Radiotherapy of carcinomas of the skin overlying the cartilage of the nose: our experience in 671 lesions

BACKGROUND: The skin overlying the nose cartilage is a particularly frequent localization of skin carcinoma (about 25% of all carcinomas occurring on the head and neck). It is therefore of great practical interest to identify the best therapy, able to combine effectiveness with a good cosmetic and functional result. OBJECTIVE: To verify both the therapeutic effectiveness of dermatologic radiotherapy and its 'toxicity' in the treatment of a large number of skin carcinomas overlying the cartilage of the nose. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 671 basal and squamous cell carcinomas treated by kilovoltage radiotherapy in the period 1972-2007. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 38.016 months (range, 1-351 months). The 5-year cure rate was 88.09%. Cosmetic results were evaluated as 'good' or 'acceptable' in 96.84% of the treated lesions in complete remission. So far, no complication or sequelae to the radiologic treatment have been observed. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic radiotherapy showed to be a safe, effective and non-invasive method, superior, on the basis of the literature data, to any other available therapeutic modality in the management of basal and squamous cell skin carcinomas localized over the nasal cartilages.