Dermoscopy of Chronic Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers Treated with Radiotherapy

This study aimed to identify clinical and dermoscopic features of chronic radiation-induced dermatitis (CRD) in 32 patients with head and neck cancer who developed CRD after radiotherapy. CRD was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, with clinical evaluations based on the RTOG/EORTC scale. The highest observed score was grade 2 in 21 patients. Common clinical symptoms included slight atrophy, pigmentation changes, moderate telangiectasias, and hair loss. Dermoscopic features frequently noted were dotted vessels, clustered vessel distribution, and white patchy scale, among others. The study identified age, gender, and prior surgery as independent risk factors for chronic toxicity. These dermoscopic features may help in assessing CRD intensity and its clinical consequences in the future.