Treatment of carcinoma of the nasal vestibule by irradiation.

An analysis of 36 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule is made. The small lesions (T1 and T2) are highly curable by radiation therapy alone, with good functional and cosmetic results. The advanced lesions (T3), with bone destruction and metastases, are best treated by radical surgery with or without irradiation if the lesions are resectable. For the inoperable tumors, high dose megavoltage irradiation may offer palliation and, occasionally, an unexpected cure. Of 31 patients eligible for 3-year NED evaluation, 23 or 74% were alive and well without disease, after radiation therapy alone. For the T1, T2,and T3 lesions, the 3-year NED rates were 83,71, and 50%, respectively. A staging system for the primary disease is proposed.