A case report of some severe late complications after chemoradiotherapy

Chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer leads to good local control and organ preservation. However, there are some early complications, such as dermatitis, mucositis and myelosupression. There are also some severe late complications, such as laryngeal necrosis, bone necrosis, dysphagia and radiation-induced cancer. When laryngeal necrosis is not controlled by conservative therapies, a total laryngectomy is necessary. The present case developed laryngeal stenosis and necrosis after ten years of chemoradiotherapy treatment. Furthermore, cervical bone necrosis and vertebral artery rupture occurred. A total laryngectomy and blood vessel embolization had to be performed.