Postradiation pelvic fibrosis simulating recurrent carcinoma

A series of 5 cases has been presented to illustrate that all of the classical clinical findings usually considered indicative of recurrent cancer can be caused by radiation fibrosis. If this is not recognized before proceeding with a new step in management, the outcome can be disastrous. The exact diagnosis can be made only by biopsy. If therapy is necessary it must be individualized and requires experience and judgment. The majority of cases will be prevented by proper execution of therapy with careful appraisal of dosages between radium applications and external beam irradiation.