Sun-exposed Areas Research Articles

8035 Severe Hyperglycemia Induced By Enfortumab Vedotin (EV) Treatment For Urothelial Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: N. Semreen: None. M.D. Goldberg: None. Introduction: Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but it has a wide range of adverse events including endocrinopathies. Here we present a case of severe hyperglycemia induced by enfortumab vedotin (EV) treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma. Clinical Case: A 56-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a painful rash in sun-exposed areas. He had metastatic urothelial carcinoma, with progression of disease after platinum-based chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pembrolizumab, and had begun treatment with EV six weeks prior to presentation. He also had type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a recent A1c of 6.1% on metformin monotherapy, and obesity (BMI, 31 kg/m2). His blood glucose on admission was 600 mg/dL, and insulin therapy was initiated. There was no evidence for DKA or HHS. Over the course of his 9-day admission he required approximately 200 units of insulin per day to control his glucose. A fasting C-peptide level was 6.89 ng/mL (0.81-3.89 ng/mL) concurrent with a glucose of 181 mg/dL. Skin biopsy revealed erythema multiforme, which represented a grade 4 toxicity of EV treatment, and the EV was discontinued. Symptoms improved with oral glucocorticoids. The patient was discharged on multiple daily injections of insulin in addition to metformin. His insulin requirements fell rapidly, and one month later he was able to discontinue insulin completely. He was started on sacituzumab for his cancer treatment. Discussion: EV is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate directed against Nectin-4, which was approved in 2019 for previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6.4% of patients receiving EV in the initial phase III study; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and pretreatment A1c ≥ 6.5% were identified as risk factors. In a 24-month follow-up analysis, the incidence of grade ≥ 3 hyperglycemia was 4.4%, and the median time to onset of hyperglycemia was 19 days. There have been postmarketing reports of EV-induced DKA, as well as cases of refractory hyperglycemia requiring more than 1,000 units of insulin daily. The mechanism explaining the hyperglycemia is not yet defined, but in the prior case reports, as well as the current case, C-peptide levels have been elevated. It is assumed, therefore, that the mechanism involves insulin resistance as opposed to insulin deficiency. The marked hyperglycemia appears to be reversible once EV therapy is discontinued. In 2023, EV was approved in combination with pembrolizumab for first-line therapy of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, as an alternative to platinum-based chemotherapy. With this expanded indication, providers should be aware of the risk of hyperglycemia, which in some cases may be severe. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Calcipotriol as a daylight photodynamic therapy enhancer: a case-control study

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions found on sun-exposed areas and are considered potential precursors to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). This observational case-control study evaluates the efficacy of combining traditional daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) with pre-treatment using 0.005% calcipotriol (CAL) ointment. Twenty immunocompetent male patients with grade I-II AKs on the scalp and/or face were randomized into two groups: the case group received a 14-day pretreatment with CAL ointment before DL-PDT, while the control group used a moisturizing cream. Both groups underwent a series of three DL-PDT sessions. The study utilized the Actinic Keratosis Area Severity Index (AKASI) scoring system to measure the actinic damage at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Results showed a significant reduction in AKASI scores in the CAL group compared to controls, indicating that CAL pretreatment enhances the efficacy of DL-PDT. This combination treatment was well tolerated, with minimal discomfort reported. The findings suggest that incorporating CAL into the treatment regimen can improve the clearance of AKs and potentially prevent their progression to SCCs.

Unusual presentation of basal cell carcinoma: Beyond the face

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. It is commonly seen in fair-skinned individuals over sun-exposed areas. BCC typically appears as pearly pink or flesh-colored papules with telangiectasia. It is slow-growing and locally invasive. Pigmented BCC is extremely rare, accounting for only 6% of the cases. The lower extremities are the areas most unlikely to develop the lesion as they are not exposed to sunlight. There are a few isolated case reports describing pigmented BCC of lower extremities. In most cases of primary BCC, surgery is the preferred treatment.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal and Conchal Bowl

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans, and is the most common cutaneous malignancy in the United States. It affects close to 4 million people per year, or one in five Americans. BCC typically arise in sun-exposed areas of the body, due to damage caused by UV light. Although sunlight exposure is the most predictive risk factor for BCC, it can also occur by other methods, giving rise to BCCs that are not in sun-exposed areas of the skin. This case report describes a BCC located in the conchal bowl with extension into the external auditory canal (EAC), a site that is rare for BCC to occur. We are presenting this case to raise awareness of the fact that BCCs could occur anywhere on the body, and dermatologists as well as other clinicians should be observant in their total-body examinations. In addition, we are emphasizing the fact that treating BCC often is a multi-disciplinary effort, and interdisciplinary communication between dermatologic and surgical teams is key to successfully excise BCC in atypical areas.

Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Depigmented skin lesions are of great concern in society, especially in the Indian subcontinent. These comprise many infective and inflammatory conditions that cause apprehension and anxiety among patients due to the social stigma attached to these conditions. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) appears similar to many depigmented lesions and differentiation of IGH from these conditions is difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. IGH is one of the common causes of acquired leukoderma. It is also called disseminated lenticular leukoderma. The etiology is yet not clearly delineated, probably multifactorial. Various etiological factors have been proposed including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, post-phototherapy (psoralen and UVA monotherapy, narrowband-UVB), aging, genetic factors, trauma, and autoimmunity. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple, discrete porcelain-white round to oval macules of 2–5 mm average size. It most commonly occurs in the elderly. The most common sites observed are chronically sun-exposed areas such as the arm, pretibial regions, and forearm extensors. It is not easy to differentiate IGH from other hypo and depigmented conditions such as vitiligo, pityriasis versicolor, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, guttate morphea, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. It poses a diagnostic challenge to dermatologists. One has to differentiate depigmented lesions from vitiligo as it carries tremendous social implications as social stigma, especially in India. Research on dermoscopic evaluation is uncommon in the literature, despite the abundance of clinic-epidemiological and histological studies of IGH. Four dermoscopic patterns, namely, petaloid, amoeboid, feathery, and nebuloid have been described. These patterns are specific to IGH and help clinicians to differentiate many depigmented skin lesions from IGH in clinical practice. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium.

Refractory solar lentigines successfully treated with 532-nm nanosecond Nd:YAG Vasculature Salvage Laser Surgery (VSLS) system: Case series.

Solar lentigo, a common epidermal hyperpigmented lesion found in sun-exposed areas, results from the proliferation of melanocytes and the accumulation of melanin. Although various treatments for solar lentigo have been explored, they often lead to complications, including prolonged erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), posing significant concerns. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Vasculature Salvage Laser Surgery (VSLS) system. We treated six Korean patients, each with solar lentigo, in a single session using the 532-nm nanosecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) VSLS system, with follow-up periods ranging from 3 to 10weeks. The treatment led to the complete removal of pigmented lesions in all patients without resulting in PIH, even in cases where previous laser treatments had failed. The only side effect observed was mild erythema, which resolved over the long term in most instances. The VSLS system emerges as a safe and effective treatment for pigmented lesions, including refractory solar lentigines. Nonetheless, additional studies are required to verify its long-term efficacy.

Addisonian Pigmentation – The Great Mimicker – A Review

Abstract Skin colour usually depends upon melanin, haemoglobin, and carotenoids. Pigmentary disorders indicate an increased amount of melanin, leading to a darker colour of the skin, called hypermelanosis. Addison’s disease is a rare endocrinal disorder with severe oral and systemic manifestations. Any form of diffuse skin hyper-pigmentation which is more pronounced on sun-exposed areas mimics Addison’s disease and is called Addisonian pigmentation. Pigmentation often precedes other manifestations by months to years and hence can lead to early diagnosis and can prevent life-threatening adrenal crisis. The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency in developing countries is tuberculosis. A similar pattern of pigmentation has been reported in Cushing’s syndrome, ectopic ACTH-producing tumours, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyrotoxicosis. Addisonian pigmentation can be a manifestation of multiple systemic diseases; hence, an inter-disciplinary approach is needed with extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. It is not merely a cosmetic concern. Not much data are available in the literature regarding this entity. This brief review serves as an important source for clinicians to stay up-to-date regarding the history, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of this entity.

Changes in epidermal thickness and their correlation with clinical characteristics in patients with vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterized by epidermal melanocyte damage, with the typical clinical manifestation of white patches of skin. Keratinocytes, which work in concert with melanocytes to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the skin, are implicated in the progression of vitiligo. Recent studies have reported abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal thickening in some patients with vitiligo; however, the relationship between these changes and the clinical characteristics of vitiligo remains unclear. We assessed the changes in epidermal thickness in patients with vitiligo and their correlation with clinical characteristics. Compared to the non-lesional skins, the stratum corneum, viable epidermis, and full epidermis in the lesional skins were all significantly thicker. The thickness of the stratum corneum in the head, neck, and trunk was greatly lower than that in the extremities. The thickness of the stratum corneum in the sun-exposed area was higher than that in the sun-protected area, whereas the thickness of the viable epidermis decreased. In conclusion, our study found that the epidermis in the lesional skins of patients with vitiligo was significantly thickened, especially in the sun-exposed areas and extremities.

Therapeutic response to combination of oral isotretinoin and topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in lichen planus pigmentosus: A case series

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP) is a pigmentary disorder of unknown etiology, presenting with diffuse hyperpigmentation in sun-exposed areas. It is a cosmetically distressing pigmentary disorder often posing a therapeutic challenge. There are few reports showing efficacy of oral isotretinoin and topical tacrolimus in LPP. However combination of both these therapeutic modalities has not been described earlier. Herein we report a series of 10 patients who showed good response to combination of oral isotretinoin (20 mg/day) and topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in an HIV-positive patient

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, or Lutz–Lewandowsky disease, is a rare genodermatosis, usually autosomal recessive, characterized by abnormal susceptibility to infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. There are hereditary and acquired forms. Immunocompromised people, such as HIV-positive patients and kidney transplant recipients, are at risk for acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This pathology poses management problems, and variable responses are observed in different individuals. The prognosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis is related to the oncogenic potential of certain types of human papillomavirus, inducing carcinomas in sun-exposed areas in 30% to 60% of cases. Tumors grow slowly or sometimes rapidly and are locally destructive. Lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis are refractory to conventional wart treatments, yet preventive treatments for complications and symptomatic treatments for lesions may be offered with regular follow-up. Herein, we report a case of acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in an HIV-positive patient. Key words: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, Human papillomavirus, Human immunodeficiency virus, Immunosuppression, Genodermatosis

Subcutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma arising from Surgical Drain Insertion Site: A Case Report

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and primarily affects the sun-exposed areas of the body. It usually presents as visible skin lesions; cases of subcutaneous BCC without apparent skin involvement are extremely rare. Here, we present the case of an 81-year-old female who underwent hysterectomy for an ectopic pregnancy 50 years prior and presented with a subcutaneous mass in the lower abdomen that gradually increased in size over the previous 6 months. The mass only displayed a mild hypertrophic scar the color of skin at the site where a surgical drain had been inserted. Ultrasonography revealed a nonspecific soft tissue tumor, for which we recommended an ultrasound-guided biopsy. Histopathological analysis indicated the need to differentiate between BCC and trichoblastoma. Subsequent wide excision with a 5-mm margin confirmed the BCC diagnosis. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing subcutaneous BCC with unusual clinical symptoms.

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics and long-term surgical outcome of basal cell carcinoma treated with standard excision in patients of skin of colour: A retrospective study from Northern India.

Background There is scant data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Indian patients. This retrospective study was conducted to explore epidemiology, risk factors, clinical and pathological aspects, and long-term treatment outcomes of BCC in a cohort of North Indian patients. Methods Data about patients registered in the dermatosurgery clinic between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2022 with a confirmed diagnosis of BCC was collected. Results Among the 83 patients, 56.6% were females, and the median age was 62 years (6-85 years). Most patients (81.9%) had a single BCC lesion, resulting in a total of 126 assessed lesions. The median size of BCC at presentation was 1.90 cm, with nodular BCC being the most common histopathological subtype (39.7%). Head and neck region involvement was observed in 82.5% of patients, with the malar region, nose, and periorbital region being the most commonly affected sites. Pigmentation was clinically evident in 45.2% of cases. Surgical excision was the primary treatment modality (71.1% of patients). The median follow-up duration was 40 months (6-57 months). Recurrence occurred in five patients, with a longer disease-free survival period observed in the surgically treated group (55.58 ± 0.98 months) compared to patients treated with medical or destructive therapies (43.6 ± 3.482 months) (p = 0.003). Conclusion The data from this hospital-based study indicated a slight predilection for females among North Indian patients with BCC, with most cases occurring during their seventh decade of life. The condition commonly occurred on sun-exposed areas such as the malar region and nose, with a high percentage of pigmented lesions. Recurrence following surgical excision was rare, and overall treatment outcomes were favourable.

