Radiation therapy for exophthalmos: report of seven cases.

Five of 7 cases of exophthalmos showed improvement within three months with 2,000 rads of 6 MeV radiation. A new technique of X-ray beam localization employing a direct measurement 12 mm posterior to the anterior extent of the cornea was used and found more accurate than using a fixed point (external canthus). All cases should be treated bilaterally. Retreatment after radiation failure is not recommended. There were no complications. Improvement is usually rapid as orbital irradiation, not including the pituitary, causes rapid destruction of the massive collection of lymphocytes and a reduction in the bulky mass and edema of the orbit.