Efficacy of nonexcisional treatment modalities for superficially invasive and in situ squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are prevalent conditions that are increasing in incidence worldwide. Many nonexcisional treatments are commonly used, but the efficacy of these treatments has not been well delineated. OBJECTIVES: To examine the recurrence rates of SCCIS and SCC treated with nonexcisional treatment modalities. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for SCCIS and SCC treated with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, electrodessication, curettage, photodynamic therapy, ablative lasers, or cryotherapy. RESULTS: We included 186 studies describing the treatment of 9336 tumors. The recurrence rates of SCC and SCCIS following electrodessication with curettage (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0) or following cryotherapy with curettage (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.4-2.8) were lower than those of SCC and SCCIS managed with other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (29.0%; 95% CI, 25.0-33.0), 5-fluorouracil (26.6%; 95% CI, 16.9-36.4), or imiquimod (16.1%; 95% CI, 10.3-21.8). LIMITATIONS: The limitations included a publication bias in mostly observational data and heterogeneity of treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Electrodessication and cryotherapy, in combination with curettage, are more effective than photodynamic therapy, 5-fluorouracil, or imiquimod in treating SCCIS and SCC.

Parental neurotic excoriation injury of children: A case series of hidden physical abuse.

BACKGROUND: Recognizable skin findings of child physical abuse include bruises, abrasions, lacerations, bite marks, burns, and oral injuries. Self-induced skin picking, or neurotic excoriation, can correspond to emotional stress, underlying psychiatric illness, or substance abuse. Parental neurotic excoriation injury of children has not been reported previously as a form of physical abuse. METHODS: We present a case series of five children abused via parental excoriation. All affected children were three years of age or younger and otherwise healthy. Each child presented with wounds determined to be consistent with chronic picking. Patient age, injury location, and in some cases, witness accounts confirmed the lesions were not self-inflicted. RESULTS: In three cases, caregivers reported methamphetamine use. In these cases, caregivers repeatedly picked or wiped the infants' skin. In two cases, the caregiver demonstrated personal neurotic excoriation behavior, which was imposed upon her children resulting in similar lesions. One affected child died at 14 days of age from abusive head trauma, while the other four children were placed in foster care by Child Protective Services. CONCLUSION: Excoriation injury places children at risk for significant scarring and other long-term effects. We report examples demonstrating that repetitive skin injury by caregivers is a diagnostic consideration for abuse in young children.

Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Becoming a Medical Professional Among Underrepresented Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Learners.

OBJECTIVE: To assess underrepresented undergraduate and postbaccalaureate learners' perceptions of (1) the medical field, (2) barriers that might prevent individuals from pursuing professional medical careers, and (3) resources that assist in overcoming these barriers. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A qualitative study with focus groups was designed to achieve the objective. Participants were recruited from a community initiative to provide early exploration of the medical field to disadvantaged and minority individuals. Thirty-five individuals voluntarily participated in semistructured interviews. Audio from the interviews was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach and thematic analysis. This study was conducted from October 20, 2018, to April 6, 2019. RESULTS: Participants identified multiple characteristics related to the health care work environment and desirable attributes of health care personnel. The following barriers were identified: financial burden, lacking knowledge of the path to becoming a medical professional, inadequate social support, and lacking the metrics of a competitive candidate. Resources identified by participants to overcome barriers included professional networks and programmatic considerations. CONCLUSION: The study participants discussed negative and positive aspects of the health care environment, such as implicit and explicit biases and attributes that promote or sustain success. Participants expounded on financial, academic, social, and personal factors as barriers to success. In regard to resources that were believed to be helpful to mitigate barriers and promote success, participants commented on activities that simulate a professional medical environment, include networking with medical personnel, support well-being, and provide exposure to structured information on the process of obtaining professional medical training.