Electron beam therapy in head and neck tumors.

Electron beam therapy with its high energy capabilities appears promising as a therapeutic modality in head and neck neoplasms. Over a 10-year period, 153 cases of head and neck neoplasms involving the alveolar ridge, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, retromolar trigone, tonsil, parotid, tongue, and pharynx were treated. The pharyngeal group was removed from consideration because of the unsuitability of this lesion for single port therapy. Normal standard doses and time-dose fractions are included as a basis for treatment comparison, and the influence of stage on survival is noted. Survival and tolerance of this form of treatment is comparable to photon therapy and may in fact result in fewer complications.