Ear Keloids Treated with Postoperative Electrons: A Case Series.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Radiation Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors that can cause significant cosmetic and functional issues.
• Various treatment modalities exist for keloids, including surgery, medication, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Adjuvant radiation therapy, particularly electron beam radiation therapy (EBRT), is explored as a method to improve surgical outcomes for keloids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electron beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as an adjuvant treatment for ear keloids after surgical excision.
• To assess long-term local control rates, cosmetic results, and adverse effects associated with this treatment approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series analyzed 16 ear keloids in 10 patients treated between January 2013 and October 2015.
• Patients underwent surgical excision followed by adjuvant electron beam radiation therapy (EBRT) at a dose of 10 Gy in two fractions over two consecutive days postoperatively.
• Outcomes were evaluated based on recurrent lesions, cosmetic appearance, and adverse effects.

Main Results:

• The study included a median follow-up of 78 months (range: 67-100 months).
• A local control rate of 68.75% was achieved, with five cases experiencing recurrence.
• The median recurrence-free period was 67 months, and all patients reported acceptable cosmesis with no acute or chronic adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• Long-term follow-up supports the role of electron beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in achieving sustained keloid control.
• The utilized regimen of a lower total dose with a higher dose per fraction resulted in acceptable local control, good cosmetic outcomes, and a favorable safety profile.
• EBRT is a viable adjuvant option for keloid management, offering long-term benefits with minimal side effects.