Prevalence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions in oculocutaneous albinism patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Oculocutaneous albinism describes a group of pigmentary disorders that lead to skin sensitivity and predisposition to skin malignances. Aims: To analyze clinical and epidemiological data in oculocutaneous albinism patients and to determine the prevalence of malignant skin lesions, assessing possible risk factors for skin cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study evaluating epidemiological data, habits of sun exposure and sun protection, and clinical examination of albino patients followed in a reference dermatology outpatient clinic in Brasil. Our primary outcome was the occurrence of malignant skin lesions in biopsied tissues. RESULTS: Of 74 patients analyzed, 11 (15%) had one or more suspicious lesions and were biopsied, of which 8 (72.7%) patients presented with basal cell carcinomas, 7 (63.3%) presented with squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 (9%) presented with melanoma. Moreover, 32(43%) patients presented with actinic keratosis. Age, female gender, previous history of sunburn, history of malignant lesions and history of sun exposure without photoprotection were associated with the presence of malignant lesions. Limitations: Unicentric, non-aleatory sample. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of malignant and pre-malignant lesions in this population. Some potentially modifiable risk factors were associated with the occurrence of malignant skin lesions.

Conocimientos, hábitos y actitudes de fotoprotección en adolescentes / Knowledge, habits, and attitudes of photoprotection in teenagers

Introducción: el cáncer de piel es una neoplasia frecuente en el ser humano a nivel mundial, su incidencia se ha incrementado durante las últimas décadas, considerado como una expresión de hábitos de mayor exposición a radiaciones ultravioletas. Entre el 60% y 80 % de la exposición solar a lo largo de la vida tiene lugar antes de la edad de 18 años. Los niños y adolescentes son los más vulnerables a la radiación, debido a que el daño solar es máximo y acumulativo. Objetivo: describir los conocimientos, hábitos y actitudes de fotoprotección en escolares del nivel secundario. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal en adolescentes de la Escuela Secundaria Básica Cándido González, ubicada en la localidad ¨La Playa¨, municipio Matanzas, en el periodo de febrero a marzo del 2017. El universo quedó constituido por la totalidad de los estudiantes que cursan el séptimo y octavo grado (259). Resultados: se encontró un predominio del fototipo cutáneo III en la población de estudio. En cuanto a los conocimientos sobre fotoprotección y fotodaño, 195 estudiantes (75,3%) fueron evaluados de mal. El 65,6% de los adolescentes refirieron usar cremas de protección solar. En relación con la actitud ante el bronceado, se observó que fue adecuada en 240 alumnos (92,7%). Conclusiones: los malos conocimientos sobre fotoprotección y fotodaño de los alumnos encuestados pueden estar relacionados a hábitos inadecuados e historias de quemadura solar encontrados (AU).

Introduction: skin cancer is a frequent neoplasia in the human being all around the world; its incidence has increased during the last decades, fact that is considered as an expression of habits of more exposition to ultraviolet radiations. Between 60 % and 80 % of the exposition to sunlight throughout the live occurs before the age of 18 years. Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable to radiation due to the fact that sun damage is maximal and accumulative. Objective: to describe knowledge, habits and attitudes of photoprotection in students of the secondary level. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cro0ss-sectional study was carried out in teenagers of the Secondary School ¨Candido González¨, located in La Playa, municipality of Matanzas, in the period from January to March 2017. The universe was formed by all the students attending the 7th and 8th grade (259). Results: the skin phototype III predominated in the studied population. According to knowledge on photoprotection and photodamage, 195 students (75.3 %) were evaluated as bad. 65.6 % of teenagers referred the usage of sun protective creams. In relation with the attitude toward sun tanning, it was adequate in 240 students (92.7 %). Conclusions: the erroneous knowledge on photoprotection and photodamage of the questioned students could be related to inadequate habits and histories of sunburn they listened (AU).

Fotoproteção tópica na infância e na adolescência / Topical photoprotection in childhood and adolescence

