Mandibular condyle erosion and sclerosis in pediatric patients treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck region

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2014 Aug;61(8):1479-80. doi: 10.1002/pbc.24941. Epub 2014 Jan 17.

Abstract

Head and neck radiotherapy in children is associated with significant acute and late morbidities. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and trismus has been widely reported in patients receiving radiotherapy for sarcomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma; however, erosion of the mandibular condyle is a rare sequela of modern radiotherapy techniques. In this report, we present three cases of erosion of the temporomandibular joint amongst pediatric patients treated with radiotherapy for distinct head, neck and brain malignancies.

Keywords: bone erosion; pediatrics; radiation therapy; temporomandibular joint.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Child
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Condyle*
  • Mandibular Diseases / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries*