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Background Lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) can present with subclinical extension that may be difficult to define preoperatively and lead to incomplete excision and potential recurrence. Preliminarily studies have used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to assess LM/LMM margins. Objective To evaluate the correlation of LM/LMM subclinical extension defined by RCM compared to the gold standard histopathology. Methods Prospective study of LM/LMM patients referred for dermatologic surgery. RCM was performed at the clinically-defined initial surgical margin followed by margin-controlled staged excision with paraffin-embedded tissue and histopathology was correlated with RCM results. Results Seventy-two patients were included. Mean age was 66.8 years (SD 11.1; 38 – 89 years); 69.4% were males. 70/72 (97.2%) lesions were located on the head neck with mean largest clinical diameter of 1.3cm (0.3 – 5 cm). Diagnostic accuracy for detection of residual melanoma in the tumor debulk (after biopsy) had a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 66.7% when compared to the histopathology. RCM margin assessment revealed an overall agreement with final histopathology of 85.9% (kappa 0.71; p Limitations No RCM imaging beyond initial planned margins was performed. Conclusion RCM showed moderate to excellent overall agreement between RCM imaging of LM/LMM and histopathology of staged excision margins.

BACKGROUND: Nasal scarring can compromise aesthetics and function given its complex three-dimensional structure and central location. This study aimed to measure patients' satisfaction after reconstruction for nasal defects following Mohs micrographic surgery.METHODS: Patients presenting with nasal nonmelanoma skin cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, USA and Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Netherlands from April 2017 to November 2019 were asked to participate. Reconstruction type, complications, and patients satisfaction were assessed. Patients completed the FACE-Q Skin Cancer - Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scale (preoperative and 1-year postoperative) and the Appraisal of Scars scale (1-year postoperative).RESULTS: A total of 128 patients completed the preand postoperative scales. There were 35 (27%) surgical defects repaired with primary closures, 71 (55.5%) with flaps, and 22 (17.2%) with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG). Patients that underwent a flap or FTSG reconstruction had higher scar satisfaction scores than primary closures (p = 0.03). A trend was seen with patients following flap reconstructions scoring 7.8 points higher than primary closures and patients with upper nose defects scoring 6.4 points higher than lower nose defects. Males were significantly more satisfied than females. No significant difference was observed in the preoperative and postoperative facial appearance scores between the three groups (p = 0.39).CONCLUSION: Patients are more satisfied in the long term with their scars after flap reconstructions compared to primary closures. Therefore, nasal skin reconstruction may not follow the traditional reconstructive ladder and more complex approaches may lead to higher long-term scar satisfaction.

Children with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, have increased susceptibility to behavioral health concerns. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and parental opinion of anxiety screening in pediatric cardiology clinic. The PROMIS Pediatric Anxiety v2.0 Short Form 8a (PA2-S8) questionnaire was administered to 48 patients presenting to pediatric cardiology clinic for follow-up care. Parents/caregivers were asked their opinion on anxiety screening in cardiology clinic. The survey was completed by 47 out of 48 participants (median age 13, range 9-17). Fourteen (30%) participants had scores suggestive of increased anxiety symptomatology. No trends were identified between PA2-S8 score and age at diagnosis ( P = .13), age at survey administration ( P = .28), number of lifetime procedures ( P = .89), number of noncardiac specialists ( P = .13), or underlying cardiac diagnoses ( P = .55). Most families (76%) were in favor of the screening effort. This study suggests that anxiety screening in cardiology clinic is both feasible and well-received by families.

