ABSTRACT
Primary melanomas in the oral mucosa arise from the malignant proliferation of melanocytes. They rarely occur, with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. We present the case of an 82-year-old patient with oral mucous melanoma with metastatic involvement of the right cervical lymph node, multisegmental lung metastases, at the gastroesophageal junction and at the level of the L3 vertebral body with extension to the dural sac, without response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The patient undergoes palliative cryosurgery of the primary tumor every two to three weeks, observing a notable decrease of the tumoral lesion when the procedure is performed, with recovery of oral functionality and a decrease in the size of lymph node metastases in the neck. We present the technique used in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits of cryosurgery, its mechanism of action and its immunomodulatory function, and the future benefit of its combination with immunotherapy for primary management of advanced melanomas.
ABSTRACT
Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in India was declared, all scientific conferences and related activities have been conducted in online formats (1). The ACS(I) [Association of Cutaneous Surgeons (India)] conducted its Annual National Conference called ACSICON-2021 for over 1150 delegates in mid-2021 in a hybrid mode. ACS(I) was one of the first organizations to embrace the hybrid conferencing strategy in the post-COVID-19 era in India. However, while meeting feedback and testimonials are typically gathered, there is very little public data documenting conference attendees' viewpoints. The goal of this research study was to look at the viewpoints of medical conference attendees (such as physicians and medical professionals) on hybrid conferencing as a future trend, the danger of infectivity and transmissibility of COVID-19 during and after the event, the effectiveness of stringent safety protocols and vaccination in preventing the disease and thereby assess the feasibility of hybrid conference as the most convenient mode of learning interaction in the current COVID-19 era and also Post COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods: The physical attendees were surveyed post-ACSICON 2021 conference online, using a mixed-methods technique. Attendees were given a 16-point questionnaire using Google Forms that covered subjects including the COVID-19 preventive procedure, immunization status, infection rates during and after the conference, and overall satisfaction with the hybrid conference. A total of 231 people were sent the survey questionnaire. Results: Only 0.4% (n = 1) of the participants reported being infected by COVID-19 virus after the conference. 86% (n = 198) of the respondents also felt that all the necessary precautions were taken during the ACSICON 2021conference. Most of the respondents (82%, n = 189) rated the hybrid conference interaction to be more satisfying than an online conference. An overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%, n = 209) found hybrid conferences to be a safer option than regular conference. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic's scope has forced a paradigm change in medical practice and research (1). ACSICON 2021 is an example of how, with careful organization, strict implementation of meticulous preventive procedures, and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, medical conferences may be held without danger of infection and its transmission. Given the pace with which vaccinations are being administered, a new reality in which technology and live networking intersect via hybrid conferences will result in a more engaging and adaptable medical conference experience. In the long run, this can bring about a significant shift in the conduct of scientific meetings to best suit delegates' needs and conveniences.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cryoablation is a minimally-invasive percutaneous procedure that is capable of reducing the psychosocial burden of surgical delay while also decreasing the morbidity of breast cancer therapy. The purpose of this editorial is to discuss the potential role of cryoablation for reducing the psychosocial burden of surgical delay during the COVID-19 pandemic by expediting the management of breast cancer while also lessening demand on limited healthcare resources. METHODS: This editorial critiques current expert opinion recommendations that aim to reduce viral transmission and preserve healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic by advocating delay of elective breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: The editorial summarizes the current state of the evidence that supports the selective use of cryoablation as a definite or stopgap measure in the management of breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic or when healthcare resources are limited. CONCLUSIONS: As an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia, cryoablation eliminates the need for operating room personnel and equipment while also reducing the psychosocial impact of delayed breast cancer surgery. By reducing the number of patient and healthcare provider interactions, cryoablation not only decreases the risk of viral transmission but also the need for personal protective devices during resource-limited times.