Treatment of keloids with excision and postoperative X-ray irradiation

During a 9-year period 47 patients with 62 keloids, treated with excision and postoperative superficial X-ray irradiation, were included in a retrospective study. The follow-up time was 6 months to 9 years. 88% experienced a good or excellent result. Single or fractioned dose and time interval between excision and radiation did not influence the result. Hyperpigmentation was noted as a side effect in 16 of 47 patients. More favorable results were obtained in the treatment of small keloids and of keloids located in the head-neck area compared to those on the trunk and the extremities.