Keratinocyte carcinomas are amenable to many treatments, including radiotherapy (RT). Electronic skin surface brachytherapy (ESSB) enables the precise delivery of radiation without radioisotopes.In this prospective multicenter clinical trial, we characterized early outcomes of ESSB prospectively through both patient- and clinician-reported measures. To corroborate the cosmesis observations, we also assessed patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and adverse events.Patients ≥60 years old with stage TCosmesis and QoL were collected at 97% (99/102) of possible follow-up patient-time points. By 12 weeks post-treatment, 93.9% (31/33) of patient-reported and 96.9% (31/32) of clinician-reported cosmesis outcomes were "good." Compared to baseline, total Skindex-16 score significantly deteriorated at 2 weeks post-treatment (10.5 vs 24.5, p0.001), but significantly improved at 6 weeks (10.5 vs 4.7, p=.014) and 12 weeks (10.5 vs 2.1, p=.001) post-treatment. Total SCI score significantly improved from baseline to 6 weeks (78.4 vs 89.0, p=.001) post-treatment. The most frequent adverse events were radiation dermatitis, skin pain, and pruritus. All adverse events resolved to Grade ≤1 by 12 weeks post-treatment.This prospective, multicenter study demonstrated that ESSB is associated with a high rate of "good" early patient-reported cosmesis and increasing QoL and satisfaction with time. Validated assessments demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life and resolution of moderate early adverse events by 6-12 weeks after treatment and corroborate the observation of favorable cosmesis.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple modalities for patient education ranging from written to audiovisual formats. However, little is known regarding which modality is optimal.OBJECTIVE: To assess patient preference for educational materials about scar care following surgery for facial skin cancer using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer patient reported outcome measure.MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the day of Mohs surgery, patients were given a written handout or viewed a 3-minute animation video regarding best practices in scar improvement. Afterward, patients received the FACE-Q Skin Cancer-Satisfaction with Information: Appearance scale. Three months later, patients were called and given the same scale and additional questions regarding scar care.RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were enrolled. There was no difference between the 2 groups' preoperative information scores (p = .85) and the three-month postoperative scores (p = .37). The change in preoperative and postoperative score showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = .21); but there was a trend of higher satisfaction in the video group on the day of Mohs surgery. After the 3-month timepoint, there was a higher satisfaction trend observed with the written handout group.CONCLUSION: Patient preferences in information delivery and accessibility will contribute to greater information retention and satisfaction.

Many patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been used to study quality of life (QOL) in the skin cancer population. Advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) may be associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and treatment side effects; however, it is unclear which PROM is valid and appropriate to use in these populations for both clinical and research purposes. We aimed to identify the PROMs that have been used to measure QOL in advanced skin cancer patients and determine which of these PROMs have been validated to assess QOL outcomes in this population. A PubMed and EMBASE search was conducted from its inception to March 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines with a comprehensive list of search terms under three main topics: (1) PROM; (2) advanced skin cancer; and (3) staging and interventions. We included articles utilizing a PROM measuring QOL and having a patient population with advanced skin cancer defined as melanoma stage T1a or non-melanoma AJCC stage T3 or greater. Advanced skin cancer patients were also defined as those with metastasis or requiring adjuvant therapy (systemic chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy). Studies were excluded according to the following criteria: mix of low-risk and advanced skin cancer patients in the study population without stratification into low-risk and advanced groups, stage T1a melanoma or mix of stages without stratification, low-risk NMSC, no PROM (i.e., study specific questionnaires), non-English publication, review article or protocol paper, conference abstract, or populations including non-skin cancers. A total of 1,998 articles were identified. 82 met our inclusion criteria resulting in 22 PROMs: five generic health-related (QWB-SA, AQoL-8D, EQ-5D, SF-36, and PRISM), six general cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-C36, LASA, IOC, Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, and FACT-G), nine disease-focused or specialized (EORTC QLQ-HN35, EORTC QLQ-MEL38, EORTC QLQ-BR23, Facial Disability Index, FACT-HN, FACT-BRM, FACT-B, FACT-M, and scqolit), and two general dermatology (Skindex-16 and DLQI) PROMs. All PROMs have been generally validated except for EORTC QLQ-MEL38. Only two PROMs have been validated in the advanced melanoma population: FACT-M and EORTC QLQ-C36. No PROMS have been validated in the advanced NMSC population. The PROMs that were validated in the advanced melanoma population do not include QOL issues unique to advanced skin tumors such as odor, bleeding, itching, wound care burden, and public embarrassment. Breast cancer and head and neck cancer instruments were adapted but not validated for use in the advanced skin cancer population due to the lack of an adequate instrument for this population. This study highlights the need for PROM instrument validation or creation specifically geared toward the advanced skin cancer population. Future studies should aim to develop and validate a PROM to assess QOL in this population.