RWHO: A hybrid of CNN architecture and optimization algorithm to predict basal cell carcinoma skin cancer in dermoscopic images

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that initiates from the epithelial cells of our skin. Compared to other forms of cancer, BCC infrequently spreads to other parts of the body. It has a risk of local attack and demolition of surrounding tissues. Typically, BCC shows as one or numerous small, glowing nodules exhibiting central depressions. These knots are commonly found on the sun-exposed skin areas of older adults. Many dermatoscopic methods are available for diagnosing and predicting such kinds of skin cancers. But, medical professionals find it difficult to diagnose at some kind of images at the early stages. An automated methodology to predict such types of skin lesions would be better for such a diagnosis. In the present work, a new computer-assisted algorithm called RESNET50-WHO (RWHO) has been introduced to predict and diagnose BCC skin cancer. The method uses a combination of deep learning algorithm RESNET 50 and a metaheuristic algorithm, called wildebeest herd optimization (WHO) Algorithm to do prediction. The initial features from the images are extracted using RESNET 50. The output is given to the WHO algorithm to extract the beneficial features to reduce the time complexity. The method is tested using the PH2 dataset. The results obtained using the proposed algorithm is compared with the state-of-art optimization algorithms and evaluated. The conclusive findings specify that the proposed algorithm beats the comparative methods, yielding superior results

Joinpoint regression analysis of recent trends in desmoplastic malignant melanoma incidence and mortality: 15-year multicentre retrospective study.

Recent data reveal a marked rise in the detection and mortality rates of Desmoplastic Malignant Melanoma (DMM). This trend underscores the imperative for an in-depth analysis of DMM's epidemiology, which is crucial for the formulation of precise medical and public health strategies. This investigation seeks to elucidate the variations in the incidence and mortality of DMM over a 15-year period (2005-2019). Data on DMM patients was sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Both incidence and incidence-based mortality rates (IBM) were directly extracted from the SEER database. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze and calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Between 2005 and 2019, 3,384 DMM cases were identified, boasting an age-adjusted incidence rate of 36.3 cases per 1000,000 person-years (95% CI 3.51-3.76) and an IBM of 1.65cases per 1000,000 person-years (95% CI 1.57-1.74). Of these, 2,353 were males (69.53%) and 1,031 were females (30.47%). There were 1894 patients (55.97%) who were over 70years old. Predominantly, DMM lesions manifested in exposed areas: Limbs (955, 28.22%), Face (906, 26.77%), and Scalp and Neck (865, 25.56%). The incidence of DMM increased significantly at a rate of APC = 0.9% during 2005-2019, while the incidence-based mortality showed a significant upward trend (APC = 7%) during 2005-2012, and slowly increasing trend (APC = 0.6%) during 2012-2019. In contrast to the modest upward trajectory in female incidence and mortality, male incidence initially surged, later declining, while male mortality peaked and stabilized post-2012. The primary sites for incidence and mortality were chronically sun-exposed areas: Face, Scalp and Neck, and Limbs. In recent years, the incidence and incidence-based mortality of DMM have significantly increased. Each subgroup analysis has different trends, and these trends can provide better support for our exploration of DMM.

Gaining exposure on perceptions of sunscreen: a national survey of patients with melanoma.

The incidence of melanoma is increasing. We ascertained perceptions regarding sunscreen and factors influencing choice in patients with melanoma. A survey was distributed to all members of a support group for people with melanoma. In total, 571 responses were received across 6 weeks. Most respondents (n = 452/571; 79.2%) indicated that they knew how much sunscreen to apply; the most popular frequency of application was once daily (n = 180/571; 31.5%). The most popular cosmetic benefit respondents indicated was reduced redness on sun-exposed areas of the skin (n = 418/571; 73.2%). Most respondents (n = 552/571; 96.7%) agreed that more education is needed regarding the importance of wearing sunscreen. The three most popular factors influencing sunscreen choice were a sun protection factor (SPF) > 50 (n = 299/571; 52.4%), dermatologist recommendation (n = 267/571; 46.8%) and price (n = 262/571; 45.9). Sustainable packaging (n = 45/571; 7.9%) and ethical sourcing of ingredients (n = 65/571; 11.4%) were not ranked highly. Given that 42.0% (n = 240/571) only applied sunscreen on sunny days, an education campaign is required. Industry should consider public education regarding sustainability. A further study ascertaining the views and perceptions of sunscreen in a cohort of people without melanoma is strongly encouraged.

