The Management of Keloids by Radiotherapy in Nigeria

Abstract

A new method of treatment of keloid was compared with an old technique in five hundred and twenty eight Nigerian patients with 617 keloid lesions seen at the Department of Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, between 1969 and 1981. The etiological factors were identified.

A total of 337 keloid lesions were excised between 1969 and 1982 and given post-operative superficial radiotherapy from 5 days upwards after excision while 248 lesions treated from 1983 to 1991 received radiotherapy within 72 hours of surgery. 32 lesions in both groups were given radiotherapy alone. Recurrence rate was higher in certain sites, especially the chest wall and also in patients who received radiotherapy late after excision.

The factors which influence recurrence and cosmetic results are discussed:


NQJHM Vol. 14 (2) 2004: pp. 151-156