Pilot study using topical imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma after initial treatment with curettage.

Background: Nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy and studies assessing the use of topical imiquimod 5% cream as a monotherapy in the treatment of nBCC have resulted in less than optimal clearance rates.

Objective: This pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream on nodular basal cell carcinoma lesions after initial treatment with curettage.

Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 17 nBCCs on 15 patients were included in this institutional review board-approved, open-label study with initial treatment using curettage without electrodesiccation followed by once-daily application of imiquimod 5% cream 5 times per week for 6 weeks.

Management of nonmelanoma skin cancer in 2007.

As the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases, so does the number of modalities used to treat this condition. Surgery is the most frequent approach used to treat NMSC, and clinicians usually perform Mohs micrographic surgery, conventional excision, electrodesiccation and curettage or cryosurgery. The 'gold standard' for treatment continues to be Mohs micrographic surgery, but owing to the time and expense involved with this procedure, it is indicated only in patients with aggressive tumors or those where disfigurement or functional impairment is a risk.

Treatment of severe cutaneous ulcerative lichen planus with low molecular weight heparin in a patient with hepatitis C.

The ulcerative variant of lichen planus (LP) commonly involves the oral mucosa but is uncommon and difficult to treat when located on other areas. We describe an unusual case of ulcerative LP involving several surfaces, including the palms and scrotum, in a 50-year-old man with hepatitis C. The patient was recalcitrant to treatment with conventional therapy but obtained clearance with a sustained response using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

Errors in the Archives of Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology from January through December 2003.

Objective: To assess the frequency of statistical errors in the dermatology literature.

Design: Original studies published in the Archives of Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology from January through December 2003 were analyzed for correctness of statistical methods and reporting of the results.

Results: Of 364 studies published, 155 included statistical analysis.

Interpretation of dermatopathology specimens is within the standard of care of dermatology practice.

Background: Laws have been passed in New York, California, New Jersey, Nevada, Louisiana, and Rhode Island and were recently tabled in South Carolina to prohibit providers from billing for pathology services provided by other physicians. The Ohio proposal included language stating that only board-certified pathologists be able to directly bill for anatomic pathology services. Dermatologists, however, have extensive training in dermatopathology and frequently bill anatomic pathology codes.

Flare of bullous pemphigoid in surgically treated skin.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired, pruritic, blistering eruption of the skin that typically presents as large, tense, subepidermal bullae in elderly persons. In this article, we present the case of an 80-year-old man with a 2-year history of generalized pruritus with occasional bullae in healed incision sites on his abdomen. Results of biopsy and direct immunofluorescence testing demonstrated evidence consistent with BP.

Increase in procedures performed at dermatology office visits from 1995 to 2001.

Background: Over the past few decades, dermatologists have expanded the scope of their practice to include many surgical and cosmetic procedures in response to the development and demand for new procedures.

Objective: To examine the trend from 1995 in the proportion of dermatology visits associated with procedures to determine if there has been an increase in the number of procedures performed.

Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to look at the proportion and types of dermatology visits associated with procedures performed during the years 1995 to 2001.