Melanoma cutâneo primário: confirmações e novidades / Primary cutaneous melanoma: confirmations and news

Introdução: O melanoma cutâneo é uma das principais doenças em termos de morbi-mortalidade na Dermatologia. A população do sul do Brasil possui características que a tornam mais propensas a desenvolvê-la. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a frequência e perfil dos pacientes com melanoma cutâneo primário em Centro de Referência em dermatologia do Sistema Único de Saúde em Porto Alegre-RS. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado através de revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes, no período entre julho de 2005 e julho de 2012. Resultados: Foram avaliados 85 pacientes, com média de idade de 53,7 anos. O sexo feminino predominou (64,7%), e 55,4% dos indivíduos pertenciam a outras cidades do Estado. A maior frequência de topografia foi o dorso (31,3%), e o de subtipo mais encontrado foi o espalhamento superficial (59,0%). A média de Breslow foi de 2,1mm, com mediana de 0,9 mm. Verificou-se que 47,4% apresentaram mitoses, 13,0%,ulceração e 40,3%, regressão. O histórico familiar de câncer de pele foi de 16,7%. Da presente amostra, 18% procuraram atendimento por outros motivos que não a lesão de melanoma e 79,8% negavam história pessoal de câncer cutâneo. O melanoma in situ mostrou-se associado à topografia do segmento cefálico, e as lesões invasivas relacionaram-se com dorso e membros inferiores (p<0,05). Conclusão: A análise da amostra corrobora a tendência atual para diagnósticos mais precoces, ainda que a maioria não fora in situ, ou seja, há necessidade para o contínuo estímulo ao diagnóstico precoce. Ressaltamos a importância do exame da pele como rotina na consulta (18% procuraram atendimento por outros motivos)

Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma is a major disease in terms of morbidity and mortality in Dermatology. The population of south Brazil has characteristics that make them more prone to cutaneous melanoma. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and profile of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma in the Dermatology Reference Center of the Unified Health System in Porto Alegre-RS. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on the medical records of patients from July 2005 to July 2012. Results: We evaluated 85 patients with a mean age of 53.7 years. Females predominated (64.7%), and 55.4% of the subjects were from other cities of the state. The highest frequency of topography was the back (31.3%), and the most common subtype was superficial spreading (59.0%). The Breslow's depth mean was 2.1 mm, with median0.9 mm. It was found that 47.4% had mitosis, 13.0% ulceration and 40.3% regression. Familial history of skin cancer was 16.7%. From this sample, 18% sought treatment for reasons other than melanoma injury, and 79.8% reported no personal history of skin cancer. Melanoma in situ was associated with the topography of the head, and invasive lesions were related to the back and lower limbs (p <0,05). Conclusion: The analysis of the sample confirms the current trend to earlier diagnosis, although the majority was not in situ, i.e., there is a need for continued encouragement to early diagnosis. We emphasize the importance of skin examination as a routine in the consultation (as 18% of patients sought care for other reasons)

Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: an observation in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma cutaneous and the mortalities rates are rising in most countries worldwide. OBJECTIVE: to describe the histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma, according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Group of Melanoma, and to evaluate early diagnosis in a cancer treatment referral center. METHODS: we performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of cases of primary cutaneous melanoma identified after excisional biopsy and processed at the pathology laboratory of Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa between Jan 1st 2000 and Jan 15th 2005. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, topography, histopathologic subtype, Breslow thickness, growth phase, Clark level, mitotic index, peritumoral and intratumoral lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, ulceration, regression, type of regression, microscopic satellitosis, and surgical margins. RESULTS: 328 cases, 57% female and 43% male, were analyzed. Mean age was 55.6 years. For women, the most common tumor location was in inferior(29.26%) and superior limbs(23.94%), while for men melanoma was mainly found in the back(35%), followed by anterior chest/abdomen(14.29%) (p<0.05). Prevalence of histologic subtypes was the following: superficial spreading melanoma(62.8%), lentigo maligna(14.9%), nodular(14.6%), acral(7.3%), and desmoplastic(0.3%) types. Regarding Breslow, 26.2% were in situ, 36.9% had <1 mm, and only 15.9% were ? 4mm in depth. CONCLUSION: the distribution of histopathologic subtypes, as well as Breslow thickness, was in accordance with previous studies in outpatient populations. The profile of cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in a tertiary hospital seems to be experiencing some changes over the last two decades, with a current trend for earlier diagnosis.

