180(11):718–730, PMID: 15549190

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Purdy JA (2004) Current ICRU definitions of volumes: limitations and future directions. Semin Radiat Oncol 14(1):27–40

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Lindelöf B, Eklund G (1986) Incidence of malignant skin tumors in 14,140 patients after grenz-ray treatment for benign skin disorders. Arch Dermatol 122:1391–1395

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Trott KR, Kamprad F (2006) Estimation of cancer risks from radiotherapy of benign diseases. Strahlenther Onkol 182(8):431–436, PMID: 16896588

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Jansen JT, Broerse JJ, Zoetelief J, Klein C, Seegenschmiedt MH (2005) Estimation of the carcinogenic risk of radiotherapy of benign diseases from shoulder to heel. Radiother Oncol 76(3):270–277

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Sheehan-Dare RA, Goodfield MJD, Rowell NR (1989) Superficial radiotherapy for benign dermatoses. Br J Dermatol 121(supp):62–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Panizzon RG, Veraguth PC (1989) Dermatologische strahlentherapie. Hautarzt 40:175

    Google Scholar 

  16. Eng TY (2006) The role of radiation therapy in benign diseases. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 20(2):523–557

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Fairris GM, Jones DH, Mack DP et al (1985) Conventional superficial x-ray therapy in the treatment of constitutional eczema of the hands. Br J Dermatol 112:339–341

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Fairris GM, Mack DP, Rowell NR (1984) Superficial x-ray therapy in the treatment of constitutional eczema of the hands. Br J Dermatol 111:445–450

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kutzner J, Schneider L, Seegenschmiedt MH (2003) Radiotherapy of keloids. Patterns of care study – results. Strahlenther Onkol 179(1):54–58, Article in German

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Seegenschmiedt MH (2008) Morbus Dupuytren/Morbus Ledderhose (Chapter 9). In: Seegen-schmiedt MH, Makoski H-B, Trott K-R, Brady L (eds) Radiotherapy for non-malignant disorders. Springer Publishers, Berlin, pp 161–192

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  21. Hildebrandt G, Seed MP, Freemantle CN et al (1998) Mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of low-dose radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Biol 74:367–378

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Rödel F, Kamprad F, Sauer R et al (2002) Funktionelle und molekulare Aspekte der antiinflammatorischen Wirkung niedrig dosierter Strahlentherapie. Strahlenther Onkol 178:1–9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Rödel F, Schaller U, Schultze-Mosgau S et al (2004) The induction of TGF-β1 and NF-κB parallels a biphasic time course of leukocyte/endothelial cell adhesion following low-dose x-irradiation. Strahlenther Onkol 180:194–197

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Trott KR (1994) Therapeutic effects of low dose irradiation. Strahlenther Onkol 170:1–12

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Trott KR, Kamprad F (1999) Radiobiological mechanisms of anti-inflammatory radio-therapy. Radiother Oncol 51:197–203

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Groh V, Meyer JC, Panizzon R et al (1984) Soft x-irradiation influences the integrity of Langerhans cells. Dermatologica 168:53–60

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Goldschmidt H, Yawalkar S, Gruber L et al (1962) Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Weichstrahldosierung bei Ekzem und Psoriasis. Strahlentherapie 118:240–249

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Jolly HW Jr (1978) Superficial x-ray therapy in dermatology – 1978. Int J Dermatol 17(9):691–697, PMID: 365808

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Stambaugh MD, De Nittis AS, Wallner PE Heymann WR (2000) Complete remission of refractory dyshidrotic eczema with the use of radiation therapy. Cutis 65:211–214

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Walling HW, Swick BL, Storrs FJ, Boddiker ME (2008) Frictional hyperkeratotic hand dermatitis responding to Grenz Ray therapy. Contact Dermatitis 58:49–51

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Sumila M, Notter M, Itin P et al (2008) Long term results of radiotherapy in patients with chronic palmo-plantar eczema or psoriasis. Strahlenther Onkol 184:218–223

