This is a very informative reference text. Twelve chapters have been written specifically for those involved with dermatological surgery.
In the UK several specialties may be involved in the surgical management of cutaneous malignancies from dermatologists to plastic and maxillofacial surgeons. Surgery is the predominant treatment for these, however, we are now seeing alternative options from immunotherapy to radiotherapy and this book highlights the multitude of advancing treatment options available for these types of tumours.
Prevention: this first chapter is what we all strive for and is clearly discussed in terms of primary and secondary prevention. The subsection on chemo-prevention is in-depth and covers immune modulators, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy, to name just a few. Referral and follow-up for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are also covered, including a section on genetic testing.
Getting down to the nitty gritty aspects in chapter two, clinical detection. This is especially important as early detection is key to favourable outcomes. Biopsies and the role of dermoscopy, as well as an interesting part on artificial intelligence machines, are nicely covered and lead on to the chapter on treatment of squames and basal cell carcinomas. Risk factors are thoroughly discussed alongside clinical features, presentation, biopsy techniques and then approaches to treatment. This section delves into topical therapies, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and targeted treatments before coming to surgical modalities.
There is a chapter specific to surgical management of cutaneous malignancies which even discusses immediate vs. delayed reconstruction for these types of tumours. Rare skin malignancies are then focused upon, with sections on workup and staging. Throughout this book there are fantastic illustrations and photographs of real clinical cases, histopathological slides and even surgical markings, excision and reconstruction images which are great for surgical trainees or specialty grade surgeons that are beginning to perform these procedures independently. Mohs micrographic surgery has played such an imperative part in these treatments given its tissue sparing nature and it is great to see a whole chapter dedicated to it. There is a fabulous surgical flowchart covering tumour extirpation, mapping and histologic processing that also discusses integrating Mohs into your surgical practice.
The radiotherapy chapter is excellent; superior details and images including beam arrangements help you understand the mechanism of treatment, especially if you have not had much exposure to this in your surgical career.
There is a chapter solely discussing surgical reconstruction techniques for facial skin cancers followed by one on operative lymphadenopathy. Both are very well written with great images, a recurring theme throughout this book.
The penultimate chapter covers dermatopathology, and does so exceptionally well, with images and explanations that help simplify histology for even the most junior members of the team.
All in all, this is a great reference text and one that should be included in your library if you are involved with or perform any dermatological surgery.
