Application of mitomycin-C for head and neck keloids

In this study, we present our results in a series of 10 patients who were treated with surgical excision of head and neck keloids and the application of topical mitomycin-C. Mitomycin-C is a chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis and fibroblast proliferation. It has been used in ophthalmologic procedures and airway surgery to decrease scar formation. In these 10 patients, we combined surgical excision of keloids with the application of topical mitomycin-C. The patients were then followed postoperatively for recurrence (range, 7-14 months). We have found topical application of mitomycin-C to be an effective therapy for prevention of keloid recurrence in the head and neck, with a success rate of 90% as reported in this series.