Exploring Patient Pain Experiences during and after Conventional Red Light and Simulated Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis: A Qualitative Interview Study.

Simulated daylight photodynamic therapy is a relatively new and potentially less painful alternative to conventional red light photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis. Qualitative research exploring patient experiences of pain and skin reactions during these treatments is scarce. To address this, semi-structured interviews were conducted of 10 patients aged 60-81 years with symmetrically distributed actinic keratoses 4 weeks after split-face treatment with conventional red light photodynamic therapy and simulated daylight photodynamic therapy. The participants were recruited from an ongoing clinical randomized trial. Interviews (median length 35 min) were conducted between June 2022 and January 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed qualitatively using content analysis, as described by Graneheim and Lundman. Participants reported that conventional red light photodynamic therapy was very painful during illumination and transiently painful in the post-treatment period, while simulated daylight photodynamic therapy was almost painless during illumination and led to minor post-treatment pain. Also, skin reactions were more intense and longer-lasting with conventional red light photodynamic therapy than with simulated daylight photodynamic therapy. Most participants expressed a treatment preference for simulated daylight photodynamic therapy but had reservations about its unestablished long-term effectiveness. This study underscores the considerable pain associated with conventional red light photodynamic therapy, and the pivotal importance of shared decision-making when selecting the most appropriate treatment.

pSTAT5 is associated with improved survival in patients with thick or ulcerated primary cutaneous melanoma.

Identifying prognostic biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in stage I and II cutaneous melanomas could guide the clinical application of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5) as a biomarker in early-stage melanoma. This study evaluated all initially staged Ib and II melanoma patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy at a tertiary centre in Brisbane, Australia between 1994 and 2007, with survival data collected from the Queensland Cancer Registry. Primary melanoma tissue from 189 patients was analysed for pSTAT5 level through immunohistochemistry. Cox regression modelling, with adjustment for sex, age, ulceration, anatomical location, and Breslow depth, was applied to determine the association between pSTAT5 detection and melanoma-specific survival. Median duration of follow-up was 7.4 years. High pSTAT5 detection was associated with ulceration and increased tumour thickness. However, multivariate analysis indicated that high pSTAT5 detection was associated with improved melanoma-specific survival (hazard ratio: 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.67) as compared to low pSTAT5 detection. This association persisted when pSTAT5 detection was limited to immune infiltrate or the vasculature, as well as when sentinel node positivity was accounted for. In this cohort, staining for high-pSTAT5 tumours identified a subset of melanoma patients with increased survival outcomes as compared to low-pSTAT5 tumours, despite the former having higher-risk clinicopathological characteristics at diagnosis. pSTAT5 is likely an indicator of local immune activation, and its detection could represent a useful tool to stratify the risk of melanoma progression.

Dermoscopic Findings in Intraepidermal Carcinoma: an Interobserver Agreement Study.

INTRODUCTION: A wide range of descriptive terms have been used for dermoscopic findings in intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) and the clinical diagnostic accuracy of IEC can be challenging. Furthermore, dermoscopic findings in IEC have only rarely been evaluated in fair-skinned populations. OBJECTIVES: To measure the interobserver agreement between dermatologists for dermoscopic findings in IEC. Furthermore, to describe the frequency of these findings in a predominantly fair-skinned population. METHODS: One hundred dermoscopic images of histopathologically verified IECs were collected. The 11 most common dermoscopic findings described in previous studies were re-defined in a new terminology in a pre-study consensus meeting. Images were assessed by eight experienced international dermoscopists. The frequency of findings and the interobserver agreement was analyzed. RESULTS: Scales (83%), dotted/glomerular vessels (77%), pinkish-white areas (73%) and hemorrhage (46%) were the most commonly present dermoscopic findings. Pigmented structures were found in 32% and shiny white structures (follicular or stromal) in 54% of the IEC. Vascular structures (vessels and/or hemorrhage) could be seen in 89% of the lesions. Overall, the interobserver agreement for the respective dermoscopic findings was poor to moderate, with the highest kappa values noted for scales (0.55) and hemorrhage (0.54) and the lowest for pinkish-white areas (0.015). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm those of previous studies on dermoscopy in IEC, including the frequency of pigmented structures despite the fair-skinned population. The interobserver agreement was relatively low. The proposed new terminology and our findings can hopefully serve as a guideline for researchers, teachers and students on how to identify IEC.

