Malignant Irradiation for Benign Conditions

Abstract

A GROWING public awareness of the dangers of excessive exposure to irradiation has finally focused the attention of the medical profession on the serious early and late effects of such exposure, a matter that has concerned the surgeon, and particularly the plastic surgeon, for several decades. Wolbach,1 in 1909, described the histologic changes in chronic x-ray dermatitis. These changes are characterized by obliterative endarteritis, degenerative changes in the corium, atrophy of the epithelium, degeneration of skin appendages and subcutaneous fat and finally, to quote Wolbach, "the acquisition of malignant powers...." In addition to stressing the injurious effects of irradiation, Wolbach . . .