Specialties: Radiotherapy, various cancer radiotherapy, navigation spiral knife, stereotactic radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery

Keloid formation is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, wound healing conditions, and local skin tension. Individuals with darker skin tones are more susceptible to developing keloids.

This condition is not just a cosmetic issue—it often brings discomfort, such as itching and pain. In some cases, keloids can lead to functional problems. When formed near joints, they may restrict movement, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.

Keloids and Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is widely used for cancer treatment, but it is also effective for benign conditions like keloids, especially for preventing fibroblast reactivation after surgery. Studies have shown that 1 to 3 sessions of postoperative radiotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

For patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or who have concerns about surgical procedures, radiotherapy offers an effective alternative. Using external X-ray treatment combined with image-guided techniques, radiotherapy can precisely target the affected area, effectively alleviating symptoms such as pain, itching, and irritation.

Mechanisms of Radiotherapy:

• Inhibits fibroblast proliferation and growth
• Reduces excessive collagen production
• Improves local blood flow and promotes tissue repair balanceRadiotherapy Techniques

  The Division of Radiation Oncology at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital has extensive experience in treating keloids and has continuously optimized treatment techniques through clinical research to address the specific needs of different lesions and patients.

   

  Technique	Electron Beam Therapy	External X-ray Therapy	Brachytherapy
  Description	Shallow radiation with an energy range of 6 to 9 MeV	High-energy X-rays generated by a linear accelerator	Radiation source (e.g., Ir-192) used for short-distance treatment
  Advantages	Radiation dose is concentrated on superficial lesions, especially suitable for lesions less than 2 cm in thickness.	Uniform dose distribution, not limited by surface shape, ideal for treating complex lesions. Can be combined with image-guided techniques to reduce radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.	Radiation dose is concentrated on the lesion's surface, with rapid dose attenuation, making it ideal for uneven or irregular surfaces.
  Disadvantages	Electron beams scatter, which may cause uneven dose distribution on uneven surfaces.	X-rays penetrate deeper, and some radiation may affect deeper tissues nearby.	Caution is needed for thicker lesions to avoid excessive surface dose that may lead to side effects.

  Consultation and Contact

  For more information on keloid treatment, feel free to contact the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division or the Radiation Oncology Division for consultations. You can also join the official LINE account of the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital Keloid Treatment Team to receive professional advice and the latest updates.

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• Figures: keloid occurrence in different locations: (a) earlobe, (b) shoulder, (c) chest and abdomen.