Background There are no well-defined clinical factors to predict the risk of occult invasion in melanoma of the lentigo maligna type (LM) before complete histopathologic analysis. Objective To evaluate whether clinical size was a predictor of invasion in LM and subclinical extension. Methods Consecutive cases of LM were recorded in a prospectively maintained database from 2006 to 2019. Patient and tumor data were recorded during initial evaluation. The LM clinical area was calculated in square millimeters (length × width). All patients were treated with staged excision. Results We included 600 patients. The mean age was 65.9 years (standard deviation, 12.3; range, 27-95 years); 62.8% (n = 377) were men. The mean LM clinical area was 128.32 mm2 for in situ lesions versus 200.14 mm for invasive lesions (P = .1). Based on quantile regression, the median margin required for complete removal increased with LM clinical area. Limitations The study was performed in a tertiary cancer center with possible referral bias and more complex cases. Conclusions LM can present with variable clinical size, which may correlate with subclinical extension; however, the presence of invasion is not well estimated by LM clinical area.

IntroductionThere are unmet mental health needs of depressed adolescents and young adults (AYAs) across the USA. Behavioural technology adequately integrated into clinical care delivery has potential to improve care access and efficiency. This multisite randomised controlled trial evaluates how a coach-enhanced digital cognitive behavioural intervention (dCBI) enhances usual care for depressed AYAs in paediatric practices with minority enriched samples.Methods and analysisParticipants (n=750) ages 16–22 who meet threshold criteria for depressive severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9 score 10-24) will be recruited through paediatric practices across three academic institutions (Boston, Pittsburgh and San Diego). Participants will be randomised to 12 weeks of dCBI+treatment as usual (TAU) (n=450) or TAU alone (n=300) in outpatient paediatric practices. Assessments will be completed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks with the primary outcome being improvement in clinician-rated and self-reported depressive severity (Children’s Depression Rating Scale—Revised and PHQ-9) and secondary outcomes being self-reported suicidal ideation (item 9 on PHQ-9), anxiety severity (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), general quality of life (Satisfaction with Life Scale) and general functioning (Children’s Global Assessment Scale). The study design is an intent-to-treat mixed effects regression with group, and covariates nested within the sites.Ethics and disseminationAll participants or their parent/guardian (under 18 years or unemancipated) will give informed consent to a study team member. All data are expected to be collected over 18 months. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a board at each institution in the United States that reviews and monitors research involving human subjects. IRB approval from the University of Pittsburgh was obtained on 30 November 2021 (STUDY21080150), from the University of California San Diego’s Human Research Protection Program IRB on 14 July 2022 (802047), and from the Boston Children’s Hospital IRB on 25 October 2022 (P00040987). Full study results are planned to be published within 2 years of initial study recruitment (October 2024). Dissemination of findings will occur in peer-reviewed journals, professional conferences and through reports to participating entities and stakeholders.Trial registration numberNCT05159713; ClinicalTrials.gov

BACKGROUND Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) poses treatment challenges. Invasive and noninvasive treatment modalities exist with variable success reported. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is emerging as an adjuvant diagnostic tool. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the treatment of EMPD patients and the role of RCM. METHODS Prospective study. Demographic and tumor characteristics were recorded. Handheld-RCM was performed and correlated with histology. Treatment, clearance, pathology, and follow-up were all recorded. RESULTS Thirty-six EMPD lesions in 33 patients were included. Mean age was 71.7 years, and 23 were men. Mean number of surgical stages needed to clear margins was 1.9 (SD, 0.9; 1.0-3.0 stages), and mean margin needed to clear was 1.8 cm. Reflectance confocal microscopy correlated well with scouting punch biopsies (kappa, 0.93; p < .001). Disruption of the dermoepidermal junction was associated with invasive EMPD versus in situ (83.3% vs 25.9%) on histology (p = .01). LIMITATIONS Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION Extramammary Paget disease is challenging, and lesion demarcation is of the utmost importance. Using a staged surgical excision approach, the mean margins needed were 1.8 cm, less than previously reported. Nonsurgical modalities, including radiation therapy, imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy can be considered if surgery is not pursued. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a valuable noninvasive imaging modality for the management of EMPD.

