Physical Modalities in Dermatologic Therapy, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1978 Radiotherapy, Electrosurgery, Phototherapy, Cryosurgery

A number of vital therapeutic modalities are not covered adequately in current dermatology textbooks. This book is intended to fill that gap. It originated in a series of special lectures on modem applications of physical modalities given at recent annual meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology; the main topics were radiotherapy, electrosurgery, phototherapy, cryosurgery, and related therapeutic modalities. The authors, recognized authorities in their field, have included much addi­ tional information which could not be covered in the original lectures because of time limitations. The indications for modem dermatological x-ray therapy reflect the basic views of the recently published guide lines of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council. Both text and illustrations are oriented toward the practical aspects of therapy with physical modalities. A special effort was made to bring the contributions up to date; pertinent references have been added for those who wish to pursue particular topics still further. Where there is an apparent overlap between chapters, it was felt to be advantageous because different authors approached their subject from different perspectives. I am most grateful to the various authors who generously contributed despite their many other commitments. I wish, also, to thank the staff of Springer-Verlag for their advice and assistance in the preparation of the manuscript.

1 Physical Aspects of Dermatologic Radiotherapy.- X-ray Phenomena.- Dosimetry.- Depth Dose Calculations.- Summary.- References.- 2 Radiobiology.- Interaction of Radiation with Matter.- LET and RBE.- Interaction of Radiation with Water.- Site of Radiation Damage.- Cell Survival Curves.- Time Required for Repair of Radiation Injury.- Effect of Multiple Doses on Cell Survival.- Mixed Cell Populations.- Oxygen Effect.- Cell Survival Curves and High LET Radiation.- Clinical Applications of the Oxygen Effect.- Conclusions.- References.- 3 Radiation and Cell Kinetics.- Cell Division Cycle and Age Responses to Radiation.- Division Delay.- Reproductive Failure and Interphase Death.- Chromosomal Damage.- DNA Synthesis.- Radiation and Cell Kinetics: Therapeutic Implications.- References.- 4 Radiation Protection.- Radiation Protection of the Geographic Vicinity.- Radiation Protection of the Patient.- Radiation Protection of Office Personnel.- References.- 5 Radiodermatitis and Other Adverse Sequelae of Cutaneous Irradiation.- Primary Effects of Cutaneous Radiation.- Radiation (Roentgen) Erythema.- The Maximum Permissible Dose for Benign Skin Disease.- Acute Radiodermatitis.- Chronic Radiodermatitis.- Effects of Grenz Radiation.- The Roentgen Ulcer.- Radiation-Induced Skin Carcinoma.- Noncutaneous Effects of Skin Irradiation.- References.- 6 Treatment Planning: Selection of Physical Factors and Radiation Techniques.- Physical Factors.- Radiation Techniques.- Dermatologic X-ray Machines.- References.- 7 Megavoltage Radiation Therapy.- Interactions of Radiation with Matter.- Types of Megavoltage Therapy Units.- Advantages of Megavoltage Therapy Units.- Constitutional Symptoms.- Treatment Planning.- Summary.- References.- 8 Current Usage of Dermatologic Radiotherapy in the United States and Canada.- Equipment.- Usage.- Value of Dermatologic Radiotherapy.- Indications.- Residency Training.- Future Training.- Reasons for Nonusage.- Instruction at American Academy of Dermatology.- Examination in Radiation Therapy by American Board of Dermatology.- Reference.- 9 Radiotherapy of Cutaneous Malignancies.- X-ray Therapy of Basal Cell Carcinomas.- Squamous Cell Carcinoma.- Keratoacanthoma.- Bowen’s Disease and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma.- Mycosis Fungoides.- Kaposi’s Sarcoma.- Half-dose Depth (D1/2) Concept.- Acknowledgments.- References.- 10 Radiotherapy of Lentigo Maligna and Bowen’s Disease.- Lentigo Maligna.- Bowen’s Disease.- Summary.- References.- 11 Electron Beam Therapy in Dermatology.- Methods and Materials.- Treatment Results in Mycosis Fungoides.- Treatment Results in Other Malignant Diseases.- Benign Diseases.- Summary.- References.- 12 Teleroentgen Therapy of Mycosis Fungoides and Benign Dermatoses.- History.- Methods.- Dosage.- Radiation Protection.- Indications.- Side Effects.- Summary of Therapeutic Results in 26 Patients.- Teleroentgen Therapy for Generalized Benign Dermatoses.- References.- 13 Radiotherapy of Benign Dermatoses.- General Considerations.- Effects of X Rays on Tissues Other Than Skin.- Technical Considerations.- Traditional Indications for Radiation Therapy.- Summary.- References.- 14 Ultrasoft X Rays, Including Grenz Rays.- Physical and Technical Considerations.- Radiation Side Effects.- Indications for Radiotherapy.- Indications for Superficial X-ray Treatment.- Conclusion.- Synopsis: Ultrasoft X Rays.- References.- 15 Grenz-Ray Therapy: Regimens and Results.- Technical Considerations.- Sequelae.- Clinical Applications.- References.- to Chapters 16 through 20.- 16 Electricity.- 17 Direct Current: Iontophoresis and Galvanic Surgery.- 18 Epilation.- 19 Electrocautery.- 20 Alternating Current: Electrosurgery.- Effects of High Frequency Current on Tissue.- Precautions in the Use of Electrosurgical Applications.- Clinical Applications.- Electrosurgical Treatment of Specific Lesions.- References.- 21 Phototherapy: Light Sources.- Light Sources.- Clinical Use.- References.- 22 Light Therapy.- Artificial Sources of UV Radiation.- Ultraviolet Radiation and Vitamin D.- The Erythema Threshold with Ultraviolet Radiation.- Use of Phototherapy in Various Diseases.- References.- 23 Laser Dermatologic Surgery: Research and Clinical Applications.- Laser Reactions in Tissue.- Laser Safety.- Laser Applications.- Diagnostic Laser Techniques in Dermatology.- Investigative Dermatologic Surgery.- Laser Dermatologic Surgery.- References.- 24 The Plasma Torch.- The Plasma Torch: The Plasma Scalpel.- References.- 25 Ultrasound.- Physics and Biophysics.- The Generator.- Physiologic Effects.- Application Technique.- Uses of Ultrasound in Dermatology.- Conclusions.- References.- 26 Cryosurgery in Dermatology.- The Pathogenesis of Cryonecrosis.- Instrumentation.- Treatment of Benign Disorders of the Skin.- Treatment of Malignant Tumors of the Skin.- Reflections Following Thirteen Years of Cryosurgery.- Statistical Data.- References.