Radiation-Induced Alopecia

In 2010, a 65-year-old man developed hair loss in his beard area two weeks after starting radiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma, without any history of chemotherapy or surgery. The physical examination showed a 10×8 cm patch of near-total hair loss without signs of alopecia areata. The document discussed the historical context of radiation-induced hair loss, noting that anagen follicles are highly susceptible to radiation, with complete but reversible alopecia occurring at 3GY of radiation and permanent alopecia beginning at 5GY. Hair regrowth typically happens within 2-4 months if the alopecia is reversible. The document also mentioned potential treatments for radiation-induced alopecia, including reconstructive surgery and protective agents like nitroxides, vitamin D3, and PGE2. The case was reported to raise awareness of radiation-induced alopecia as a side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers.