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Telemedicine is a rapidly developing application of clinical medicine where medical information is transferred through interactive audiovisual media for the purpose of consulting remote medical procedures or examinations, reducing the time of consultation for patients. Teledermatology as an application of telemedicine was developed in 1995: it turns out to be a gradually more ordinary mean of delivering dermatologic healthcare worldwide and will almost certainly have a greater medical function in the future. In particular, teledermatology can aid in the prevention and diagnosis of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer; telemedicine and teledermatology offer the opportunity to make available consultations with experts also by long distance. Overall, patients seem to accept teledermatology, considering it as an excellent mean to obtain healthcare, particularly in those areas with no expert dermatologists available. Clinicians have also generally reported affirmative experiences with teledermatology in the skin cancer field. Further studies focusing on cost effectiveness, patient outcomes, and patient and clinician satisfaction will facilitate to delineate the potential of teledermatology as a mean of prevention and diagnosis of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer.

The incidence of melanoma skin cancer is increasing rapidly, particularly among young women in the United States. Numerous studies have documented an association between the use of indoor tanning devices and an increased risk of skin cancer, especially in young women. Studies have shown that ultraviolet exposure, even in the absence of erythema or burn, results in DNA damage. Countries and regulatory bodies worldwide have recognized the health risks associated with indoor tanning. In the United States, 32 states have passed legislation to regulate the indoor tanning industry, but there is an urgent need to restrict the use of indoor tanning devices at the federal level. The Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing the classification of these devices. For all of these reasons, the Food and Drug Administration should prohibit the use of tanning devices by minors and reclassify tanning devices to at least class II to protect the public from the preventable cancers and other adverse effects caused by ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning.

Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in melanocytes. The occurrence of melanoma continues to rise across the world and current therapeutic options are of limited benefit. Researchers are studying the genetic changes in skin tissue linked to a life-threatening melanoma through SNP genotyping, Expression microarrays, RNA interference etc. In the spectrum of disease, identification and characterization of melanoma proteins is also very important task. In the present study, effort has been made to identify the melanoma protein through Support Vector Machine. A positive dataset has been prepared through databases and literature whereas negative dataset consist of core metabolic proteins. Total 420 compositional properties of amino acid dipeptide and multiplet frequencies have been used to develop SVM model classifier. Average performance of models varies from 0.65-0.80 Mathew’s correlation coefficient values and 91.56% accuracy has been achieved through random data set.

We conducted a survey of persons who voluntarily attended melanoma/skin cancer screenings in Massachusetts in 1987. Of 1219 persons asked to fill out a questionnaire, 1116 (92%) completed it. Our study demonstrates that persons attending the melanoma/skin cancer screening program were, for the most part, at risk for the disease and appropriately selected themselves to be screened. Most were women, well educated (with college or advanced degrees), and white. More than 86% had at least one risk factor for melanoma/skin cancer whereas 78% had at least two risk factors. Future studies are necessary to determine whether our experience can be verified. Additional efforts should try to attract those who are at risk but perhaps are less willing to attend screening programs—men and those of lower socioeconomic status. These efforts can help target screening to those at highest risk and maximize the yield of these public health efforts.

Although screening for melanoma/skin cancer is theoretically of value, few data are available to evaluate its effectiveness or the value of a visual exam by a dermatologist as a cancer screening tool. From the 2560 persons screened for melanoma/skin cancer in Massachusetts in 1986 and 1987, the authors followed the positive screenees to determine their final diagnosis. The authors obtained information on 85% of these persons, and found nine malignant melanomas, 91 non-melanoma skin cancers, 39 dysplastic nevi, and three congenital nevi. The sensitivity of the visual exam by a dermatologist was 89% to 97% and the predictive value positive was 35% to 75% for skin cancer. The authors conclude that the yield of screening is equivalent to that of other major cancer screening efforts and that the sensitivity and predictive value of the visual examination by the dermatologist is appropriate for a cancer screening tool.

