Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general oncology textbooks are generally out of date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are more often preliminary reports on a very limited number of patients. Certain general journals frequently publish good in-depth reviews of cancer topics, and published symposium lectures are often the best overviews available. Un fortunately, these reviews and supplements appear sporadically, and the reader can never be sure when a topic of special interest will be covered. Cancer Treatment and Research is a series of authoritative volumes that aim to meet this need. It is an attempt to establish a critical mass of oncology literature covering virtually all oncology topics, revised frequently to keep the coverage up to date, easily available on a single library shelf or by a single personal subscription. We have approached the problem in the following fashion: first, by dividing the oncology literature into specific subdivisions such as lung can cer, genitourinary cancer, pediatric oncology, etc.; second, by asking emi nent authorities in each of these areas to edit a volume on the specific topic on an annual or biannual basis. Each topic and tumor type is covered in a volume appearing frequently and predictably, discussing current diagnosis, staging, markers, all forms of treatment modalities, basic biology, and more."

Praxisgerecht aufbereitet vermittelt Ihnen das Buch die neuesten Erkenntnisse der AIDS-Forschung. o Aktuelle Daten zu Epidemiologie und Klinik o Moderne Labordiagnostik wie PCR o Neue Behandlungsformen und -strategien Im Mittelpunkt stehen die aktuellen Therapiekonzepte, z.B.: - Kombinationstherapie mit Nucleosid- und Proteinaseinhibitoren, - therapeutische Beeinflussung des Wasting-Syndroms, - Therapie der opportunistischen Erkrankungen, des Kaposi-Sarkoms und HIV-assoziierter Lymphome, - neue psycho-neuro-immunologische Konzepte. Mit diesem topaktuellen Uberblick bringen Sie Ihr Wissen uber HIV schnell auf den neuesten Stand!

Infectious diseases remain a major problem for physicians and other health professionals dealing with problems of the reproductive system. Accordingly, this two-volume comprehensive presentation of infectious diseases involving the male and female reproductive systems promises to be a major contribution in this field and to fill a much-needed vacuum. During the past three decades, the introduction of antimicrobial therapy has dramatically altered both the clinical presentation and the therapeutic approaches employed in dealing with the traditional infections of the repro ductive system. In addition, the changing demographics of infectious problems in the industrial countries and the developing world have been a source of concern. A good deal of important information on this topic is included in this series. In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the role of Myco plasma and Chlamydia in both male and female infertility and the problems related to genital herpes and human papilloma virus infections. Current clinical information is included on these infections as well as on newer aspects of diagnosis, such as the use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease. Also addressed is new information regarding the role of actinomycosis in pelvic infections; current problems such as toxic shock syndrome and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are reviewed as well. New concepts are included in these volumes to complement the clinical information. The attachment of microbial organisms to sperm may help to explain access of these and other organisms to the upper female genital tract."

This is the eighth volume in the New Clinical Applications Dermatology Series. Awareness of relationships is of prime importance in der matology. Professor Scully and Dr Porter cover the skin and mouth in a comprehensive and informative manner. Mr Peter Wright effortlessly and concisely brings the eye and the skin together. Dr C. Rowland Payne both relates and speculates on the enigma of sarcoidosis. Pro fessor Elder concludes the book with a scholarly update on porphyria and the skin. I thank all the above for their fine contributions. This volume should have widespread appeal. JULIAN VERBOV ABOUT THE EDITOR Dr Julian Verbov is Consultant Dermatologist to Liverpool Health Authority and Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Dermatology at the University of Liverpool. He is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, repre senting the British Society for Paediatric Dermatology on its Executive Committee. He is Editor of the Proceedings of the North of England Dermatological Society. He is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and a Member of the Society of Authors. He is a popular national and international speaker and author of more than 200 publications."