A precocidade diagnóstica do melanoma cutâneo: uma observação no sul do Brasil / Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: an observation in southern Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: A incidência do melanoma cutâneo e as taxas de mortalidade a ele associadas estão crescendo na maioria dos países do mundo. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características histopatológicas do melanoma cutâneo, segundo critérios do Grupo Brasileiro de Melanoma, e avaliar a precocidade diagnóstica em hospital de referência do sul do Brasil para o atendimento de melanoma. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com casos de melanoma cutâneo primário reconhecidos após biópsia excisional, processados no laboratório de Patologia do Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre entre 1º/1/2000 e 15/1/2005. Outras variáveis analisadas: idade, sexo, topogra fia da lesão, subtipos histopatológicos, índice Breslow, fase de crescimento, índice de Clark, índice mitótico, infiltrado inflamatório linfocitário peritumoral e intratumoral, invasão angiolinfática e perineural, presença de úlcera e regressão, tipo de regressão, satelitose microscópica e margens cirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 328 casos, sendo 57 por cento mulheres e 43 por cento homens, com média de idade de 55,63 anos. A localização foi preferencialmente nos membros inferiores (29,26 por cento) e superiores (23,94 por cento) nas mulheres. Nos homens, predominou no dorso (35 por cento) e no tórax anterior/abdome (14,29 por cento) (p<0,05). Os subtipos histológicos se apresentaram com as seguintes frequências: espalhamento superficial (62,8 por cento), lentigo maligno (14,9 por cento), nodular (14,6 por cento), acral (7,3 por cento) e desmoplásico (0,3 por cento). Quanto ao Breslow: 26,2 por cento dos casos eram in situ, 36,9 por cento eram <1mm, enquanto apenas 15,9 por cento apresentavam mais de 4mm de profundidade. CONCLUSÃO: A distribuição dos subtipos histológicos e o nível de profundidade (Breslow) foram semelhantes aos encontrados em estudos anteriores em população de base não hospitalar. O perfil dos casos de melanoma cutâneo avaliados em hospital terciário parece estar se modificando nas últimas duas décadas, com tendência a diagnósticos mais precoces, atualmente.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma cutaneous and the mortalities rates are rising in most countries worldwide. OBJECTIVE: to describe the histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma, according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Group of Melanoma, and to evaluate early diagnosis in a cancer treatment referral center. METHODS: we performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of cases of primary cutaneous melanoma identified after excisional biopsy and processed at the pathology laboratory of Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa between Jan 1st 2000 and Jan 15th 2005. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, topography, histopathologic subtype, Breslow thickness, growth phase, Clark level, mitotic index, peritumoral and intratumoral lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, ulceration, regression, type of regression, microscopic satellitosis, and surgical margins. RESULTS: 328 cases, 57 percent female and 43 percent male, were analyzed. Mean age was 55.6 years. For women, the most common tumor location was in inferior(29.26 percent) and superior limbs(23.94 percent), while for men melanoma was mainly found in the back(35 percent), followed by anterior chest/abdomen(14.29 percent) (p<0.05). Prevalence of histologic subtypes was the following: superficial spreading melanoma(62.8 percent), lentigo maligna(14.9 percent), nodular(14.6 percent), acral(7.3 percent), and desmoplastic(0.3 percent) types. Regarding Breslow, 26.2 percent were in situ, 36.9 percent had <1 mm, and only 15.9 percent were ? 4mm in depth. CONCLUSION: the distribution of histopathologic subtypes, as well as Breslow thickness, was in accordance with previous studies in outpatient populations. The profile of cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in a tertiary hospital seems to be experiencing some changes over the last two decades, with a current trend for earlier diagnosis.

Molusco contagioso em crianças: tratamentos comparativos / Molluscum contagiosum in children: comparative treatments

Introdução: Molusco contagioso é dermatovirose comum na infância. Embora autolimitada, preconiza-se o tratamento por ser contagiosa e determinar complicações. Na escolha terapêutica, consideram-se efetividade e tolerância. Objetivos: Comparar três tratamentos em crianças quanto à eficácia, aos efeitos colaterais e ao impacto psicológico, com a finalidade de individualizar a abordagem. Métodos: Estudo comparativo, randomizado e prospectivo, utilizando três terapias para molusco contagioso, em 50 pacientes com idade entre três e 15 anos, divididos em três grupos.O grupo 1 foi tratado com hidróxido de potássio 10%, o grupo 2 com combinação de ácidos salicílico e lático, e o grupo 3 com curetagem.Resultados: O estudo não mostrou diferença estatística nas análises realizadas, apesar de determinar algumas tendências.O grupo 1 mostrou mais complicações e dor, assim como mais pacientes com lesões ao final do seguimento.Os pacientes do grupo 3 foram os mais colaborativos no tratamento, sendo o método mais rápido e que gerou maior satisfação.Discussão: A curetagem e a combinação de ácido salicílico e lático foram igualmente eficazes, tendendo a última à demora na resolução. Conclusão: Os autores acreditam que o tratamento deve ser individualizado, considerando a preferência do paciente, sua tolerância e tempo disponível.

Introdução: Molluscum contagiosum is a dermal viral infection commonly occurring in childhood. Although self-limited, this disease is contagious and involves complications such as pruritus, eczema and bacterial superinfection.A therapeutic approach is often required, and treatment selection depends on its effectiveness and patient tolerance. Objective: Compare 3 treatments in children regarding efficacy, adverse effects and psychological impact, in efforts to customize the treatment approach. Methods: Randomized, comparative and prospective study of patients aged 3 to 15, divided into 3 groups.The trunk and face were the most frequently affected sites. Group 1 was treated with 10% potassium hydroxide, Group 2 with a combination of salicylic and lactic acids, and Group 3 with curettage. Parental satisfaction regarding comfort and treatment cost was assessed in each group. Results: Although some tendencies could be identified, the study did not detect statistical differences between the treatment groups. Group 1 experienced more pain, and a greater number of patients with complications at the end of the follow-up period. Group 3 patients were more cooperative in their treatment, since this method was the quickest and presented the fewest side effects, resulting in greater parental satisfaction. Discussion: Curettage (Group 3) and the combination of salicylic and lactic acids (Group 2) were equally effective, although the results for Group 2 were more gradual. Conclusion:Treatment of this condition must be individualized, taking the patients’ preference, tolerance and availability of time into consideration.