Marcus Maia

Cutaneous melanoma: descriptive epidemiological study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Cutaneous melanoma represents around 3% of all skin tumors. About 20% of such patients will have advanced disease and will die before reaching five years of survival. The aim of this paper was to describe the clinical and histopathological variables and their correlations. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study at the Melanoma Unit, Dermatological Clinic, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, São Paulo. METHODS Records from 364 cases between May 1993 and January 2006 were analyzed. The frequencies of all study variables and their 95% confidence intervals were determined. The chi-squared test was used to evaluate associations among the variables, adopting a significant level of 0.05. RESULTS Females predominated, with 1.4 women for each man. The patients mean age was 58.9 years. Nonwhite patients represented 13.7% of the sample. The prevalent anatomical sites for cutaneous melanoma were the trunk and feet, for both men and women. Acral lentiginous melanoma represented 22.3% of the cohort. In situ primary lesions were observed in few cases and a high percentage of thick cutaneous melanoma was detected. Ulceration was found in 13.4% of the thin tumors (< 1.0 mm). Thicker and ulcerated lesions predominated in male patients (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001 respectively) and in elderly patients (p = 0.021 and p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS The cohort mostly presented thick and ulcerated tumors, denoting late diagnosis and bad prognosis. Also, the sample was characterized by considerable prevalence of female patients, nonwhite patients, limb lesions and acral lentiginous melanoma.

Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection.

Striae distensae in pregnancy: risk factors in primiparous women

BACKGROUND Striae occur in over 70% of pregnant women and tend to develop after 25 weeks of gestation. Despite the fact that their etiology has not yet been fully understood, it is accepted that a combination of genetic factors, endocrine alterations and mechanical stretching of skin play a significant role. Due to different results reported in the literature, the authors assessed commonly cited risk factors to determine whether they are associated with the development of striae in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To assess hypothetical risk factors for the development of striae in primiparous women. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational, non-controlled, descriptive study with primiparous women. the study was conducted in a public maternity unit and Lasted for four months (from January to May 2008). 164 Primiparous women who had had a single fetus pregnancy took part in the study 48 hours after delivery. Fourteen Variables were recorded for each patient. RESULTS From the total sample, 59.8% developed striae during pregnancy. The association of maternal age range (p < 0,01), maternal weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0,01) and birth weight of newborn infants (p = 0,01) with the development of striae during pregnancy was statistically significant. The chisquared test of association was used. CONCLUSIONS Striae were more frequently observed in younger women, in those who gained more weight during pregnancy and/or those who had babies with higher birth weight. This study suggests that increased maternal age could be a protecting factor against striae during pregnancy.

Correlação entre fotoproteção e concentrações de 25 hidroxi-vitamina D e paratormônio

BACKGROUND - The great concern about skin cancer risk led to the dissemination of photoprotection in high scale. Nowadays the association of this recommendation and the risk of develop hypovitaminosis D is discussed. OBJECTIVE - To evaluate vitamin D storage in patients submitted to sun protection. METHODS - The levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were evaluated in groups of individuals living in the city of Sao Paulo who received or not orientation about photoprotection. RESULTS - Significant differences in 25OHD levels were found between the groups, being higher in the photoexposed group (35.40 ng/mL [21.86-72.20]) as compared to the photoprotected group (29.20 ng/mL [23.10-45.80]). There was also difference in PTH levels, being higher in the photoexposed group (29.80 pg/mL [18.98-73.94]) in comparison to the photoprotected group (19.24 pg/mL [8.06-66.18]). CONCLUSIONS - Despite these differences, there were no individuals presenting vitamin D deficiency in this sample and PTH levels were within normal range. The routine solar ultraviolet radiation was enough to promote appropriate synthesis of 25OHD.

Avaliação do envelhecimento facial relacionado ao tabagismo

FUNDAMENTOS: O tabagismo e responsavel por diversas doencas cronicas e pelo envelhecimento da pele. OBJETIVO: Comparar a pele facial de fumantes e nao fumantes. METODOS: Foram avaliados 77 pacientes, 43 nao tabagistas e 34 tabagistas, entre 40 e 60 anos, excluidos aqueles com exposicao solar excessiva, etilistas e submetidos a tratamento estetico da face. As alteracoes faciais foram avaliadas com base em escore de caracteristicas da pele da face descrita por Model (facies de tabagismo). Os individuos tabagistas e nao tabagistas foram avaliados de acordo com o tempo e a quantidade de cigarros fumados, o sexo, a cor da pele e a idade. RESULTADOS: A comparacao quanto ao escore da facies de tabagismo evidenciou que o grupo tabagista apresentou maior escore que o grupo nao tabagista (p=0,021). Foram observadas diferencas significativas de escore na comparacao entre as faixas etarias (p=0,004) e a cor (p <0,01). Em relacao a quantidade de cigarros fumados e o tempo desse habito de acordo com sexo nao houve diferencas de escore. A analise multivariada das variaveis, evidenciou que o tabagismo, Odds Ratio (OR) = 3,49, a cor da pele (OR=8,10) e a idade (OR=1,21) sao fatores independentes para o envelhecimento facial. CONCLUSAO: O tabagismo e fator de risco independente para o envelhecimento cutâneo. Esse achado confirma os efeitos cutâneos nocivos do cigarro, constituindo-se em mais um argumento na luta contra o tabagismo.

