RADIOBIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IRRADIATED LUNG AND ROENTGENOGRAPHIC ASPECTS

Aims: Experimental radiobiologic factors help to better understand and interpret the development of radiographic alterations in lung tissues due to radiant treatments. In this paper the authors summarize the ra diologic factors and technical bases about radiotherapy of the lung. M ethods: The conventional radiologic iconography has been examined in a large series of patients (n = 2151) with latrogenic pulmonary lesions determined by various types of antineoplastic radiant treatments at t he Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. Results: A radiologic control a nd a long follow-up is essential to assess the successive phases of po stactinic lesions due to << passive >> irradiation therapy for any typ e of non-endothoracic tumor as well as those due to << necessary >> lu ng radiotherapy for endothoracic neoplasms. Conclusions: A strict rela tion has been found between the aspects in conventional radiologic ico nography and the corresponding lesions in the irradiated lung.