Melanoma: Does It Present Differently in Darker Skin Tones?

Introduction: There are vast differences in clinical presentations of melanoma across skin tones. Individuals with darker skin tones tend to have a higher prevalence of advanced-stage melanoma, which correlates with increased mortality. We designed this interactive workshop to increase nursing and medical trainees' awareness of the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of melanoma in individuals of darker skin tones. Methods: The Kern model was used in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the workshop. The 75-minute workshop consisted of a PowerPoint presentation, video-based reflection activities, and case studies. Evaluation consisted of pre- and postworkshop questionnaires. The workshop was implemented two times among 63 nursing students, 11 medical students/residents, and six medical faculty. Results: Seventy-one participants completed the pre- and postworkshop evaluations. A comparison of pre- and postworkshop responses utilizing the Wilcoxon matched-pair signed rank test showed a statistically significant increase in learners' confidence to address each learning objective. Discussion: Through this interactive educational presentation, medical and nursing trainees can gain heightened awareness of melanoma across various skin tones, especially unique presentations in darker skin tones.

Cutaneous hydrophilic polymer emboli following endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case and review of literature.

Hydrophilic polymer embolism (HPE) is a rare iatrogenic complication of the use of polymer-coated intravascular devices, which may affect several organ systems including the skin. Herein, we present a patient who developed a cutaneous eruption with associated neurologic manifestations secondary to localized HPE. This is a potentially underdiagnosed, life-threatening complication and physicians should consider HPE when evaluating skin eruptions in patients who have undergone endovascular procedures.