Split-thickness skin grafts obtained from adjacent hairy skin for reconstructing auricular concave surfaces after Mohs surgery

Background: Reconstruction of large auricular defects with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) is a commonly reported option, but less attention has focused on the advantages and indications of using split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) in the ear. Objective: We sought to report our experience using STSG for repair of defects located on the auricular concave surfaces, highlighting the utility of choosing the adjacent hairy skin as donor site. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all Mohs micrographic defects on the auricular concave surfaces repaired with STSG obtained from the adjacent hairy skin, between January 2017 and July 2018 at our institution. Results: A total of 16 patients with defects on the auricular concavities resulting from removal of non-melanoma skin cancer were reconstructed with STSG taken from the adjacent hairy skin. Only one patient experienced partial graft failure and no other complications were observed after 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Split-thickness skin grafts are suitable for reconstructing concave areas in the ear, providing good cosmetic results with a simple, cost-effective and easily reproducible technique. Choosing the adjacent hairy skin as a donor area shortens the operative and postoperative time, and allows the procedure to be performed in a single surgical field

Simplified lower eyelid reconstruction algorithm after basal cell carcinoma surgery: A retrospective series of patients

The lower eyelid is a frequent location for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and oncoplastic reconstruction usually represents a challenge for the dermatologic surgeon. To create a useful and practical algorithm for lower eyelid reconstruction, a retrospective chart review of patients with lower eyelid BCC treated with surgery between 2015 and 2020 at the dermatology department of University Clinic of Navarra in Spain was performed. Defects were classified into three categories based on the vertical component: pretarsal, preseptal and complex (pretarsal + preseptal)1 (Table 1). Patients with BCC on the eyelid-cheek junction (n = 4), patients with BCC extended to both eyelids (n = 3) and patients with extensive posterior lamella defects that required a particular reconstruction of the lamella (n = 5) were excluded

Daylight photodynamic therapy for prevention of new actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplants. A cryotherapy-controlled randomized clinical trial

Background: Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have a higher risk of actinic keratosis (AK) and keratinocyte carcinomas (KC). There are no clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of daylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) to prevent new AK and KC in OTR. Objectives: To determine whether repeated treatments of field cancerization with DPDT are effective in preventing new AK and KC in OTR. Methods: A randomized, intra-subject controlled, evaluator-blind, split-face and/or scalp trial, from April 2016 to October 2018. Participants were OTR older than 18 years, 1-year posttransplant, with at least 5 AK on each hemi-face/hemi-scalp. One side received six field treatments with DPDT: two sessions 15 days apart at baseline, two at 3 months and two at 9 months after baseline. Control side received lesion-directed treatment with cryotherapy (double freeze-thaw) at baseline, 3 and 9 months. Total number of lesions (AK and KC) at 21 months, number of new AK and KC at 3, 9, 15 and 21 months and treatment preferences were analysed. Results: Of 24 men included, 23 were analysed at 3 months; and 21, at 9, 15 and 21 months. Mean (SD) age was 69.8 years (9.2). The total number of lesions at 21 months was 4.7 (4.3) for DPDT and 5.8 (5.0) for control side; P = 0.09. DPDT showed significantly lower means [SD] of new lesions compared to control side at 3 months (4.2 [3.4] vs. 6.8 [4.8]; P < 0.001), 9 months (3.0 [3.3] vs. 4.3 [3.4]; P = 0.04) and 15 months (3.0 [4.6] vs. 4.8 [5.0]; P = 0.02), and non-significant at 21 months (3.7 [3.5] vs. 5.0 [4.5]; P = 0.06). Most participants preferred DPDT. Conclusion: DPDT showed potential effectiveness in preventing new AK and KC in OTR by consecutive treatments of field cancerization. The preference for DPDT could facilitate adherence to the long-term treatment necessary in these patients

Daylight photodynamic therapy for prevention of new actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplants. A cryotherapy-controlled randomized clinical trial

Background Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have a higher risk of actinic keratosis (AK) and keratinocyte carcinomas (KC). There are no clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of daylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) to prevent new AK and KC in OTR. Objectives To determine whether repeated treatments of field cancerization with DPDT are effective in preventing new AK and KC in OTR. Methods A randomized, intra-subject controlled, evaluator-blind, split-face and/or scalp trial, from April 2016 to Octo- ber 2018. Participants were OTR older than 18 years, 1-year posttransplant, with at least 5 AK on each hemi-face/ hemi-scalp. One side received six field treatments with DPDT: two sessions 15 days apart at baseline, two at 3 months and two at 9 months after baseline. Control side received lesion-directed treatment with cryotherapy (double freeze– thaw) at baseline, 3 and 9 months. Total number of lesions (AK and KC) at 21 months, number of new AK and KC at 3, 9, 15 and 21 months and treatment preferences were analysed. Results Of 24 men included, 23 were analysed at 3 months; and 21, at 9, 15 and 21 months. Mean (SD) age was 69.8 years (9.2). The total number of lesions at 21 months was 4.7 (4.3) for DPDT and 5.8 (5.0) for control side; P = 0.09. DPDT showed significantly lower means [SD] of new lesions compared to control side at 3 months (4.2 [3.4] vs. 6.8 [4.8]; P < 0.001), 9 months (3.0 [3.3] vs. 4.3 [3.4]; P = 0.04) and 15 months (3.0 [4.6] vs. 4.8 [5.0]; P = 0.02), and non-signifi- cant at 21 months (3.7 [3.5] vs. 5.0 [4.5]; P = 0.06). Most participants preferred DPDT. Conclusion DPDT showed potential effectiveness in preventing new AK and KC in OTR by consecutive treatments of field cancerization. The preference for DPDT could facilitate adherence to the long-term treatment necessary in these patients

