Prevention of radiation complications during x-ray therapy for skin and lip cancer

Abstract

Aim: to determine the effectiveness of preventive measures used to reduce radiation damage during close-focus radiation therapy for basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip in stages I and II. Methods. The study included patients in the amount of 2030 people with malignant neoplasms of the skin (basal cell carcinoma) and red border of the lip (cancer of the red border of the lips) stages I and II, who underwent a course of close-focus X-ray therapy. To prevent radiation reactions of the mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, in basal cell carcinoma (n = 1942), during a session of radiation therapy, a gauze pad was used, placing it in the vestibule of the oral cavity, in the buccal-gingival space, in the post-radiation period, hydrogel napkins with dimexide and sodium alginate «Coletex-D» (gel). In cancer of the mucous membrane of the red border of the lips (n = 88) in the pre-radiation period, in order to prevent radiation damage to the mucous membranes of the lip and oral cavity, a thorough sanitation of the oral cavity and prevention of exacerbation of inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane were carried out. At the same time, dosimetric planning of the course of radiation therapy was carried out. Results. The use of hydrogel wipes with dimexide and sodium alginate «Coletex-D» (gel) significantly reduces the severity of radiation reactions in the post-radiation period. Epithelization in the field of irradiation, as a rule, ended within 3-4 weeks. Conclusion. Reducing the risk of radiation injury improves the long-term results of radiation treatment and the patient’s quality of life.