TREATMENT OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE EYELIDS BY RADIOTHERAPY.

One hundred and nineteen cases of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid were reviewed to determine the efficacy of radiotherapy for treatment of this lesion. In 61 of 111 patients, the tumour was at the medial canthus or inner third of the lower lid. The greatest incidence was in the 60 to 69 age group. Most of the patients were treated with 85-120 kV radiation and given a dosage of 3000-5000 roentgens. Fifty per cent were followed up for at least four years. There were few complications. There were eight recurrences. Four of these were from a subgroup of 21 patients that had had previous surgery. It is concluded that radiotherapy is a good method of treating basal cell carcinoma of the lid, although previous surgery would appear to increase the likelihood of subsequent recurrence.