Intralesional methotrexate and new approaches for neoadjuvance treatment in squamous cell periocular carcinoma.

This study arises from the need to understand the different therapies for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially in challenging clinical situations where conventional therapeutic options may not be optimal. The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional methotrexate (MTX) as neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of periocular SCC. The outcome of a patient after two separate intralesional MTX infiltrations 2 weeks apart is described. Therapeutic response was evaluated, achieving a significant reduction in tumor size and subsequently performing surgical excision of the residual lesion. The procedure was well tolerated, with no local or distant recurrences in the follow up. Intralesional MTX may be an effective and safe option in the neoadjuvant treatment of periocular SCC. Furthermore, we highlight the growing importance of immunotherapy in the approach to SCC and the need to familiarize specialists with these new treatments.

Riesgo de cáncer cutáneo asociado a terapias modificadoras de la enfermedad en la esclerosis múltiple: revisión narrativa de la evidencia actual.

The use of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) has led to a paradigm shift in the management of multiple sclerosis. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted through an extensive literature search including Medline and Google Scholar to elucidate the link between DMT and the propensity of cutaneous malignancies. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, such as fingolimod and siponimod are associated with a higher risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but not squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. The associated physiopathological mechanisms are not fully understood. Alemtuzumab and cladribine show isolated associations with skin cancer. Regarding other DMT, no increased risk has ever been found. Given the evidence currently available, it is of paramount importance to advocate for necessary dermatological assessments that should be individualized to the risk profile of each patient. Nonetheless, additional prospective studies are still needed to establish efficient dermatological follow-up protocols.

Vitamin D and Skin Cancer: A Controversial Society. Literature Update and Review. / Vitamina D y cáncer cutáneo: una asociación controvertida. Actualización y revisión de la literatura.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with various tumors. However, the association between VD and skin cancer is controversial. Although in non-melanoma skin cancer, adequate or even high levels of VD can be associated with a higher risk of developing tumors, this could be biased by the direct association between sun exposure and VD levels. Regarding melanoma, results are contradictory. Most studies analyzed state that higher levels of VD could reduce the risk of melanoma, be associated with melanomas with better prognosis and with an enhanced antitumor response, and also with fewer adverse events associated with melanoma immunotherapy. However, prospective studies of adequate methodological quality are still needed to assess the association between VD levels and its supplementation and development/prognosis in skin cancer.

Bishop Flap and Sigma Flap to Repair Surgical Defects in High-Tension Anatomical Regions. / Colgajo obispo y colgajo sigma para defectos quirúrgicos en zonas anatómicas de elevada tensión.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of surgical defects in high-tension anatomical regions is challenging due to the ischemia and subsequent necrosis associated with tension closure. Research on new flaps capable of closing these defects exerting less tension would be a tremendous advancement in dermatological surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study that used 2 new flaps-the bishop and the sigma ones-to repair surgical defects in high-tension regions such as the scalp, lower extremities, and the nasal pyramid. The bishop flap was used in 9 patients, 5 of whom exhibited their lesion in the nasal pyramid, 2 in the legs and another 2 in the scalp. The sigma flap was used in 6 patients, 5 of whom exhibited scalp lesions and 1 leg lesion. RESULTS: Uneventful and excellent results were obtained in all 15 patients due to infection, dehiscence, or necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Both the bishop and the sigma flaps are a good alternative to repair surgical defects in high-tension regions such as the scalp, lower extremities, or the nasal pyramid.

Risk of skin cancer associated with disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: a modern comprehensive evidence review. / Riesgo de cáncer cutáneo asociado a terapias modificadoras de la enfermedad en la esclerosis múltiple: revisión narrativa de la evidencia actual.

The use of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) has led to a paradigm shift in the management of multiple sclerosis. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted through an extensive literature search including Medline and Google Scholar to elucidate the link between DMT and the propensity of cutaneous malignancies. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, such as fingolimod and siponimod are associated with a higher risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but not squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. The associated physiopathological mechanisms are not fully understood. Alemtuzumab and cladribine show isolated associations with skin cancer. Regarding other DMT, no increased risk has ever been found. Given the evidence currently available, it is of paramount importance to advocate for necessary dermatological assessments that should be individualized to the risk profile of each patient. Nonetheless, additional prospective studies are still needed to establish efficient dermatological follow-up protocols.