G. Piekarski appears not to have been brought home to at Forty years have passed since Trussent pub- least some clinicians. Of special importance in lished an important book in the English lan- this connection are T. vaginalis and Pentatri- guage on Trichomonas vaginalis Donne and uro- chomonas hominis (Davaine), the intestinal tri- genital trichomoniasis. During the intervening chomonads of many mammalian species, in- four decades, much information has been accu- cluding humans. Some practitioners still tell mulated on trichomonads parasitic in humans their patients about the possibility of an intesti- and on the diseases they cause. In light of this, nal origin of trichomonal infection of the uro- many parasitologists and clinicians believe that the time has come for a complete review, in genital tract. book form, of various aspects of these parasites Trichomonas vaginalis infection of new- and of the trichomonad parasitemias. This need borns, infants, and young children constitutes has been further reinforced by the finding that, an interesting, although not extensively pur- despite the use of effective anti trichomonal sued, area of investigation. For hitherto incom- drugs during the past years, the prevalence of pletely understood reasons, the period of preg- human urogenital trichomoniasis, the world's nancy appears to favor the increase of most common sexually transmitted disease, has symptomatic trichomoniasis; there is, there- been increasing significantly. As might have fore, little doubt that infants can be infected been expected, therefore, discussion of various during birth.

The skin, the body's largest organ, is strategically located at the interface with the external environment where it detects, integrates and responds to a diverse range of stressors, including solar radiation. It has already been established that the skin is an important peripheral neuroendocrine-immune organ that is closely networked with central regulatory systems. These capabilities contribute to the maintenance of peripheral homeostasis. Specifically, epidermal and dermal cells produce and respond to classical stress neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones, production which is stimulated by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), biological factors (infectious and non-infectious) and other physical and chemical agents. Examples of local biologically active products are cytokines, biogenic amines (catecholamines, histamine, serotonin and N-acetyl-serotonin), melatonin, acetylocholine, neuropeptides including pituitary (proopiomelanocortin-derived ACTH, b-endorphin or MSH peptides, thyroid stimulating hormone) and hypothalamic (corticotropin-releasing factor and related urocortins, thyroid-releasing hormone) hormones, as well as enkephalins and dynorphins, thyroid hormones, steroids (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, 7- steroids), secosteroids, opioids and endocannabinoids. The production of these molecules is hierarchical, organized along the algorithms of classical neuroendocrine axes such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), hypothalamic-thyroid axis (HPT), serotoninergic, melatoninergic, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, steroid/secosteroidogenic, opioid and endocannabinoid systems. Disruptions of these axes or of communication between them may lead to skin and/or systemic diseases. These local neuroendocrine networks also serve to limit the effect of noxious environmental agents to preserve local and consequently global homeostasis. Moreover, the skin-derived factors/systems can also activate cutaneous nerve endings to alert the brain to changes in the epidermal or dermal environments, or alternatively to activate other coordinating centers by direct (spinal cord) neurotransmission without brain involvement. Furthermore, rapid and reciprocal communications between epidermal and dermal and adnexal compartments are also mediated by neurotransmission including antidromic modes of conduction. Lastly, skin cells and the skin as an organ coordinate and/or regulate not only peripheral but also global homeostasis.

This concise practical guide is designed to facilitate the clinical decision-making process by reviewing a number of cases and defining the various diagnostic and management decisions open to clinicians. It is richly illustrated and diverse in scope, enabling the reader to obtain relevant information regarding both standard and unusual cases in a rapid, easy to digest format. The first in the series will be on Geriatric Dermatology and will be prepared within one month of acceptance and include photos. Each case will also include a narrative description and patient management tips

This book will, it is hoped, fill the gap between cur rent, smaller texts on dermatology and the standard, large reference books. It should be helpful to those embarking on a career in dermatology and to general practitioners and primary physicians with a special interest in this field. In this book the emphasis is on clinical aspects of skin diseases, and it is assumed that the reader has some knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the skin. The differential diagnosis of each disorder is extensively discussed and sex predilection and age of onset are illustrated diagrammatically. As in other branches of medicine, treatments are now frequently changing and these are fully covered. Aetiological factors in skin disorders are now becoming clearer and separate sections on this subject are discussed for each disease. Prognosis and natural history are not always adequately covered in texts on derma tology, so these topics are set out under separate headings. A small number of the illustrations have been loaned from colleagues and institutions, and we gratefully acknowledge this assistance from the following: The Wellcome Museum of Medical Science; Photographic Department, Institute of Dermatology, St John's Hospital; Dr Roger Clayton; Dr W. H. Jopling; and Dr P. Rodin. We are also grateful to the staff of MTP for their assistance in preparing this book."

