scholarly journals Comparing Melanoma Invasiveness in Dermatologist- versus Patient-Detected Lesions: A Retrospective Chart Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy L. Lamerson ◽  
Kristina Eaton ◽  
Joel L. Sax ◽  
Mohammed Kashani-Sabet

This study examined whether patient-identified melanomas were more advanced than dermatologist-identified tumors at routine clinic visits, and whether a personal or family history of skin cancer was associated with patterns of detection. A retrospective chart review was performed on melanoma patients (N=201) in a private dermatology clinic. Variables included age, gender, pattern of detection (i.e., patient or a board certified dermatologist), personal or family history of skin cancer, skin type, and previous sun exposure, as well as tumor location and severity. Dermatologist-diagnosed melanomas were less invasive (P<0.0005), and more likely present on the chest, back, and legs (P<0.01). Conversely, patient-identified lesions were more likely to occur on the face, neck and scalp, be associated with younger patients, and a family history of melanoma, but not other types of skin cancer (P<0.01). In a post-hoc analysis examining these factors as predictors of tumor invasiveness, only diagnostic source was significant. Specifically, dermatologist-identified tumors were significantly less invasive than patient-identified tumors. Although age, family history, and tumor location played roles in the early detection of melanomas, the most important factor was diagnostic source. Thus, board-certified dermatologists play a key role in the early detection of malignant melanoma.

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makiko Nakagawa ◽  
Chiaki Kawanishi ◽  
Tomoki Yamada ◽  
Yoko Iwamoto ◽  
Ryoko Sato ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 212-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sejal K. Shah ◽  
Andrew F. Alexis

Background: Few studies have investigated central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). Thus, our understanding of CCCA is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics and hair care practices in CCCA patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review of patients with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of CCCA. Results: Medical records of 69 patients were reviewed. Of these, 97% were female. The mean ages at onset and presentation were 38.2 and 42.4 years, respectively. All subjects for whom hair care data were available had used a traumatic practice at least once, the most common being chemical relaxer. Family history data were available for 27 subjects (39%). Of these, 56% had a positive family history of hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis was the leading concurrent diagnosis. Limitations: Limitations include lack of a control group, retrospective design, and selection bias. Conclusions: Our results confirm that CCCA primarily affects adult women of African descent. The majority of patients presented several years after onset, suggesting that efforts to encourage earlier diagnosis are warranted. Although the role of hair care remains unclear, traumatic practices were reported in all patients in our study for whom hair care was documented.


2021 ◽  
pp. e2021090
Author(s):  
Oskar Karlsson ◽  
Oskar Hagberg ◽  
Kari Nielsen ◽  
John Paoli ◽  
Åsa Ingvar

Background: Skin cancer incidence is rapidly increasing. The main risk factor, sun exposure, can be modified. Informational campaigns can be effective in raising skin cancer awareness and target the high-risk population. Still, sun exposure habits in people at high risk of skin cancer are not well-known. Objective: To investigate if and how sun exposure habits differ between low-risk and high-risk individuals. Methods: During the Swedish Euromelanoma campaign of 2018, questionnaires were collected containing information regarding sun exposure habits and risk factors for skin cancer. Data on 4,141 participants was used to investigate the association between risk factors and sun exposure habits. Results: A fair skin type and a previous history of skin cancer were significantly associated with enhanced sun protective behavior. Family history of skin cancer, childhood sunburns and the presence of large/atypical nevi had no effect on sun exposure habits. Going on sunny holidays were particularly unaffected by being at high risk of skin cancer. Conclusion: Individuals at high risk of developing skin cancer showed suboptimal sun exposure habits and harmful traveling behaviors. We suggest that future skin cancer campaigns inform on accurate sun protection behavior during sunny holidays and associated risk factors. Risk factors such as childhood sunburns, numerous common and large/atypical nevi, as well as family history of skin cancer seem to be less recognized by the population.


Dermatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 236 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Reato Marçon ◽  
José Cassio Moraes ◽  
Marcus Antonio Maia de Olivas Ferreira ◽  
Camilla Bilac Oliari

Introduction: Oculocutaneous albinism is an autosomal recessive disease caused by complete absence of or decrease in melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. Due to the reduction or absence of melanin, albinos are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and are at greater risk of actinic damage and skin cancer. There are no epidemiological data on the incidence of albinism in Brazil. Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with albinism treated by the Pró-Albino Program of the Dermatology Clinic of Santa Casa de Misericórdia from its beginning in 2010 until 2017. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of all consecutive albino patients admitted to the service in the study period were reviewed. Sociodemographic data, family history, and dermatological clinical data were collected. Results: Between March 2010 and April 2017, 191 patients were admitted, of whom 109 were female (57.07%) and the age range was 0–92 years, with >30% under the age of 18 years. Consanguinity among the parents was confirmed by 26% of the patients. Unprotected sun exposure was reported by 109 (57.07%), and 138 (72.25%) had a history of sunburn. Of the 146 records with information, 38 had skin cancer (26%), with a mean age of 47.4 (p < 0.0001); the youngest patient diagnosed with a cutaneous tumor was 23 years old. The prevalence of actinic damage was high. There was information on solar elastosis and actinic keratosis in 148 medical records, of which 96 (64.8%) patients had elastosis and 75 (50.67%) keratoses. Elastosis, keratosis, and skin cancer were significantly associated with age, unprotected sun exposure, and sunburn (p < 0.05). Of the 37 (26% of the sample of 146) patients with a previous or current history of skin cancer, it was possible to identify the histological type in 29 (13 men and 16 women); of these, 18 (62%) were basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 15 (51%) were squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and 2 (7%) were melanomas. Of these, 4 cases (14%) presented the 2 types of carcinoma (BCC and SCC), and the 2 that had a diagnosis of melanoma also had BCC. Some patients had multiple ulcerated tumors. The tumor site was preferentially in the head and neck (43%), trunk (37%) and limbs (20%). Conclusions: Albinos represent a risk group for skin cancer and other actinic lesions. These lesions were found to be prevalent in the albinos seen by the program and probably reflect the characteristics found in the Brazilian albino population. Access to health care, especially through multidisciplinary programs that enable the diagnosis and early treatment of these lesions, health education, and the use of photoprotective measures can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life of patients with this rare genetic condition.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110089
Author(s):  
Quinn Dunlap ◽  
James Reed Gardner ◽  
Amanda Ederle ◽  
Deanne King ◽  
Maya Merriweather ◽  
...  

Objective Neck dissection (ND) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in head and neck surgery. We sought to compare the morbidity of elective ND (END) versus therapeutic ND (TND). Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Methods Retrospective chart review of 373 NDs performed from January 2015 to December 2018. Patients with radical ND or inadequate chart documentation were excluded. Demographics, clinicopathologic data, complications, and sacrificed structures during ND were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed with χ2 and analysis of variance for comparison of categorical and continuous variables, respectively, with statistical alpha set a 0.05. Results Patients examined consisted of 224 males (60%) with a mean age of 60 years. TND accounted for 79% (n = 296) as compared with 21% (n = 77) for END. Other than a significantly higher history of radiation (37% vs 7%, P < .001) and endocrine pathology (34% vs 2.6%, P < .001) in the TND group, no significant differences in demographics were found between the therapeutic and elective groups. A significantly higher rate of structure sacrifice and extranodal extension within the TND group was noted to hold in overall and subgroup comparisons. No significant difference in rate of surgical complications was appreciated between groups in overall or subgroup analysis. Conclusion While the significantly higher rate of structure sacrifice among the TND population represents an increased morbidity profile in these patients, no significant difference was found in the rate of surgical complications between groups. The significant difference seen between groups regarding history of radiation and endocrine pathology likely represents selection bias.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. e32-e32
Author(s):  
Rebecca Wang ◽  
Irene Lara-Corrales ◽  
Peter Kannu ◽  
Elena Pope

