Daniel G. Federman

Skin cancer as an occupational disease: the effect of ultraviolet and other forms of radiation

Over 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, more than all other cancers combined. 1 Currently, it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, the majority diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which includes basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell (SCC) carcinomas. 2 The incidence of both NMSC and melanoma is increasing and melanoma is increasing more rapidly than any other reported cancer. 3–5

Complications Associated With Use of Levamisole-Contaminated Cocaine: An Emerging Public Health Challenge

Levamisole is an immunomodulatory agent that was used to treat various cancers before being withdrawn from the United States market in 2000 because of adverse effects. Levamisole is currently approved as an antihelminthic agent in veterinary medicine, but is also being used illicitly as a cocaine adulterant. Potential complications associated with use of levamisole-laced cocaine include neutropenia, agranulocytosis, arthralgias, retiform purpura, and skin necrosis. Treatment is primarily supportive, and skin lesions typically resolve with cessation of cocaine use. The incidence of hospitalizations related to use of levamisole-contaminated cocaine continues to increase and clinicians should be aware of the more common clinical manifestations.

Skin and wound biopsy: when, why, and how.

372 WWW.WOUNDCAREJOURNAL.COM Biopsies are the cornerstone of dermatologic office surgery techniques. They aid in diagnosis and, for certain lesions, are a treatment. Prior to obtaining the biopsy specimen, the clinician must consider the type and location of the lesion and the reason for performing the biopsy.1 The answers to these questions will determine the biopsy technique used, the solution for transport and/or storage, and whether the clinician should suggest certain stains to the dermatopathologist for evaluation.2 To improve the likelihood of a correct diagnosis, lesions chosen for biopsy should be fully developed. An exception to this occurs with vesicles, bullae, and pustules. For these lesion types, a developing lesion should be biopsied, optimally one that has arisen within the prior 24 hours.3 Vesicles, bullae, and pustules should be biopsied as early as possible so that associated inflammation and regeneration of the blistered epithelium do not obscure the original pathology. In all cases, virgin lesions, those lesions that have not been mechanically or chemically manipulated, should be targeted for biopsy.

Knowledge and Behaviors toward the Sun and Skin Cancer: A Study of Hispanics in New York and Florida

Objective: We sought to define knowledge and behaviors on sun protection and skin cancer within the two distinct Hispanic