How do you address the risks of radiation-induced carcinogenesis when counseling younger adult patients (40-60 years old) on definitive radiation therapy for non-melanomatous skin cancer of the head/neck?

Topics: Radiation Oncology • Melanoma/Skin Cancer

Is there an age where the patient would be considered "too young" to receive definitive radiation therapy as opposed to surgery?

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

This question has been debated for many years both in the literature as well as in definitive textbooks. No good answer has ever been fully proven. The risk of carcinogenesis is relatively low, estimated to be one in 1000 patients treated. Non-melanoma skin cancer is easily treated...

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