A BRIEF HISTORY of the early surgery of the head and neck was given.
The events and discoveries that made our modern day surgery possible were discussed. These were: (1) introduction of the sulfas and antibiotics, (2) intravenous anesthesia, (3) establishment of blood banks, (4) invention of the drum dermatome.
More radical surgery is being performed at present. This results in more cures than formerly.
Also, the use of the newer plastic materials has reduced the deformities caused by radical surgery.
The past and present radiation therapy is described.
My personal experiences in the early use of radioactive isotopes in cancer treatment are given.
Combinations of surgery and radiation are being used and working fairly well. Chemotherapy is being used more frequently at present.
The various drugs used in chemotherapy of cancer are discussed.
This mode of therapy has been reserved for those cases not amenable to surgery at present,