Squamous cell carcinoma with aggressive subclinical extension: 5-year retrospective review of diagnostic predictors.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma with aggressive subclinical extension (SCC-ASE) is a tumor whose extensive spread becomes revealed during surgery or pathologic review, particularly during Mohs micrographic surgery. Limited clinical awareness of these lesions may result in unanticipated longer surgical times and larger postoperative defects. SCC-ASE-associated clinical risk factors are not well studied. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors associated with SCC-ASE. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of SCC treated with Mohs micrographic surgery between 2007 and 2012 at a single academic surgical center. SCC-ASE was defined as a lesion requiring at least 3 Mohs stages with a final surgical margin of ≥1 cm. RESULTS: Of 954 cases studied, 31% were SCC-ASE. In multivariable analysis, sex (P = .001), history of previous nonmelanoma skin cancer (P < .001), Fitzpatrick skin types II and III (P = .004 and <.001, respectively), immunosuppression related to solid organ transplant (P < .001), and cigarette use (P < .001) were significant predictors of SCC-ASE. LIMITATIONS: Single academic center selection bias, not-controlled for sun exposure differences, no information on medication regimens of solid organ transplant patients, and a small sample size are all limitations of our study. CONCLUSION: Easily attainable demographic factors, especially immunosuppressed status and cigarette use, can help predict the occurrence of SCC-ASE and thereby optimize surgical planning and patient preparedness.

Transient lingual papillitis associated with confirmed herpes simplex virus 1 in a patient with kawasaki disease.

We present a case of transient lingual papillitis associated with confirmed herpes simplex virus 1 that developed after a child received intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab for acute Kawasaki disease.

Understanding the pediatric dermatology workforce shortage: mentoring matters.

OBJECTIVES: To target pediatric dermatologists directly in order to evaluate their current demographics and the most important motivating factors that influenced their career choice. Pediatric dermatology is one of the pediatric subspecialties with an inadequate supply to meet current patient needs. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was designed to evaluate the training pathway, employment status, participation in teaching, and clinical practice characteristics of pediatric dermatologists. The survey was administered to attendants of the 2010 Society for Pediatric Dermatology annual meeting. Any remaining board certified pediatric dermatologists who had not previously responded were queried via Survey Monkey. RESULTS: There was a 71% response rate. The majority chose a career in pediatric dermatology early, often prior to starting a dermatology residency. The vast majority of respondents noted mentorship as the most important influence on their decision to pursue a career in pediatric dermatology. The most common obstacles cited by respondents were financial hardship and resistance of some dermatology programs to accept applicants previously trained in pediatrics. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey provides evidence to support the importance of early exposure to the field and, most importantly, to committed pediatric dermatologists who can serve as mentors. This information may be helpful in approaching solutions to the workforce shortage in the field of pediatric dermatology.