Radiation therapy of non-melanoma skin cancer of the pinna: an Italian 35-years experience.

BACKGROUND Radiation therapy (RT) is a well known alternative to surgery for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially in elderly people or in patients who can not undergo or refuse surgical procedure. It has also a pivotal role in those areas, as pinna, where both function and cosmesis must be preserved. We report our experience in treating cutaneous carcinoma of the auricle with radiation therapy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective monocentric study on 363 NMSC of the auricle treated by conventional energy radiation therapy as a primary treatment or with adjuvant and salvage purpose. Tumors involving the external canal of the ear or regional lymph node at diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS A complete response has been obtained in 95.5% with a 2- and 5-years cure rate respectively of 84% and 76%. Fifty-two tumors developed a central or marginal relapse. Aesthetic result was good or acceptable in the majority of the cases. No cartilage necrosis has been registered. CONCLUSIONS Our experience confirms safety and effectiveness of RT on selected auricle carcinoma, affording good cosmetic and functional results.