Radiation-induced morphea
Alerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis
Radiation-induced morphea refers to the development of morphea, a cutaneous fibrosing connective tissue disorder, in the setting of prior radiation therapy. It is predominantly reported in females. The most common location is the breast, due to history of breast cancer, although it has also been reported after radiation for head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, HIV-related lymphoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and adenocarcinoma of unknown origin. It is estimated that radiation-induced morphea occurs in up to 1% of patients. It typically occurs within 1 year of radiation, but it may occur up to 32 years after radiation. A history of autoimmune disease may increase the risk of developing radiation-induced morphea, whereas patient age, radiation dose, and treatment technique do not appear to significantly affect risk.
Codes
ICD10CM:
L94.0 – Localized scleroderma [morphea]
Y84.2 – Radiological procedure and radiotherapy as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of the procedure
SNOMEDCT:
201049004 – Morphea
402761000 – Disorder of skin due to radiotherapy
L94.0 – Localized scleroderma [morphea]
Y84.2 – Radiological procedure and radiotherapy as the cause of abnormal reaction of the patient, or of later complication, without mention of misadventure at the time of the procedure
SNOMEDCT:
201049004 – Morphea
402761000 – Disorder of skin due to radiotherapy
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:11/02/2025
Last Updated:11/10/2025
Last Updated:11/10/2025
