Chemosurgery for the microscopically controlled excision of skin cancer

Abstract

Abstract Chemosurgery is a method by which cutaneous cancers can be excised under complete microscopic control by the systematic use of frozen sections. The technique consists of three main steps: (1) application of a zinc chloride fixative paste, (2) excision of a layer of fixed tissue, and (3) systematic microscopic scanning of frozen sections cut through the undersurface of the specimens. The procedure is repeated in the cancerous areas until a completely cancer‐free plane is reached. Advantages of the method are unprecedented reliability, conservatism, low operative mortality, excellent healing, and the fact that it extends operability to many patients with cancers too extensive for hope of cure by other methods. Special training is essential for optimal results. Though the method is used by over 50 physicians, more should be trained so that chemosurgery is available in every large population center.