Skin Cancer

Immune system modulators are changing the ways in which dermatologists treat inflammatory skin diseases. But how best to use these medications and for which skin diseases isn’t always clear.

 Biomedical tattoo may permit early diagnosis of diseases associated with hypercalcemia, preliminary study shows.

Married patients present earlier with localized melanoma than their unmarried counterparts, a new study shows.

In a comparison of the performance between physician assistants and dermatologists, physician assistants performed more skin biopsies per case of skin cancer and diagnosed fewer melanomas in situ, a study shows.

While the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas are treated and resolved with surgery, systemic therapy with one of the two hedgehog pathway inhibitors could be a treatment option for unresectable or metastasized disease, researchers reported at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in San Diego this week.

Multidisciplinary skin cancer care is an approach that might not only improve patient outcomes, but also professional satisfaction, researchers reported at AAD 2018 this week in San Diego.

In this installment of our melanoma case studies series, we focus on common cancers in unusual locations versus uncommon cancers in classic locations.

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.