Progressive systemic sclerosis (diffuse scleroderma) and radiotherapy

Abstract

The rheumatological manifestations of cancer are many and varied. Progressive systemic sclerosis has been reported both as an initial manifestation of malignancy (Caldwell & McCallum, 1986) and, of course, as coexisting with malignant disease. Surprisingly, only one case report is to be found in the literature reporting on the interaction between radiotherapy and scleroderma (Ransom & Cameron, 1987), the consequences of which may carry significant morbidity. Our patient was 49 years old in May 1987 when referred for the management of a mass in the right neck. This right cervical node measured 6 × 5 cm, was fungating through the skin, with biopsy confirming metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. No primary site was identified either on direct ear, nose and throat examination or with computed tomography.