[Methodological aspects of radiotherapy in the treatment of ear neoplasms].

During 1978 to 1988, 35 patients with ear carcinoma (22 men and 13 women, aged 30 to 74 years) were treated. In 62% cases the tumor originated from the external acoustic meatus, in 30% cases--from the postoperative cavity (in patients operated on for chronic inflammation), and in 8% cases it was a primary tumor of the concha auriculae. 77% of the patients developed the III or IV stage of disease and 71% of patients had squamous cell carcinoma. Six patients underwent radiation therapy (Group 1), nine-radiation therapy and subsequent surgery within 14 to 30 days after exposure (Group 2), and twenty patients were exposed first to surgery and then to postoperative radiation therapy (Group 3). All the patients were followed up for at least one year and eight of them--for not less than 5 years. At the present time survivors make 37% of all the patients. In the study only routine dose fractionation was used. Regional metastatic areas were also exposed to irradiation. It is stressed that efforts are needed to increase the local effect of ear tumor therapy. Indications and contraindications for radiation therapy are presented and protocols of radiation therapy are described.