Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (8)

Radiation-induced morphea
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Radiation-induced morphea

Contributors: Vivian Wong MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

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

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
Copyright © 2026 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Radiation-induced morphea
Copyright © 2026 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.