ABSTRACT
We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients with 115 sites of skin cancer, predominantly involving the head and neck, treated with electron beam therapy. Our objective was to determine the local control rate, radiotherapy reactions, cosmesis, and salvage treatment. Forty-three percent of patients received radiotherapy after biopsy, 41% were treated for recurrence following other modalities of treatment, and 16% had positive margins after surgical excision. With minimum and mean follow-up of 24 and 47 months, respectively, local control was achieved in 88% of patients. Six of 14 local recurrences were salvaged by surgery (five patients) and radiotherapy (one patient) for a total local control of 93%. Serial photographs and data were available to analyze cosmesis in 56 patients. Excellent or good cosmesis was achieved in 91%. Side effects were mild and self-limiting. EBT is highly efficacious and offers excellent cosmesis.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/radiotherapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/radiotherapy , Skin Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Electrons , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Radiotherapy Dosage , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
From 1970 to 1985, curative radiotherapy was administered to 63 patients with stage I carcinoma of the true vocal cords. Precision radiotherapeutic technique yields cure rates comparable to surgical results. Good voice quality was preserved in a high percentage of patients.
