Skin Cancer

A recent study explored varying statistical approaches to a metastatic risk model for identifying SCC tumors at high risk of metastasis. Researchers identified six risk factors.

Staging system is derived from a new dataset of patients from 10 cancer centers around the world. Dermatologists should consider AJCC tumor characteristics as well as other factors in risk assessment, counseling, and follow-up plans for patients. Update takes effect in January 2018.

A novel oral formulation of itraconazole designed to improve bioavailability is leveraging its activity as a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor to provide a low toxicity, effective treatment for patients with BCC Nevus Syndrome. Data show potential for rapid therapeutic benefit.

Biopsy can differentiate risk level for patients, but selectively indicated

A known oncogene previously associated with carcinomas of the breast, liver, ovaries, and colon appears to suppress the growth of melanoma cells, a team of researchers reported recently in Cell Reports.

Kyocera Communication Systems, a subsidiary of Kyocera, is teaming with the University of Tsukuba to created artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology that could identify skin cancers and other skin diseases.

Mole count in adolescents predictor of melanoma. Sun exposure habits develop in teen years. Prevent melanoma through sun protection. Reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.

The controversies revolving around the risks and prognosis associated with melanoma and pregnancy are many and have been a flashpoint for much discussion and debate. While some controversies remain, clarity and consensus has been found among some of the current issues regarding melanoma and pregnancy.

Lymph-node dissection is not associated with increased melanoma survival. Surgery may be best option to decrease risk for recurrence. A positive sentinel node does not automatically lead to complete dissection

For melanoma, patient and physician education is key. Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation in darker skin effective. Teledermatology could replace office visits in this underserved population.

In this installment of our melanoma case studies series, we focus on factors associated with acral lentiginous melanoma.

A Caucasian female presented with a dark brown band on her nail that appeared a few years ago signifying subungual melanoma. What is the most concerning symptom?

Beginning this week, we will publish a series of case studies and quizzes on the subtypes and features of melanoma.

Wrong-site surgeries are preventable. In this article, Dr. Goldberg outlines a few measures.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approval of ipilimumab (Yervoy) to include the treatment of pediatric melanoma patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic disease.

Data-driven screening guidelines for skin cancer have been published electronically, in reaction to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s 2016 draft recommendation statement on skin cancer screening.

Extracorporeal photopheresis is underused for early-stage mycosis fungoides. ECP is capable of correcting the cytokine imbalance seen in patients with MF and results in an increase of Th1 cytokines. Clinicians should consider more frequent use in select patients

Laser for melanoma in situ (MIS) should generally be reserved for nonsurgical, usually elderly patients. When indicated, MIS may be treated with CO2 laser or with combined Q-switched Nd:YAG and imiquimod. Any atypical-appearing lesion should be biopsied prior to the start of a laser treatment.

Dermatologists should be versed and informed about the specific attitudes and lifestyle habits that could be fueling rising skin cancer risk in the Hispanic population, according to dermatologist Maritza I. Perez, M.D.

Cyclosporine and PUVA clearly increase the risk of squamous cell carcinomas, and there is evidence that TNF blockers and methotrexate may do so to a lesser degree. UVB phototherapy has not been shown to cause skin cancer. Acitretin offers protection against the development of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Today’s SRT technology embodies very small, stable machines. Radiation leaks are not longer a concern. The SRT-100 System serves both an important medical and cosmetic role.

About one third of the more than 118,000 people who received free skin cancer screenings from the AAD’s SPOTme program in 2009 and 2010 indicated they had recently seen a change in the size, shape or color of a mole.

Melanoma rates continue to rise, especially thin lesions which represents the largest group of fatalities. Gene expression profile tests can help diagnose or predict melanoma and are easy to use. But many dermatologists do not follow recommended treatment guidelines, which indicates a need to either educate practitioners or rethink the guidelines.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are providing rapid and durable responses for patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

Newer tools to help diagnose challenging lesions include combined immunohistochemical stains and a growing array of genetic tests, one of which has shown the potential to gauge metastatic risk.