Effets tardifs des radiations ionisantes sur les tissus de la sphère otorhinolaryngologique

Numerous structures are included in the irradiated volume of patients presenting with head and neck cancer: skin, mucosa, bone, teeth, cartilage, muscles, salivary glands, etc. Curative intent treatment of such tumours requires aggressive approach which can lead to severe sequellae. These sequellae are in most cases dose-dependent and volume-dependent. However, an appropriate technique might decrease the severity of such sequellae. Details of these late changes are presented, including their pathophysiology, clinical syndromes, potential treatment, and prevention.