Mohs histotechs are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) due to repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and fixed postures required for their work. Psychosocial factors such as perceptions of pressure to achieve deadlines may exacerbate risk of occupational injury. To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for WRMSD in Mohs histotechs, an online survey was created using literature review, expert opinion, and two validated instruments (the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory) and distributed to Mohs histotechs. 88% of respondents reported musculoskeletal problems in 2 or more of the 9 body sites assessed in the past year. Standing during specimen processing was correlated with having neck pain and upper back pain, while sitting was protective against lower back pain. Individuals that felt that they could not take breaks or slow their pace of work were more likely to report pain at multiple body sites. Total pain scores were significantly lower in those reporting extensive ergonomic training. There is a high prevalence of WRMSD in Mohs histotechs. Addressing poor posture as well as psychosocial risk factors could further reduce injury.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) of the nail unit is a complex malignancy; with little understanding of rate of upstaging or occult invasion in these patients. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the rate of upstaging in nail unit SCCIS after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: Retrospective review of 346 patients who referred for and underwent MMS for biopsy proven SCCIS on the hands and feet between January 1, 2000 and December 30, 2019. Only cases in the nail unit were included. Clinical, surgical details, histopathological features, HPV status and rate of upstaging were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-one cases met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Twenty-four patients were male (77.4%). Mean age was 55 years (SD 17.26, range 27–84). Mean clinical size was 9.9 mm; 19 cases tested for HPV, 15/19 were positive (78.9%) and 8/19 (42.1%) were associated with high-risk HPV. Three patients (9.7%) were upstaged to invasive on either MMS margins or tumor-debulking. Limitations included a relatively small sample size and retrospective in nature. CONCLUSION: Rate of upstaging of SCCIS in the nail unit is not frequent, and when upstaging occurred it was focal, superficial, and with no PNI or bone invasion.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a combined reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been tested for the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Evaluating the role of RCM-OCT in management of complex BCCs has not been studied. The objective of the study was to investigate the utility of a new combined RCM-OCT device in the evaluation and management of complex BCCs in a descriptive study. METHODS: Prospective study of consecutive cases (July 2018- June 2019) of biopsy proven ‘complex’ BCC defined as BCC in the head and neck area with multiple high risk criteria such as large size in the mask area, multiple recurrences, and infiltrative subtype. All cases were evaluated with a combined RCM-OCT device that provided simultaneous image viewing on a screen. Lesions were evaluated bedside with RCM-OCT according to previously described criteria. RESULTS: Ten patients with complex head and neck BCCs had mean age of 73.1±13.0 years. Six (60%) patients were males. Mean BCC clinical size was 1.9±1.2 cm (range 0.6–4.0 cm). RCM detected residual BCC in 8 out of 10 cases (80%) and OCT detected residual BCC in all 10 cases (100%). Six BCCs (60%) had a depth estimate of >1000 μm under OCT. In 5 cases, (50%) RCM-OCT imaging results led to a change/modification in BCC management. CONCLUSION: The use of a combined RCM-OCT device may help in the evaluation of complex head and neck BCCs by guiding treatment selection and defining the extent of surgery.

BACKGROUND The rate of occult invasive disease within biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) is not well defined. OBJECTIVE To examine the rate of occult invasion in SCCIS. METHODS An institutional-wide pathology database was retrospectively searched for "squamous cell carcinoma in situ" over a 6-year period, and the treatment modality and final pathology results were analyzed for evidence of invasion. In addition, consecutive tumor blocks from Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) cases of SCCIS were prospectively analyzed for invasion. RESULTS The rate of occult invasion for biopsy-proven SCCIS treated with excision was 4.0% (N = 49) and for the MMS margins was 3.5% (N = 310). For the prospective MMS tumor block analysis, the rate of occult invasion was 10.1% (N = 69). No clinical factors (age, sex, location, or size) correlated with increased risk of invasion. All invasive SCCs detected were superficial and well differentiated. CONCLUSION The rate of occult invasion for biopsy-proven SCCIS ranged from 3.5% to 10.1%. The detected rate of invasion varies based on the method of excision and pathology processing of specimens. The rate of invasion should be considered when managing SSCIS.

BACKGROUND: Over two million facial skin cancers occur globally each year. Facial skin cancer surgery can leave scars that may alter appearance and impact psychosocial functioning. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient-reported appearance-related psychosocial distress following facial skin cancer surgery, and to identify independent predictors of psychosocial impairment. METHODS: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study at a tertiary care cancer center including patients who underwent dermatologic surgery on the face from March 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018. Patients completed the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress scale postoperatively between May 21, 2018 and October 1, 2018. Patient responses were rated on a 4-point Likert scale and converted on a scale from 0 to 100. RESULTS: In total, 359 patients completed the questionnaire (34.2% response rate). Overall, patients reported a low level of psychosocial distress. Patients most frequently reported items of self-consciousness, unhappiness, and insecurity

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Outcomes are generally favorable, but a subset of cSCC is biologically distinct and requires a different approach because of its higher risk of local recurrence, metastasis, and death. This article focuses on the recent literature regarding identification of this high-risk subset, efforts to validate and improve the prognostic ability of staging systems, and updates in management.