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Golitz LE, Norris DA, Luekens CA Jr, Charles DM (1980) Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Multiple basal cell carcinomas of the palms after radiation therapy. Arch Dermatol 116(10):1159–1163

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Dabski K, Stoll HL Jr (1986) Skin cancer caused by grenz rays. J Surg Oncol 31(2):87–93

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Sawyer AR, McGoldrick RB, Mackey SP, Powell B, Pohl M (2007) Malignant melanoma following scalp irradiation for tinea capitis. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 60(11):1239–1240, Epub. PMID: 17467352

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Fairris GM, Jones DH, Mack DP et al (1984) Superficial x-ray therapy in the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis. Br J Dermatol 111:499–500

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Harber LC (1958) Clinical evaluation of radiation therapy in psoriasis. Arch Dermatol 77:554–558

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Lindelöf B (1989) Psoriasis of the nails treated with grenz rays: a double-blind bilateral trial. Acta Derm Venereol 69:80–82

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Gammeltoft M, Wulf HC (1980) Transmission of 12 kV grenz rays and 29 kV x-rays through normal and diseased nails. Acta Derm Venereol 60:431–432

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Wiskemann A (1982) Strahlenbehandlung der Psoriasis und Parapsoriasis. Z Hautkr 57:1317–1324

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Finnerty EF (1979) Successful treatment of psoriasis of the nails. Cutis 23:43–44

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kouskousis CE, Scher RK, Lebovits PE (1983) Psoriasis of the nails. Cutis 31:169–174

    Google Scholar 

  42. Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJB, Champion RH, Burton JL (eds) (2004) Cutaneous lymphomas. In: Textbook of dermatology. Wiley-Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. ISBN 0632064293

    Google Scholar 

  43. Ploysangam T, Breneman DL, Mutasim DF, Ploysangam T, Breneman DL, Mutasim DF (1998) Cutaneous pseudolymphomas. J Am Acad Dermatol 38(6 Pt 1):877–895

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Fischer E (1957) Therapeutische Erfahrungen mit Röentgenkleindosen bei akut entzündlichen Prozessen. Dermatologica 114:204–208

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Panizzon RG (1980) Die Strahlentherapie bei Komplikationen der chronisch-venösen Insuffizienz. Schweiz Rundsch Med (PRAX) 69:1405–1407

    Google Scholar 

  46. Rodemann HP, Bamberg M (1995) Cellular basis of radiation-induced fibrosis. Radiother Oncol 35:83–90

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Levi-Schaffer GE, Rubin A et al (1999) Human eosinophils regulate lung and skin derived fibroblast properties in vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96:9660–9665

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Murrell GA, Francis MJ, Bromley L (1990) Modulation of fibroblast proliferation by oxygen free radicals. Biochem J 265:659–665

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Terek RM, Jiranek WA, Goldberg MJ et al (1995) The expression of platelet-derived growth factor gene in Dupuytren contracture. J Bone Joint Surg Am 77:1–9

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Rubin P, Soni A, Williams JP (1999) The molecular and cellular biologic basis for the radiation treatment of benign proliferative diseases. Semin Radiat Oncol 9:203–214

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Crocker I (1999) Radiation therapy to prevent coronary artery stenosis. Semin Radiat Oncol 9:134–143

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Giap H, Tripuranemi P, Teirstein P, Massullo V (1999) Theoretical assessment of dose rate effect in endovascular brachytherapy. Cardiovasc Radiat Med 1:227–232

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Suit H, Spiro I (1999) Radiation treatment of benign mesenchymal disease. Semin Radiat Oncol 9:171–178

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Smitt MC, Donaldson SS (1999) Radiation therapy for benign disease of the orbit. Semin Radiat Oncol 9:179–189

