How would you manage the side effects/toxicities (e.g., pain, swelling, erythema) of adjuvant EBRT to the ear for cutaneous SCC?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I have had a few patients experience acute pain in the ear canal, probably from inflammation, wet desquamation, and bacterial overgrowth. Ciprodex Otic drops x 7-10 days have been helpful.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
Surprisingly, in my practice, I have not seen excessive acute toxicity while treating external ear infections in the adjuvant or definitive setting. Of course, it is also a function of dose, fractionation, and field size. Pain, swelling, and erythema are generally manageable with topical moisturizin...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
The pain from the edema and moist desquamation (if present) can be intense. After ruling out an infection, I use Cortisporin Otic drops 4 drops every 6 hours, local astringent if moist desquamation present (such as Domeboro soaks), cold compresses, Medrol dose-pack for 5 days and analgesics (start w...