Histopathology of cutaneous and subcutaneous irradiation-induced injuries

The cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions induced by irradiation can be divided into early and delayed effects. The intensity of the lesions is clearly dose-dependent. Early injuries, rarely examined in clinical pathology, involve epithelial and vascular alterations; frequently, thrombi and fibrinous exudate are observed. After a variable latent period, delayed lesions appear. They are dependent on vascular connective tissue changes. The epidermis becomes atrophic; dermal and subdermal connective tissue is involved by a dense sclerosis; important vascular changes are obvious and the blood supply is decreased. This hypovascular skin in the chronic stage can easily be injured by a slight abrasion, leading to delayed ulcers. (author)