Re: Radiotherapy for tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)

["Gibbs, S Julian" <s.julian.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu>]

Some decades ago therapeutic radiation was used extensively 
for treatment of tinea capitis.  Doses were generally a few 
Gy, in a few fractions.  Temporary epilation (hair loss) 
followed, with usual elimination of the tinea.  However, 
subsequent studies, especially in Israel, have found 
increased incidence of several tumors, including thyroid, 
brain, salivary glands, breast.  Several hundred young 
Israelis were treated such in the late 40s on their 
emigration to the new state of Israel.  Baruch Modan has 
written extensively on the issue.  See for example:
Modan et al, Lancet 1 (7852), 277-279, 1974.
Modan et al, Radiology 123:714, 1977.

***********************************************************
S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD               Voice: 615-322-1477
Professor, Emeritus                       FAX: 615-322-1474
Dept. of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
209 Oxford House
Nashville TN 37232-4245        Email:j.gibbs@vanderbilt.edu
***********************************************************
"Under democracy each party always devotes its chief energies
to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to 
rule -- and both commonly succeed, and are right." 
                -- H. L. Mencken (1880-1956)  



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