Background There is little evidence to guide surgical management of biopsies yielding the histologic descriptor atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation (AIMP). Objective Determine frequency of and factors associated with melanoma and melanoma in-situ (MIS) diagnoses after excision of AIMP and evaluate margins used to completely excise AIMP. Methods Retrospective, cross-sectional study of 1127 biopsies reported as AIMP and subsequently excised within one academic institution. Results Melanoma (in situ, stage 1A) was diagnosed after excision in 8.2% (92/1127) of AIMP samples. Characteristics associated with melanoma/MIS diagnosis included age 60-79 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-26.2), age ≥80 years (OR 7.2, 95% CI 1.7-31.5), head/neck location (OR 4.9, 95% CI 3.1-7.7), clinical lesion partially biopsied (OR 11.0, 95% CI 6.7-18.1), and lesion extending to deep biopsy margin (OR 15.1, 95% CI 1.7-136.0). Average ± standard deviation surgical margin used to excise AIMP lesions was 4.5 ± 1.8 mm. Limitations Single-site, retrospective, observational study; interobserver variability across dermatopathologists. Conclusion Dermatologists and pathologists can endeavor to avoid ambiguous melanocytic designations whenever possible through excisional biopsy technique, interdisciplinary communication, and ancillary studies. In the event of AIMP biopsy, physicians should consider the term a histologic description rather than a diagnosis, and, during surgical planning, use clinicopathologic correlation while bearing in mind factors that might predict true melanoma/MIS.

As the most common human cancer worldwide and continuing to increase in incidence, basal cell carcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Continued advances in research have refined both our insight and approach to this seemingly ubiquitous disease. This 2-part continuing medical education article will provide a comprehensive and contemporary review of basal cell carcinoma. The first article in this series describes our current understanding of this disease regarding epidemiology, cost, clinical and histopathologic presentations, carcinogenesis, natural history, and disease associations.

As the most common human cancer worldwide and continuing to increase in incidence, basal cell carcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Continued advances in research have refined both our insight and approach to this seemingly ubiquitous disease. This 2-part continuing medical education series provides a comprehensive and contemporary review of basal cell carcinoma. The second article in this series will present both the current standard of care and newly developed approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) with endogenous backscattered contrast can noninvasively image basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in skin. However, BCCs present with high nuclear density, and the relatively weak backscattering from nuclei imposes a fundamental limit on contrast, detectability, and diagnostic accuracy. We investigated PARPi-FL, an exogenous nuclear poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP1)–targeted fluorescent contrast agent, and fluorescence confocal microscopy toward improving BCC diagnosis. Methods: We tested PARP1 expression in 95 BCC tissues using immunohistochemistry, followed by PARPi-FL staining in 32 fresh surgical BCC specimens. The diagnostic accuracy of PARPi-FL contrast was evaluated in 83 surgical specimens. The optimal parameters for permeability of PARPi-FL through intact skin was tested ex vivo on 5 human skin specimens and in vivo in 3 adult Yorkshire pigs. Results: We found significantly higher PARP1 expression and PARPi-FL binding in BCCs than in normal skin structures. Blinded reading of RCM–and–fluorescence confocal microscopy images by 2 experts demonstrated a higher diagnostic accuracy for BCCs with combined fluorescence and reflectance contrast than for RCM alone. Optimal parameters (time and concentration) for PARPi-FL transepidermal permeation through intact skin were successfully determined. Conclusion: Combined fluorescence and reflectance contrast may improve noninvasive BCC diagnosis with confocal microscopy.

