Brachytherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal and nasoethmoidal tumours

Abstract

Recurrent or persistent carcinoma of the nasopharynx or naso-ethmoid region occurs even after combined surgery and radical external irradiation. The confined bony access and proximity of vital structures may compromise resection margins. Brachytherapy using implantable radioactive gold or iodine seeds is a useful adjunct to the skull base surgeon in eliminating residual microscopic disease. We report nine cases with recurrent or persistent disease of the nasopharynx or naso-ethmoid regions treated with brachytherapy with encouraging results.