Pemphigus vulgaris following radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: Clinicopathological perspective of a rare cutaneous manifestation after radiotherapy treatment.

Publisher: Medknow Publications Country of Publication: India NLM ID: 101249598 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1998-4138 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 19984138 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Cancer Res Ther Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Mumbai, India : Medknow Publications

Head and Neck Neoplasms*/radiotherapy ; Pemphigus*/etiology ; Pemphigus*/diagnosis ; Pemphigus*/pathology ; Pemphigus*/drug therapy ; Radiation Injuries*/diagnosis ; Radiation Injuries*/etiology ; Radiation Injuries*/pathology ; Radiotherapy*/adverse effects; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use ; Skin/pathology ; Skin/radiation effects

Abstract: Pemphigus vulgaris triggered by the radiotherapy is rare and very few cases have been reported in the literature. Lesions within the radiotherapy field can be difficult to differentiate from post radiation dermatitis. Though exact pathogenesis is not understood, radiotherapy induced immunomodulation leading to bullous skin lesions, is thought to be critical. Here we present the clinicopathological perspective of pemphigus vulgaris involving the skin within and outside the radiotherapy portal, presented 2 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. The condition requires multidisciplinary management and close coordination between oncologist, dermatologist, and dermatopathologist. Diagnosis is established based on the clinical presentation, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence examination. Early institution of immunosuppressive therapy can improve the skin lesions and reduce the morbidity significantly.
(Copyright © 2025 Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics.)

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Keywords: Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes; pemphigus vulgaris; post radiotherapy bullous lesion

0 (Immunosuppressive Agents)

Date Created: 20250705 Date Completed: 20250705 Latest Revision: 20250709

20250709

10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1941_24

40616569