Incidence of neoplasia after irradiation of thymic region.

Abstract

From 1932 to 1951 the thymic region of 958 patients was irradiated. The dosage used was relatively low. Information on the subsequent course of 567 is knowm. Of this group 99 are dead. Two patients developed a lymphoblastoma, one, leukemia and one, lymphosarcoma. This incidence of lymphoblastoma is somewhat higher than might be expected but not significantly so. One patient developed thyroid carcinoma which constitutes a statistically significant increase in the expected incidence rate. These findings are further suggestive evidence of some increase in the incidence of neoplasia after the irradiation of the thymic region. (auth)