Definitive High-Dose-Rate Surface Mould Brachytherapy for Localized Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Abstract: Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) frequently develops on chronically sun-exposed head-and-neck skin. Surgery is standard for most localized tumours, but definitive radiotherapy is appropriate when resection is contraindicated, declined, or expected to cause substantial morbidity. For selected superficial lesions on curved or irregular surfaces, high-dose-rate (HDR) surface mould brachytherapy permits conformal dose delivery with rapid dose fall-off beyond the target. Case presentation: A 78-year-old woman with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 presented with a six-month history of a progressively enlarging ulceroproliferative lesion over the left frontoparietal scalp. Punch biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined exophytic scalp lesion measuring approximately 22 ? 14 mm, without extension into the outer table of the skull, abnormal meningeal enhancement, or intracranial parenchymal involvement. In view of her age, performance status, superficial localized disease, and anticipated surgical morbidity, definitive surface mould brachytherapy was selected. She received 52 Gy in 13 fractions of 4 Gy, delivered twice daily between 11 and 18 May 2026. Treatment was completed without a major interruption. At one month, marked regression with a small residual granulating area was observed. At three months, the site was completely epithelialized, with no clinically evident residual exophytic tumour and only localized hypopigmentation. Conclusion: This case supports definitive HDR surface mould brachytherapy as a focused, non-surgical option for carefully selected superficial scalp cSCC without calvarial involvement. Longer clinical and radiological follow-up is required before durable local control can be concluded.
Keywords: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; scalp carcinoma; surface mould brachytherapy; high-dose-rate brachytherapy; definitive radiotherapy; elderly patient
How to Cite?: Dhiru Talukdar, Sohum Sarangi, Kallani Das, Apurba Kumar Kalita, Pankaj Das, Ganesh Talukdar, "Definitive High-Dose-Rate Surface Mould Brachytherapy for Localized Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1586-1591, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261022235315, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261022235315