Measurements of illuminance in simulated daylight photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Simulated daylight photodynamic therapy (SDL-PDT) is a new treatment alternative for actinic keratosis. The aim of this study was to show how the illuminance that reaches the target skin area during SDL-PDT depends on the spatial positioning of the patient. METHODS: In this technical validation study, illuminance from the SDL-PDT system IndoorLux© was measured at different angles, directions, and distances from the light sources corresponding to potential target skin areas. Using two different photometers, data from 63 measuring points at seven specific distances from the ceiling were collected at 0°, 45°, and 90° angles, respectively. Illuminance levels ≥12,000 lux were regarded as adequate. Hotspots were defined as adequate measurements in all directions at a specific measuring point at distances of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 m from the light sources (i.e., the most common patient treatment positions). RESULTS: Adequate illuminance levels were more common with photometer 1 (73%) than photometer 2 (57%). Almost all illuminance levels were adequate at a 0° angle with both photometers. Adequate illuminance levels were observed at 82-93% of the measuring points at a 45° angle and 22-47% at a 90° angle. Hotspots were registered with both photometers at all measuring points at 0°; 59-79% of the measuring points at 45°; and 0-21% at 90°. CONCLUSION: Patient positioning is important during SDL-PDT. Adequate illuminance is achieved if target skin areas are positioned at 0°-45° angles relative to the light sources, but not at 90° angles.

Sun protection behaviour in organ transplant recipients and non-transplant patients attending a dermatology outpatient clinic in Sweden: A questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are at high risk of developing skin cancer and are therefore advised to protect their skin against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Specialized OTR clinics with dermatological follow-up may improve sun habits among OTRs. In this study, we compared self-reported sun exposure and sun protection behaviour between OTRs and non-transplant patients (non-TPs) and between OTRs with and without special dermatological follow-up. METHODS: Patients from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, completed a sun exposure questionnaire. Between 2011 and 2015, 282 OTRs transplanted in the period 1976-2014 and 414 non-TPs were recruited among dermatological outpatients. Participants were stratified into five groups by their status as OTRs or non-TPs and by attendance to dermatological follow-up. RESULTS: More non-TPs than OTRs reported one or more sunburns in the past year, 46% vs. 20%, P < .0001). More OTRs with than OTRs without dermatological follow-up reported frequent use of sunscreens (63% vs 44%, P = .006). More OTRs with follow-up used one or more sun protection measure such as covering clothes, than other OTRs (54% vs 34%, P = .016). CONCLUSION: In this study, OTRs reported less sun exposure than non-TPs. Specialized dermatological follow-up seems to improve sun protection behaviour among OTRs. We suggest that specialized OTR clinics should be more broadly implemented.

Surgery for Bowen Disease: Clinicopathological Factors Associated With Incomplete Excision.

BACKGROUND: One common treatment for Bowen disease (BD) is surgical excision, but there is no international consensus on the appropriate surgical margins. OBJECTIVES: This study examined what factors affect the rate of incomplete excision of BD. METHODS: Clinicopathological data potentially linked to surgical outcome (complete or incomplete excision) were retrospectively collected from medical and histopathological records on all surgically excised BD lesions diagnosed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden during 2014-2015. Data were analyzed with two definitions of incomplete excision: less strict (ie, BD present at the surgical margin) and strict (ie, dysplasia present at the surgical margin). RESULTS: In total, 463 BD lesions among 408 patients were included. With the less strict definition, 3 factors were associated with significantly higher rates of incomplete excision: surgical margins <3 mm, a less experienced surgeon, and use of punch biopsy excision. The same factors plus a tumor location on the head and neck area or upper extremities were associated with significantly higher rates of incomplete excision using the strict definition. After adjustment for confounders, less experience was independently associated with incomplete excision using the less strict definition, whereas less experience and location on the head and neck area or upper extremities were independently associated with incomplete excision using the strict definition. Surgeon specialty was not associated with incomplete excision regardless of the definition. CONCLUSIONS: When removing BD surgically, an elliptical excision with surgical margins ≥3 mm carried out by an experienced surgeon should be recommended. Surgical margins may need to be adjusted depending on body site.

Patient and Tumour Characteristics of Keratoacanthoma in a Large, Community-based Cohort Study from Queensland, Australia.

Keratoacanthomas are common keratinocyte skin tumours. However, there is little community-based data published on the clinical features of keratoacanthoma. The aim of this study was to describe the patient and tumour characteristics of keratoacanthomas, as well as their treatment patterns. Data were obtained from the QSkin Sun and Health study, a prospective cohort of 40,438 randomly sampled and consented participants aged 40-69 years in Queensland, Australia. In 2010, a baseline survey collected data, including demography, phenotype, ultraviolet radiation exposure, medical history and lifestyle. Histopathological reports of keratoacanthomas arising until 30 June 2014 were reviewed. In total, 584 participants developed 738 keratoacanthomas; 18% of participants developed multiple tumours. Common patient characteristics were male sex (58%), age ≥60 years (76%), fair skin (80%), and previous history of actinic keratoses/keratinocyte cancers (89%). Keratoacanthomas were commonly located on the legs/feet (48%), and rarely on the the head/neck (7%). Excision was the most frequently used surgical method (71%) Evidence of histopathological regression was reported in 67% of keratoacanthomas, suggesting a potential for spontan-eous resolution in a significant proportion of keratoacanthomas.

