Postradiation nasopharyngeal necrosis in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced nasopharyngeal necrosis is a consequential late effect in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients with NPC who have been treated with high-dose radiotherapy are at risk of developing postradiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN). However, the analysis of PRNN with a significant cohort of patients has not been reported in English-language literature. In this study, we aimed to evaluate PRNN in 28 patients with NPC.

METHODS: From June 2006 to December 2007, 28 patients were diagnosed with PRNN with pathologic evidence. Surgical procedure of endoscopy-guided debridement and systemic anti-inflammatory treatments were conducted for the patients. Their clinical features, treatment procedures, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: Clinical symptoms such as foul odor and headache were alleviated in all, 8 patients were cured of their PRNN, 9 patients with exposed internal carotid artery died of sudden nasopharyngeal massive bleeding, and 3 patients died of exhaustion (cachexia).

CONCLUSION: PRNN is an important consequential late effect of radiotherapy in the patients with NPC. Internal carotid artery erosion is a severe situation and acts as an independent prognostic factor for the patients. Diagnosis of PRNN could be made after ruling out the persistent-recurrent NPC proven by pathologic examination. Surgery is effective for improving the quality of life and for curing PRNN.