Convenience of Radium Therapy
The effects of radium and x-rays upon the body are much the same, the tissues having the least resistance being attacked more vigorously by both than are normal tissues. Upon this principle the therapeutic use of radium depends. But, as its cost is almost prohibitive, x-rays are used if the effect of the two agents is considered to be the same in a certain case. Because the amount of radium needed is so small, it can be used conveniently (in suitable containers, or by means of suit¬able applicators) in the interior of tumor masses, and be applied to certain internal organs. It can be placed under the eyelid, in the ear-canal, in the nose, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, rectum, vagina, or uterus. It can also be used in the treatment of patients who cannot be taken to x-ray depart-ments or offices. For these reasons it is selected for a variety of disorders and for many cases. In case of malignant tumor it is often placed (in sterile tubes) in the interior of the tumor mass through incisions.
As with destructive doses of x-rays, radium therapy has not been found universally safe and its use is attended with much danger from destruction of normal tissue and great scar formation. In case of inoperable cancer radium sometimes checks the progress of the growth, and may reduce it to some extent, occasionally making it an operable one. But as a rule malignancy is not benefited by its use. In some forms of ulcerating and non-ulcerating epithelioma of the skin, in ro¬dent ulcer, superficial birthmarks, keloids, lichen, and psoriasis, radium has been used with greatest benefit, though in the case of psoriasis recurrence is very likely.