Review of the Molecular Genetics of Basal Cell Carcinoma; Inherited Susceptibility, Somatic Mutations, and Targeted Therapeutics.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a significant public health concern, with more than 3 million cases occurring each year in the United States, and with an increasing incidence. The molecular basis of BCC is complex, involving an interplay of inherited genetic susceptibility, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and genetic syndromes, and sporadic somatic mutations, often induced by carcinogenic exposure to UV radiation. This review outlines the currently known germline and somatic mutations implicated in the pathogenesis of BCC, including the key molecular pathways affected by these mutations, which drive oncogenesis. With advances in next generation sequencing and our understanding of the molecular genetics of BCC, established and emerging targeted therapeutics are offering new avenues for the non-surgical treatment of BCC. These agents, including Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, immune modulators, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, will also be discussed.

Gamification improves melanoma visual identification among high school students: Results from a randomized study.

Identification of melanoma or worrisome moles is often taught as an important part of routine skin checks. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of gamified education vs. traditional ABCDEs education on melanoma identification and self-confidence in identifying worrisome moles. We report that in our cohort (n = 271), participants randomized to the gamified intervention were more likely to correctly identify melanoma and non-melanoma skin lesions than those randomized to the ABCDE control cohort (74.2% vs 63.5% correct, P < .0001) and perceived confidence in self-identifying worrisome lesions was slightly higher in the gamified group than the traditional group, though the trend was not significant. These novel findings have significant implications on improved ways to educate young patients on the visual identification of melanoma and worrisome moles.

Emerging technologies for health information in dermatology: opportunities and drawbacks of web-based searches, social media, mobile applications, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in patient care.

Emerging technology is fundamentally changing how individuals interact with the health care system. Web-based searches, mobile applications, social media, and directto- consumer genetic testing companies are facilitating information exchange at a higher rate than ever before, creating a macroscopic shift in the mechanisms by which individuals seek health information. The visual nature of skin disease enables individuals to browse, share, and search based on images, adding another dimension to how dermatological information is transferred. These trends carry important implications on user health care behavior, and so it is vital for health care professionals to stay attuned to the morphing characteristics of their patients' health management in order to continue to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.