Skeletal metastases are often not demonstrable in the roentgenogram until bone destruction is considerable. This applies particularly to the spine. A comparison between roentgen and postmortem findings, as well as experimental studies by BABA~ANTZ, have shown that the bone decalcification must reach about 50 yo before it is evident in the roentgen film.

No abstract

Skeletal metastases are often not demonstrable in the roentgenogram until bone destruction is considerable. This applies particularly to the spine. A comparison between roentgen and postmortem findings, as well as experimental studies by BABAIANTZ, have shown that the bone decalcification must reach about 50 % before it is evident in the roentgen film.Investigations with so-called osseophil isotopes in recent decades have contributed considerably to our knowledge of the mineral metabolism of the skeleton. Such isotopes have also been used in the elaboration of methods enabling an earlier diagnosis of osseous tumours. The distribution of radiogallium (Ga 66 , Ga 6 7 and Ga 7 2 ) in the skeleton and their concentration in osseous lesions, particularly tumours, have been studied by DUDLEY et coll. (1950DUDLEY et coll. ( , 1956, DESGREZ (1954), DESGREZ et coll, (1954) and MULRY et coll.They have shown that occasionally an accumulation of radiogallium may be demonstrated in osseous tumours before it can be detected at roentgen examination.The method has been used in examinations for primary osseous tumours as well as skeletal metastases. DESGREZ et coll. claim to have shown that a tumour is sometimes more extensive than may be assumed from its roentgenographic appearance, an observation of importance in the radiotherapy

Determinations were made of fibrin degradation products (FDP) in serum from 19 patients who were receiving radiotherapy after the surgical treatment of malignant ovarian tumours. FDP decreased or disappeared in association with operation and radiotherapy but increased or re‐appeared with recurrences. Possible explanations of this phenomenon are discussed.

In the city of Malmö with about 250 000 inhabitants and only one hospital, all cases of malignant melanoma are referred to the departments of plastic surgery and radiotherapy. Altogether 304 cases were treated between 1952 and 1971 and all patients were accounted for at the follow-up. This figure does not include cases of superficial melanoma, Hutchinsons melanoma or eye melanoma. The incidence of melanoma increased from 3.4 to 8.0 per 100 000 inhabitants during the period. The treatment was the same during the years. The results of the treatment are presented in relation to the stage of disease, surgical procedure used, site of the tumour and sex. The overall 5-year survival rate without recurrence was 62%, while 6% were alive with recurrence. The corresponding figures for stage I cases were 71% and 7%. Total biopsy of the tumour before more radical surgery was not found to have any disadvantage. In view of the good results, we intend to continue the present method of treatment with addition of adjuvant chemotherapy in the "poor risk" groups.