Radiation Therapy for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Types Skin Cancer at Ajou University Hospital

Abstract

Skin cancers other than melanoma are highly curative disease because they are localized. In the last 14 months period, 11 patients with skin cancers(7 basal cell carcinomas, 3 squamous cell carcinomas, I metastasis from the lung cancer) were referred to the radiation oncology department for curative purpose in 9 patients and palliative purpose in 2 patients. Among the curative purpose patients, six patients had after one or few recurrences previously. Except 1 patient who had unusual multiple basal cell carcinomas sparing facial part, all other lesions were located in the face. Masses were a few mm to 5 x 6 cm in diameter. Since 3 patients had lesion near an eye, a lead eye shield was used for the prevention of cataract and keratitis/conjunctivitis. Also for lesions near or at the nose, a shield to protect nasal mucosa was used. Among patients who completed radiotherapy, all lesions disappeared except residual pigmentation which left some elevated mass effect. Careful irradiation technique and dose schedules were described with a follow-up time of I month to 14 months. In the future, cosmetic care for residual pigmentation needs to be followed.