A technique for the treatment of basal and squamous cell skin cancer is described which employs a combination of superficial x-rays and γ-radium rays. The experimental basis for this treatment is discussed.
Patients with a total of 1,146 lesions were treated during a nine-year period. Patients with a total of 1,032 lesions were followed for a minimum of two years. There were four recurrences; a cure rate of 99.7%. This treatment causes minimal expense and little morbidity.
The authors treated one third of their patients with skin cancer by this radiation technique, one third by surgical excision, and one third by electrodesiccation, curettage, and the application of an antimitotic.
The favorable position of the dermatologist in the field of skin cancer therapy is described.