To estimate the separate effects of sunlamp and tanning bed device use on melanoma risk.Population-based case-control study of 423 cases of melanoma and 678 controls in the state of New Hampshire. Exposure data, including sunlamp and tanning bed use, were collected by telephone interview. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression analyses.About 17% of participants ever used a sunlamp, and most use (89%) occurred before 1980. The OR was 1.39 (95% CI 1.00-1.96) for ever using a sunlamp, 1.23 (95% CI 0.81-1.88) for those starting sunlamp use20 years, and 1.71 (95% CI 1.00-2.92) for those starting/=20 years. Data suggested increasing risk with number of sunlamp uses and with duration of use (tests of trend p = 0.02). The overall prevalence of tanning bed use was 22% and most use (83%) occurred after 1980. The OR was 1.14 (95% CI 0.80-1.61) for ever using a tanning bed; there was no evidence that risk increased with frequency or duration of use. The OR was 1.96 (95% CI 1.06-3.61) for having used both devices.Results suggest a modest association between sunlamp use and melanoma risk, and increasing risk with greater frequency and duration of use. No association with tanning bed use was found, but sufficient lag time may not have elapsed to assess a potential effect.

There has been a global rise in skin cancer over the last few years with the rising diagnosis of 2 3 million non-melanoma and 132,000 melanoma skin cancer cases each year. This growing prevalence is not only attributed to the increasing ultraviolet radiation by ozone depletion but also by other major predisposing factors centred to an individual’s own responsibility controls like recreational sun exposure and sunburn. However despite the escalating figures, low skin screening rates and awareness levels among the general population are highly disconcerting.

The incidence of sunlight-induced skin aging and skin cancers, particularly melanoma skin cancer, has been increasing in many parts of the world. Authorities are recommending primary prevention programs to reduce cutaneous photodamage and skin carcinogenesis. An integral component of these programs is the use of protective clothing and effective sunscreens. Most modern sunscreens have highly efficient absorption or reflecting capabilities throughout ultraviolet B, partly ultraviolet A, and in some instances infrared wavelengths. Over the last several years, more efficient sunscreening ingredients have been developed for improved skin protection. More recently, direct evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of sunscreens in their ability to reduce the incidence of solar keratoses. This article reviews the protectiveness of sunscreens and assays that predict their levels of protection.

We discuss recent progress towards the establishment of important structure-property-function relationships in eumelanins - key functional bio-macromolecular systems responsible for photo-protection and immune response in humans, and implicated in the development of melanoma skin cancer. We focus on the link between eumelanin's secondary structure and optical properties such as broad band UV-visible absorption and strong non-radiative relaxation; both key features of the photo-protective function. We emphasise the insights gained through a holistic approach combining optical spectroscopy with first principles quantum chemical calculations, and advance the hypothesis that the robust functionality characteristic of eumelanin is related to extreme chemical and structural disorder at the secondary level. This inherent disorder is a low cost natural resource, and it is interesting to speculate as to whether it may play a role in other functional bio-macromolecular systems., 19 pages, 8 figures, Invited highlight article for Soft Matter

A discussion of possible wavelength dependence of induction of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is provided. Strengths and weaknesses of various experimental approaches to better understanding of the prevalence of CMM in different human populations including latitude effects are compared. Further the advantages and limitations of the use of the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestic), transgenic mice containing SV40 ongogene sequences under tyrosinase promoter control, and a backcross hybrid fish of the genus Xenophorus are contrasted.

Statistics and facts about summertime accidents, injuries, and deaths. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.

The purpose of this study was to determine annual occupational exposure to UV radiation by measurement and derive ambient exposure fractions for an entire year that could be applied in the human exposure model. Using polysulphone the daily occupational erythema effective solar ultraviolet radiation exposure at selected body sites of Australia Post mail delivery personnel and physical education teachers were measured over an 18-mo period on a daily basis in the Rockhampton (lat. 23.5 degrees S) region. The daily exposures were summed to estimate an annual exposure for these occupations in this region. For the Australia Post mail delivery personnel, who had very little change to the posture or route during delivery, the annual mean estimates of exposure to erythema effective solar irradiance for the chest, hands, and back were in the range of 192+/-27 kJ m(-2), 388+/-45 kJ m(-2), and 283+/-32 kJ m(-2), respectively. Physical education teachers had varied duties on a day-to-day basis and many changes in their posture and outdoor locations where the exposure occurred. Their annual mean exposure on the vertex (hat), chest, shoulder, thigh, and back were in the range 340+/-71 kJ m(-2), 140+/-28 kJ m(-2), 180+/-40 kJ m(-2), 129+/-24 kJ m(-2), and 212+/-42 kJ m(-2), respectively. The annual exposure range for erythema effective solar irradiance at different body sites during the experimental period was between 120 and 440 kJ m(-2) for the two occupational groups. These exposures greatly exceed the National Health and Medical Research Council occupational standard limit of 30 J m(-2) for daily exposure, which indicates the need for additional protective measures. The ambient exposure was also measured and used to compute ambient exposure fractions for the different body sites over an entire year, which are useful for model calculations on human exposure and assess increase in risk of n on melanoma skin cancer.

This research present asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and diameter (ABCD) feature extraction of image dermatoscopic for melanoma skin cancer diagnosis. ABCD feature is the important information based on morphology analysis of image dermatoscopic lesion. ABCD feature is used to calculate Total Dermatoscopic Value (TDV) for melanoma skin cancer diagnosis. Asymmetry feature consist information of asymmetry and lengthening index of the lesion. Border irregularity feature consist information of compactness index, fractal dimension, edge abruptness, and pigmentation transition from the lesion. Color homogeneity feature consist information of color homogeneity and the correlation between photometry and geometry of the lesion. Diameter extraction is diameter of the lesion. There are three diagnosis that is used on this research i.e. melanoma, suspicious, and benign skin lesion. The experiment uses 30 samples of image dermatoscopic lesion that is suspicious melanoma skin cancer. Based on the experiment, the accuracy of the system is 85% that there are four false diagnoses of 30 samples. Penelitian ini menyajikan ekstraksi fitur citra dermatoskopik untuk diagnosis kanker kulit melanoma berdasarkan asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, dan diameter (ABCD). Fitur ABCD adalah informasi yang penting berdasarkan analisis morfologi lesi citra dermatoskopik. Fitur tersebut digunakan dalam perhitungan Total Dermatoscopic Value (TDV) untuk diagnosis kanker kulit melanoma. Fitur asymmetry terdiri dari informasi asimetri dan indeks perpanjangan luka. Fitur border irregularity terdiri dari informasi indeks compactness, dimensi fraktal, edge abruptness, dan transisi pigmentasi dari lesi. Warna fitur homogenitas terdiri dari informasi homogenitas warna dan korelasi antara fotometri dan geometri lesi. Ekstraksi diameter adalah diameter lesi. Ada tiga diagnosa yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu melanoma, diduga melanoma, dan benign skin lesion. Percobaan ini menggunakan 30 sampel dari lesi citra dermatoskopik kanker kulit melanoma yang mencurigakan. Berdasarkan percobaan, akurasi dari sistem ini adalah 85% dan terdapat empat diagnosa palsu dari 30 sampel.

In 1989 a voluntary melanoma/skin cancer screening clinic was held in Oss, the Netherlands. The campaign was carried out according to the free clinics conducted since 1985 in the USA. Our experiences with the first clinic urged us to improve on the organization of the screen. This produced a better yield of the second screen, conducted in 1990 in Arnhem. In this paper we present the practical and organizational implications of melanoma/skin cancer screening based on both screening exercises. It is emphasized that only dermatologists should screen. Concomitant public education will enhance self-selection of people at risk for melanoma/skin cancer. There should be ample provider time, sufficient auxiliary personnel and abundant examination rooms. Total-body skin examination is optional. Follow-up of positive screenees is mandatory. It is concluded that melanoma/skin cancer screening is feasible, particularly in countries with a high dermatologist-to-patient ratio.

In 1989 and 1990 we conducted two free melanoma/skin cancer screening clinics in Oss and Arnhem in the Netherlands. The study was carried out along the lines of the recent campaigns supported by the American Academy of Dermatology. Of 2564 persons screened, 53 had melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer (2.1%). Compliance with follow-up for persons with suspected melanoma/skin cancer was adequate (93 of 103; 90.3%).

