Skin Care in Radiation Oncology

This book serves as a practical guide for the prevention and treatment of radiation dermatitis. Skin toxicity caused by radiation treatment is common among cancer patients and minimizing the frequency and severity of these reactions improves quality of life and prevents interruptions that can compromise local-regional control. Each chapter is devoted to a specific disease site, such as the head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, and central nervous system. Pediatric malignancies and wound care for locally advanced cancers are also discussed. For each topic, the range and frequency of the observed skin reactions, factors influencing these reactions, the typical course of each reaction and its resolution, and the interventions used are presented. This book provides evidence where it exists for the specific interventions and an extensive illustration program depicts the various reactions and their response to treatment protocols. Skin Care in Radiation Oncology: A Practical Guide presents a framework for patient care in an era of advancing technology and systemic and targeted therapies and is a valuable resource for radiation oncologists, dermatologists, and residents.