OBJETIVO: A exposição à luz solar na infância ocorre, frequentemente, de forma mais intensa do que em muitos adultos. Dados da literatura comprovam de maneira inequívoca a associação desse comportamento social com o risco de desenvolvimento do melanoma maligno e do câncer cutâneo não melanoma mesmo na vida adulta. Além disso, o fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo é semeado já na infância com a exposição solar inadequada. Esta revisão tem como objetivo orientar os pediatras nas medidas adequadas de fotoproteção tópica nas crianças e adolescentes, o que irá alterar de maneira positiva o futuro desses pacientes. FONTES DOS DADOS: Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura indexada na base de dados MEDLINE/PubMed entre os anos de 1999 e 2012 sobre fotoproteção na infância, selecionando-se como fonte os artigos de revisão mais relevantes, do ponto de vista de abrangência do tema fotoproteção em crianças e adolescentes, fotoproteção e vitamina D, fototerapia na neonatologia e impacto no câncer cutâneo, bronzeamento artificial e câncer cutâneo. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Crianças e adolescentes devem adotar medidas adequadas de fotoproteção para diminuir o risco de câncer cutâneo melanoma e não melanoma. CONCLUSÕES: Há dados na literatura que suportam a associação de hábitos de exposição solar segura e uso de fotoprotetores tópicos em crianças e adolescentes com a redução da ocorrência do câncer cutâneo.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to sunlight in childhood is often more intense than in adults. Literature data unequivocally show the association between this social behavior and the risk for developing malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, even in adulthood. Furthermore, skin photoaging begins already in childhood through inadequate sun exposure. This review aims to guide pediatricians on appropriate measures of topical photoprotection in children and adolescents, which will positively change the future of these patients. SOURCES: A review of the literature indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed between the years 1999 and 2012 on photoprotection in childhood was conducted. The most relevant review articles on photoprotection in children and adolescents, photoprotection and vitamin D in neonatal phototherapy and impact on skin cancer, artificial tanning and skin cancer were selected as sources. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Children and adolescents should adopt appropriate measures of photoprotection in order to decrease the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS: There are published data that support the association between sun exposure habits and safe use of topical sunscreens in children and adolescents on the one hand and a reduced occurrence of skin cancer on the other.

Comparison of Spectral-Domain and Time-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Solar Retinopathy

The purpose of this article is to compare spectral-domain (SD) and time-domain (TD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with solar retinopathy. Complete ocular examinations and OCT were performed in two patients presenting with acute solar retinopathy soon after observation of an eclipse. Both patients were evaluated with SD-OCT and TD-OCT at the same time. SD-OCT demonstrated characteristic defects at the level of the inner and outer segment junction of the photoreceptors in all the affected eyes and decreased reflectiveness of the retinal pigment epithelium layer. TD-OCT images showed unremarkable findings in two eyes with deteriorated visual acuity. SD-OCT improves diagnosis and assessment of the degree and nature of foveal damage in patients with solar retinopathy and may be an important tool for use in identifying foveal damage not detected by TD-OCT. SD-OCT may be preferable to TD-OCT for confirmation or assessment of the degree of foveal damage in patients with solar retinopathy.

intervention based on protection motivation theory in reducing skin cancer risk

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable, curable and treatable of all other cancers. In the past decade, the rates for most cancers, specially the skin cancers increased visibly. Sun exposure is a major causative factor for skin cancer for which prevention is possible. Protection motivation theory [PMT] provides one model for increasing healthy behavior through persuasive communication. We apply this theory for skin cancer prevention behavior. This was an experimental study. Participants were 360 female students from four high schools in Yazd city, Iran that divided in two groups [180 in case and 180 in control group]. A self-report questionnaire was used to assess the variables in the PMT model at pretest, post-test and follow-up. The questionnaire was distributed before the intervention [pre-test] and afterwards [post-test] and following at a 2 month lag. For data analysis ANOVA, T-test, Wilcoxon, Pearson's correlation and coefficient were used. A significant difference between all variables except fear was noted in the case and control groups in follow-up [p=0.00]. There was significant difference between mean grades score of all of variables in case group, in pre-test and follow up. No significant difference was seen between mean grade scores of variables in control group in pre-test and follow up. There is significant difference between using methods for prevention skin cancer in case and control group after intervention. Results support the effectiveness of a PMT-based intervention to change the attitude and behavior associated with skin cancer risk. Theory-based intervention can motivate people to alert their attitudes and behaviors regarding sun exposure

Análisis de la densidad y distribución anatómica de nevos melanocíticos adquiridos, en adolescentes del estrato socioeconómico bajo de Santiago de Chile / Body distribution and density of acquired melanocytic nevi in adolescents of low socioeconomic stratus of Santiago, Chile

Background: There is an increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma in Chile. Previous studies have shown that the density and size of acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) are a risk factor for developing malignant melanoma. Aim: To assess the number and anatomical distribution of acquired melanocytic nevi in Chilean adolescents. Material and methods: The number of AMN was counted in 30 anatomical sites in 201 Chilean school children (111 females), aged from 11 to 15 years. The number oí small AMN (2-4.9 mm) and large AMN (>5 mm ofdiameter) was determined. Results: Mean AMN number per person was 32.7 (95 percent confidence interval (CI) 30.7-42.3) in males and 29 (95 percent CI 271-38.6) in females (p =NS). Males had a higher number of AMN in the face, neck and trunk. Females had a higher number of AMN in the upper and lower limbs. Older children, adolescents with history of sunburns and with lighter skin had a higher number of total, small and large nevi. Conclusions: The average number ofAMNfound in this study is similar to that reported in the literature. The differences in site distribution between males and femalesmay be explainedby a differentsun exposurepattern.

