Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3mm).

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3mm, with those from 3 to 10mm. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. RESULTS: A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes CONCLUSIONS: Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3 mm)

Abstract Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3 mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. Objective To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3 mm, with those from 3 to 10 mm. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. Results A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. Study limitations Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes Conclusions Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Basal cell carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery in young Ibero-American patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in younger individuals has increased in recent decades. However, the characteristics of BCCs in this population, especially in Ibero-Latin American countries, have not been completely defined. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of BCCs in patients younger than 40 treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study conducted between January 2009 and December 2014, in five Ibero-American countries, included biopsy-proven BCCs in patients younger than 40 that were treated with MMS. Demographic, clinical, histopathological, and surgical characteristics were described. RESULTS: The study included 301 tumors in 241 patients, of whom 61% were female. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. The most common histological subtypes were nodular (37.5%) and infiltrative (18.9%). Perineural invasion was encountered in 1.7%, and tumor clearance was achieved in 87.4% within two stages of MMS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Ibero-Latin American transnational study describing the characteristics of BCCs in young patients treated with MMS. Despite darker skin phototypes in this population, BCCs can occur in early ages and may present with aggressive features. Therefore, MMS may be considered an appropriate first-line treatment option in this population.

Evaluación de la exposición solar y las medidas de fotoprotección en deportistas del Valle de Aburrá en el 2018 / Evaluation of solar exposure and photoprotection measures in athletes of Valle de Aburrá in 2018

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el cáncer de piel es el más común en humanos y su incidencia continúa en aumento. La radiación ultravioleta (RUV) es el principal factor ambiental asociado con este cáncer. Los deportistas presentan un mayor riesgo para desarrollar cáncer de piel; sin embargo en nuestro país, hasta el momento, no se ha estudiado esta población. Objetivo general: describir las conductas de riesgo del cáncer de piel en deportistas del Valle de Aburrá, a través de una encuesta realizada en los centros más importantes de la región. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal descriptivo; se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con hábitos de fotoprotección. Según el tipo de variable, se usó media y desviación estándar o conteos absolutos y relativos. Resultados: se incluyeron 122 deportistas, la edad promedio del grupo estudiado fue de 20 años, el 56 % de los incluidos fueron hombres. El 74 % de los deportes se realizaban al aire libre, el fútbol fue el deporte más frecuente. El 75 % de los participantes entrenaba cuatro o más veces por semana y el 55 % lo hacía en horas con muy alta RUV. El 27 % de los deportistas reportó de 1 a 3 insolaciones en la infancia. La fotoprotección química se utilizaba con más frecuencia que la física. Conclusiones: este es el primer estudio realizado en Colombia que evidencia la necesidad de mejorar la educación en prevención primaria y secundaria sobre el cáncer de piel en esta población.

SUMMARY Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in humans and its incidence increases. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main environmental factor associated with this cancer. Athletes have a greater risk to develop skin cancer. Up to date in Colombia, this population has not been studied. Objective: To describe the behaviors and photoprotection measures in athletes of Valle de Aburrá. Materials and methods: Cross sectional study. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and related to photoprotective habits were evaluated. Depending on the type of variable, mean and standard deviation or absolute and relative counts were used. Results: One hundred twenty two athletes were included, 56% were men, the whole group had an average age of 20 years. 74% of sports were played outdoors; soccer was the most frequent sport. 75% of participants trained four or more times per week and 55% did so in hours with very high RUV. 27% of athletes reported between 1 to 3 insolations in childhood. Chemical photoprotection was used more frequently than physical. Conclusions: This is the first study in Colombia that shows the need to improve skin cancer primary and secondary prevention strategies in this population.