Analyzing Controversies in Management and Surveillance of Early-Stage Melanoma.

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma continues to rise dramatically worldwide, presenting a significant burden to the healthcare system. Despite this, there is still controversy in the guidelines regarding follow-up surveillance for patients with thin melanoma. Since there are no randomized clinical trials to support evidence-based guidelines for follow-up surveillance, dermatologic and oncologic organizations have developed their own recommendations based on expert opinion.

Antibiotic Practices in Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Background: Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe procedure with low rates of infection.

Objective: To establish current antibiotic prescribing practices amongst Mohs surgeons.

Methods And Materials: 16-question survey sent to American College of Mohs Surgery members.

Methacrylate Polymer Powder Dressing for a Nasal Surgical Defect.

The fusion of technology and medicine has led to the advent of advanced wound healing techniques that may be adapted to the management of surgical defects. Shortened duration of healing and ease-of-use are two potential benefits under investigation. Here we describe a 65-year-old male with a nasal alar wound that was allowed to heal with secondary intention, assisted by a novel methacrylate polymer powder dressing.

Presurgical Curettage Improves Accuracy for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Excision.

Background: Presurgical curettage before nonmelanoma skin cancer surgery may help delineate tumor subclinical extensions.

Objective: To determine histologically whether presurgical curettage appropriately or inappropriately changes excision specimen size.

Materials And Methods: One hundred fifty consecutive nonmelanoma skin cancers treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Catastrophic cutaneous carcinomatosis in the non-organ transplant patient.

Background: The increased frequency of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) in organ transplant recipients has been termed "catastrophic cutaneous carcinomatosis" (CCC). We have treated a cohort of immunocompetent patients with an increased number of NMSCs that meets the definition of CCC whom we have termed "catastrophic cutaneous carcinomatosis-immunocompetent" (CCC-IC).

Objective: We sought to further understand the epidemiologic characteristics of this subset of immunocompetent patients with a high burden of NMSCs.

Patients with drug-eluting stents and management of their anticoagulant therapy in cutaneous surgery.

Whether a patient has a drug-eluting stent (DES) implanted may not seem to be an immediate concern for a dermatologist. However, the clinician needs to consider a patient's risk of bleeding if a patient is to undergo a cutaneous surgical procedure. Patients with skin cancer are generally older with a higher risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease with history of cardiac stent implantation.

Soft tissue tumors of the hand. 2. Malignant.

Soft tissue tumors of the hand arise from skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons, nerve, and blood vessels. Many of these lesions occur on other parts of the body; however, the hand remains a unique site because these tumors have symptoms, appearances, treatments, and prognoses that may be quite different than when on other parts of the body. Their characteristics and the severity of symptoms vary markedly depending on the exact location, size, and type of tumor-and many of these tumors can have multiple forms of presentation.

Soft tissue tumors of the hand. 1. Benign.

Soft tissue tumors of the hand arise from skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons, nerve, and blood vessels. Many of these lesions occur on other parts of the body; however, the hand remains a unique site because these tumors have symptoms, appearances, treatments, and prognoses that may be quite different than when on other parts of the body. Their characteristics and the severity of symptoms vary markedly depending on the exact location, size, and type of tumor-and many of these tumors can have multiple forms of presentation.

Laser surgery: an approach to the pediatric patient.

Unlabelled: Revolutionary advances in laser research and technology have led to expanded dermatologic laser applications. With the wide range of lasers now available, a large spectrum of skin conditions in the pediatric population can be successfully treated or, in some cases, completely eradicated. Laser treatment of the pediatric population poses a unique challenge for the clinician on a variety of levels.

Melanoma of the scalp: an underdiagnosed malignancy?

We report a case of scalp melanoma that was found incidentally after the patient complained of pruritic lesions on his scalp. The melanoma was 13 mm in diameter and had a Breslow thickness of 0.25 mm.