Efficacy of radiation treatment for recurrent keloids Essay Example for Free

Efficacy of radiation treatment for recurrent keloids Essay Keloid is a condition in which an overgrowth of scar tissue (basically fibrous tissue) occurs at the spot of damage to the skin. Besides skin injuries, keloids can also occur at the site of surgical incisions, traumatic lesions, burns, acne scars, scratches, insect bites, etc. The condition more frequently occurs in African-Americans, and is more common in younger individuals. The lesion usually crosses the site of normal skin injury. It appears flesh-colored, pink or red in color and may be nodular or ridged. They may be shiny and are slightly elevated above the skin. With time, the lesions become more and more flat and lighter in color. Keloids most often occur in the upper portion of the body including the chest and back. Areas that are frequently rubbed or experience great amounts of friction are at the high risk of developing keloids. Keloids that are exposed to sunlight are at the risk of become darker in color. The diagnosis of the keloids is made based on the basis of the history, physical examination and biopsy (Merck, 2005, Mayo, 2007 Lehrer, 2006). Usually, treatment is not required for keloids, as with time, the lesions become flatter and lighter in color. Several treatment modalities such as surgery, cryotherapy, pressure therapy, local injections of corticosteroid, laser therapy and radiation, have been employed and may seem to be beneficial in the treatment of the keloids. However, frequently, following removal of the keloids, a new lesion appearing larger than the previous one may develop. However, radiation therapy following surgery is known to be effective in preventing keloids from recurring (Merck, 2005, Mayo, 2007 Lehrer, 2006). Klumpar et al (1994) has reported that such a combination of treatment would help to control recurrence by about 72 to 92 %. Radiation is utilized to treat recurrence of keloids. About 126 cases were treated in the study by surgical removing the lesion, and then applying radiation, in the form of Electron beam or ortho-voltage. The rates of recurrences were found to be low. The study demonstrated that the recurrences were higher in those lesions that were infected and in patients who had tendencies for keloids in their families. The study also demonstrated that keloids that hampered cosmetic appearance could be effectively treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy (Klumpar, 1994). Narwong et al (2006) reported a recurrence rate of about 50 to 80 % in the earlobe keloids after removing them surgically. They performed a study on about simple exercise in about 15 patients and then treated them with iridium radiation therapy. The cases were followed up for about 6 months, and it was observed that only 12. 5 % of the cases developed recurrences (Narwong, 2006). De Lorenzi et al (2006) conducted more precise studies on the recurrence of keloids following radiation therapy. They treated about 24 patients with 30 keloids with high dose iridium therapy. The scar thickness reduced significantly following radiation therapy. Several symptoms such as pain, irritation, etc, also reduced significantly. A majority of the patients were satisfied with the treatment provided (De Lorenzi, 2006). Van de kar al (2007) reported that currently the data available is not sufficient to suggest the benefits of performing radiation therapy after surgical removal. Previous studies have demonstrated that surgery in association with radiation therapy seemed to be the most effective treatment for preventing keloids recurrences. However, Van der reported a recurrence rate of about 71. %, much higher than was anticipated. The cases were followed up for about 19 months (van de kar, 2007). Thus it felt that although, radiation therapy seems to be effective in reducing recurrences of keloids following surgery, several long-term studies and assessment of the factors which would increase the chances of developing keloids. These factors have to be identified following consistent results obtained through studies. From the paper observed, it is felt that radiation therapy following surgery, is the most efficient modality of reducing recurrences.