Introduction: Schools have become a primary setting for providing mental health care to youths in the U.S. School-based interventions have proliferated, but their effects on mental health and academic outcomes remain understudied. In this study we will implement and evaluate the effects of a flexible multidiagnostic treatment called Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (MATCH) on students' mental health and academic outcomes.Methods and Analysis: This is an assessor-blind randomized controlled effectiveness trial conducted across five school districts. School clinicians are randomized to either MATCH or usual care (UC) treatment conditions. The target sample includes 168 youths (ages 7–14) referred for mental health services and presenting with elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or conduct problems. Clinicians randomly assigned to MATCH or UC treat the youths who are assigned to them through normal school referral procedures. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of MATCH compared to UC on youths' mental health and school related outcomes and assess whether changes in school outcomes are mediated by changes in youth mental health.Ethics and Dissemination: This study was approved by the Harvard University Institutional Review Board (IRB14-3365). We plan to publish the findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at academic conferences.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02877875. Registered on August 24, 2016.

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) poses treatment challenges. Invasive and noninvasive treatment modalities exist with variable success reported. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is emerging as an adjuvant diagnostic tool.To evaluate the treatment of EMPD patients and the role of RCM.Prospective study. Demographic and tumor characteristics were recorded. Handheld-RCM was performed and correlated with histology. Treatment, clearance, pathology, and follow-up were all recorded.Thirty-six EMPD lesions in 33 patients were included. Mean age was 71.7 years, and 23 were men. Mean number of surgical stages needed to clear margins was 1.9 (SD, 0.9; 1.0-3.0 stages), and mean margin needed to clear was 1.8 cm. Reflectance confocal microscopy correlated well with scouting punch biopsies (kappa, 0.93; p.001). Disruption of the dermoepidermal junction was associated with invasive EMPD versus in situ (83.3% vs 25.9%) on histology (p = .01).Relatively small sample size.Extramammary Paget disease is challenging, and lesion demarcation is of the utmost importance. Using a staged surgical excision approach, the mean margins needed were 1.8 cm, less than previously reported. Nonsurgical modalities, including radiation therapy, imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy can be considered if surgery is not pursued. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a valuable noninvasive imaging modality for the management of EMPD.

Towards improving non-invasive BCC diagnosis, we demonstrate successful PARPi-FL (PARP1-targeted nuclear contrast) labeling in tumors, permeability through stratum corneum, and high diagnostic accuracy with combined PARPi-FL and reflectance contrast.

Patient expectations of the scar after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) are often not realistic, leading to subsequent psychosocial sequelae such as anxiety, depression, and avoidance of social situations. When patient expectations are not met, this may also contribute to a decrease in patient satisfaction after surgery. Therefore, altering expectation levels may change patient satisfaction and psychosocial distress levels after surgery. To assess whether patient satisfaction improves in patients after MMS when patients view the surgical defect prior to reconstruction. Patients undergoing facial MMS between December 2017 and September 2019 were included. Patients received or did not receive a mirror after MMS to view the surgical defect before closing the defect. Patients were asked to complete the Dutch FACE-Q Skin Cancer before, one-week, three-months, and one-year after MMS. A total of 113 patients where included. One-hundred-eight (95.6%), 113 (100%), and 93 (82.3%) questionnaires were completed, one-week, three-months, and one-year follow-up, respectively. Satisfaction with facial appearance and appraisal of scars significantly improved over time for all patients, no such improvement was seen for appearance-related distress. Female patients who looked in the mirror had higher satisfaction with facial appearance than female patients who did not look in the mirror. Also, lower appearance-related distress scores were seen in patients who looked in the mirror prior to a flap reconstruction. Showing the defect in the mirror prior to the reconstruction may result in higher patient satisfaction in female patients and patients before undergoing a flap reconstruction.

The expanding role of social media in medical care has resulted in dermatology patients seeking support online regarding personal experience with diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Owing to increased privacy settings in closed Facebook groups, the current study analyzed themes of keratinocyte carcinoma patients' posts within a relatively private social media network. Although the majority of messages included sharing personal experience and provided psychosocial support (50%), there were a significant number of posts offering medical advice (35%), with the majority of such replies being unsupported by evidence-based medicine (87%). The level of medical misinformation and potential harm to patients seeking advice online is important for medical practitioners treating skin cancer and provides impetus for possible further research into online support and education groups that are moderated for misinformation.