Proof of the efficacy of dermatological products is a prerequisite for clinical testing and registration. Now, efficacy claims for cosmetics must be equally substantiated. This book provides a concise, practical but comprehensive overview of experimental models used to screen, develop and select dermatological and cosmetic formulations. The authors are recognized specialists in their field and use a standardized approach to the projects facilitating the reading for the stressed scientist, for the R+D managers general view as well as for the beginners in the field.

This comprehensive volume examines the possible complications that can arise in cutaneous surgery. The demand for outpatient cutaneous surgery procedures has increased at a rapid rate over the last several decades. As the number of cutaneous surgery procedures rises, so will the rate of complications, which are inevitable and occur even with the most skilled, careful, and meticulous surgeons. This work will help the practicing physician to formulate a preoperative strategy that will prevent complications before they occur as well as properly diagnose and manage complications if they arise, allowing the physician to provide optimal care to the patient.

The recent interest in the pharmacology of the skin and the treatment of its diseases has come about for two reasons. The first is a realisation that many aspects of pharmacology can be studied as easily in human skin, where they may be more relevant to human physiology and diseases, as in animal models. Examples of this are the action of various vasoactive agents and the isolation of mediators of inflammation after UV irradiation and antigen-induced dermatitis. The second reason is the fortuitous realisation that a pharmacological approach to the treatment of skin disease need not always await the full elucidation of etiology and mechanism. For example, whilst the argument continued unresolved as to whether the pilo-sebaceous infection which constitutes acne was due to a blocked duct or to a simple increase in sebum production, 13-cis-retinoic acid was found quite by chance totally to ablate the disease; again, whilst cyclosporin, fresh from its triumphs in organ transplantation, has been found able to suppress the rash of psoriasis, it has resuscitated the debate on etiology. We are therefore entering a new era in which the pharmacology and clinical pharmacology of skin are being studied as a fascinating new way of exploring questions of human physiology and pharmacology as well as an important step in the development and study of new drugs, use of which will improve disease control and at the same time help to define pathological mechanisms.

The epididymis has great significance in the reproductive biology of the male and it is gaining recognition as an organ worthy of study in its own right - where the secretory and absorptive activities of one tissue (the epithelium) profoundly modify the function of another (the spermatozoon). Apart from cases of epididymal agenesis or physical blockage, however, it is not yet known to what extent mal functions of the epididymis contribute to "unexplained" male infer tility, but its importance as a target for antifertility agents in the male is now widely appreciated. This monograph evolved from two lectures on epididymal func tion given at the National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing and the Sichuan Provincial Family Planning Research Insti tute, Chengdu, China in 1983. In order to stress for this audience the central importance of the epididymis in fertilisation, and so highlight its potential for attack by antifertility agents, the talks attempted to put the epididymis in reproductive perspective by stressing the func tional development of the sperm cells during their sojourn in the epididymis, rather than merely listing the changes observed in them."

Aromas are an integral part of our civilised society. They are not only used in fine perfumes, but also in numerous other articles with which we have daily contact. Another new development has been the agricultural use of aromas as a "biological weapon" to combat insects and other pests. In the field of dermatology, aromas are today among the most frequent sensitizers and may trigger allergic contact eczemas. This volume presents numerous aspects of the topic for the first time in comprehensive form. In an introduction, the chemistry of frequently used aroma components is described, together with the art of perfume composition that has been refined over the centuries. In a chapter on neuropharmacology, the mechanisms of scent recognition are described in detail.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis presents all up-to-date chemical and physio-chemical concepts for the study and understanding of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The book covers all aspects of ACD - skin penetration and metabolism, identification of sensitizers and hapten-protein interaction, including new concepts of increasing importance such as molecular recognition and quantitative structure-activity relationships. In addition, comprehensive references are provided, making this the most complete available text-book for dermatologists.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis reaches an equilibrium between fundamental concepts and clinical applications and thus presents an essential guideline to dermatologists, allergologists, biochemists and toxicologists.

