How effective is radiotherapy for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that can invade nearby tissue if neglected, although it rarely spreads to distant organs. Radiotherapy uses focused radiation over a planned course to damage cancer cells. The treated skin can become red, sore, or irritated during or after therapy, and changes may continue for a while as the area heals.

See a dermatologist and radiation oncologist for a joint discussion when appropriate. Bring information about previous treatments, medicines, healing problems, and any implant near the treatment area. Ask whether surgery, another local treatment, or radiotherapy best balances tumour control, healing, appearance, and convenience. More detail is available in Basal Cell Carcinoma and Radiotherapy.

Arrange prompt review for a sore, crust, or bleeding patch that does not heal, or for a treated area that changes. During radiotherapy, contact the team about severe skin breakdown, uncontrolled pain, fever, spreading redness, or difficulty eating or drinking when the treatment area is nearby.

Why is radiotherapy suitable or unsuitable for my tumour? What course and skin reactions should I expect? How will the treatment affect nearby hair, eyes, mouth, or other structures? How will follow-up check the treated site?