Comparison of mortality and medical complications between older and younger malignant melanoma inpatients.

Previous studies have identified older age as a negative prognostic factor in malignant melanoma patients. To compare comorbidities, medical complications, and inpatient mortality between younger and older malignant melanoma inpatients. All adult patient encounters with a diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma were identified using the 2003 to 2012 National Inpatient Sample database. Concurrent comorbidities and inpatient medical complications were queried. Comparisons were made between older and younger adults, defined as ≥65 years and 18 to 64 years, respectively. In total, 8153 patient encounters were identified in the database (51.6% older and 48.4% younger). Older adults had a higher prevalence of numerous comorbidities, including chronic pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, peripheral vascular disease, and pulmonary circulation disorder (P < .001). In contrast, younger adults were more likely to have obesity (P < .001) and coagulopathy (P = .005). On multivariable analysis of medical complications, older adult inpatients were more likely to experience urinary tract infection (OR = 1.54, P = .021), but less likely to experience acute respiratory failure (OR = 0.46, P = .012) and venous thromboembolism (OR = 0.44, P = .026). Notably, inpatient mortality did not significantly differ. Older adult inpatients with malignant melanoma have different comorbidities than younger patients and have a larger overall comorbidity burden. Surprisingly, however, the odds of most inpatient medical complications and mortality were found to be similar in younger vs older patients.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the head and neck: Characteristics, treatment, and survival statistics.

Studies on microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) survival rates have been limited. This effort examines the association of patient demographics, treatment modalities, and tumor stage with overall survival (OS) in patients with MAC of the head and neck. All cases of MAC with primary sites of the skin of the head and neck, confirmed histologically, and diagnosed from 2004 to 2016 in the National Cancer Database, were analyzed. We utilized Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazard models to analyze the characteristics and survival outcomes of the 415 cases that met the criteria. The mean age of diagnosis was 63.8 years (SD ±15.8). Mean OS was 10.8 years with 5- and 10-year OS being 81.0% and 68.0%, respectively. Women were more frequently affected (59.0%; P < .001). Stand-alone primary site surgery was the most common treatment (81.4%): 15.9% of patients were treated with postexcision radiation therapy (RT). 18.3% were treated with RT with or without surgery and/or chemotherapy. RT was independently associated with a decreased hazard of death (HR = 0.23; P = .044). MAC of the head and neck disproportionately affects whites, is more common in women, and has the potential to metastasize. Surgical excision is the commonest treatment; our study shows benefit from judicious RT.

Localized sebaceous carcinoma treatment: Wide local excision verses Mohs micrographic surgery.

The optimal surgical management of sebaceous carcinoma (SC) has yet to be determined between Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and wide local excision (WLE). To investigate overall survival (OS) differences for SC undergoing WLE or MMS, The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for all SC from 2004 to 2015 (n = 2863). Cases missing staging data, undergoing palliative care, showing lymph node extension, or of AJCC Stage III/IV were omitted. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze patient demographics, cancer characteristics, and treatment modalities. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling analyzed OS outcomes. A total of 554 cases met inclusion criteria (WLE [n = 243], MMS [n = 311]). Multivariate analysis revealed that cases treated in academic facilities (ref: non-acad; OR = 2.273; CI95% [1.448-3.568]; P < .001] were independently associated with greater MMS rates, whereas those with primaries on the trunk (ref: head/neck OR = 0.359; CI95%[0.203-0.634]; P < .001) and extremities (ref: head/neck OR = 0.399; CI95% [0.182-0.877]; P = .022) held lower MMS rates. Between surgical modalities, Kaplan-Meier survival showed no significant difference in outcomes (P = .611), with WLE and MMS demonstrating 5-year OS rates of 65.8% and 61.4%, respectively. On Cox proportional hazard regression, the survival outcomes of MMS and WLE did not show any significant differences in OS (HR = 0.832; CI95% [0.996-3.662]; P = .334). MMS and WLE of localized SC demonstrate similar overall survival outcomes. MMS may be preferred for margin control, tissue conservation, and cosmesis.

Gender differences in cutaneous melanoma: Demographics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes.

Several recent studies have reported a considerably higher overall survival (OS) rate in females in various geographic regions This study further investigates the characteristics of melanoma that contribute to OS of women residing in the United States. Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression models were used to analyze differences in demographics, treatment, and survival of invasive cutaneous melanoma in men and women diagnosed from 2004 to 2016 in the National cancer database. In 316 966 patients met inclusion criteria. Men had a significantly higher median age of diagnosis at 61 years (interquartile range or IQR: 51-72) in comparison to women where the median age of diagnosis was 55 years (IQR: 43-68) (P < .0001). The most common primary site for men was the trunk (35.5%), whereas the lower extremities were the most common primary site for women (30.3%). Women had a higher 5 year (82.6%) and 10 year (73.1%) OS compared to 5 year and 10 year OS of 72.2% and 58.7%, respectively, in men (P < .0001). When adjusting for confounders, female gender was independently associated with improved OS (ref: male HR = 0.791; 95% confidence interval 0.773-0.809; P < .0001). Overall, we conclude that female gender is an independent favorable prognostic factor for melanoma survival.