Evaluation of the therapeutic results of actinic keratosis treated with topical 5% fluorouracil by reflectance confocal laser microscopy: preliminary study

Topical treatment for actinic keratosis with 5% fluorouracil has a recurrence rate of 54% in 12 months of follow-up. This study analyzed thirteen actinic keratoses on the upper limbs through confocal microscopy, at the time of clinical diagnosis and after 4 weeks of treatment with fluorouracil. After the treatment was established and evidence of clinical cure was achieved, in two of the nine actinic keratoses, confocal microscopy enabled visualization of focal areas of atypical honeycomb pattern in the epidermis indicating therapeutic failure. Preliminary data suggest the use of confocal microscopy as a tool for diagnosis and therapeutic control of actinic keratosis.

Dermatoscopia ex vivo: avaliação sincrônica entre o dermatologista e o dermatopatologista de lesões melanocíticas - Estudo prévio

Clinicopathologic correlation is essential for diagnostic accuracy. Even though interdependent, dermatology and dermatopathology have become apart. In order to minimize this distance, we have performed ex vivo dermoscopic examinations. We performed comparative in vivo and ex vivo dermoscopy study followed by histopathological mapping. We observed that ex vivo dermoscopy identified the same structures visualized by the in vivo one, but with significant change of colors.

Melanoma acrolentiginoso: um desafio ao diagnóstico precoce

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of acral lentiginous melanoma diagnosed in Brazil have been subject to few studies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics of acral lentiginous melanoma diagnosed at the Melanoma Unit of Santa Casa Hospital of Sao Paulo, to compare them with the other melanoma subtypes and to verify whether the possible differences between them are important in the determination of the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. METHOD: Patients were divided into acral lentiginous melanoma and non-acral lentiginous melanoma groups and compared in reference to sex, color, age, depth and level of invasion of the primary lesion, stage, time between perceiving the tumor and seeking medical assistance. RESULTS: The cases of acral lentiginous melanoma were significantly more frequent among non-whites and the elderly, with the primary lesion, on average deeper and ulcerated, without significant differences in the sex, stage or the time elapsed between noticing the neoplasia and seeking the physician. CONCLUSIONS: Acral lentiginous melanoma diagnosed at the Melanoma Unit of Santa Casa Hospital of Sao Paulo, occurred mainly: in patients: who had not been advised about skin cancer (non-whites) and patients who are elderly and therefore, theoretically, could be less liable to notice the onset of the disease. The majority also presented deeper and ulcerated lesions and consequently with a higher risk of metastasis. This kind of cancer is unknown to the public in general and even to a large number of physicians.

Quality of life in patients with oculocutaneous albinism

BACKGROUND The social reality of the albino needs to be more studied in Brazil, as myths and social segregation regarding this illness are likely to be found in the country, with psychosocial and medical implications. OBJECTIVE As this subject has not been referenced in previous scientific articles in Brazil, this research intends to evaluate the quality of life of the albinos that treated at our medical institution. METHODS The quality of life was evaluated through the WHOQOL-BREF. Furthermore, two aspects of main relevance in the lives of the albinos were also objects of research, low vision and skin cancer. The sample consisted of forty oculocutaneous albinos and a control group of forty healthy individuals, matched by sex and age. RESULTS Among the participants, 57.7% were between 18 and 40 years old, 28.2% were between 41 and 60, and 14.1% were over 60. 42.1% had skin cancer before the study, 18.4% had skin cancer during the study and 89.5% stated visual deficit. The results obtained in the questionnaires showed a statistically significant difference in the physical domain, with P < 0.001. CONCLUSION Low vision combined with skin lesions and social stigma may contribute to disturbances in the quality of life of oculocutaneous albinos. The results presented in this study demonstrated the vulnerability of the affected individuals and the special care required by those patients, at the same time that the need for further research is highlighted in order to better elucidate the aspects related to albinism.

Quem descobre o melanoma cutâneo

BACKGROUND - In Brazil, it is still unknown who first discovers the cases of cutaneous melanoma. The understanding of our “finding patterns” could be used as a basis for public education programs and healthcare professional training. OBJECTIVE - To determine the role of patients in detecting lesions by themselves. METHODS - One hundred and nine patients were interviewed. The patients had a diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma and were regularly seen at the Melanoma Unit of Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia, in Sao Paulo. Other variables were considered to evaluate possible influences in the results: sex, age, marital status, schooling, family history of melanoma, site of the primary lesion and knowledge about skin cancer. RESULTS - Out of 109 interviewed patients, 54% had the lesion detected by themselves. Of those, 62% were female, 51% were aged under 60 years, 90% had no family history of melanoma, 78% had no knowledge about skin cancer, 59% were married and 52% concluded up to primary education. Out of the remaining 50 patients, 24% had their lesions detected by health professionals, 10% by their wives, 1% by their husbands and 11% by other people. CONCLUSION - Fifty-four percent of patients detected the lesion by themselves, and roughly 25% had the lesion detected by a lay person. These results are similar to those reported in the literature of developed countries. The clientele evaluated is attended by public healthcare services and the results lead to the conclusion that some influence of public health campaigns could already be noticed in Brazil.