Background Radiotherapy is one of the main modalities in the management of cancer along with chemotherapy and surgery. Despite its great benefit it has many side effects on many systems and organs including the skin. Objective To record the frequency, grades and types of acute cutaneous side effect in patients with pelvic tumors treated with radiotherapy, in order to report the risk factors and to find appropriate strategies for prevention and management. Patient and methods. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out in Baghdad Radiation and Nuclear Medicine Centre between August 2020 and August 2021.A total 70 patients were enrolled in this study.All patients had full history and full baseline skin exam and were assessed weekly to record the frequency, types and grades of acute cutaneous side effects till the end of radiotherapy sessions. Results Seventy patients were enrolled in this study, 42 (60%) females and 28(40%) males with female to male ratio (3:2).there was a statistical significant association between acute cutaneous side effects and overweight ,fair skin type , old age >55 ,combined chemoradiotherapy, high radiotherapy dose and use of bolus, while gender, smoking, surgery, hypertension and diabetes showed no significant association. Four grades of radiodermatitis were observed, grade I (61.43%) , grade II (24.29%) , grade III (8.57%) and grade IV (1.43%) patient. Conclusion The most common observed side effect was grade I radiodermatitis, factors that might increase risk of cutaneous side effects were overweight, fair skin, older age patients, combined chemoradiotherapy, high radiation dose and use of bolus.