Importance Although various treatments have been found in clinical trials to be effective in treating actinic keratosis (AK), researchers often report different outcomes. Heterogeneous outcome reporting precludes the comparison of results across studies and impedes the synthesis of treatment effectiveness in systematic reviews. Objective To establish an international core outcome set for all clinical studies on AK treatment using systematic literature review and a Delphi consensus process. Evidence Review Survey study with a formal consensus process. The keywordsactinic keratosisandtreatmentwere searched in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library to identify English-language studies investigating AK treatments published between January 1, 1980, and July 13, 2015. Physician and patient stakeholders were nominated to participate in Delphi surveys by the Measurement of Priority Outcome Variables in Dermatologic Surgery Steering Committee members. All participants from the first round were invited to participate in the second round. Outcomes reported in randomized controlled clinical trials on AK treatment were rated via web-based e-Delphi consensus surveys. Stakeholders were asked to assess the relative importance of each outcome in 2 Delphi survey rounds. Outcomes were provisionally included, pending the final consensus conference, if at least 70% of patient or physician stakeholders rated the outcome as critically important in 1 or both Delphi rounds and the outcome received a mean score of 7.5 from either stakeholder group. Data analysis was performed from November 5, 2018, to February 27, 2019. Findings A total of 516 outcomes were identified by reviewing the literature and surveying key stakeholder groups. After deduplication and combination of similar outcomes, 137 of the 516 outcomes were included in the Delphi surveys. Twenty-one physicians and 12 patients participated in round 1 of the eDelphi survey, with 17 physicians (81%) retained and 12 patients (100%) retained in round 2. Of the 137 candidate outcomes, 9 met a priori Delphi consensus criteria, and 6 were included in the final outcomes set after a consensus meeting: complete clearance of AKs, percentage of AKs cleared, severity of adverse events, patient perspective on effectiveness, patient-reported future treatment preference, and recurrence rate. It was recommended that treatment response be assessed at 2 to 4 months and recurrence at 6 to 12 months, with the AK rate of progression to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma reported whenever long-term follow-up was possible. Conclusions and Relevance Consensus was reached regarding a core outcome set for AK trials. Further research may help determine the specific outcome measures used to assess each of these outcomes.

The term polypharmacy in older adults is generally used in a pejorative context in the medical literature. Because of its link to geriatric syndromes and disability, the avoidance of polypharmacy is usually recommended in older adults as a strategy to optimize functional status. However, there are many polypharmacy regimens based on high-quality trials that clearly reduce the risk of disability in older adults. Other guidelines for older adults recommend the use of additional medications that may or may not be evidence based and that may or may not reduce disability. Therefore, we propose that, in the geriatric literature, polypharmacy now be categorized as "necessary polypharmacy," "unnecessary polypharmacy," or "polypharmacy of unclear benefit." In this article, we discuss the 3 categories of polypharmacy and give examples on each polypharmacy regimen and its potential relationship to disability in older adults.

The expanding role of social media in medical care has resulted in dermatology patients seeking support online regarding personal experience with diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Owing to increased privacy settings in closed Facebook groups, the current study analyzed themes of keratinocyte carcinoma patients' posts within a relatively private social media network. Although the majority of messages included sharing personal experience and provided psychosocial support (50%), there were a significant number of posts offering medical advice (35%), with the majority of such replies being unsupported by evidence-based medicine (87%). The level of medical misinformation and potential harm to patients seeking advice online is important for medical practitioners treating skin cancer and provides impetus for possible further research into online support and education groups that are moderated for misinformation.

BACKGROUND: Tumor board conferences are used by oncologic specialists to review patient cases, exchange knowledge, and discuss options for cancer management. These multidisciplinary meetings are often a cornerstone of treatment at leading cancer centers, and required for accreditation by certain groups, such as the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Little is known regarding skin cancer tumor board conferences. The objective of this study was to characterize the structure, function and impact of existing skin cancer tumor board conferences in the U.S. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to physician leaders of skin cancer tumor board conferences at NCI-designated Comprehensive and Clinical Cancer Centers. RESULTS: Of the 59 centers successfully contacted, 14 (24%) reported not having a conference where skin cancer cases were discussed. Forty-five institutions identified 53 physician leaders. Thirty-eight physicians (72%) completed the survey. Medical and surgical oncologists comprised half of the meeting leaders and dermatologists led one-third of the meetings. Tumor board conference had a moderate to significant impact on patient care according to 97% of respondents. All respondents indicated that the meeting enhanced communication among physicians, and was an opportunity for involved specialists and professionals to discuss cases together. The most frequently cited barrier to organizing tumor board conference was finding a common available date and time for attendees (62%). The most common suggestion for improvement was an increase in attendance, specialists, and/or motivation. DISCUSSION: Results showed overall consistency in meeting structure, but variability in function, which may be a reflection of institutional resources and investment in the conference. Future directions include defining metrics to evaluate changes in diagnosis or management plan after tumor board discussion, attendance, clinical trial enrollment, and cost analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey may aid other institutions striving to develop and refine skin cancer tumor board conferences.

