Radiation treatment and radiation reactions in dermatology

Since the incidence of skin neoplasms is constantly increasing as the population ages, there is a need for a monograph about radiation treatment of skin neoplasms and diseases. Excellent cosmetic and functional results can be shown with this treatment modality. This book comprehensively examines the indications for radiation therapy of cutaneous cancers, pre-cancerous lesions and benign dermatological disorders. The monograph provides concise introduction to physical and radiobiological principles, selection of radiation factors, dose definitions, as well as radiation reactions and risk assessments. Specific indications for radiotherapy of cutaneous neoplasms and radiation protection measures are discussed. Topics include radiation therapy of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, Lentigo maligna melanoma, and Merkel cell tumor. A separate chapter discusses the skin reactions after nuclear accidents. Major scientific publications of the past 10 years are reviewed.