Carcinogênese: o nascimento de um câncer de pele / Carcinogens: skin cancer birth

O desenvolvimento de um câncer de pele, a exemplo de outros órgãos, segue a teoria de formação de neoplasias malignas, que pode ser dividida em três estágios: iniciação, promoção e progressão. Os estudos em biologia molecular têm esclarecido os mecanismos envolvidos nestas etapas, que resultam na produção de uma célula atípica. O objetivo desta revisão é auxiliar médicos e estudantes de Medicina e compreender os mecanismos biológicos que dão origem ao câncer cutâneo. O reconhecimento destes mecanismos terá fundamental importância para o diagnóstico precoce, tratamento e prognóstico destes pacientes num futuro próximo.

Determination of sunburn and skin cancer risk of outpatients in a dermatology polyclinic.

Public health experts and medical professionals continue to issue warnings to people about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation fromthe sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Skin cancer is more common than any other type of cancer and exposure to sun is known to contribute to all three major types, namely, basal-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma. While skin cancer has been associated with sunburn, moderate tanning may also exert an influence. Seven steps to safer sunning are avoiding the sun, using a sunscreen, wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, covering up, avoiding artificial tanning, and checking skin regularly. The present study was performed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors of individuals concerning skin cancer. A descriptive survey was conducted among 475 patients randomly selected from the Dermatology Polyclinic of Ege University. A self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate their knowledge about skin cancer. A total of 297 female and 178 male participants were questioned, with a mean age of 32.48 +15.12. Some 36.8% had skin type II and 39.8% type III. The most common hair and eye color were brown, respectively at 56.0% and 58.7%. 79.8% had a mole(s), 19.2% had birthmark. A total of 8 of the 475 participants consulted for sunburns (1.7%). Glasses were the most popular preventive behaviour (28.8%). A total of 56 of the 475 outpatients questioned did not use any protective measure. Individuals need to be better educated on the dangers of the sun and sun protection as well as skin cancer.

Factores de riesgo para carcinoma basocelular. Estudio de casos-controles en Córdoba / Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma. Case-control study in Cordoba

El carcinoma basocelular es una enfermedad compleja. Su etiología es todavía poco clara y a pesar de su frecuencia hay pocos datos sobre factores de riesgo. Nosotros evaluamos factores de riesgo potenciales para carcinoma basocelular en una población de Córdoba (Argentina). Este estudio de casos y controles incluyó a 88 casos nuevos de carcinoma basocelular, y 88 controles pareados por sexo y edad. Los siguientes factores de riesgo fueron significativos en el análisis multivariado: fototipos I, II y III, exposición solar recreativa alta después de los 20 años de edad, exposición solar alta en vacaciones en la playa y la presencia de queratosis actínicas.

Basal cell carcinoma is undoubtedly a complex disease. Its etiology is still unclear and despite its frequency, there is a paucity of data on its risk factors. We assessed potential risk factors for basal cell carcinoma in a population from Córdoba (Argentina). This case-control study involved 88 newly diagnosed cases and 88 controls, matched by age and sex. The following risk factors were significant in the multivariate analysis: skin type I-II-III, high recreational sun exposure after 20 years of age, high sun exposure for beach holidays and actinic keratosis.

Epitelioma basocelular superficial multicéntrico: forma inusual de extensión centrífuga / Multicentric superficial basal cell epithelioma with unusual centrifugal extension

Se estudia un caso de epitelioma basocelular (EBC) de aspecto clínico poco frecuente y forma de extensión inusual. A partir de una o dos lesiones centrales que se extendieron en forma periférica con crecimiento centrífugo, presentó múltiples tumores que corresponden clínicamente a epiteliomas basocelulares de tipo planocicatrizal, noduloide ulcerado y lesiones periféricas maculosas que dibujan un margen casi continuo rectangular. La dificultad para encuadrarlo en una forma clínica conocida y el interrogante acerca de la etiopatogenia en este caso motiva esta comunicación

Enfermedad de Grover / Grover's disease

Se presenta un caso de dermatosis acantolítica transitoria descripta por primera vez por R. Grover en 1970. Se consideran los diagnósticos diferenciales clínicos y se describen los cuatro patrones histológicos que aparecen en esta dermatosis. Se discute la etiopatología y terapéutica. Se comunica este caso de Enfermedad de Grover debido a que es una dermatosis infrecuente que obliga a plantear numerosos diagnósticos diferenciales desde el punto de vista clínico