Abstract BACKGROUND Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X-linked dominant genodermatosis that predominantly affects the skin, beginning with a characteristic linear vesicular rash shortly after birth. Multisystem abnormalities can further be seen in hair, nail, ocular, dental, and central nervous system. Although most affected individuals carry a common pathological deletion of the IKBKG gene, approximately 20% have no molecular confirmation. There remains a lack of understanding of phenotypic variations between mutation positive and negative patients with IP. OBJECTIVES We aim to 1) Describe clinical characteristics, phenotype, and genotype of patients with IP, and 2) Compare clinical differences between mutation positive and negative cohorts. DESIGN/METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted at a large tertiary paediatric centre from January 1990 to June 2017, for children under 19 with a clinical diagnosis of IP by a paediatric dermatologist or geneticist. Baseline characteristics, diagnostic history, family history, cutaneous and extracutaneous symptoms were extracted. Further subspecialty reports such as dental and ophthalmology, and available laboratory results including bloodwork, histopathology, and genetic reports were reviewed. Patients who had undergone molecular genetic testing were further divided into either positive (IKBKG mutation) or negative (no identifiable mutation) genetics cohorts for analyses. RESULTS A total of 44 children with IP were identified, including 79% female, 64% white (non-hispanic), 24% with IP family history, and 85% were confirmed on biopsy. Median age at first dermatology or genetics consult was 6 weeks and 26% had undergone a full septic workup (cultures negative) prior for the IP rash. Extracutaneous involvements were common: dental (49%), ocular (32%), hair (31%), nail (15%), and neurodevelopmental (24%). Compared to the mutation positive (59%) cohort, those with negative mutations (41%) were significantly more likely to be male, have a negative family history of IP, and lower incidences of dental and hair anomalies (P <0.05). CONCLUSION Clinical approach to IP should involve not only dermatology and genetics evaluation, but may benefit from multidisciplinary monitoring for extracutaneous manifestations. Findings of unique clinical variations between positive and negative mutation cohorts suggests the need for further in-depth evaluation into key differences as they may affect disease counselling and future prognosis.


Author(s):  
Lundy McKibbin ◽  
Colin Barber ◽  
Chrystyna Kalicinsky ◽  
Richard Warrington

