What is the reason for new wound during chemotherapy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father had surgery for cancer and subsequent chemoradiation on the cheeks. After that, he developed a wound on the right cheek, which grew into a big hollow wound. Would you please help us?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The most common causes for a wound at the operated or treated site is - osteoradionecrosis and recurrent cancer. From your description, it seems like the wound is an effect of chemoradiation, more specifically radiation. We call it osteoradionecrosis, a complication of radiation to the mandible bone. The mandible is also affected in the radiation field for all cheek cancers. There is a risk of overlying skin death resulting in a wound exposing the underlying bone. It may be conservatively managed for a small wound or require a flap to cover it. In the event of recurrence, a biopsy needs to be done, and based on the extent of the disease; further treatment can be planned. Kindly review with the oncologist who treated you before or any other surgical oncologist for appropriate physical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.