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How do you treat non-melanomatous skin cancers in poorly vascularized tissue?

This is an elderly patient with a BCC/SCC over the shin who is not eligible for Mohs due to concern for wound-healing issues. Orthovoltage/superficial RT is not available. What dose, fractionation, and technique?
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How do you treat non-melanomatous skin cancers in poorly vascularized tissue?

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3 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · Mountain Radiation Oncology
Answered on

BCC/SCC? An unusual differential. Was it biopsied?

If it meets anatomic, size, and depth criteria, radiation oncology options would include electronic brachytherapy. Would likely offer 40 Gy in 10 fractions, twice weekly. Of course, would need to travel to an appropriate facility.

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Radiation Oncology · Bon Secours Mercy Health
Answered on

I would agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last. I would favor a hypo fractionated approach esp. in a poorly vascularized disease (contingent on tolerance of subjacent tissues). Brachytherapy is also a consideration. Protracted fractionation is clearly reasonable but there is no advantage to "re-oxygenation"...

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Dermatology · Modern Dermatology, Inc.
Answered on

Is the primary goal "Cure" or "Control of symptoms"?

For BCC (depending on the subtype), another option would be utilizing Vascular Lasers in a way to debulk the tumor.

Imiquimod cream is possibly an option as well.

For SCC, depending on the sub-type, intralesional MTX or 5-FU.

Another consideration...

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