Treatment and survival outcomes of ceruminous carcinomas of the external auditory canal: a SEER database analysis and literature review.

Ceruminous carcinomas of the external auditory canal (EAC), encompassing adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), ceruminous adenocarcinoma (CA), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), are extremely rare with little known regarding the influence of demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment on survival. This study aimed to summarize existent data and describe prognostic factors affecting survival in ceruminous carcinoma. Cases of ceruminous carcinoma of the EAC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed to provide demographic, cancer-related, and treatment data and assess their influence on disease-specific and overall survival. A literature review was also performed. No significant difference in overall survival (OS) existed for localized versus regional disease, tumor type, or use of radiation therapy. In those with ACC, distant disease had a lower OS compared to regional disease. On review of the literature, local recurrence was a common finding with a low risk for nodal metastasis in ACC and CA. In conclusion, local recurrence was common despite aggressive surgical intervention (± radiation therapy); overall survival was unaffected by radiation therapy, tumor type, or local versus regional disease; and more cases of MEC are needed for analysis.

Characterization of the 2019 Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Standardized Letter of Recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Traditional letters of recommendation used for postgraduate medical training applications have multiple limitations, including a lack of clarity, inflated and overly flattering assessments, and low reliability between interpreting faculty. A micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology (MSDO) standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) was created to improve the efficiency, validity, and stratification of applicants to dermatology fellowship training programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the MSDO SLOR for trends in grading based on letter-writer and applicant characteristics and to evaluate its ability to demonstrate differences between applicants. METHODS: Standardized letter of recommendations received by 4 fellowship programs from the 2019 San Francisco Match application cycle were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-nine SLORs were analyzed from 140 applicants. Grade inflation and limited variability in scores were evident. Higher scores correlated with the length of the relationships between letter-writers and applicants and with female letter-writer gender. There was no applicant gender or ethnicity bias detected. CONCLUSION: Despite score inflation, the MSDO SLOR allows for differentiation between fellowship applicants. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the reliability of the SLOR and find ways to improve its content.

Consecutive Cases of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following Dermatologic Surgery.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin disease commonly associated with pathergy and systemic comorbidities. We present the case of a patient who experienced two episodes of PG following consecutive dermatologic surgeries to the left hand. The initial PG ulcerations occurred simultaneously following Mohs surgery and a standard elliptical excision. Five months later, her PG recurred after Mohs surgery. Our patient denied a history of PG, however, further questioning elicited a medical history significant for Crohn's disease. Dermatologists and Mohs surgeons should consider the diagnosis when evaluating patients with poor postoperative wound healing. Unfortunately, a delay in diagnosis often occurs, as the presentation of postsurgical PG can mimic other common skin conditions. Awareness of PG prior to dermatologic surgery is critical to prevent further postoperative complications and unnecessary debridement.