Squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease of the skin in Singapore

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the commonest cancers in Singapore and worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate the demographic and clinicopathological patterns of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Bowen's disease (BD) of the skin, in order to better understand the characteristics of these tumours in our population.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Histologically proven cases of SCC and BD seen at our centre between 2002 and 2003 were retrospectively analysed according to age, sex, race, predisposing factors such as immunosuppression and ultraviolet therapy, site and size of tumour, histological differentiation and subtype, and treatment method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 161 patients were studied--81 with SCC, 68 with BD, and 12 with both tumours. There were 199 tumours in total--105 SCC and 94 BD. For both SCC and BD, males outnumbered females (ratio of 2.4:1 and 1.5:1 respectively); patient age averaged 72.9 years and 66.8 years respectively; and Chinese were the majority race. The mean duration to presentation was 21.2 months for SCC compared with 39.9 months for BD, and common symptoms were itch, pain and bleeding for both. The mean tumour size was 19.0 mm and 18.5 mm, and the commonest site was the head and neck for both.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SCC and BD show rather similar patient characteristics, with a predominance among males, having a predilection for the head and neck region, and with a tendency towards slow growth. As incidences increase worldwide, it is important for healthcare providers to be adept at recognising and managing nonmelanoma skin cancers.</p>

Congenital penile curvature: long-term results of operative treatment using the plication procedure / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To determine the long-term outcome, effectiveness and patient satisfaction of congenital penile curvature correction by plication of tunica albuginea.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 1992 to January 2002, 106 young patients underwent surgical correction of congenital penile curvature by corporeal plication. Indications for operation were difficult or impossible vaginal penetration and cosmetic problems. The technique of corporeal plication consists of placing longitudinal plication sutures of 2-zero braided polyester on the convex side of the curvature until the curvature is corrected when erection is artificially induced. Results of this procedure were obtained by retrospective chart reviews and questionnaires via mail. Long-term follow-up ranged from 11 to 132 (mean 69.3) months and data were available for 68 patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Penile straightening was excellent in 62 patients (91 %) and good with less than 15 degree of residual curvature in 6 patients (9 %). Sixty-seven patients reported no change in erectile rigidity or maintenance postoperatively, while 1 described early detumescence. Shortening of the penis without functional problems was noted by 26 patients (38 %). Thirty-Five patients (51 %) reported feeling palpable indurations (suture knots) on the penis. Temporary numbness of glans penis was described in 3 patients. Overall, 60 patients were very satisfied, 6 satisfied, 2 unsatisfied.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Corporeal plication is an effective and durable procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction.</p>