Cryosurgical treatment of professional chronic radiodermatitis.

BACKGROUND

Chronic x-ray dermatitis in professionals is a frequent problem for doctors in our country due to the fact that many of them widely used radiotherapy without any protection 15-20 years ago. Surgery has been the most accepted treatment, though it generally decreases hand function.

OBJECTIVE

Up to now, cryosurgery was not usually considered as a possible treatment if the lesions were located on fingers. In this study, the advantages of cryosurgery for the treatment of professional chronic radiodermatitis with incipient pretumoral lesions are emphasized.

METHODS

Cryosurgery was performed on six patients affected with chronic professional radiodermatitis that showed keratomas and ulcerations, using both spray (keratomas) and a probe 0.5 cm in diameter (ulcerations, in situ squamous cell carcinoma). Nerve block anesthesia with mepivacaine 1% was used in all cases. Before the treatment, all suspected lesions were biopsied; if invasive squamous cell carcinoma was revealed in the dermatopathological study, the patient was rejected. Variables such as blister and necrosis formation, pain, and achromatic, sensibility, and mobility disorders were studied. The follow-up period was 2 years.

RESULTS

Immediate postoperative results showed great pain and blistering in all cases. Residual achromias were observed early postoperatively in all cases, but were repigmented 1 year after therapy in four cases (66%). Sensory alterations (hypo- and hyperthesias) were found in four cases (66%) 1 month after treatment, although this complication was not observed 6 months after treatment. Finger mobility was perfect in all cases 2 months after treatment, and there was no recurrence in any case after 2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe cryosurgery must be considered as an excellent treatment for professional chronic radiodermatitis with keratomas, ulcerations, and incipient squamous cell carcinomas. Its use may prevent further dramatic surgical treatment, like amputations, allowing the preservation of finger function.