Porokeratosis.

A 48-year-old female patient presented with pink brown pruritic plaques on sun-exposed areas including hands and torso which started 5 years ago. She was otherwise well with a clear past medical history. She stated that similar looking lesions were present in her son and mother on sun-exposed areas.

Clinical characteristics and research progress of ocular Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive epithelial and neuroendocrine tumor. MCC typically presents as painless nodules or patches rapidly growing in sun-exposed skin areas. Ocular MCC accounts for approximately 2.5% of all cases and may be misdiagnosed as granuloma or basal cell carcinoma. Risk factors for development include advanced age, ultraviolet exposure, male gender, immunosuppression, and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. Treatment involves wide local excision with adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy is typically reserved for metastatic disease, and immunotherapy and targeted therapy are currently under investigation showing promising early outcomes. This article summarizes the clinical characteristics and research progress of ocular MCC.

Hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedle patch loaded with tranexamic acid for melasma treatment

Melasma is an acquired hypermelanotic condition characterized by the presence of irregular light-to-dark brown macules that primarily manifest on the sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly the face. The management of melasma poses significant challenges, as it is often recalcitrant to treatment and tends to recur despite successful treatment. In this study, we explored a safe, easy, and effective melasma treatment strategy. A hyaluronic acid (HA)-based microneedle (MN) patch loaded with tranexamic acid (TXA) was designed to deliver the necessary medication for melasma treatment. The MN patch features uniform needles with adequate mechanical strength and effective penetration and solubility in the skin without cytotoxicity. Remarkably, these MNs substantially reduce the thickness of the epidermis of melasma mice, curtail melanin production, and diminish dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) expression.

Combination of Fractional Carbon Di Oxide Laser with Narrow Band Ultravoilet B Therapy to induce repigmentation in stable resistant vitiligo- A split-lesional study

Context: Resistant vitiligo is challenging to treat and needs new therapeutic approaches such as combining fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy. Aims: The study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of combining fractional CO2 laser and NB-UVB therapy to induce repigmentation in resistant localized vitiligo patches. Materials and Methods: In this open, prospective, split-lesional study, 40 stable resistant vitiligo patches in 30 patients were included and assessed. After an initial assessment, a few resistant patches of vitiligo were identified, and a symmetrical half of it was given two sessions of fractional CO2 laser 1 month apart, followed by NB-UVB sessions to both sides thrice weekly for 3 months. Photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks, and repigmentation responses were assessed by calculating the mean percentage of improvement and mean grade of pigmentation on the fractional CO2 laser with NB-UVB site (test) and the only NB-UVB site (control) and then compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with significance determined by P value <0.05. Results: The mean grade of pigmentation (1.8±0.88) and mean surface area improvement (8.40 ± 6.82 cm2) on the fractional CO2 laser with NB-UVB site (test) were statistically better than the mean grade of pigmentation (1.27 ± 0.71) and mean surface area improvement (5.37 ± 6.76 cm2) on the NB-UVB site. A better grade of pigmentation was noted over sun-protected areas with fractional CO2 and NB-UVB therapy, while NB-UVB therapy fared better in sun-exposed areas. Conclusions: Fractional CO2 laser with NB-UVB therapy is an effective treatment in resistant vitiligo patches, especially for sun-protected areas.

Actinic Reticuloid: A Literature Review of a Case

Actinic reticuloid is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects elderly individuals and is associated with chronic sun exposure. It is characterized by the presence of papules, plaques, and fine lines that form a reticular pattern on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and extremities. Histologically, lichenification and dermal alterations are observed, suggesting a chronic response to sun exposure. Actinic reticuloid is often diagnosed clinically, but confirmation may require a skin biopsy. Managing this condition involves measures to protect the skin from the sun, such as the use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Topical and systemic treatments, such as corticosteroids and ultraviolet light therapy, may also be beneficial in some cases. Although the actinic reticuloid is not malignant, its chronic course and the aesthetic changes it produces can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Therefore, it is important for doctors to properly recognize and manage this condition in order to provide effective relief to affected patients.