Wide area digital dermoscopy applied to basal cell carcinoma

Abstract In situations in when a dermoscopic record of a large lesion is desirable, the resulting images are usually restricted to a small field of view due to the limited diameter of dermatoscope lenses. This limitation often produces several photographs separately, thus losing the possibility of a single-image global evaluation. In these case reports, we show examples of a recently published image montage technique called Wide Area Digital Dermoscopy, in this case, applied to basal cell carcinomas.

Descriptive dermoscopy terminology in Portuguese language in Brazil: a reproducibility analysis of the 3rd consensus of the International Dermoscopy Society

Abstract: Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive complementary diagnostic method largely used in dermatology. Feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility are key elements for a diagnostic method to be useful, hence the importance of the terminology used to describe dermoscopic criteria. Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of the English descriptive terminology proposed for dermoscopic criteria at the 3rd Consensus Meeting of the International Dermoscopy Society in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: Nine Brazilian dermatologists independently analyzed the translation of sixty dermoscopic descriptive terms proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy. Interobserver agreement index was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test. Results: The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology in Brazilian Portuguese was considered weak (κ = 0.373; p < 0.05). The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology used to describe morphology and arrangement of vascular structures was considered moderate (κ = 0.43; p < 0.05). Study limitations: Our study limitations include the small number of participants and limited regional representation (only 2 out of 5 Brazilian regions were represented). Conclusions: The descriptive English terminology proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Dermoscopy Society revealed weak reproducibility and the morphology and arrangement of vascular structures presented moderate reproducibility in Brazilian Portuguese. Despite small regional differences, metaphoric terminology in dermoscopy seems to be the most useful and reproducible system to be adopted in Brazilian Portuguese.

Lack of compliance: a challenge for digital dermoscopy follow-up

BACKGROUND: Digital dermoscopy is the gold standard follow-up method for patients with high risk for developing cutaneous malignant melanoma. By comparing the same lesion at different moments, it allows early detection of subtle changes that could suggest the diagnosis of melanoma. Thus, it is clear that the test must be repeated after a period of time, according to time intervals determined by the evaluator. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate adherence of patients to follow-up examinations using digital dermoscopy. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 36 patients who underwent digital dermoscopic examination and total-body photography in a private medical center between September 2010 and January 2013. Results: Only 25% of the patients returned for followup evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to digital dermoscopy follow-up could compromise the efficacy of this valuable method. This lack of adherence represents a challenge for the evaluator. .

Reconstrução da região superior da hélice / Reconstruction of the superior helix

A orelha é uma estrutura anatômica complexa que pode ser dividida em diferentes subunidades, cada qual com suas particularidades. Certamente, não há uma única técnica cirúrgica que seja efetiva nas mais variadas situações. Dessa forma, é necessário conhecer diferentes técnicas reconstrutivas aplicadas a cada uma das sub-unidades da orelha, com o objetivo de alcançar resultados estéticos satisfatórios. A seguir descrevemos detalhadamente o retalho de avanço na região superior da hélice, para a reconstrução de defeitos cirúrgicos.

The ear is a complex anatomical structure in which each subunit has unique characteristics. No single reconstruction technique could work in all situations; therefore, knowing different ways to reconstruct surgical defects in each one of these subunits is essential to achieving the best cosmetic results. We report here a detailed explanation of a superior helical advancement flap designated to repairs of the upper helical rim.

Variações técnicas em Cirurgia Micrográfica / Technical variations in micrographic surgery

A cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs é método amplamente difundido e consagrado nos Estados Unidos, sendo hoje considerado tratamento padrão ouro para diversas situações envolvendo neoplasias cutâneas. Desde a sua primeira descrição pelo Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, a cirurgia micrográfica vem passando por constante processo de modificações e adaptações com o objetivo de desenvolver variações técnicas que melhor se adaptem à rotina diária dos cirurgiões dermatológicos. O presente artigo tem o objetivo de demonstrar as diferentes e inovadoras técnicas em cirurgião micrográfico de Mohs.

http://www.surgicalcosmetic.org.br/public/artigo.aspx?id=119

Acne: um tratamento para cada paciente / Acne: a treatment for each patient

Acne é uma dermatose de alta prevalência, especialmente em adolescentes e adultos jovens. Acomete homens e mulheres, mas geralmente os homens são afetados pelas formas mais graves da acne. Muitas vezes os pacientes são inicialmente avaliados pelo clínico ou pediatra. Diversas opções terapêuticas estão disponíveis, desde os esfoliantes, antibióticos tópicos e sistêmicos até a isotretinoína sistêmica. A opção terapêutica depende da forma clínica da acne, sua gravidade e algumas características individuais, como adesão ao tratamento e desejo de gestação. A terapia costuma ser de longa duração. O objetivo deste artigo é esclarecer ao médico generalista as nuances da acne e seu tratamento, avaliando o custo e o benefício das terapêuticas disponíveis.

Acne is a prevalent disorder especially in adolescents and young adults. Severe acne is more common in male patients. Usually, patients are initially seen by the clinicians or by the pediatricians. Several therapeutic options are available from exfoliating products, topical and systemic antibiotic to systemic isotretinoin. A few factors must be considered when treating acne: clinical presentation, severity and individual characteristics such as therapy adhesion and pregnancy. The goal of this paper is to clarify to the general practitioners the clinical spectrum of acne and its treatment, taking into account cost and efficacy.