The Pacman Flap and Its Modifications for Reconstruction of Skin Cancer Surgical Wounds on the Scalp and Other Body Areas: A Review of 23 Cases. / [Artículo tradudico] El colgajo Pacman y sus modificaciones para la reconstrucción de heridas quirúrgicas oncológicas en el cuero cabelludo y otras áreas corporales: Revisión de 23 casos.

BACKGROUND: The Pacman flap is a modified V-Y advancement flap that showed to be versatile in repairing surgical and non-surgical wounds. Indeed, this flap has been used in any anatomical localization, except for the scalp, where its use has not been reported. Moreover, the versatility of the Pacman flap can be enhanced by applying simple modifications to its original design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-series of 23 patients whose surgical breaches were repaired using standard or modified Pacman flap were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Most patients were male (65.2%) with a median age of 75.7 years. Squamous cell carcinoma was the tumor most commonly removed (60.9%), while scalp and face were the most frequent localizations (30.4%). Although 18 flaps were sculpted in the traditional Pacman shape, 5 were modified to fit the defect and localization. Complications occurred in 30% of flaps, but all of them were minor except for 1 extended necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Pacman flap can be used to repair surgical wounds localized in any body area, including the scalp. Three modifications can enhance the versatility of the flap and offer new repair options to dermatologic surgeons.

The Pacman Flap and Its Modifications for Reconstruction of Skin Cancer Surgical Wounds on the Scalp and Other Body Areas: A Review of 23 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The Pacman flap is a modified V-Y advancement flap that showed to be versatile in repairing surgical and non-surgical wounds. Indeed, this flap has been used in any anatomical localization, except for the scalp, where its use has not been reported. Moreover, the versatility of the Pacman flap can be enhanced by applying simple modifications to its original design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-series of 23 patients whose surgical breaches were repaired using standard or modified Pacman flap were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Most patients were male (65.2%) with a median age of 75.7 years. Squamous cell carcinoma was the tumor most commonly removed (60.9%), while scalp and face were the most frequent localizations (30.4%). Although 18 flaps were sculpted in the traditional Pacman shape, 5 were modified to fit the defect and localization. Complications occurred in 30% of flaps, but all of them were minor except for 1 extended necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Pacman flap can be used to repair surgical wounds localized in any body area, including the scalp. Three modifications can enhance the versatility of the flap and offer new repair options to dermatologic surgeons.

What Dermatologists Should Know About Thiazides. / Tiazidas: lo que el dermatólogo debería saber.

Hydrochlorothiazide and other thiazide diuretics have been used for decades to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Thiazides have been linked to photosensitivity with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and recovery times. Diagnosis can be aided by phototesting, photopatch testing, and skin biopsy. Long-term use of hydrochlorothiazide has been linked to an increased dose-dependent risk of certain types of skin cancer in recent years. In this review, we also look at other less common or lesser-known adverse effects of thiazide diuretics that have been described in isolated reports.

Current State of Skin Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review. / Situación actual de la prevención del cáncer de piel: una revisión sistemática.

Skin cancer deaths continue to rise despite the implementation of numerous preventive campaigns and programs. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate reviews of primary and secondary skin cancer prevention strategies as reported over the past 10 years. We analyzed 63 systematic reviews and meta-analyses: 30 (46.6%) addressing primary interventions and 35 (55.6%) addressing secondary interventions. Two of the reviews covered both. The most widely reported primary prevention approaches were education programs (63.3%), followed by risk modeling to identify individuals at high risk for melanoma (17.6%), and the promotion of sunscreen use (11.8%). The most widely reported secondary prevention measures concerned imaging systems for early skin cancer detection (40%), smartphones and new technologies (22.9%), and visual diagnosis in population-based screening (17.4%). The most effective measures were primary prevention education programs to improve sun protection habits.

