Tinea corporis confined to irradiated skin. Radiation port dermatophytosis.

BACKGROUND

Radiation port dermatophytosis (RPD) is an uncommon condition in which patients receiving radiation therapy concurrently have tinea corporis that is confined primarily to the irradiated skin.

METHODS

The case of a 33-year-old man is reported who was receiving cobalt-60 radiation therapy for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. During therapy, a dermatophyte infection developed in the treated field.

RESULTS

Including this patient, there have been only three cases of RPD reported in the world literature. The clinical characteristics of patients with RPD are reviewed. The diagnosis, management, and pathogenesis of this condition are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the cutaneous manifestations of RPD may be misinterpreted clinically as acute radiation-induced dermatitis, this condition may be more prevalent than the paucity of published reports suggests.