Do Outpatient Rehabilitation Interventions Improve The Functional Capacity And Quality Of Life Of Colorectal Cancer Survivors?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity representing a major public health problem. Globally, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in male patients and the second in female ones. Internationally, its incidence is characterized by a wide geographical variation, with almost 55% of the cases being diagnosed in Western countries. In contrast, the incidence and the number of new deaths in Bulgaria, 28.5 and 2,687 (14.04), respectively, are still among the highest in Balkan countries and EU countries as well. Adenocarcinomas originating from epithelial cells of the colorectal mucosa comprise more than 90% of all CRCs. Other types of CRCs include neuroendocrine, squamous cell, adenosquamous, spindle cell, and undifferentiated carcinomas. Recently, the surgical treatment of CRC has made great progress. However, about 50% of patients relapse after treatment, indicating that improving the treatment of CRC with several rehabilitation interventions is still necessary. Rehabilitation is defined as the secret weapon in the holistic management of patients with cancers, aiming to restore mental and/or physical abilities, which might have been lost due to injury or disease, so that the individual is able to lead a normal or near-normal life. Cancer survivors and patients with terminal diseases are highly dependent on rehabilitation in order to optimize quality of life (QoL) and still preserve their dignity. Rehabilitation is an immanent team process that should be integrated throughout the oncology care continuum and delivered by a dedicated physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) team. There is an increased demand for a patient-centered approach, tailored to the CRC survivor’s individual needs and wants, which will allow optimal physical, psychological, social, and professional functioning within the limits imposed by cancer and its treatment, as well as maximize the independence and QoL

Right-sided pneumothorax in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tuberculosis-affected left lung: a case report

Introduction: A spontaneous pneumothorax occurring in a patient with underlying lung pathology is classified as a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). Its main cause is the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more rarely - a tuberculosis infection (TB). Untreated TB could lead to carnification of a part or the whole lung.Case report: A 35-year-old female patient was admitted with complaints of sudden right chest pain and severe dyspnea. The physical examination showed retracted and deformed left chest part, missing breathing sounds in the left and weakened breathing in the right. Chest CT revealed partial right-sided pneumothorax, bullous changes of the right lung and carnification of the whole left lung. Right thoracocentesis was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. The chest drain was removed on the fifth day. After more detailed examinations the patient was diagnosed with COPD and TB and was transferred to the Department of Pulmonology and Phthisiatry for further treatment.Conclusion: In a patient who has two advanced and complicated lung diseases at the same time (COPD and TB), a spontaneous pneumothorax, even partial, is a life-threatening condition and requires special consideration and urgent therapeutic measures

Acquired Ulcero-Mutilating Bilateral Acro-Osteopathy (Bureau-Barrière Syndrome)

We present a 35-year-old male patient with Bureau-Barrière syndrome. Bureau-Barrière syndrome is an ulcero-mutilating acropathy almost invariably associated with excessive alcohol intake. It presents with a triad of trophic skin changes with recurrent ulcerations, bone lesions and nerve damage. The clinical presentation includes chronic painless plantar ulcerations with periulcerous hyperkeratosis, hyperhidrosis, livedoid skin colour, nail dystrophy, widening and infiltration of the toes and common interdigital mycoses. Other non-specific skin changes related to the alcohol consumption are commonly observed as well. The condition affects mainly middle-aged men suffering from alcoholism. Often a bilateral location at the lower limb of male alcoholics has been described, as in our patient. Successful treatment of the Bureau-Barrière syndrome requires an interdisciplinary approach. Cessation of alcohol intake and smoking is of paramount importance

Multiple Primary Recurrent Basaliomas (mPR-BCCs) of the Scalp with Cranial Bone Invasion

We present a 68-year-old patient with multiple primary infiltrative BCCs in the scalp area, initially treated 14 years ago with superficial contact X-ray therapy, end dose 60 greys, followed by electrocautery (x2) several years later. He presented in the dermatologic policlinic for diagnosis and therapy of two additional, newly-formed pigmented lesions, and because of an uncomfortable, itchy, burning sensation in the area where lesions had been treated years before. Screening cranial computer-tomography (CT) examination revealed two deformities in the form of tumor-mediated osteolysis, affecting the diploe of the tabula externa on the left parietal and parasagittal areas. Complete excision with removal of periosteum and partial removal of the tabula externa was planned with neurosurgeons at a later stage. BCC is one of the most common malignant skin tumours of the head and neck region (about 90% of cases) and is characterised by a significant potential for local infiltration and destructive growth. Recurrent, invasive BCC of the scalp and calvarium is a difficult problem for which universally accepted treatment protocols had not been established. The primary treatment of aggressive BCCs is surgical, with a thorough examination of excision margins to ensure complete resection. Procedural-based options include standard excision, curettage, curettage with electrodessication, and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), with MMS being the gold standard for the definitive treatment of BCC. Improper removal or electrocautery (as in our case) of the several aggressive forms of BCC seems to be a particular problem, and not only for dermatologic surgeons. The risk of subsequent invasion and destruction of the cranium, underlying dura, and cranial nerves by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is extremely low, with an estimated incidence of 0.03%, but is a potential complication over time. Computed tomography is the modality of choice for detecting tumour invasion into bone, which commonly appears as irregular demineralization or osteolysis

