BRACHYTHERAPY OF CARCINOMA OF THE LOWER LIP - EXPERIENCE WITH 130 PATIENTS

The experience with brachytherapy in 130 patients with carcinoma of th e lower lip is reported. A local failure rate of only 2.6% was obtaine d. The subsequent nodal failure rate is 4.4%, half of which could be s alvaged by radiotherapy alone. The data demonstrate the excellent loca l control achievable with radiotherapy in this entity. In most cases w ith local recurrence it is possible to control the tumor with a second brachytherapy session. The main prognostic factor for lower lip carci noma is the presence of a metastatic lymph node. As the age and the ge neral condition of the patients carry high risk for surgery, most of t hose patients will ultimately die in spite of an aggressive radiothera py.