Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Keloids

Excerpt

Keloids are benign scars that result from excessive tissue proliferation and collagen deposition during wound healing. The two most distinct phenotypes are superficial spreading (flat) and bulging (raised) keloids (see Images. Keloid Scars, Keloid Scars 01, Earlobe Keloids). Although benign, keloids can negatively affect patient self-esteem and quality of life. Under normal circumstances, healing of a superficial cutaneous injury results in a flat scar; however, dysregulation of fibroblast signaling during wound healing can lead to persistent growth of a painful, pruritic keloid. Keloids may appear months to years after the initial cutaneous insult and can continue to enlarge without spontaneous regression.