Fotoenvejecimiento cutáneo y su relación con el cáncer de piel: revisión sistemática / Cutaneous photoaging and its association with skin cancer: a systematic review

Introducción. Un factor fundamental en el envejecimiento de la piel es la exposición acumulativa a la luz solar. Al avanzar el proceso de fotoenvejecimiento, el colágeno y las fibras elásticas experimentan mayores daños, generando patologías asociadas a cáncer. Se plantea como objetivo de esta revisión, analizar la evidencia que existe en relación a las diferentes situaciones del fotoenvejecimiento cutáneo y su asociación con el cáncer de piel. Metodología. Se elaboró una revisión sistemática, exploratoria, a través de una búsqueda bibliográfica en gestores de bases de datos en salud. Se seleccionaron 18 artículos completos entre los años 2019 y 2020. Resultados. Se agruparon los hallazgos de los artículos en dos matrices de información, la primera que indica los temas principales del fotoenvejecimiento y la relación con los factores asociados a cáncer de piel, y una segunda matriz que presenta la interrelación de la asociación con la conclusión más relevante del artículo. Conclusiones. El fotoenvejecimiento es un problema que crece día a día impactando en la vida del ser humano, creando repercusiones a nivel físico y mental que afectan la calidad de vida. Es necesario crear conciencia acerca de los mecanismos de fotoprotección, como el uso de bloqueadores solares, antioxidantes, evitar la luz solar y uso de lentes solares, entre otros; y, en los casos que ya exista algún daño por fotoenvejecimiento, elegir la mejor alternativa e individualizar cada paciente según su tipo de piel y enfermedades asociadas con la edad, para un mejor enfoque de tratamiento, y así impactar de manera positiva en el crecimiento exponencial que existe hoy en día en diversos tipos de cáncer de piel y lesiones precancerosas

Introduction. A fundamental factor in skin aging is cumulative exposure to sunlight. As the photoaging process progresses, collagen and elastic fibers experience greater damage, generating pathologies associated with cancer. The aim of this review is to analyze the evidence that exists in relation to the different situations of cutaneous photoaging and its association with skin cancer. Methodology. A systematic, exploratory review was prepared through a bibliographic search in database managers in health. A total of 18 articles were selected between the years 2019 and 2020. Results. The articles information were grouped into two matrix, the first one that indicates the main themes of photoaging and the relationship with the factors associated with skin cancer, and a second matrix that presents the interrelationship of these factors with the most relevant conclusion of the study. Conclusions. Photoaging is a problem that grows day by day impacting on human life, creating repercussions on a physical and mental level affecting the quality of life. It is necessary to raise awareness about photoprotection mechanisms such as the use of sunscreen, antioxidants , avoid sunlight, use of solar lenses, among others; and in cases where there is already some damage caused by photoaging, choose the best alternative and individualize each patient according to their skin type and diseases associated with age, for a better treatment approach, and thus positively impact the exponential growth that exists today in various types of skin cancer and precancerous lesions

Island Flap for Upper-Lip Reconstruction: Analysis of Key Aspects and a Case Series. / Colgajo en isla del labio superior: claves fundamentales y serie de casos.

Upper-lip reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery is challenging for dermatologic surgeons. We describe a series of 15 patients (7 men and 8 women; mean age, 65.6 years) with skin cancer on the upper lip treated with Mohs surgery: 10 were basal cell carcinomas, 2 were melanomas, and 3 were squamous cell carcinomas. The resulting defects measured between 3 and 7.6cm. We used island flaps to reconstruct the defects in all cases, hiding the incisions in the nasolabial fold, at the line where the skin meets the vermillion border of the lip, and in the relaxed skin tension lines. We explain key aspects of the surgeries and design of the reconstructions, with emphasis on the importance of occasionally sacrificing small areas of healthy skin. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all patients, and there were no postsurgical complications.

Dermoscopy in Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Updated Review. / Dermatoscopia del carcinoma basocelular: revisión actualizada.

Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that has been demonstrated to improve diagnostic accuracy in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The first dermoscopic model for the diagnosis of BCC, based mainly on the identification of pigmented structures, was described by Menzies et al., and since then dermoscopy has generated an abundance of literature useful to routine clinical practice. From a practical perspective, dermoscopic structures associated with BCC can be classified as pigmented, vascular, or nonpigmented/nonvascular. One of the most recent applications of dermoscopy in BCC is as an aid to predicting histologic subtype and essentially differentiating between superficial and nonsuperficial BCC. It can also, however, help raise suspicion of more aggressive variants with a higher risk of recurrence. A thorough dermoscopic examination during follow-up of patients with actinic damage or a history of multiple BCCs can facilitate the detection of very incipient lesions and significantly impact treatment and prognosis.

Melanoma in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. / Melanoma en pacientes receptores de un trasplante de órgano sólido.

