History of Radiation Therapy in Dermatology

Shortly after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, skin tumors and diseases were treated with the newly discovered form of ionizing radiation. As the X-ray tubes became more reliable, tissue response and fractionation became better understood and more effective regimens with fewer side effects were demonstrated. Superficial radiotherapy waned in popularity among dermatologists with the eventual arrival of topical steroids and Mohs surgery. In the last decade, however, there have been signs of resurgence among dermatologists who appreciate its utility in successfully treating skin cancers in an increasingly frail and elderly population in a nonsurgical manner with satisfactory cosmetic results.