Clinical Oncologist Assam Cancer Care Foundation Lakhimpur, Assam, India
Objective: Acute and late effects of radiation on the skin has been adequately documented, but the functional effect has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to document long-term effects of radiation on the skin temperature in soft tissue sarcoma patients.
Methods: Temperature changes in the irradiated skin of soft tissue sarcoma patients who had undergone surgery and external beam radiation were examined throughout the follow-up period starting at six weeks to 5 years after completion of radiation. Changes in skin temperature of irradiated and non-irradiated skin were measured 3 monthly in 1st year, 4 monthly in 2nd year and 6 monthly in 3rd to 5th year. 20 cases were included in this cohort study from 2020 to 2024 and only limb sarcoma cases included.
Results: The resting skin temperature of the irradiated region was significantly elevated compared to similar non-irradiated skin, while the rate of sweating was lower. The temperature difference varies from 1.2 to 1.6 degree Celsius with mean recording of 1.4 degree Celsius during first 5 years of follow up.
Conclusion: Present observations suggest that functional effects, such as the elevated skin temperature and reduced sweating ability of irradiated skin, persist beyond 5 years. Before starting external radiation soft tissue sarcoma patients must be informed about these late toxicities.