Background There is controversy regarding treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in very elderly individuals, with some suggesting that this population may not live long enough to benefit from invasive treatments. Tools to assess limited life expectancy (LLE) exist, but performance in the population of very elderly individuals with NMSC has not been well defined. Objective Define comorbidity scores associated with LLE in very elderly individuals presenting for management of NMSC. Methods A retrospective review of 488 patients age 85 or older presenting for NMSC management between July 1999 through December 2014 was performed. Comorbidities were scored by using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI). Dates of death, follow-up, and overall survival were determined. Results ACE-27 and ACCI scores were associated with overall survival; at scores of 3 and 7+, respectively, both were associated with less than 50% survival at 4 years. Patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery survived a median of 20 months longer than patients who did not. Limitations Retrospective study design and referral bias. Conclusions ACE-27 and ACCI scores predicted LLE. The cohort presenting for Mohs micrographic surgery had improved survival, despite similar intercohort comorbidity. This suggests that additional factors contributed to survival and that age and comorbidities alone are inadequate for making NMSC treatment decisions in very elderly individuals.

Objective To evaluate the effects of laser monotherapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis. Study design A prospective, IRB-approved study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis completed health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) questionnaires before and after laser monotherapy for radiation-induced breast telangiectasias (RIBT). Methods After informed consent, all patients were issued the Skindex-16 and Breast-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation HR-QOL questionnaires prior to receiving laser treatment. Patients were treated with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser at 4- to 6-week intervals, with percent telangiectasia clearance and adverse events recorded at each visit. Post-treatment HR-QOL questionnaires were collected after clinician-assessed telangiectasia clearance of >50%. Median HR-QOL scores before and after therapy were reported for individual HR-QOL domains (Skindex-16) and HR-QOL totals (Skindex-16 and Breast-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation). Before- and after-differences were calculated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results Twenty-two female patients (average age 56 years) enrolled in this study. A majority (13/22, 59%) exhibited telangiectasias across the decolletage and axilla in addition to the breast. Sixteen patients reached the 50% RIBT clearance threshold during the study period, and 11 of these patients (69%) completed follow-up HR-QOL questionnaires. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in emotional and functional Skindex-16 HR-QOL domains and in overall Skindex-16 HR-QOL score. Breast-Q scores also improved significantly, illustrating a decrease in specific physical and cosmetic concerns common to radiated breast skin. Common adverse events were transient post-treatment pain and redness. Conclusion Breast cancer patients with RIBT presented with substantial deficits in several HR-QOL arenas. Laser monotherapy effectively treated the appearance of radiation dermatitis in these patients and also significantly improved HR-QOL. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:284-290, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background Solitary large keratoacanthomas (KAs) of the head and neck present a management dilemma, as no reliable means to predict the clinical course is available. Although typically considered a low-grade tumor, KAs are reported to invade/metastasize, prompting more aggressive treatment. There is little published regarding factors that predict when a KA behaves more like an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Objective To study the clinical and pathologic features of large solitary head and neck KAs and assess response to intralesional methotrexate (IL-MTX) as well as predictors of clinical course. Materials and methods An observation study of 14 patients with large solitary head and neck KAs were treated with IL-MTX and then excised by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at a later time point. Clinical presentation, treatment, response, and pathology were recorded. Features of classic KAs were compared with those with an aggressive SCC course. Results Ten of fourteen lesions responded with necrosis, a decrease in size and/or pain, and histological clearance on MMS. However, 4/14 lesions continued to have progression despite IL-MTX therapy. These showed persistent pain, perineural invasion, moderate/poor differentiation, and an infiltrative growth. Limitations Small sample size. Conclusion Significant pain, or continued growth may suggest an underlying aggressive SCC in clinically classic large KAs. In these cases, surgical management with assessment for high-risk tumor features is recommended.