To Assess the Incidence of Radiation Dermatitis among the Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation dermatitis is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy. Aim: An observational study to assess the incidence of radiation dermatitis among the cancer patients receiving radiotherapy was undertaken.

Methods: The study included 100 cancer patients receiving a curative dose of radiotherapy at a tertiary care hospital. Majority of the patients, i.e., 61% were aged between 51 and 60 years with maximum number of patients, i.e., 38% having head and neck cancer followed by respiratory tract. Majority of the patients were in the second stage of cancer and received 46–50 CG radiations in 26–30 fractions, only two patients received 71–75 CG radiations.

Results: Skin assessment during the 04 weeks of radiation revealed that in the 1st week score was 0. In the 4th week, 69% of patients had the acute radiation morbidity score 0. 15% of patients had the score 1. 14 patients had score 2. Only two patients had acute radiation morbidity score 3.

Conclusion: A study concluded that radiation dermatitis is more seen in the 4th week of radiation.