Radiation Necrosis: An Exploration

Dural-based lesions can often be the result of radiation necrosis, especially in patients who have been treated with radio surgery on multiple occasions. Radiation necrosis can occur when radiotherapy is used to treat primary CNS (Central Nervous System) tumors, metastatic disease, or head and neck malignancies. Lesions that are caused by radiation necrosis usually occur at the original tumor site.

Radiosurgery is a medical procedure that allows surgeons to treat both malignant and benign tumors in a non-invasive manner. Highly focused beams of ionizing radiation are directed at lesions by means of an "emission head" connected to a linear accelerator that dispenses the radiation.

Emission Head: http://www.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/research/acadradphys/researchactivities/prs.htm

Linear Accelerator: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clinac.jpg

A solution, or at least an aid in preventing or slowing the progression of radiation necrosis is the administration of steroids. Steroids reduce intracranial pressure significantly and prevent neurological deterioration by keeping the brain active. Necrosis is a common cause for CSF leakage as well, and the introduction of steroids to relieve intracranial pressure would greatly reduce the risk of leakage.