Modern External Beam Radiation Therapy for Refractory Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

In a study from 2005, four patients with intractable dissecting cellulitis of the scalp were treated with modern external beam radiation therapy, using electrons or a combination of electrons and photons. The initial radiation doses ranged from 15-21 Gy, with fraction sizes of 2.5 or 3 Gy, and were increased up to a maximum of 35 Gy if necessary for full epilation. All patients experienced rapid pain relief, regression of nodules, decreased discharge, and subjective improvements in appearance. No long-term toxicity was observed, although all patients had some degree of alopecia before treatment. The study concluded that modern radiation therapy techniques are a viable treatment option for severe or refractory cases of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, with mild and tolerable acute effects and no observed long-term complications.