The scope of dermatologic surgery is so wide that inevitably a large number and variety of complications arise. Of course the majority of complications can be prevented by careful preoperative preparation, meticulous surgical technique, and proper postoperative care, but when they do occur, they can be recognized and managed with skill and competence. This book provides a valuable source of reference for the prevention, recogni tion, and management of complications in dermatologic surgery. Avoiding pro blems is at least as important as dealing with them, and so all the chapters in this book deal with both prevention and management. This book addresses dermatologic surgeons in practice or in training and to surgeons in other specialties who may be required to undertake repair of skin defects. Many ofthe authors accepted the responsibility of contributing to this work in addition to their many other obligations. For this, I am extremely grateful to them. MARwALI HARAHAP Contents Local Anesthesia and Regional Anesthesia George B. Winton ...................................................... 1 Electrodesiccation and Curettage Harvey Finkelstein and Robert Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 16 . . . . . . . ."

In the last decade of the 15th century a new and deadly disease called Morbus Gallicus, or syphilis, appeared and spread rapidly throughout Europe. The effects of syphilis were so severe that it, and those suffering from it, where regarded with horror and despair. It is difficult for the modern reader to appreciate the fog of confusion which surrounded sexually transmitted diseases in earlier times. Those suffering with these diseases were often condemned as victims of their own "sinful lust of the flesh"; a judgement attitude which hindered most of the early attempts at control and treatment. Despite this general attitude, there were some doctors who persevered in their attempts to understand the causes and discover treatments for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Scars of Venus is illustrated with pictures of people, places, instruments and documents. It presents the historical background and achievements of the early venereologists through to the current venereologists' fight against HIV. This book will be of interest to anyone concerned with venereal diseases: doctors, nurses, counsellors, laboratory workers, medical historians, and those working in the areas of public/world health and the spread of infectious diseases.

It is with great pleasure that I write this Foreword to the Proceedings of the International Conference on Behcet's Disease which was held in Berlin in June 2002. This was the first International Conference held under the auspices of the International Society for Behcet's Disease which was founded in 2000 in Seoul. First, I congratulate our colleagues in Berlin, led by Professor Christos Zouboulis of the Department of Dermatology at the Free University of Berlin, for having organised a most successful conference and for having compiled these proceedings so rapidly. It will be realised immediately on scanning the contents of this book that the conference was truly international with 210 participants from 26 countries, as Professor Zouboulis has noted in his preface. These included basic scientists, epidemiologists, pathologists, clinicians and, importantly, representatives from patient organisations. The latter held their own conference alongside the scientific-medical conference to mutual benefit. The combined session of patients and doctors (abstracts on pp 601 - 626) gave the opportunity for an exchange of information and fruitful discussion. The wide ranging scope of the communications is evident from the index and it was most encouraging to see their origin - from all parts of the world, from senior and junior colleagues and, from many different disciplines. Many communications may be regarded as preliminary reports of research in progress and we look forward to seeing the definitive publications in appropriate journals in due course."

Dermatology is a specialty in the field of medicine which constantly changes at a vast rate. Alongside technology, new drugs, methods and treatments are continuously developed for the treatment of all common skin diseases. The first edition of the European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments received an overwhelming response from dermatovenereologists all over Europe. Its easy-to-read format, which is also used for this 2nd edition, is aimed at helping the physician to obtain comprehensive information at a glance. The three main sections listed alphabetically define the different diseases, the drugs available and the various methods of treatment used in dermatological practice. Each chapter begins with a brief section of the aetiology and pathogenesis of the skin disease, and leads into the description of the clinical characteristics, the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis. Followed by a detailed discussion on treatment methods, alternative methods are covered as well. Each section ends with a reference list for further reading. This new edition provides an excellent update including the newest developments of drugs, methods and treatments in dermatological practice, maintaining the clear structure and well-proven format. It is a very comprehensive and practical guide and should not be missed by those treating patients with skin diseases.

Physical and chemical agents in the environment damage the DNA of humans, and pose a major threat to human health today, and to the genetic integrity of human populations. Although studies on isolated DNA in vitro, on prokaryotes, on mammalian cells in culture, and on laboratory animals have provided essential background information, it is now possible to study DNA damage and repair in human tissues directly. New techniques of high sensitivity, especially those not requiring radioactive labeling have made possible quantitation of DNA damage and repair, as well as detection of residual, unrepaired DNA lesions . In recent years, several investigators have taken up the challenge of studying damage and repair responses in humans, and we have chosen that work as the special focus of this Symposium. Major advances in under standing damage and responses in human skin, in blood cells and in human internal organs indicate three major themes. First, DNA damage levels in human tissues depend not only on the initial exposures, but also on the capapacity of that tissue for repair of the specific lesion type. Second, repair in human tissues may differ quantitatively and qualitatively from that in human cells in culture.

