[Subcutaneous fibrosis induced by external irradiation of carcinoma of the uterine cervix].

Two-hundreds and seventy-six patients who were treated with external irradiation alone or combined with intracavitary irradiation and were alive 2-18 years were examined concerning to late complications in the lower abdominal wall. Moderate or severe subcutaneous fibrosis occurred in 14% of the patients. They were not observed below subcutaneous dose of 44 Gy. However, they were noted in 22% with dose of 45-54 Gy and in 100% with dose over 55 Gy. The dose of 50% probability of fibrosis was expected around 53 Gy and 80% of complications were appeared within 3 years after irradiation.