Beatrice Wang

Barriers and facilitators of adherence to medical advice on skin self-examination during melanoma follow-up care

BackgroundMelanoma is the fastest growing tumor of the skin, which disproportionately affects younger and middle-aged adults. As melanomas are visible, recognizable, and highly curable while in early stages, early diagnosis is one of the most effective measures to decrease melanoma-related mortality. Skin self-examination results in earlier detection and removal of the melanoma. Due to the elevated risk of survivors for developing subsequent melanomas, monthly self-exams are strongly recommended as part of follow-up care. Yet, only a minority of high-risk individuals practices systematic and regular self-exams. This can be improved through patient education. However, dermatological education is effective only in about 50% of the cases and little is known about those who do not respond. In the current literature, psychosocial variables like distress, coping with cancer, as well as partner and physician support are widely neglected in relation to the practice of skin self-examination, despite the fact that they have been shown to be essential for other health behaviors and for adherence to medical advice. Moreover, the current body of knowledge is compromised by the inconsistent conceptualization of SSE. The main objective of the current project is to examine psychosocial predictors of skin self-examination using on a rigorous and clinically sound methodology.Methods/DesignThe longitudinal, mixed-method study examines key psychosocial variables related to the acquisition and to the long-term maintenance of skin self-examination in 200 patients with melanoma. Practice of self-exam behaviors is assessed at 3 and 12 months after receiving an educational intervention designed based on best-practice standards. Examined predictors of skin self-exam behaviors include biological sex, perceived self-exam efficacy, distress, partner and physician support, and coping strategies. Qualitative analyses of semi-structured interviews will complement and enlighten the quantitative findings.DiscussionThe identification of short and long-term predictors of skin self-examination and an increased understanding of barriers will allow health care professionals to better address patient difficulties in adhering to this life-saving health behavior. Furthermore, the findings will enable the development and evaluation of evidence-based, comprehensive intervention strategies. Ultimately, these findings could impact a wide range of outreach programs and secondary prevention initiatives for other populations with increased melanoma risk.

Predictors of skin self-examination before and after a melanoma diagnosis: the role of medical advice and patient’s level of education

Background Cutaneous melanoma is the fastest growing tumor of the skin and the median life span of patients with advanced disease is less than a year. Melanoma-related mortality can be reduced through early detection via clinical skin exams and patient self-examination. Despite the potential to reducing the medical burden associated with clinical skin exams, systematic and regular skin self-examinations (SSE) are rarely performed. The current study examined psychosocial predictors of SSE and changes in SSE behavior from pre- to post-diagnosis in order to guide future melanoma prevention initiatives. Findings A consecutive sample of 47 melanoma survivors was drawn from a tertiary care clinic. Most melanomas had been detected by patients, spouses and other laypersons. Higher education was related to more frequent SSE at pre-diagnosis, more thorough SSE at post-diagnosis, and more frequent reports of having been advised to perform SSE at post-diagnosis. SSE behaviors increased significantly from pre- to post-diagnosis. Conclusions These findings suggest that different patient subgroups display varied knowledge base, readiness for change, and receptiveness for medical advice. Thus, interventions seeking to enhance skin self-exam practice may be most effective when the individual’s psychosocial characteristics are taken into account.

Composite cutaneous lymphoma in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whether treated or not with immunosuppressive agents including methotrexate, have an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. Termed “iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders” in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms, they include Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Composite lymphomas are rare, particularly in skin, with none reported in immunodeficiency states. We report the case of a 67 year-old woman with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis, on methotrexate treatment, who developed multiple skin lesions exhibiting a malignant infiltrate displaying both B- and T-cell phenotypes and dual clonal gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction, consistent with a cutaneous composite lymphoma. The patient received chemotherapy including rituximab with partial response, but the T-cell component recurred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a cutaneous composite lymphoma in a patient with an iatrogenic immunodeficiency representing a dual challenge, diagnostic for the pathologist and therapeutic for the hematologist.

Cytomorphometric parameters and the metastatic potential of cutaneous and uveal melanoma: a comparison with prognostic factors.

The Mean of the Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN1) is one of the most important prognostic factors in uveal malignant melanoma. This study was performed to investigate the applicability of nuclear and nucleolar measurements as a prognostic factor for cutaneous melanoma. A routine light microscope (Carl Zeiss: Axiophot EL-Einnsatz; #451888) at 640 times magnification with a Micrometer Eye Piece (Carl Zeiss: #444034) was used to evaluate the correlation of MTLN1 and Mean of Ten Largest Nuclei (MTLN) with the occurrence of metastasis in 58 primary cutaneous melanoma. For uveal melanoma, cytologic classification was used for comparison. Prognostic value was determined by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. MTLN1 was the only significant factor for uveal melanoma (p = 0.05). For cutaneous melanoma, all factors were significantly associated with disease progression. MTLN1 was the only one to remain significant (p + 0.027) in multivariate linear regression analysis. Nuclear and nucleolar morphometry are significant prognostic factors for uveal and cutaneous melanoma.

Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure: Public Health Concerns:

The North American public maintains an attitude that equates the acquisition of a suntan with health. However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, immunosuppression, and skin cancer. Misconceptions about the risks of tanning beds and the effectiveness of sunscreens are common. The public must be better informed about the importance of and the need for effective sun protection by means of clothing and hats, the proper use of sunscreen, and the avoidance of prolonged sun exposure during the time of maximal solar insolation.

Prospective Case Series of Cutaneous Adverse Effects Associated With Dabrafenib and Trametinib

Background: Dabrafenib, a novel selective small-molecule inhibitor of BRAF, has been shown to increase overall survival in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The development of resistance has led to combination therapy with selective MEK inhibitor trametinib. Compared with vemurafenib, dabrafenib is a more recent BRAF inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2013 for metastatic melanoma; fewer data are available in the current literature regarding cutaneous toxicity. Objectives: We sought to present additional cutaneous side effects of dabrafenib and trametinib and follow their evolution and management. Methods: We carried out a prospective study of 14 patients treated with dabrafenib alone or with trametinib. Patients were followed every 4 weeks, and we collected detailed cutaneous symptoms, photos, and biopsy specimens. Results: All patients presented with at least 1 adverse skin reaction. The mean duration of treatment was 24 weeks. The most common adverse effect was papillomas (7/14), followed by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (5/14), alopecia (5/14), and seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption (2/14). Three patients who received trametinib developed an acneiform eruption (3/5). One patient developed a keratoacanthoma-like squamous cell carcinoma. Side effects presented as early as 2 weeks after starting therapy, with a mean time of onset of 9 weeks. Conclusion: Selective BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib are associated with multiple skin adverse effects. Given their recent approval and the potential for malignant lesions to develop on treatment, awareness of potential adverse effects and their management is necessary.

Sebaceous Cell Carcinoma: A Persistent Challenge in Clinical andHistopathological Diagnosis

Sebaceous cell carcinoma continues to defy clinicians and pathologists in terms of early diagnosis. The tumor may be mistaken as benign lesions such as chalazion and blepharitis, and also as malignant neoplasms, mainly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite advances in immunohistochemical analysis and treatment options during the last decades, morbidity and metastasis rates remain high. Prognosis is strongly related to the length of time between diagnosis and initiation of treatment, which reinforces the importance of early recognition of this condition. This article reviews key features of sebaceous cell carcinoma, from epidemiology to treatment, and new strategies to improve outcome.