Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in the Course of Head and Neck Tumors

Abstract

We reported 2 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) following radiation therapy for maxillary sinus tumor. The first patient died because of the sudden onset and delay of appropriate treatment. Although the second patient subsequently died, DIC was effectively treated with a course of intravenous heparin therapy. As DIC is one of the most serious complications of head and neck tumors, its treatment should be started as soon as possible.