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06 September 2008

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

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