Abstract
To the Editor.—Injuries resulting from exposure to microwave radiation are rare and usually occur in association with the use of microwave ovens. Both accidental and intentional (resulting from child abuse) injuries have been reported.1,2 Microwaves are also used in industrial applications and in our national defense. For example, radar transmitters in the F-16 jet fighter operate with frequencies within the microwave spectrum. We briefly describe a rare case of accidental exposure to this type of radiation from an airplane radar system in which the patient survived.Report of a Case.—A 42-year-old male pilot inadvertently stood in front of a functioning microwave airfighter radar system for approximately five minutes. At that time, a moderate sensation of heat was perceived in the head and neck. The following morning while shaving, the patient noticed a small, tender lump in the lower right aspect of his neck. This mass continued to
