SOME CONSEQUENCES OF PULMONARY IRRADIATION

Abstract

Therapeutic doses of radiation cause injury to pulmonary tissues as evidenced by roentgenographic and physiologic studies. Two patients in this series developed serious impairment in function, but in each case there were complications associated with the malignant disease. The adverse changes were evident within 6 mo. and showed little progression after 12 mo. Physiologic studies did not prove to be as sensitive as roentgenographic examination in detecting radiation damage in the lung. The beneficial effects of radiation on lung cancer frequently outweigh the adverse effects on lung tissues, resulting in a net improvement in function.