Radiotherapy of recurrent basal and squamous cell skin carcinomas: a studyof 249 re-treated carcinomas in 229 patients

It is of great practical utility to assess which is the best therapeutic ch oice in the management of basal and squamous cell skin carcinomas recurring after different treatments (RBSCSC). To this aim, we have performed a retr ospective review of 249 recurrent lesions in 229 patients treated with derm atological radiotherapy in the period 1982-1999. The total doses of ionizin g radiations administered ranged from 45 to 70 Gy, with different dose frac tionations, according to the technique employed. The five-year cure-rate wa s 83.62%. Cosmetic results were evaluated as "good" or "acceptable" in 92.6 2% of the treated lesions in complete remission. So far no complications or sequelae to the radiological treatment have been observed. Our results suggest two considerations about the choice in the treatment of RBSCSC (following non radiological therapies): 1. radiotherapy is a safe t reatment and the most effective after Mohs surgery; 2. radiotherapy is a fi rst-line treatment in those patients who cannot undergo extensive surgery f ur a variety of different reasons (age, general health conditions, etc.).