The Epidemiology of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans Incidence, Metastasis, and Death Among Various Population Groups: A SEER Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists regarding the epidemiology, metastasis, and survival of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). OBJECTIVE: To measure DFSP incidence and assess metastasis and survival outcomes. METHODS: Incidence rate, overall and DFSP-specific survival outcomes for primary DFSP tumors contained in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (SEER) were analyzed via quasi-poisson regression, Cox and competing risk analyses. RESULTS: DFSP incidence rate was 6.25 (95%CI, 5.93-6.57) cases per million person-years with significantly higher incidence observed among Black individuals than White individuals (8.74 vs 4.53). DSFP with larger tumor size (≥3 cm, Odds ratio,OR,2.24,95%CI,1.62-3.12,p <0.001) and tumors located on the head and neck (OR: 4.88, 95%CI, 3.31-7.18, p<0.001), and genitalia OR:3.16,95%CI:1.17-8.52, p value=0.023) were associated with significantly increased risk of metastasis whereas higher socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with significantly decreased risk of metastasis. Larger tumor size (≥3 cm), regardless of location, and age (≥60) were associated with significantly worse overall and cancer-specific survival. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design of SEER CONCLUSION: DFSP incidence is 2-fold higher among Black than White individuals. The risk of DFSP metastasis is significantly increased with tumor size ≥3 cm and tumors located on head and neck, and genitalia. Larger tumor size (≥ 3cm), regardless of location, and age (≥60) are the most important prognostic indicators for survival.

Identifying critical quality metrics in Mohs Surgery: A national expert consensus process.

BACKGROUND: Amid a movement toward value-based healthcare, increasing emphasis has been placed on outcomes and cost of medical services. To define and demonstrate the quality of services provided by Mohs surgeons, it is important to identify and understand the key aspects of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) that contribute to excellence in patient care. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to develop and identify a comprehensive list of metrics in an initial effort to define excellence in MMS. METHODS: Mohs surgeons participated in a modified Delphi process to reach a consensus on a list of metrics. Patients were administered surveys to gather patient perspectives. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the original 66 metrics met final inclusion criteria. Broad support for the initiative was obtained through physician feedback. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of this study include attrition bias across survey rounds and participation at the consensus meeting. Furthermore, the list of metrics is based on expert consensus instead of quality evidence-based outcomes. CONCLUSION: With the goal of identifying metrics that demonstrate excellence in performance of MMS, this initial effort has shown that Mohs surgeons and patients have unique perspectives and can be engaged in a data-driven approach to help define excellence in the field of MMS.

Review of Cutaneous Repairs on the Hand and Fingers Following Dermatologic Surgery.

Removal of cutaneous malignancies on the hand and fingers can result in challenging surgical defects to close. The dermatologic surgeon must not only be highly skilled, but also be knowledgeable regarding the complex anatomy of this area to perform reconstruction that provides optimal functional and cosmetic results. This review highlights key anatomic factors that must be considered when operating in this region. Wound management options discussed below include secondary intention, primary linear repair, local skin flaps, interpolation flaps, and skin grafting. The surgeon's choice is based on defect size, the presence/absence of adjacent skin laxity, and other patient-specific factors that may impact healing such as medical comorbidities, utilization of anticoagulant medications, and smoking status. This manuscript serves as an up-to-date review of closure considerations and techniques for physicians who surgically treat cutaneous malignancies of the hand and fingers.

Dermatologic Conditions of the External Ear: Basics, Updates, and Pearls.

Cutaneous diseases of the ear encompass a wide range of symptoms, complaints, and factors that negatively impact patients' well-being. These observations are frequently encountered by otolaryngologists and other physicians who treat individuals with ear-related issues. In this document, we aim to offer up-to-date information on diagnosing, predicting outcomes, and treating commonly occurring ear diseases.

Use and Cost of Skin Biopsy Procedures in the Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service Population, 2017 to 2020.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services noted skin biopsies have high expenditures and changed biopsy billing codes in 2018 to better align procedure type and associated billings. We examined associations between billing code updates and skin biopsy utilization and reimbursement across provider specialties. While dermatologists perform most skin biopsies, the proportion of skin biopsies performed by dermatologists has continuously decreased, but the proportion of skin biopsies performed by nonphysician clinicians has increased from 2017-2020. After the code update, the non-facility national payment amount decreased for first tangential biopsy but increased for first punch, first incisional, additional tangential, additional punch and additional incisional biopsy compared to the corresponding amount for first and additional biopsy before the code update. The allowable charges and Medicare payment per skin biopsy increased across provider specialties but has increased the most for primary care physicians from 2018-2020.

Perspectives of Dermatology Program Directors on the Impact of Step 1 Pass/Fail.

INTRODUCTION: The shift of Step 1 to Pass/Fail has generated several questions and concerns about obtaining residency positions among allopathic and osteopathic students alike. Determining the perspectives of Dermatology Program Directors in regards to post-Step 1 Pass/Fail is critical for students to better prepare for matching into dermatology. METHODS: After receiving Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption status, the program directors were chosen from 144 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and 27 American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Dermatology programs using contact information from their respective online website databases. An eight-item survey was constructed on a three-point Likert scale, one free text response, and four demographic questions. The anonymous survey was sent out over the course of three weeks with weekly individualized reminder requests for participation. RESULTS: A total of 54.54% of responders had "Letters of Recommendation" in their top 3. Forty-five percent of responders had "Completed Audition Rotation at Program" in their top 3. And, 38.09% of responders had "USMLE Step 2 CK Scores" in their top 3. CONCLUSION: Approximately 50% of responders agreed that all medical students will have more difficulty matching dermatology. Based on the survey study, Dermatology program directors want to focus more on letters of recommendation, audition rotations, and Step 2 CK scores. Because each field seems to prioritize different aspects of an application, students should attempt to gain as much exposure to different fields such as through research and shadowing to narrow down their ideal specialties. Consequently, the student will have more time to tailor their applications to what residency admissions are looking for.