Dermatologic Radiotherapy, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1976

TO THE ENGLISH EDITION Ionizing radiation has played an important role in the treatment of skin diseases for many decades. With strict adherence to modern standards of radiation protection, radiotherapy is a safe and effective method that benefits many patients who cannot be treated adequately by other means. Although indications for dermatologic radiotherapy have decreased significantly due to advances in other therapeutic modalities, many dermatologists feel strongly that ionizing radiation is an integral part of dermatologic therapy that should not be relinquished to other specialties because of the highly specialized anatomic, pathologic, and technologic knowledge required. A recent survey of the National Program for Dermatology showed that 44% of 2,444 responding dermatologists use radiotherapy regularly for various skin conditions, particularly in the treatment of cutaneous carcinomas. Significantly, the American Board of Dermatology has decided to continue its requirement of special knowledge in dermatologic radiation therapy for board certification. Because I have taught this dermatologic subspecialty at various levels, both in Europe and in the United States, I readily agreed to accept Pro­ fessor Braun-Falco's invitation to cooperate with him and Dr. Lukacs in the preparation of the English edition of this new guide. The text deals mostly with modern concepts of dermatologic radiotherapy and empha­ sizes practical aspects of treatment. Although it is written as an introduc­ tion for young dermatologists, it may also be useful to experienced clinicians who want to keep up with recent developments in this field.

1 physical basis of dermatologic radiotherapy.- 1.1 Electromagnetic Radiation.- 1.2 Production of X Rays.- 1.3 The X-Ray Tube.- 1.4 Radiation Quality.- 1.5 Radiation Quantity.- 1.6 Interaction of X Radiation and Matter.- 1.7 Radiation Dosimetry.- 1.8 Selection of Physical Treatment Factors.- 1.9 Methods of Dermatologic Radiotherapy.- 1.10 Roentgen Therapy Apparatus Used in Dermatologic Radiation Therapy.- 1.11 Radionuclides.- 2 general radiobiology.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Primary Reactions to Physical Processes.- 2.3 Factors Influencing the Response to Radiation.- 2.4 Absorption of X Rays in Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue, Cartilage, and Bone.- 2.5 Effects of X Rays on Skin and Skin Appendages.- 3 radiation safety and protection.- 3.1 General Considerations.- 3.2 Shielding.- 3.3 Dose Limits.- 4 radiotherapy of cutaneous tumors.- 4.1 General Considerations.- 4.2 Radiotherapy of Malignant Epithelial Tumors of the Skin.- 4.3 Radiotherapy of Malignant Melanoma.- 4.4 Radiotherapy of Malignant Mesodermal Neoplasms (Sarcomas).- 4.5 Radiotherapy of Cutaneous Lymphomas, Reticuloses, and Leukemias.- 4.6 Radiotherapy of Premalignant Skin Conditions.- 4.7 Radiotherapy of Benign Skin Tumors.- 5 radiotherapy of benign dermatoses.- 5.1 General Considerations.- 5.2 Specific Indications.- 6 teleroentgen therapy of generalized dermatoses.- 6.1 General Considerations.- 6.2 Physical Foundation of Teleroentgen Therapy.- 6.3 Radiation Protection in Teleroentgen Therapy.- 6.4 Technical Procedure.- 6.5 Indications for Teleroentgen Therapy.