Clinical and experimental evidence explaining and supporting the role of UV radiation as a causal factor for the induction and promotion of nonmelanoma and malignant melanoma skin cancer are presented. While there is excellent animal experimental data and human epidemiologic evidence supporting the causal relationship of UVR (UVB, as well as UVA radiation) for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the data establishing a direct causal relationship between melanoma and exposure to sunlight appear to be complex. They do, however, suggest a definite promotional role of sunlight in the causation of melanoma. Using a hairless pigmented mouse strain (Skh-hr2), experiments were initiated to examine the role of UVR in the induction of melanoma. A single application of DMBA as an initiator and subsequent thrice-weekly exposures to either UVB (290–320 nm) or UVA (320–400 nm) or the combined exposures of UVA and UVB resulted in the formation of blue nevus-like lesions. Repeated UVR exposures for over 30 weeks resulted in the development of melanoma (38 %), as well as lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma only in those mice that were pretreated with DMBA and had developed nevi. Mice receiving UVB, UVA, or the combination treatments of UVB plus UVA without DMBA pretreatment developed papillomas and squamous cell carcinoma but no melanoma. These studies indicate that some initiation event is essential to transform melanocytes to blue nevus-like lesions before UVR (UVB + UVA) can act as a promoter and accelerate the development of malignant melanoma, as well as lymphoma.

There is increasing national interest concerning strategies for the early detection of melanoma/skin cancer. Screening has been implemented on a national scale in an effort to decrease morbidity and mortality from this disease; however, many crucial questions about the proper methods and ultimate value of screening remain unanswered. In this review we apply the scientific principles of cancer screening to dermatology, address the theoretic and practical challenges of cancer screening in terms of melanoma/skin cancer, analyze existing data on skin cancer screening, and identify issues that require future research.

This review deals with topical and systemic approaches for protection of human skin against the harmful effects of solar radiation. Two concerns about the deleterious effects of sun exposure involve: (1) acute effects (e.g., sunburn and drug-induced phototoxicity) and (2) potential long-term risks of repeated sun exposures leading to development of solar elastosis, keratoses, induction of both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer, and alteration of immune responses and functions. Action spectra of normal and abnormal reactions of human skin to acute and chronic effects of solar radiation are presented with a view to helping the physician prescribe the appropriate sunscreens. Factors that influence acute effects of sunburn are reviewed. Various artificial methods effective in minimizing or preventing harmful effects of solar radiation, both in normal individuals and in patients with photosensitivity-related problems, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the commercially available chemical sunscreens and their properties. Sun protection factor (SPF) values of several brand-name formulations determined with a solar simulator under indoor conditions (laboratory) and with solar radiation under natural, field conditions are presented. Factors responsible for variations of SPF values observed under indoor and outdoor conditions are reviewed. Systemic photoprotective agents and their limitations are outlined. The photobiology of melanin pigmentation (the tanning reaction) is briefly discussed, with emphasis on the dangers of using quick-tanning lotions for stimulation of the tanning reaction.

That sunlight leads to skin cancer has been generally accepted for nearly a century. Physical data are, for the first time, available which support this hypothesis. The authors have found that a simple power relationship can be used to describe the data and that the form of this power function suggests that the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer is related to cumulative lifetime ultraviolet (UV) exposure and that the risk of melanoma skin cancer is related to annual UV exposure. The authors emphasize that skin cancer risk also depends on location-specific demographic variables other than ultraviolet radiation.

The Michigan Dermatological Society sponsors free skin cancer detection clinics annually. In 1985, fifty-four volunteer dermatologists screened 1,909 patient-participants. In 1986, following establishment of the program and structure discussed here, 102 volunteer dermatologists screened 4,431 patient-participants.

Un metodo di mappatura tridimensionale di una porzione della cute di un paziente, comprendente le fasi di: - ricevere una pluralità di immagini fotografiche e di immagini termografiche della porzione di cute; - effettuare una modellazione fotogrammetrica delle immagini fotografiche fornendo una nuvola di punti ed un modello 3D fotorealistici della porzione di cute; - elaborare i dati termici sulla base della posizione reciproca di cute e termocamera, attribuendo dati termici corretti a nuvola di punti e modello 3D; - riconoscere tutti i nevi nella porzione di cute osservata mediante segmentazione dei dati; - calcolare, per ciascun nevo, alcuni indici diagnostici geometrici, cromatici e termografici; - classificare i nevi, fornendo un elenco di nevi sospetti, tenendo conto di un database di indici diagnostici di melanoma e, in caso di visite multitemporali, di eventuali cambiamenti nel tempo.