Chemosurgical treatment of melanoma; a microscopically controlled method of excision.

Abstract

IN THE treatment of epithelioma the "silent" extensions from the main mass of cancer can accurately be followed out and eradicated by means of the multiple, microscopically controlled excisions which characterize the chemosurgical method. 1 In the treatment of melanoma, however, this microscopic control would seem to be of more limited value because often there is a discontinuous, embolic mode of spread into the peritumoral lymphatics and beyond. The purpose of this article is to attempt to clarify the place of chemosurgery in the treatment of this highly malignant disease through the analysis of a consecutive series of 20 cases of melanoma in patients who have been observed for five or more years or until death. TECHNIC The microscopic control of excision, which is the most important feature of the chemosurgical method, is attained by a process which includes (1) chemical fixation, in situ, of the tissue