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The tricho system: Hypertrichosis, radiation, and cancer
Author(s) -
Lapidus Steven M.
Publication year - 1976
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.2930080314
Subject(s) - medicine , basal cell carcinoma , basal cell , surgery , hypertrichosis , dermatology , skin cancer , general surgery , cancer
Five women in their 6th to 8th decades were treated for facial hypertrichosis in Erie, Pennsylvania, 30 to 40 years ago. The epilations were performed with an X‐ray device called “Tricho System,” which was manufactured, sold, and proclaimed safe by its physician‐inventor. The beauty shop operator who administered these treatments may or may not have received “instruction” by the company in the operation of the equipment. At varying intervals, each of the 5 women developed radiodermatitis and basal cell and/or squamous cell carcinoma at the sites of epilation. All presented to the plastic surgical service at the Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Two underwent massive radical resective surgery, 2 required extensive excision and resurfacing, and 1 refused resective surgery although she had had a previous surgical attempt 17 years earlier. Case histories are presented in detail. This series is representative of the epidemic nature of Tricho‐System‐induced disease.