I have just come across some interesting info in regards to long term effects of radiation treatment for benign conditions. This treatment was used regularly in the 50's, 60's and 70's and research has now shown that those who have had this treatment in the past are at a high risk of developing a cancer. My daughter recently met someone who has had exactly the same experience with me in relation to development of jaw cancer as a result of lichen planus. Her medical team worked out that her jaw cancer was caused by radiation treatment she had in her teens for acne. The lights came on in my head. In my late teens in the 1970's I also had radiation treatment for acne on my chin and I had never put it together that it was the cause of my jaw cancer. That is why in my 40's my thryoid gave up and I had to go on thyroxine. That is why at the same time my lichen planus started to regularly flair up making my mouth so sore. That is why my mother and brother's lichen planus never became cancerous as mine did.
In some ways it is a relief to understand the origin of my jaw cancer. I have been concerned that my genetics are flawed and that I may have passed them on to my daughters. Now I know that it is not a genetic anomaly and that they have no higher risk of developing an oral cancer or a thyroid issue than anyone else in the general population.
Hindsight is a great thing and if I knew then what I know now of course I would not have had the radiation treatment. However as they say 'it is what it is' and life goes on. I have had the benefit of a wonderful medical team who have looked after me every step of the way and I am living a happy life with my 'new normal'.
There is no point in living with regret as it sucks the enjoyment out of life and I definitely don't want that.
Lyn
That’s very interesting. I think you’ve likely hit the nail on the head there. I never knew radiotherapy was used for acne. Dermatologists can’t have known the long term effects.
Some strange stuff was done in the past. Uranium salts for watch faces ended up as a horror story.
I remember having my feet x rayed to fit me for shoes as a child.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thank you for this post Lyn, fascinating and useful information, i agree 100% "There is no point living with regret" .It goes to show that they discover new things every day making living with cancer a little bit easier to understand.
Chris xx
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
