Radiation therapy of carcinoma of the ear

radiotherapy, between 1981 and 1990. All lesions were less than 2 cm in diameter, had clear borders and did not invade the cartilage. Two treatment schemes were used, according to the size and thickness of the tumour. For small to medium-sized cancers (up to 1 cm), 500 rads/session were given, twice weekly, up to a total of 4,000-5,000 rads. For lesions larger than 1 cm, 250 rad doses were given, 3 times a week, up to a total of 4,000-5,000 rads, with a 15 days interval, half way through the schedule, if there was an intense exudative and/or erosive reaction. The patients were re-examined 1,3,6 months and one year after the end of the treatment and followed for 1-9 years. The results of radiotherapy were compared to results obtained with other methods. They were much superior to those obtained by electrosurgery and cryosurgery and practically the same as those obtained by excision and Mohs chemosurgery. For a given cure rate, radiotherapy gave much better aesthetic results.