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Enhamre A, Hammar H (1983) Treatment of keloids with excision and post-operative x-ray irradiation. Dermatologica 167:90–93

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Norris JE (1995) Superficial x-ray therapy in keloid management: a retrospective study of 24 cases and literature review. Plast Reconstr Surg 95:1051–1055

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Inalsingh CHA (1974) An experience in treating 501 patients with keloids. Johns Hopkins Med J 134:284–290

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Borok TL, Bray M, Sinclair I et al (1988) Role of ionizing irradiation for 393 keloids. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 15:865–870

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Ollstein RN, Siegel HW, Gillodey JF et al (1981) Treatment of keloids by combined surgical excision and immediate postoperative x-ray treatment. Ann Plast Surg 7:281–285

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Brown LA, Pierce HE (1986) Keloids: scar revisions. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 12:51–56

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Kovalic JJ, Perez CA (1989) Radiation therapy following keloidectomy: a 20-year experience. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 17:77–80

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Caccialanza M, Dal Pozzo V, Di Pietro A et al (1987) Radioterapia post-operatioria del cheloidi. G Ital Dermatol Venereol 1987:471–475

    Google Scholar 

  63. Kal HB, Veen RE (2005) Biologically effective doses of postoperative radiotherapy in the prevention of keloids. Dose-effect relationship. Strahlenther Onkol 181(11):717–723

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Flickinger JC (2011) A radiobiological analysis of multicenter data for postoperative keloid radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 79(4):1164–1170

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Veen RE et al (2007) Postoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy in the prevention of keloids. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 69(4):1205–1208

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Van de Kar AL et al (2007) The results of surgical excision and adjuvant irradiation for therapy-resistant keloids: a prospective clinical outcome study. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(7):2248–2254

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Botwood N (1999) The risks of treating keloids with radiotherapy. Br J Radiol 72(864):1222–1224

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Strickland JW, Idler RS, Creighton JC (1990) Dupuytren’s disease. Indiana Med 83:408–409

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Tubiana R (1986) Evaluation of deformities in Dupuytren’s disease. Ann Chir Main 5:5–11

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Keilholz L, Seegenschmiedt MH, Sauer R (1996) Radiotherapy for prevention of disease progression in early stage Dupuytren’s contracture. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 36:891–897

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Seegenschmiedt MH, Olschewski T, Guntrum F (2001) Radiotherapy optimization in early-stage Dupuytren’s contracture: first results of a randomized clinical study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 49(3):785–798, PMID:11172962

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Adamietz B, Keilholz L, Grünert J, Sauer R (2001) Radiotherapy of early stage Dupuytren disease. Strahlenther Onkol 177:604–610

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Heyd R, Dorn AP, Herkströter M et al (2010) Radiation therapy for early stages of Morbus Ledderhose. Strahlenther Onkol 186:24–29

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Seegenschmiedt MH, Attassi M (2003) Radiation therapy for Morbus Ledderhose – indication and clinical results. Strahlenther Onkol 179(12):847–853, German. PMID:14652674

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Niewald M, Seegenschmiedt MH, Mickem O et al (2012) Randomized, multicenter trial on the effect of radiation therapy on plantar fasciitis (painful heel spur). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 84:455–462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Betz N, Ott OJ, Adamietz B et al (2010) Radiotherapy in early stage Dupuytren’s contracture. Strahlenther Onkol 186:82–90

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Seegenschmiedt MH, Micke O (2012) Radiotherapy of non-malignant diseases. Strahlenther Onkol 188(suppl 3):272–290

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Falter E, Herndl E, Mühlbauer W (1991) Dupuytren’s contracture. Fortschr Med 109:223–226

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Loos B, Kopp J, Hohenberger W, Horch RE (2007) Post malignancy irradiation ulcers with exposed alloplastic materials can be salvaged with topical negative pressure therapy. Eur Surg Oncol 33:920–925