Surgical outcomes and psychosocial impact of giant congenital melanocytic nevus surgery: A single-center case series of 136 patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes, complications and psychosocial impact of surgical treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN). Methods: Patients with surgically treated GCMN who attended our clinic between May 2014 and May 2018 were included. Patient demographics and data on the characteristics of the nevus, surgical treatment, and the psychosocial impact (including C-DLQI/DLQI questionnaires) were collected. Results: One hundred thirty-six patients were included (median age 9 years). Mean age at first surgery was 34 (+/- 61.45) months; 5.53 (+/- 3.69) surgical interventions were necessary to completely excise the nevus. The expanded skin flap was the preferred surgical technique in most locations. Complications were common but not severe. Of the patients studied, 70.4% reported that the surgery had a minor impact on their quality of life (QoL). Patients and caregivers stated that surgical treatment should begin as soon as possible, even in cases where early treatment did not have an impact on their QoL nor on their satisfaction with the surgery (p < 0.05). The lower the patient age at first surgery, the higher the surgeon's satisfaction (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Surgical treatment is a safe option for management of GCMN, and has a low impact on QoL. Patients, caregivers, and surgeons agree that the treatment should begin as soon as possible. This is the largest single-center study evaluating surgical treatment in GCMN patients and its psychosocial impact, and the first to take into account the patient, caregivers and dermatologists opinion of surgical results

Risk of Second Primary Malignancies in Melanoma Survivors: A Population-Based Study

(1) Introduction: The association between melanoma (MM) and the occurrence of second primary neoplasms (SPNs) has been extensively studied, with reported incidence rates ranging from 1.5% to 20%. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of SPNs in patients with a history of primary MM and to describe the factors that make the risk higher in our population. (2) Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study and calculated the incidence rates and relative risks (RR) for the development of different SPNs in 529 MM survivors from 1 January 2005 to 1 August 2021. Survival and mortality rates were obtained, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the demographic and MM-related factors that influence the overall risk. (3) Results: Among the 529 patients included, 89 were diagnosed with SPNs (29 prior to MM diagnosis, 11 synchronous, and 49 after MM), resulting in 62 skin tumors and 37 solid organ tumors. The estimated probability of developing SPNs after MM diagnosis was 4.1% at 1 year, 11% at 5 years, and 19% at 10 years. Older age, primary MM location on the face or neck, and histologic subtype of lentigo maligna mm were significantly associated with a higher risk of SPNs. (4) Conclusions: In our population, the risk of developing SPNs was higher in patients with primary MM located on the face and neck and with the histological subtype of lentigo maligna-MM. Age also independently influences the risk. Understanding these hazard factors can aid in the development of MM guidelines with specific follow-up recommendations for individuals with the highest risk

Alpelisib decreases nevocytes of congenital melanocytic nevi

Background: Multiple, large or giant congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are uncommon and affected patients can show progressive growth and thickening, associate neurocutaneous melanocytosis or develop melanoma. Current treatment modalities are mostly complex surgeries that frequently do not solve the disease and its risks completely. Thus, investigation on new treatment options for CMN and its complications must continue. MAPK pathway inhibitors are being investigated, also targeting PI3K-AKT. Omipalisib (PI3K inhibitor, with no indications approved yet) has been studied for CMN in vitro and in mice with promising results. However, alpelisib, a PI3K inhibitor approved with an adequate safety profile for patients with severe manifestations of PROS (PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum), had not yet been tested for CMN. Objective: To evaluate the effect of alpelisib in nevocytes of congenital melanocytic nevi. Methods: Nevomelanocytic tissue samples of 10 patients were collected prospectively and, following a previously reported preclinical ex vivo model, explants were placed in organotypic culture for 5 days, with or without alpelisib. Consecutively, tissue sections were stained and using scanned images with Qupath and ImageJ softwares, representative regions from the dermis were analysed (using Wilcoxon test and Spearman's correlation). Results: When comparing alpelisib-treated explants with respect to control explants, we found a decrease in cell density (p = 0.0273), in density of SOX10+ -cells (p = 0.0391) and also in the % of S-100+ area (p = 0.0078), in alpelisib samples. The three markers showed a positive correlation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides first-time evidence that alpelisib induces nevocyte reduction in CMN from patient-derived explants, probably inducted by autophagy. Alpelisib is an approved drug with an adequate safety profile used in another mosaicism affecting PI3K (PROS). Further studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy in treating CMN and potentially, their complications, either with local or systemic administration, alone or in combination

Risk factors and rate of recurrence after Mohs surgery in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas: a nationwide prospective cohort (REGESMOHS, Spanish Registry of Mohs Surgery)

Randomized studies to assess the efficacy of Mohs micrographic surgery in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are limited by methodological and ethical issues and a lack of long follow-up periods. This study presents the "real-life" results of a nationwide 7-years cohort on basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. A prospective cohort was conducted in 22 Spanish centres (from July 2013 to February 2020) and a multivariate analysis, including characteristics of patients, tumours, surgeries and follow-up, was performed. A total of 4,402 patients followed up for 12,111 patient-years for basal cell carcinoma, and 371 patients with 915 patient-years of follow-up for squamous cell carcinoma were recruited. Risk factors for recurrence included age, non-primary tumours and more stages or unfinished surgeries for both tumours, and immunosuppression for squamous cell carcinoma. Incidence rates of recurrence were 1.3 per 100 person-years for basal cell carcinoma (95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5) and 4.5 for squamous cell carcinoma (95% confidence interval 3.3-6.1), being constant over time (0-5 years). In conclusion, follow-up strategies should be equally intense for at least the first 5 years, with special attention paid to squamous cell carcinoma (especially in immunosuppressed patients), elderly patients, non-primary tumours, and those procedures requiring more stages, or unfinished surgeries