DIE 20 MHZ-SONOGRAPHIE ALS HILFE BEI DER PLANUNG DER THERAPIE VON HAUTTUMOREN

Abstract

The 20 MHz sonography facilitates the pretherapeutic determination of the extent of surgical treatment and the choice between different therapeutic modalities. This is demonstrated by four case reports: 1. The surgical safety margin for the operation of a primary melanoma could be determined by sonographic thickness measurement. Moreover it could be decided whether or not a prophylactic lymph node excision was necessary. 2. The thickness of multiple skin metastases of melanoma was measured by 20 MHz sonography. This revealed in which cases cryotherapy with a relatively short application of liquid nitrogen was possible. This is superior to surgery because of unproblematic and quick wound healing. 3. Sonographic examination revealed that a basal cell epithelioma consisted of superficial parts only. Cryosurgery with a short application of liquid nitrogen was possible in this case, too. 4. 20 MHz sonography confirmed that a basal cell epithelioma did not grow into the cartilage of the ear. This basal cell epithelioma therefore was not too deep for a therapy with soft x-rays.