Severe radiation injuries of the lung.

The lung is a radiosensitive organ whose limited tolerance must be treated with great respect in the radiation management of malignant tumors in the thorax. Severe radiation pneumonopathy can cripple and kill as the outcome of faulty judgment, error, accident, or calculated risk in an effort to control a locally advanced cancer. The clinical and radiologic profile of this unique and challenging syndrome is described and the histopathology and pathogenesis are reviewed. The clinical and technical factors of high risk are discussed, and guidelines for therapeutic management and safer clinical practice are offered.