Impact of partnership status on clinical outcomes of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and performance of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy and lymph node involvement is the most significant prognostic factor. We aimed to evaluate the association between partnership status and mortality from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, cancer stage at the time of presentation, and the decision for sentinel lymph node biopsy. METHODS: The US National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried and different parameters were evaluated relative to partnership status. A total of 4851 patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, >18 years of age, who presented between January 2010 to December 2015, were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess survival and hazard ratio. Multinomial regression analysis and χ2 were utilized to evaluate odd ratios and significance of variables. RESULTS: Most patients were unpartnered (58.5%), including never married (17.7%), divorced (13.8%), or widowed (27%). Partnered patients were mostly Caucasian (88.4%), insured (74%), and presented with stage I disease (57.2%), compared with unpartnered patients (79.1%), (61.7%), and (51.7%), respectively (p<0.01). The mean survival time (months) in partnered patients was longer, compared with unpartnered (p<0.001), and the difference between both groups increased from 9 months at stage I to 24 months at stage IV, which remained independently significant after adjusting the different variables. Cox regression showed that partnered patients had a lower hazard ratio than unpartnered patients (p<0.01). Mortality from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma increased with age at diagnosis, no surgery, and unemployment (p<0.01). Unpartnered patients were the least likely to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy in early stages, compared with partnered (p<0.01). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that not performing sentinel lymph node biopsy almost doubled the hazard ratio of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Partnership status should be considered when counseling patients for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma therapy and when recommending screening and follow-up to optimize patient care.

The 100 most influential skin cancer publications: a citation analysis.

BACKGROUND: As skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., many publications focus on cutaneous malignancies. The objective was to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited articles pertaining to skin cancers to provide clarity on past, and insight for future research. METHODS: Using a two-stage search of Thomson Reuters Web of Science database, the 100 most-cited skin cancer articles between 1945 and 2018 were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: The articles were cited an average total of 558.49 times (range: 259 to 3429). There were relatively few significant publications until 1988. Linear correlation revealed that journal impact factor was not correlated with average number of citations per year per article (R2=0.06). Molecular pathogenesis and UV exposure were the most common topics. The topics that received the highest average citations per year per article were prevention (50.44 citations per year), diagnosis (47.32 citations per year), and management (41.37 citations per year). Basic science articles accounted for the most publications, followed by narrative literature reviews. CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate that future publications with similar characteristics are more likely to be cited and thus, more influential.

Topical antibiotics in pregnancy: A review of safety profiles.

Medications should be used with caution in women of childbearing age who are pregnant, or are contemplating pregnancy. Although topical medications are considered safer than oral or parenteral agents, their safety data in pregnancy must be assessed carefully. The available information on medication use in pregnancy is limited, and not always aided by the FDA pregnancy letter category system. Thus, in this article, we aggregate human studies, animal studies, and pharmacokinetics data to provide recommendations on utilizing topical antibiotics in pregnancy.

Zebras in Foreskin Dermatopathology: A Review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to review uncommon foreskin dermatopathology conditions clinically and pathologically. METHODS: A database search of PubMed and Google Scholar were extracted between March 1, 2009, and March 1, 2019, using the search terms "foreskin," "prepuce," "penis," "pathology," "dermatology," and "rare." The search was limited to "humans" and "dermatopathology." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. Patient details (diagnosis, dermatopathology, treatment, and follow-up if available) were extracted. We excluded articles written in the non-English language, unusual variants of common conditions, and cases of common dermatologic conditions. RESULTS: A list of 369 articles was identified and another screening identified 30 articles for rare foreskin pathologies. Those are divided into categories based on the following etiologies: (a) benign, including congenital (e.g., aposthia), infectious (graft versus host disease and histoplasma), autoimmune (Crohn's disease and pyoderma gangrenosum), and benign neoplasms (neurofibroma, apocrine hidrocystoma, verruciform xanthoma, porokeratosis, penile cutaneous horn, localized amyloidosis) and (b) malignancies, including primary (myeloid sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma), and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: We reviewed and discussed unusual benign and malignant dermatopathology conditions that can affect the foreskin.

Occult Patient Intervention Leading to Misleading Histopathology.

Patients with skin conditions may apply or consume a wide variety of "remedies" with a similarly wide range of effects that may alter the clinical and/or dermatologic presentations of the lesion. Dermatologists or other clinicians should probe for this and carefully document such treatment, as well as any treatment administered by a health care professional or any other person. The dermatopathologist, however, cannot assume that this has been done or done successfully, and therefore must be on constant alert to recognize the effects of such "remedies."

