Ear Keloids Treated with Postoperative Electrons: A Case Series

Multiple modalities exist for treating keloids ranging from surgical, medical, chemotherapeutic, and radiation therapy. Different techniques of radiation therapy have been used to treat keloids as an adjuvant to surgical excision. With this case series, we report our experience of using electron beam radiation therapy in this setting.

We retrospectively analyzed 16 ear keloids treated in 10 patients from January 2013 to October 2015 with surgical excision followed by electron beam to a dose of 10 Gy in two fractions over two consecutive days in immediate postoperative period. Patients were evaluated for recurrent lesions, cosmesis, and adverse effects.

With a median follow-up of 78 months (range: 67-100 months), recurrent lesion was seen in five cases; a local control rate of 68.75% was seen. Median recurrence-free period was 67 months (range: 12-100 months). Acceptable cosmesis was seen in all cases and no acute or chronic adverse effects were seen.

The large follow-up period in our series establishes the role of electron beam radiation therapy in attaining long-term control in keloid patients. The lower total dose with higher dose per fraction used in our patients has acceptable control along with good cosmesis and absent adverse effects.