Severe Acne Inversa - Dermatosurgical Approach in a Bulgarian Patient

We present a 55-year-old male patient - a smoker, admitted to a Medical Institute of MVR (Ministry of the interior, Sofia, Bulgaria), on occasion of pain and swellings, located in the area of both axillae, accompanied by purulent discharge, with bloody admixtures. Bilateral localised cystic rose above the skin surface, hyperpigmented nodules interconnected with multiple fistulas, was observed within the dermatological examination, resulting in a limitation of the possibility of movement of the hands in all directions. A subjective complaint of pain was obtained on palpation. Solid bilateral axillar cicatrices - formation was also established, which additional impeded the movements of the upper limbs. The disease was generalised affecting additional inguinal, femoral and perineal areas, while at this stage the patient refused categorically eventual photo documentation of them. The diagnosis of acne inversa was made based on the available clinical and para-clinical data, as dual antibiotic therapy with Clindamycin 300 mg, two times per day was initiated for two months, in combination with rifampicin 300 mg, two times per day also for two months. This led to a significant improvement in the clinic symptoms and the patient was hospitalised for radical surgery. A surgical management of the clinical findings was planned by an interdisciplinary team including surgeons and dermatologists. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. After a thorough cleaning of the operative field, a radical excision of the lesion in the left axillary and para axillar region was performed, comprising the skin and subcutaneous tissue forward the fascia pectoralis. Tissue was dissected in depth in the form of number 4, thereby creating the conditions for adaptation of the initially encountered communicating with each other skin defects. Two tubular drains were placed, followed by gradual suturing of skin and subcutaneous tissue with final applying of a sterile dressing. Effective medical treatment of patients (as in our case) with severe AI is limited. Adalimumab is the first biological approved for moderate to severe AI but does not result in stable CR (cure rate). Therefore its use in a neoadjuvant setting is under investigation. Wide local excision significantly reduces pain and improves the quality of life of AI patients. While local recurrences rate is low, the satisfaction with the cosmetic results is high. The recurrence rate is dependent on the region affected and the type of surgery. While in the axillary region primary closure may be used to reduce the time to healing, anogenital AI has the lowest recurrence rate of healing by secondary intention

Dermatosurgery Rounds - The Island SKIN Infraorbital Flap

The main objective in dermatologic surgery is complete excision of the tumour while achieving the best possible functional and cosmetic outcome. Also we must take into account age, sex, and tumour size and site. We should also consider the patient's expectations, the preservation of the different cosmetic units, and the final cosmetic outcome. Various reconstructive methods ranging from secondary healing to free flap applications are usedfor the reconstruction of perinasal or facial defects caused by trauma or tumour surgery. Herein, we describe the nasal infraorbital island skin flap for the reconstruction in a patient with basal cell carcinoma. No complications were observed in operation field. The infraorbital island skin flap which we describe for the perinasal area reconstruction is a safe, easily performed and versatile flap. The multidimensional use of this flap together with a relatively easy reconstruction plan and surgical procedure would be effective in flap choice

Genital Bowenʼs Disease in a Bulgarian Patient: Complete Remission after Surgical Approach

A 60-year-old male patient presented with complaints of persistent red to a brown-colored plaque on his scrotum, with duration of approximately three years. The patient had been treated with oral and topical antifungals for inguinal tinea for several months and after that with topical corticosteroids for eczema for several more months. None of the regimens achieved any therapeutic effect. The histopathological evaluation revealed the presence of atypical keratinocytes in all layers of the epidermis with the altered epidermal pattern, spread parabasal mitotic activity, without secondary satellites, multiple dyskeratotic cells and multinucleated cells. The diagnosis of an intraepithelial non-invasive squamous cell carcinoma, associated with koilocytic dysplasia and hyperplasia was made, meeting the criteria for Bowen disease. An elliptic surgical excision of the lesion was made, while the defect was closed with single stitches, with excellent therapeutic and aesthetic result. First described by John T. Bowen in 1912, Bowen disease (BD) represents a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ with the potential for significant lateral spread. Treatment options include the application of topical 5-flurorouracil cream – useful in non-hairy areas, imiquimod cream or destructive methods such as radiation, curettage, cryotherapy, laser ablation and photodynamic therapy, especially useful in nail bed involvement. Despite the early lesions, surgical excision is the preferred treatment option, regarding the potential malignant transformation risk

Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis (IGD)

We report the case of a 42 years old male patient suffering from skin changes , which appeared in the last 7-8 years.  Two biopsies were performed during the evolution of the lesion. Both showed similar findings that consisted in a busy dermis with interstitial, superficial and deep infiltrates of lymphocytes and histiocytes dispersed among collagen bundles, with variable numbers of neutrophils scattered throughout. Some histiocytes were clustered in poorly formed granuloma that included rare giant cells, with discrete Palisades and piecemeal collagen degeneration, but without mucin deposition or frank necrobiosis of collagen. The clinical and histologic findings were supportive for interstitial granulomatous dermatitis. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) is a poorly understood entity that was regarded by many as belonging to the same spectrum of disease or even synonym with palisaded and neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis (PNGD). Although IGD and PNGD were usually related to connective tissue disease, mostly rheumatoid arthritis, some patients with typical histologic findings of IGD never develop autoimmune disorders, but they have different underlying conditions, such as metabolic diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders or other malignant tumours. These observations indicate that IGD and PNGD are different disorders with similar manifestations

Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology as an Essential Part of the Modern Dermatology in Bulgaria

Dermatosurgery and dermatooncology are an integral part of dermatology as a speciality, and this postulate is strictly respected in a high percentage of European dermatological units. Due to the fact that a number of other specialties interweave with the subject of therapy - the surgical treatment of the patient with skin tumors, the positioning of dermatosurgery as part of dermatology is generally controversial (according to some), and at the same time is often the subject of a number of debates and conflicts. These include maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, regenerative and reconstructive surgeons, surgical and medical oncologist, etc. The advantages of these specialities are mainly based on good medical practice and good surgical techniques that are applied. In contrast, their disadvantages are based on the lack of good awareness of the initial surgical approach as well as the need for time-adjusted and accurately performed additional surgical interventions which should befurthermore careful scheduled with the relevant oncology units. Losing this thread, in practice, it turns out that we are losing the patients themselves or, looking laconically, we are working with reduced efficiency and effectiveness. Although for the last 15 years the positions of these sub-sectors in Bulgaria had been underdeveloped, a certain ascent has been observed nowadays or from a couple of years ago. This advance is undoubtedly due to the influence of the German Dermatological School, presented by Prof. Dr. Uwe Wollina, Head of Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology in Dresden, Germany, as well as due to other respected representative of the Italian Dermatological School - in the face of Prof. Dr. Torello Lotti, Head of the Dermatology Unit at G Marconi University of Rome, Italy

Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (GCMN) - A New Hope for Targeted Therapy?

We present a 6-month-old male patient, who was consulted with dermatologist by his parents, because of a pigmented lesion, present since birth, covering almost the all skin of the back and buttocks.  A sharply bordered, unequally coloured congenital pigmented nevus, measuring approximately 21 cm in diameter was observed in the whole body skin examination. The lesion was affecting the lower 2/3 of the skin of the back and the top half of the gluteus area, extending to the lateral part of the tors, forward the abdomen and the upper lateral part of the hips, composed by multiple darker-pigmented nests and several lighter areas, with single depigmented zones, hairy surface, irregularly infiltrated on palpation. Congenital melanocytic nevi are presented in approximately 1% of newborns, while giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are the most uncommon subtype of them; with occurrence rate 1 in 50,000 births. They affect 2% of a total body surface or presenting in a diameter larger than 20 cm in older children. Although not common, the possible malignant transformation remains one of the most important considerations related to them, as the related lifetime risk of melanoma is 4% to 10%. Treatment recommendations include non-surgical methods as dermabrasion only within the first two weeks of life, for prevention the possible melanocytic deeper migration, while serial surgical excisions or tissue expanders could be useful treatment tool even in later stages. Nevertheless, cosmetic result is not always satisfactory, and the risk of malignant changes remains, in cases of previous melanocytic migration in deeper layer. Recent article suggests the potential role in the treatment of GCMN with NRAS inhibitor trametinib, approved for treatment of advanced melanoma, associated with underlying NRAS mutations. Although promising, the drug could be useful in paediatric patients, only with associated NRAS gene mutation. It is still unclear whether it could be helpful, independent of the NRAS status