EFFECTS OF IRRADIATION ON LUNG FUNCTION

Abstract

With refinements in radiotherapeutic techniques in recent years, the incidence of pulmonary damage attributable to irradiation has decreased. A significant number of patients, however, still show radiographic evidence of irradiation pneumonitis, with or without associated symptoms. Although these appearances are usually transitory, in some patients they may persist and be associated with varying degrees of pulmonary insufficiency.This report presents an evaluation of the radiographic changes, symptoms, and pulmonary function following irradiation of the chest wall (as for cancer of the breast) in one group of patients, and following deep irradiation of the chest (as for cancer of the lung) in a second group. Forty patients were studied, of whom 32 are available for assessment (20 with carcinoma of the breast and 12 with bronchogenic carcinoma). These patients were studied preoperatively, and from three to 15 months following irradiation. The findings with respect to radiographic appearance, pulmonary function, and symptoms of these patients are presented.