What's New?
.	December Journal
.	December Newsletter
.	Online Registration for HPS 2010 Midyear Meeting Now Available
.	NRC Academic Program Nuclear Education Grants, FY2010, Now Accepting Applications
.	EPA's STAR Graduate and GRO Undergraduate Fellowship Funding Now Accepting Applications

Upcoming Events
.	2010 HPS Midyear Topical Meeting Radiation Risk Communication to the Public 24-27 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM
.	2010 HPS Professional Development School Radiation Risk Communication: Issues and Solutions 27-29 January 2010 Albuquerque, NM

21 November 2009

Answer to Question #1696 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — Biological Effects of Radiation

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have bilateral exostoses on both upper and lower mandibles. Could this be related to x-ray "treatments" I was given for severe acne in about 1944 at age 13 years?

Exostoses of maxilla and mandible are common in the population. There is no evidence suggesting any relationship to radiation exposure. You should be aware of increased risk for other tumors in the head and neck, especially thyroid, salivary gland, and skin. I had the same treatment for the same reason at about the same time as you did. I am keeping close watch for these tumors' possible appearance. The period at risk for these tumors appears to be the remaining life span of the exposed individual. Conclusion: Don't worry about the exostoses. They are benign and can be eliminated by simple surgery, if necessary. Keep a close watch for possible malignant disease in the head and neck. S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 1 March 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.