In this review, we analyze the 3 clinical scenarios related to the development of melanoma in solid organ transplant recipients: melanoma in patients with a history of the tumor prior to a transplant, de novo melanoma following a transplant, and melanoma of donor origin. The main factors to consider in organ-transplant candidates with a history of melanoma are tumor stage, presence or absence of residual disease, and time from diagnosis to transplantation. Solid organ transplant recipients have a greater risk of melanoma than immunocompetent individuals. Mortality is also higher in this population, especially in patients with advanced melanoma, as treatment is especially challenging. Clinical history and physical examination provide the most useful information for preventing donor-to-recipient transmission of melanoma. Donor-derived melanoma has a very poor prognosis.

Influence of the Exposome on Skin Cancer. / La influencia del exposoma en el cáncer de piel.

Skin cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in humans. While exposure to solar radiation is the most widely known and relevant causal factor, the different degrees of individual risk have not been fully elucidated. Epidemiological studies show how the risk of skin cancer is affected by other types of radiation (eg, ionizing radiation), pesticides, particulate matter in air pollution, toxins (eg, arsenic) in water and some foods. Some living entities, such as polyomavirus and human papillomavirus, can also cause specific types of cancer. Lastly, lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, and exercise may play a role, although only a few studies shed light on these factors. The abovementioned factors make up the exposome of skin cancer, that is, the set of environmental exposures that, together with the genome and microbiome, determine the onset of disease.

Porokeratosis: A Review of Its Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment. / Poroqueratosis. Revisión de su etiopatogenia, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Porokeratosis comprises a group of heterogeneous and uncommon acquired or congenital skin diseases of unknown origin characterized by a keratinization disorder resulting from abnormal clonal expansion of keratinocytes. Numerous genetic mutations are thought to be involved. These conditions are characterized histologically by the presence of a cornoid lamella. Clinical manifestations are variable, with localized, disseminated, and even eruptive forms. Porokeratosis has been associated with immunosuppression, ultraviolet radiation, and systemic, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. Many authors consider it to be a premalignant condition because of the potential for malignant transformation to squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma. Therefore, long-term follow-up is a key component of treatment, which is usually complex and often unsatisfactory. We review the latest advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment and propose a treatment algorithm.

Tratamiento con HeberFERON® en pacientes con carcinoma basocelular del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Dr. Miguel Enríquez", La Habana / Treatment with HeberFERON® in patients with basal cell carcinoma at the "Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgery Teaching Hospital in Havana 2018

Introducción: cada año se reportan en el mundo entre dos y tres millones de nuevos casos del carcinoma basocelular, el cual puede tratarse de diversas formas, en dependencia de la variedad clínica, localización y tamaño de la lesión. Existen antecedentes del empleo exitoso del HeberFERON® como alternativa terapéutica para este tipo de cáncer cutáneo. Objetivo: caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente a los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON® en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Dr. Miguel Enríquez", de la provincia de La Habana. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal dirigido a caracterizar los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON®, durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 49 pacientes, no se utilizó muestra. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, la edad máxima encontrada fue de 96 años, el fototipo cutáneo II fue el que prevaleció, mientras que el lugar de residencia habitual fue la urbana. Se encontró que, del total de casos estudiados, 47, eran tumores primarios para un 95,91 %; la localización más frecuente fue en las mejillas y 40 pacientes recibieron tratamiento previo con criocirugía, representando el 81,63 %. Conclusiones: la hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad de base que predominó. El subtipo clínico más frecuente fue el nodular, al igual que el histológico. La respuesta al tratamiento fue favorable en la mayoría de los casos tratados con HeberFERON®.

Introduction: between two and three million new cases of basal cell carcinoma are reported worldwide each year, which can be treated in various ways, depending on the clinical variety, location and size of the lesion. There is a history of successful use of HeberFERON® as a therapeutic alternative for this type of skin neoplasm. Objective: to characterize clinically and epidemiologically the patients with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFERON® at the "Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgery Teaching Hospital in Havana. Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize patients with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFERON®, during the period January 2017 to December 2018. The universe consisted of 49 patients, no sample was used. Results: males predominated, the maximum age found was 96 years, skin phototype II prevailed, while the usual place of residence was urban. It was found that of the total of cases studied, 47 were primary tumors (95.91%), the most frequent location was on the cheeks and 40 patients received previous treatment with cryosurgery representing 81.63%. Conclusions: the predominant underlying disease was high blood pressure. The most common clinical subtype was nodular, as well as the histological one. The response to treatment was favorable in most of the cases treated with HeberFERON®.