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Weinzierl G, Flügel M, Geldmacher J (1993) Lack of effectiveness of an alternative nonsurgical procedure of Dupuytren contracture. Chirurg 64:492–494

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Van der Veer WM, Hamburg SM, de Gest A, Niessen FB (2008) Recurrence of plantar fibromatosis after plantar fasciectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 122:486–491

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Potts ED, Rowell NR (1981) Lichen planus: a distinct entity from lupus erythematosus. Acta Derm Venereol 61(5):413–416, PMID: 6172929

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Rodriguez V, Lee A, Witman PM, Anderson PA (2009) Kasabach-merritt phenomenon: case series and retrospective review of the mayo clinic experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 31(7):522–526, PMID:19564750

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Mitsuhashi N, Furuta M, Sakurai H, Takahashi T, Kato S, Nozaki M, Saito Y, Hayakawa K, Niibe H (1997) Outcome of radiation therapy for patients with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 39(2):467–473, PMID: 9308952

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Caldwell JB, Ryan MT, Benson PM, James WD (1995) Cutaneous angiosarcoma arising in the radiation site of a congenital hemangioma. J Am Acad Dermatol 33(5 Pt 2):865–870, PMID: 7593798

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Dräger H, Schulte KW, Hengge U, Braunstein S, Ruzicka T, Reifenberger J (2005) Angiosarcoma after radiation therapy of a hemangioma. Hautarzt 56(10):970–971, [Article in German] PMID: 16143874

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Bucher S, Guerra M, Corrias F, Ribuffo D (2006) Basal cell carcinoma of the nose requiring amputation arising after irradiation for childhood hemangioma. Anticancer Res 26(6C):4767–4770, PMID: 17214338

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Slade DE, Powell BW, Mortimer PS (2003) Hidradenitis suppurativa: pathogenesis and management. Br J Plast Surg 56(5):451–461, PMID: 12890458

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Boyd AS, Neldner KH (1991) Lichen planus. J Am Acad Dermatol 25(4):593–619, PMID: 1791218

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Nelzén O, Bergqvist D, Lindhagen A (1994) Venous and non-venous leg ulcers: clinical history and appearance in a population study. Br J Surg 81:182–187, PMID: 8156328

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. McMullin GM (2001) Improving the treatment of leg ulcers. Min J Aust 175:375–387, PMID: 11700817

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Blanco AR, Martinez-Taboada VM, Armona J, Fernandez-Sueiro JL, Sanchez-Andrade A, Rodriguez-Valverde V (1995) Disease association and etiologic factors in 334 patients with cutaneous vasculitis. Arthritis Rheum 38(suppl 9):391

    Google Scholar 

  93. Prunes LL, Klein OO (1952) Radiotherapy of verruca plantaris. Rev Med Chil 80(9):566–567, PMID 13014614

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Pizon P (1957) Roentgenotherapy of verruca plantaris. Presse Med 65(82):1835–1837, (French) PMID: 13505611

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Macht SH, Cordero JM (1977) Superficial radiotherapy of warts: results of treating 531 warts. Radiology 122(1):231–232, PMID: 830341

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Shair HM, Hanshaw WJ, Grayson LD (1978) Radiation therapy for plantar warts. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 4(8):635–637, PMID: 690315

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Strahlentherapie & Radioonkologie, Strahlenzentrum Hamburg, Langenhorner Chaussee 369, Hamburg, 22419, Germany

    M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt

  2. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland

    Renato G. Panizzon

Authors
  1. M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Renato G. Panizzon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Renato G. Panizzon

  2. Strahlenzentrum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    M. Heinrich Seegenschmiedt

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Seegenschmiedt, M.H., Panizzon, R.G. (2015). Radiation Therapy of Nonmalignant Skin Disorders. In: Panizzon, R., Seegenschmiedt, M. (eds) Radiation Treatment and Radiation Reactions in Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44826-7_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44826-7_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-44825-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-44826-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation