Tumors of the Eyelids and Their Treatment by Radiotherapy

A total of 477 tumors of the eyelids were treated by single or fractionated exposures to doses of 2,000–5,000 rads. The complication rate was low; the cosmetic and functional results were excellent and readily accepted by most patients. The tumor control rate was 95%. Irradiation was equally successful in cases of postsurgical recurrence and in previously untreated patients. Postirradiation recurrence was managed by further irradiation or surgery. In selected patients, a single exposure is as successful as fractionated radiotherapy; the recommended radiation schedule is 2,000 rads in a single exposure or 3,500 rads in 5 exposures with full ocular protection.