Delayed cerebral radionecrosis following treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Delayed radiation necrosis of the brain was found around the right ear in a patient with basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Five months after excision, the tumor recurred. The patient received 5,575 rads in 24 doses during radiotherapy. Thirteen months later, the patient had cerebral radionecrosis, which was the cause of death. At autopsy, typical radionecrotic lesions of the temporal lobe were found. There were widespread metastases.