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Perspective on skin cancer
Author(s) -
Williams Ashbel C.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930030303
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , skin cancer , electrosurgery , modalities , radiation therapy , cryosurgery , general surgery , dermatology , surgery , social science , sociology
Cutaneous diseases, including cancer, have attracted medical attention since ancient times, skin cancer being the first cancer for which a cause was demonstrated (by Percivall Pott in 1775). A number of definite physical and chemical causes of skin cancer are now known. The necessity of biopsy for diagnosis is pointed out, and the several present modalities of therapy (surgery, electrosurgery, radiation, cryosurgery, and chemo‐surgery) are enumerated. The high degree of success of these agents will be enhanced by the further development of topical chemotherapy and immune therapy, both of which have already added a new dimension to the treatment in certain cases. Mention is made of the hospital cancer programs and the importance of the dermatologist's taking part in his hospital's cancer program. A closer liaison between the dermatologist and the surgeon, the radiologist, and the pathologist is urged to bring about more effective therapy. The desirability of an oncologist as a part of every medical school faculty and in every sizable community in order to achieve maximum improvement of medical care for the cancer patient is stressed. Further advances are on the way, and the outlook for the future of cancer control is optimistic.