Salivary gland tumors among atomic bomb survivors, 1950-1987

Abstract

These findings, supported by population-based analyses in a companion study reported elsewhere, suggest a causal role for ionizing radiation in salivary gland tumorigenesis, particularly for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and in the induction of one type of benign tumor (Warthin's tumor).

MRI of radiation-induced tumors of the head and neck in post-radiation nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…The association between radiation and development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma has already been established. It was initially suspected by Rice et al [23], who reported 23 mucoepidermoid carcinomas in the salivary glands after radiation exposure, and the incidence was also found to be high in survivors of the atomic bomb [24]. Since then there have been several case series of mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising after radiation exposure including eight by Modan et al [25], nine by Stites et al [26] after irradiation for childhood cancer, and nine by Beal et al [27] of which two patients had received RT for NPC.…”

An epidemiological evaluation of salivary gland cancer in the Netherlands (1989–2010)

“…Some reports suggest that exposure to ionizing irradiation [10] or Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection [11] could be risk factors. Radiation was suspected based on the observation of high incidence rates among atomic bomb survivors in Japan [12] and patients who received radiation in childhood for indications like Hodgkin lymphoma [10,13]. The current knowledge suggests that only lymphoepithelial carcinoma, constituting 0.4% of all malignant salivary gland tumors, might be strongly associated with EBV [11].…”

Salivary gland neoplasms

“…Ionizing radiation, not ultraviolet B, is the best-known factor related to tumorigenesis [9][10][11][12]. Studies of tobacco smoking and heavy alcohol ingestion suggest higher association with salivary tumors, but these studies have conflicting results [4,13,14].…”