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome: An update and review.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to multiple cutaneous leiomyomas, renal cell carcinomas, and in women, uterine leiomyomas. Also known as Reed syndrome, it is caused by a germline heterozygous mutation of the fumarate hydratase tumor suppressor gene. HLRCC is associated with significant morbidity because of pain from cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas, the cutaneous pain often of unique character. Although genetic testing is currently considered the criterion standard to diagnose HLRCC, newer immunohistochemistry markers may provide rapid and cost effective alternatives to genetic testing. Because of the potentially aggressive nature of renal cell carcinomas that develop as early as in childhood, close annual cancer surveillance is desirable in individuals with HLRCC. In this review, we offer an update and an approach to the diagnosis, management, and renal cancer surveillance in HLRCC.

Telangiectasia Macularis Eruptiva Perstans: Report of Three Cases.

Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) is a rare, heterogeneous disease of mast cell proliferation. The variable clinical presentation of TMEP, coupled with its rarity, makes the recognition and diagnosis of this disease difficult and challenging for clinicians. The histopathologic findings with hematoxylin and eosin staining that distinguish TMEP from a normal skin biopsy can be so subtle that confirmation of the diagnosis with additional special stains (c-Kit, Giemsa, toluidine blue) is strongly recommended. We describe three cases that highlight the variable clinical presentation of TMEP. One patient experienced only a localized skin manifestation, another an aggressive clinical course with systemic involvement, and a third diffuse skin involvement with mild fatigue, muscle pain, and weight gain.

Safety of Topical Dermatologic Medications in Pregnancy.

Dermatologic drugs should be employed with caution in women of childbearing age who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. Topical drugs have little systemic absorption. Therefore, they are deemed safer than oral or parenteral agents and less likely to harm the fetus. However, their safety profile must be assessed cautiously, as there is limited available data. In this article, we aggregate human and animal studies and provide recommendations on using topical dermatologic medications in pregnancy.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):830-834.

Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor in the Dermis of the External Auditory Meatus.

A 26-year-old African American woman with a history of a recurring "oozing papule" in the right ear presented to the emergency department in July 2010 with a 2-month history of an enlarging, painful growth in the right ear canal. Physical examination revealed a 1-cm round cystic lesion along the right, anterior external auditory canal wall, just medial to the tragus. Initial diagnosis was an infected cyst of the external ear canal. The patient was instructed to follow-up with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office. Two months following the emergency department visit, inspection by ENT revealed a 3- to 4-mm round, firm subcutaneous nodule that did not extend into the ear canal or cartilage. According to the patient, this lesion had recurred with several infections. The lesion was biopsied in the outpatient setting and demonstrated ulceration with marked acute and chronic inflammation in addition to granulation tissue. Two months later, the lesion was surgically excised. The final diagnosis of giant cell tumor, tenosynovial type with lesion-free margins, and no involvement of the cartilage was made (Figures 1-3). No further treatment was recommended. Gross examination of the excised lesion revealed tan to white soft tissue measuring 1.0×0.7×0.3 cm. Results from factor XIII A immunostain was negative, confirming that the lesion did not represent an unusual variant of fibrous histiocytoma (Figure 4). To date, recurrence of this lesion has not been appreciated.

A History of Artificial Intelligence.

The development of the computer and what is now known as artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved over more than two centuries in a long series of steps. The date of the invention of the first computer is estimated at 1822, when Charles Babbage (1791-1871) developed his first design of a working computer on paper, based mainly on a Jacquard loom. He worked on his project together with Augusta Ada King, Countess Lovelace (née Byron) (Ada Lovelace) (1815-1852), whom he called the "Sorceress of Numbers." This work will present the profile and achievements of Charles Babbage, Augusta Ada King, Countess Lovelace, and Alan Mathison Turing (1912 - 1954), who is considered the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, and then provide an outline of the tumultuous events affecting AI up to the present.

From endometrium to fingernail bed: histological evaluation of a rare cutaneous metastasis.

In the dermatological spectrum of oncologic manifestations, cutaneous metastases from endometrial carcinoma stand as a rarity, given the tumour's predilection for neighbouring uterine regions. We present an exceptional case of a patient in her mid-50s, whereby an endometrial carcinoma, defying conventional pathways, manifested on the skin and nail of her distal fourth finger, an unusual site for cutaneous metastases, with a specific histology of the primary cancer.

Artificial intelligence and the scientific method: How to cope with a complete oxymoron.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for data analysis, but it can also mislead investigators, due in part to a fundamental difference between classic data analysis and data analysis using AI. A more or less limited data set is analyzed in classic data analysis, and a hypothesis is generated. That hypothesis is then tested using a separate data set, and the data are examined again. The premise is either accepted or rejected with a value p, indicating that any difference observed is due merely to chance. By contrast, a new hypothesis is generated in AI as each datum is added to the data set. We explore this discrepancy and suggest means to overcome it.