P: Non Malignant Disease

There are numerous non-malignant diseases that may be treated with radiotherapy; these treatments have become less common as more advanced surgical and medical interventions have evolved. There is still a role in some conditions for radiation therapy.

Non-Neoplastic Conditions

a) Ankylosing Spondylitis

Radiotherapy is not used any more but used to be an effective treatment at improving pain and mobility.

b) Plantar Fasciitis

Not used outside of Germany.

c) Hypersalivation

Hypersalivation, often due to motor neurone disease, is treatable with radiotherapy to the parotid glands.

d) Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification is a benign condition that usually occurs after joint surgery or other trauma. It is characterised by progressive ossification around the bony joint. Both radiotherapy and indomethacin have a role in prevention of heterotopic ossification, which is at highest risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis or a past history of heterotopic ossification. The combination of radiotherapy and indomethacin is more effective than indomethacin alone.
Typical radiotherapy dosage is 7 Gy in 1 # delivered within 3 days of surgery, or just prior.

e) Gynaecomastia

f) Keloid

g) Hidradenitis Suppurativa

h) Graves' Ophthalmopathy

i) Macular Degeneration

j) Ptergyium

k) Arterio-Venous Malformation

Benign Neoplasms

l) Pituitary Adenoma

m) Warts

n) Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis

o) Giant Cell Tumours

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