Results of radiotherapy in chemodectoma of the temporal bone

Between 1958 and 1986, twenty-four patients with chemodectoma of the temporal bone received radiation therapy at the Center of Oncology in Cracow. In 22 patients incomplete excision of the tumor had been performed at other hospitals before admission for radiotherapy. Two patients had biopsy only. Three patients had early stage tumors without bone destruction or cranial nerve palsy and 21 patients had advanced tumors at presentation. Three patients treated between 1958 and 1967 received orthovoltage 250 V irradiation, 20 patients received 60Co teletherapy, and one patient received a combination of photon and electron therapy. Tumor doses ranged from 30 Gy to 60 Gy, given in 2-2.5 Gy fractions, 5 times weekly. There were no serious acute or late complications. Long-term local control was achieved in 23 patients with follow-up ranging from 16 months to 21.5 years (median 87 months). Only one patient had locally uncontrolled tumor along with lung and cervical node metastases. Irradiation appeared to be an effective and well tolerated method of treatment in chemodectoma of the temporal bone.