Assessment of Incidence Rate and Risk Factors for Keratoacanthoma Among Residents of Queensland, Australia.

Importance: Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common and generally benign keratinocyte skin tumor. Reports of the incidence rates of KA are scant. In addition, the risk factors for KA are not well understood, although associations with UV radiation exposure and older age have been described. Objective: To investigate the incidence rate of KA and the risk factors for developing KA. Design, Setting, and Participants: The study included data from 40 438 of 193 344 randomly selected residents of Queensland, Australia, who participated in the QSkin Sun and Health (QSkin) prospective population-based cohort study. All participants completed a baseline survey between 2010 and 2011 and were ages 40 to 69 years at baseline. Histopathologic reports of KA were prospectively collected until June 30, 2014, through data linkage with pathologic records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors associated with KA while controlling for potential confounding variables. Data were analyzed from January 2 to April 8, 2020. Exposures: Demographic characteristics, phenotypes, UV radiation exposure, medical history, and lifestyle. Results: Among 40 438 participants (mean [SD] age, 56 [8] years; 18 240 men [45.1%]), 596 individuals (mean [SD] age, 62 [6] years; 349 men [58.6%]) developed 776 KA tumors during a median follow-up period of 3.0 years (interquartile range, 2.8-3.3 years). The person-based age-standardized incidence rate for KA in the age-restricted cohort was 409 individuals per 100 000 person-years (based on the 2001 Australian population). Risk factors after adjustment for potential confounders were older age (age ≥60 years vs age <50 years; hazard ratio [HR], 6.38; 95% CI, 4.65-8.75), male sex (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33-1.84), fair skin (vs olive, dark, or black skin; HR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.66-7.04), inability to tan (vs ability to tan deeply; HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19-2.40), previous excisions of keratinocyte cancers (ever had an excision vs never had an excision; HR, 6.28; 95% CI, 5.03-7.83), current smoking (vs never smoking, HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.59-2.57), and high alcohol use (≥14 alcoholic drinks per week vs no alcoholic drinks per week; HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09-1.86). Conclusions and Relevance: This is, to date, the first large prospective population-based study to report the incidence rate and risk factors for KA. The high person-based incidence rate (409 individuals per 100 000 person-years) highlights the substantial burden of KA in Queensland, Australia. Furthermore, the study's findings suggest that older age (≥60 years), male sex, UV radiation-sensitive phenotypes, indications of high sun exposure (eg, previous keratinocyte cancer excisions), smoking, and high alcohol use are independent risk factors for the development of KA.

Lethal Melanomas: A Population-based Registry Study in Western Sweden from 1990 to 2014.

The incidence rates of thin melanomas (≤1 mm Breslow thickness) have increased in many fair-skinned populations, prompting a need to better identify patients with thin melanomas who will eventually die from the disease. This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of lethal melanomas in Western Sweden, with a focus on thin lesions. Population-based data on invasive melanomas diagnosed during the years 1990 to 2014 were extracted from the Swedish Melanoma Registry, and linked to the Swedish Cause of Death Registry. The age-standardized incidence (US population 2000) of thin melanomas increased from 9.1×10-5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 8.5-9.8) to 21.3×10-5 (95% CI 20.4-22.1) during the study period. Thin melanomas comprised 55.2% of the total and contributed to 13.5% of all melanoma deaths. Non-ulcerated melanomas 0.76-1 mm and ulcerated melanomas 0.26-1.0 mm showed a poorer survival compared with other thin melanomas.

Multiple Primary Melanomas: A Common Occurrence in Western Sweden.

Patients diagnosed with a single primary cutaneous melanoma are at increased risk of developing multiple primary melanomas. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of multiple primary melanomas (invasive and in situ) in Western Sweden. Data from the Swedish Melanoma Registry from 1990 to 2013 revealed that 898 patients (7.4%) developed 2,037 multiple primary lesions and 11,254 patients developed single lesions. The proportion of subsequent lesions that were melanoma in situ was 47%, compared with 26% of first melanomas (p < 0.0001).The median and mean time to diagnosis of a subsequent melanoma was 38 and 58 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 53-62 months). In total, 49% of subsequent melanomas were detected within 3 years. Patients and physicians should be aware of the high proportion of multiple primary melanomas in Western Sweden, especially during the first years of follow-up.