Abstract Background Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (HAE-nC1 INH) is a rare, underappreciated condition characterized by recurrent subcutaneous angioedema. The underlying pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria continues to evolve. There is a significant overlap between HAE-nC1 INH and idiopathic nonhistaminergic angioedema, ultimately this may be found to be the same condition. Characterization of cohorts suspected to have either of these conditions is warranted to help refine diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment response. Methods A retrospective chart review of 418 patients diagnosed with angioedema was conducted. The following inclusion criteria was used: lack of response to antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine; normal C4, C1 inhibitor (C1 INH) level and function; lack of urticaria or pruritus; occurrence without offending drugs; and positive family history. Enzyme immunoassays for C1 INH function were performed at the Mayo Clinic. Charts meeting these criteria were reviewed for frequency and type of episodes as well as use and response to therapies. Results 6 patients met the above criteria. 3 of these completed genetic testing, none were found to have factor XII abnormalities. None had angiopoietin 1 or plasminogen gene sequencing. 5 of 6 patients were successfully treated with C1 INH or tranexamic acid for acute treatment of attacks (4 with C1 INH and 1 with tranexamic acid). 4 patients have used Icatibant with good response (typically under 40 min for near full recovery); of these, 3 required Icatibant as acute treatment after other therapies (C1 inhibitor and tranexamic acid) were ineffective. There were 9 patients who otherwise met criteria, but due to a lack of family history were classified as having idiopathic non-histaminergic angioedema. Conclusions This retrospective chart review found 6 HAE-nC1 INH patients in Manitoba. 1 responded to tranexamic acid and not C1 INH, 4 typically responded to C1 INH, and 1 responded exclusively to Icatibant. All patients—4 total—who used Icatibant responded; of these 4 patients, 3 required Icatibant after other therapies had failed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S598-S599
Author(s):  
T L PARIGI ◽  
G Roda PhD ◽  
M Allocca ◽  
F Furfaro ◽  
L Loy ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of malignancies in IBD patients and the impact of cancer screening according to the ECCO guidelines in a tertiary referral centre. Methods We retrospectively analysed the electronic database of all IBD patients followed by the IBD Centre of Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, from January 2010 to October 2019, and collected all new diagnoses of solid and haematological tumours since 2010. The annual standardised incidence rate (SIR), rate of mortality and early cancer diagnosis were calculated and a descriptive analysis of drug exposure, disease duration, family history of any cancer, smoking habits was made. Results We included 5239 patients, with a total 19820 patient-years follow-up. Eighty-four malignancies in 81 patients were retrieved, 71 were included in the final analysis (38 CD, 32 UC, 31 females). Average age at tumour diagnosis was 52.9 years (range 19–78). 64% of patients were former or active smokers, 31% had a family history of cancer or IBD. Sixty-two per cent of patients were previously exposed or had 5-ASA at the time of cancer, 40% azathioprine, 43% anti-TNF or vedolizumab. The annual SIR for all kinds of malignancy was 0.358%. GI malignancies were the most frequent (n = 17, 23.9%, 47% UC, 53% in CD). Six over 8 GI tract malignancies in UC patients were found in the colon or rectum (mean disease duration 22.5 years), whereas in CD patients 5/9 were in the small-bowel (mean disease duration 7.0 years). Melanoma and breast cancer (n = 8 each) were the most common non-GI cancers, followed by prostate (n = 7) and bladder (n = 6). No significant difference in incidence was found between CD or UC. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas and leukaemia (3 and 1, respectively) only occurred in CD patients. Other tumours included thyroid (n = 5), lungs (n = 4), testicle (n = 3), ovary (n = 2), kidney (n = 2), head-nose-throat (n = 2), pancreas (n = 1), brain (n = 1), and non-melanoma skin cancer (n = 1). Death occurred in 11% of patients, 8 of them for late stage cancer. Only 2 were related to the concomitant IBD (1 colo-rectal and 1 anal cancer). In patients regularly screened according to the ECCO Guidelines (GI cancer, haematological and skin cancer), there was a significantly higher number of detection of early cancer (28 vs. 1, p = 0.003), although no differences in mortality rates were reported in the two groups (2 vs. 2, p = 0.10). Conclusion The overall incidence of cancer in our cohort was not different from the current literature available. Adherence to the ECCO Guidelines for cancer surveillance improves the detection of early cancer in IBD patients.


Author(s):  
James Small ◽  
Kristin Wallace ◽  
Elizabeth G. Hill ◽  
Bruce H. Thiers ◽  
Brian C. Leach ◽  
...  

1982 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 453-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Pfohl ◽  
Ned Vasquez ◽  
Henry Nasrallan

SummaryPrevious studies attempting to support unipolar mania as an entity distinct from bipolar disorder, have produced conflicting results. The present study reports on a chart review of 247 patients admitted to the University of Iowa with a history of at least one manic episode; 87 of these had apparently never experienced a depression. A subgroup of 92 patients, who met DSM III diagnostic criteria and had a history of at least two episodes of affective disorder, were also examined. There were few clinically meaningful differences between patients with unipolar mania and bipolar disorder on demographic, symptomatic, or familial variables. An earlier report that unipolar manics were more likely to be male and have a family history of unipolar depression was not confirmed. Unipolar mania is not supported as a separate entity from bipolar disorder.


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