Why should lesions of juvenile fibrous dysplasia not be treated with radiotherapy?

Juvenile fibrous dysplasia is a benign bone disorder characterized by the replacement of normal bone with fibrous tissue, often resulting in deformity and potential functional issues. However, the choice to avoid radiotherapy is primarily driven by a critical consideration: the risk of future malignancy.

Radiotherapy is known to increase the risk of developing secondary cancers, particularly in young patients whose tissues are still growing and maturing. This risk is significantly amplified in pediatric populations due to the long latency period associated with radiation-induced tumors. Hence, administering radiotherapy to treat lesions of juvenile fibrous dysplasia poses a substantial threat of future malignant transformation, overshadowing any potential short-term benefits.

While other considerations such as the potential increase in lesion size or inhibition of healing may also be valid concerns in a broader discussion about treatment methods, the paramount issue remains the long-term safety of the patient. The risk of inducing malignancy through radiotherapy is a well-documented consequence, emphasizing the importance of conservative management approaches for juvenile fibrous dysplasia.