Modelling the Future: System Dynamics in the Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Care Pathway.

Incidence rates for cutaneous malignant melanoma are increasing worldwide. Estimates of the future number of melanoma cases are important for strategic planning of the care pathway. The aim of this study was to use system dynamics modelling to evaluate the long-term effects of changes in incidence, population growth and preventive interventions. Historical data on invasive melanoma cases in Western Sweden from 1990 to 2006 were obtained. Using computer simulation software, a model estimating the accumulated number of melanoma cases for 2014 to 2023 was developed. Five future scenarios were designed: stable incidence, business-as-usual, 25% reduced patient's delay, 50% reduced doctor's delay, and a combination of the last two, called improved overall secondary prevention. After 10 years, improved overall secondary prevention would have resulted in a 42% decrease in melanomas > 4 mm and a 10% increase in melanomas ≤ 1 mm, compared with business-as-usual. System dynamics is a valuable tool, which can help policymakers choose the preventive interventions with the greatest impact.

Dermoscopic evaluation of nodular melanoma.

IMPORTANCE: Nodular melanoma (NM) is a rapidly progressing potentially lethal skin tumor for which early diagnosis is critical. OBJECTIVE: To determine the dermoscopy features of NM. DESIGN: Eighty-three cases of NM, 134 of invasive non-NM, 115 of nodular benign melanocytic tumors, and 135 of nodular nonmelanocytic tumors were scored for dermoscopy features using modified and previously described methods. Lesions were separated into amelanotic/hypomelanotic or pigmented to assess outcomes. SETTING: Predominantly hospital-based clinics from 5 continents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratios for features/models for the diagnosis of melanoma. RESULTS: Nodular melanoma occurred more frequently as amelanotic/hypomelanotic (37.3%) than did invasive non-NM (7.5%). Pigmented NM had a more frequent (compared with invasive non-NM; in descending order of odds ratio) symmetrical pigmentation pattern (5.8% vs 0.8%), large-diameter vessels, areas of homogeneous blue pigmentation, symmetrical shape, predominant peripheral vessels, blue-white veil, pink color, black color, and milky red/pink areas. Pigmented NM less frequently displayed an atypical broadened network, pigment network or pseudonetwork, multiple blue-gray dots, scarlike depigmentation, irregularly distributed and sized brown dots and globules, tan color, irregularly shaped depigmentation, and irregularly distributed and sized dots and globules of any color. The most important positive correlating features of pigmented NM vs nodular nonmelanoma were peripheral black dots/globules, multiple brown dots, irregular black dots/globules, blue-white veil, homogeneous blue pigmentation, 5 to 6 colors, and black color. A model to classify a lesion as melanocytic gave a high sensitivity (>98.0%) for both nodular pigmented and nonnodular pigmented melanoma but a lower sensitivity for amelanotic/hypomelanotic NM (84%). A method for diagnosing amelanotic/hypomelanotic malignant lesions (including basal cell carcinoma) gave a 93% sensitivity and 70% specificity for NM. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: When a progressively growing, symmetrically patterned melanocytic nodule is identified, NM needs to be excluded.

Incidence of cutaneous melanoma in Western Sweden, 1970-2007.

The aim of this study was to describe the increasing incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in Western Sweden during the period 1970-2007. A secondary aim was to show a geographical variation in incidence between coastal and inland areas, considering the effects of the local average duration of sunshine, and the sun exposure-related behavior in the populations. The Swedish Cancer Registry provided data on invasive melanomas during 1970-2007. Meteorological maps showed the annual average duration of sunshine during 1961-1990. A survey from 2007 with 2871 participants, carried out by the National Board of Health and Welfare, provided data on self-reported sun exposure. During the period studied, the age-standardized incidence for men in Western Sweden more than quadrupled to 31.1/100 000 inhabitants, whereas it tripled for women to 27.1/100 000. Coastal areas, including Gothenburg city, had a high average duration of sunshine (1701-1900 h of sun/year), whereas inland areas had lower average duration of sunshine (≤1700 h). The incidence of CMM was higher in coastal areas and in Gothenburg city, compared with inland areas. This may be linked to ultraviolet radiation, a consequence of the higher average duration of sunshine. The sun exposure survey showed additional factors, which possibly led to the increased incidence, for example high sun exposure on holidays abroad. The alarming increase in the incidence of CMM in Western Sweden, during the period 1970-2007, shows the need for additional primary preventive measures, for example sun protection programs targeted at populations in this area.