Knowledge about diagnostic procedures in melanoma has in creased rapidly within the past few years. Single tumor cells have been identified in normal tissue such as sentinel lymph nodes, as well as in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other bodily fluids and cells, by molecular technologies. The introduction of polymerase chain reaction-based methods can be regarded as a prototype of this dramatic development towards molecular approaches in new diagnostic procedures. This fact opens up the possibility of clinical use in patients and of influencing treatment strategies. Considerable discrepancies have been described, how ever, in the success rates of these new techniques for the detec tion of minimal residual disease in cancer patients. Despite fav orable results reported by different groups of investigators, it will take several years to define the clinical and pathophysiological relevance of new diagnostic procedures. The 1st International Symposium "Minimal Residual Disease in Melanoma: Biology, Detection and Clinical Relevance of Microme tastases", held in September 1999 in Homburg/Saar, Germany, fo cused on recent developments in this particular area of cancer re search. The purpose of the meeting was to stimulate discussion and exchange of new data and ideas by renowned international scientists. The aim of this volume is to summarize major topics of basic research and clinical investigations presented by invited experts in this fascinating but still. controversial field of melanoma re search.

Although dermatomyositis is a rare connective tissue disease, many physicians are confronted with the diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by this condition. Based on the vast personal experience of the authors, who have diagnosed, treated, and managed many dermatomyositis patients, this clinical guide provides dermatologists, rheumatologists, pediatricians, neurologists, and general practitioners with the keys to interpreting the clinical symptoms of dermatomyositis. Also included are algorithms to help the reader to make the correct diagnosis, as well as guidance on new diagnostic methods and treatment schemes.

This is an invaluable collection of information designed to help residents, fellows, and students - as well as any already qualified medical professional interested in revising the essentials of skin conditions - to master the basics of skin pathology. Using the principle of pattern recognition, it simplifies the multitude of dermatopathologic signs by using easy-to-memorize images of what the key features look like - photomnemonics. There are also helpful sections on the technical aspects of dermatopathology and on the key findings at each level of the skin. Organized simply and abundantly illustrated, this text will be an indispensable guide to revision for all its readers.

There are many changes in the skin, hair, and nails during and after pregnancy. Patients are certainly aware that those changes are occurring, but few physicians and even fewer patients know how to predict the course of those changes. Pigmentary changes occur, but are they permanent? Can they be prevented or reversed? Hair may become thicker during pregnancy, only to fall out in the postpartum period. When will hair stop falling out? Will it grow back? What hormonal changes are occurring to produce these effects on the skin, hair, and nails? Will those hormonal changes affect other organs? Some cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy are common and recognized by most physicians. Abdominal striae, for example, are easily identified, but physicians have many questions about them. Why do they develop? Can they be prevented or treated? Other cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy are less common and recognized by few. For example, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is a debilitating condition that is treatable once diagnosed. Even more important than the treatment, the knowledge imparted to a worried mother that her child will be fine and that the condition is se- limited is priceless; but the condition must first be recognized by the patient's physician. All of these questions and conditions are addressed in this extraordinary book. Pigm- tary disorders are addressed in detail in Chap. 2.

Skin lesions are often the first sign for an endocrine disease. Their description is thus of relevance for early diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disease for specialists in endocrinology as well as in dermatology.

Lavishly illustrated, this book describes the clinical and histological features of skin lesions observed in endocrine diseases. All features are reader-friendly structured and written in the language of dermatologists in order to enable a simple association between the features observed and the endocrine etiology.

This book offers a broad-ranging assessment of current efforts of the molecular, cellular, hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle strategies being tested and applied by biogerontologists in the search for effective means of intervention, prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, and for achieving healthy old age. Employing a semi-academic style, the book presents data from experimental systems, while focusing primarily on their applications to humans in the prevention and treatment of age-related impairments.