Imaging of the adjacent upper limb: Outcomes and diagnostic yield.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries to extremities are a common presentation to emergency departments and may be associated with multiple abnormalities. Patients may be referred for X-ray imaging of multiple adjacent regions, but the diagnostic outcomes of these X-ray examinations have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of X-ray examinations of adjacent body regions in the upper limb. METHODS: Upper limb X-rays examinations performed over six months were collected from two hospitals, and all patients who had adjacent regions X-rayed were included. Using the radiology reports as a reference standard, the diagnostic yield of these additional adjacent X-ray examinations was assessed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi Square were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 591 patients had 1455 X-ray examinations, ranging from two to six X-ray requests. More than 80% of X-ray examinations were due to an injury, but less than 60% had symptoms mentioned in the clinical history. Overall, 39.1% of initial examinations reported a new finding but only 1.5% of all subsequent imaging had a new abnormality detected. Examinations with symptoms specified in the clinical history were more likely to detect new findings (p=<0.001). CONCLUSION: Imaging is an essential diagnostic tool in medical settings, but all radiographic tests should be justified, and adjacent imaging has a low diagnostic yield, hence, all limbs should be carefully assessed individually to assess the need for imaging. Every request should be justified based on presentation and symptoms, particularly when multiple areas may be impacted. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Radiographic imaging is easily accessible but adherence to guidelines and assessing the diagnostic yield of common examinations is important to ensure benefits to patients.

A stake in the game: Can radiographer image interpretation improve X-ray quality? A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Image quality is an important factor in imaging optimisation and diagnosis. Many determinants of image quality are controlled by the radiographer; therefore, radiographer-led strategies may be key to improving X-ray image quality. This review examines the literature on radiographer-led diagnostic evaluation to establish its potential to improve X-ray image quality. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis Scoping Review were used to review studies relevant to the impact of radiographer-led diagnostic evaluation on image quality. CINHAL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Medline databases were searched for relevant articles. Search terms synonymous with radiographer, commenting, and image quality were used and studies that examined any type of radiographer-led image interpretation and its relationship to image quality in X-ray based modalities were reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. All the studies reviewed unanimously reported a positive association between radiographer image interpretation and image quality in X-ray based modalities. Five emerging themes were identified to be responsible for the improvement in image quality: increased understanding of image quality requirements, improved technical skills, enhanced ability to utilise supplementary imaging and repeats, collaborative upskilling of colleagues, and a complementary interaction between diagnostic and radiographic skills that serves to enhance image quality. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that radiographer image interpretation is a useful strategy to optimise the quality of X-ray examinations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight a new avenue to improve X-ray quality in the clinical environment and support evidence-based uptake of preliminary image evaluation systems. These findings also support the integration of radiographer commenting alongside technical image quality in teaching curricula.

Test-set training improves the detection rates of invasive cancer in screening mammography.

AIM: To investigate if mammographic test-set participation affects routine breast cancer screening performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical audit data between 2008 and 2018 were collected for 35 breast screen readers who participated in the BreastScreen Reader Assessment Strategy (BREAST) and 22 readers with no history of test-set participation. For BREAST readers, the annual audit data were divided according to the year they completed their first test set, and the same years were used randomly to align and divide the data of non-BREAST readers into pre- and post-test set periods. Multiple audit parameters were inspected retrospectively for the two cohorts to identify how their reading performance has evolved in screening mammography. RESULTS: Investigating 2 calendar years before and after test-set participation, BREAST and non-BREAST readers recalled lower rates of women in the latter period (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). They also improved their positive predictive value (PPV; p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). BREAST readers additionally improved their detection rates of invasive cancer (p=0.02) and all cancers (p=0.01). In an extended 3-year comparison, similar improvements occurred in the recall rate for BREAST (p=0.02) and non-BREAST readers (p=0.02) and in PPV (p=0.001, 0.01, respectively); however, improvements in detection rates also occurred exclusively in BREAST readers' performance for invasive cancer (p=0.04), DCIS (p=0.05), and all cancers (p=0.02); however, significant improvements in detection did not involve <15 mm invasive cancers in both periods. Meanwhile, non-BREAST readers demonstrated a decrease in sensitivity (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Participation in test sets is linked to over-time improvements in most audit-measured cancer detection rates.

The effect of clinical history on diagnostic performance of endodontic cone-beam CT interpretation.

AIM: To assess the effect of clinical history on the interpretation of endodontic disease in dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A reader performance study of an image test-set was undertaken using a factorial, free-response, crossover design, accounting for the independent variables: case type, case severity, reader type, and reading modality. Twenty-three readers interpreted 60 CBCT images twice over two reading sessions using a balanced design, once with access to clinical history and once without, where 30 in each session included history. Lesion localisations, specificity, false-positive marks and the weighted alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic (wAFROC1) figure of merit were calculated. RESULTS: Clinical history had no significant effect on specificity and false-positive rates in non-diseased cases (p>0.05), but improved lesion localisation in subtle and obvious diseased cases (p<0.01). wAFROC1 values were higher with clinical history for subtle (0.58 versus 0.48; p<0.001) and obvious (0.77 versus 0.71; p=0.006) diseased categories. No associations were observed between clinical history and both readers' years of experience and reading volume in the non-diseased categories. Readers with fewer (p=0.03) and moderate (p=0.008) years of experience and low (p=0.002) CBCT reading volume demonstrated better lesion localisation in subtle diseased cases when clinical history was available. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical history improved the interpretation of CBCT images with disease without affecting the interpretation of images without disease. Less and moderately experienced readers and low-volume readers benefitted more from availability of clinical history.

Breast cancer detection: Comparison of digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis across non-dense and dense breasts.

INTRODUCTION: Breast density is associated with an increase in breast cancer risk and limits early detection of the disease. This study assesses the diagnostic performance of mammogram readers in digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). METHODS: Eleven breast readers with 1-39 years of experience reading mammograms and 0-4 years of experience reading DBT participated in the study. All readers independently interpreted 60 DM cases (40 normal/20 abnormal) and 35 DBT cases (20 normal/15 abnormal). Sensitivity, specificity, ROC AUC, and diagnostic confidence were calculated and compared between DM and DBT. RESULTS: DBT significantly improved diagnostic confidence in both dense breasts (p = 0.03) and non-dense breasts (p = 0.003) but not in other diagnostic performance metrics. Specificity was higher in DM for readers with >7 years' experience (p = 0.03) in reading mammography, non-radiologists (p = 0.04), readers who had completed a 3-6 months training fellowship in breast imaging (p = 0.04), and those with ≤2 years' experience in reading DBT (p = 0.02), particularly in non-dense breasts. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic confidence was higher in DBT when compared to DM. In contrast, other performance metrics appeared to be similar or better with DM and may be influenced by the lack of experience of the reader cohort in reading DBT. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The benefits of DBT may not be entirely accrued until radiologists attain expertise in DBT interpretation. Specificity of DBT varied according to reader characteristics, and these characteristics may be useful for optimising pairing strategies in independent double reading of DBT as practiced in Australia to reduce false positive diagnostic errors.

Accuracy of radiographer comment following a two-month experiential and blended learning in appendicular skeleton X-ray interpretation: The Singapore experience.

INTRODUCTION: The value of combined blended and experiential learning on radiographer diagnostic comment has not been explored. This study aims to examine the accuracy of image interpretation comment of radiographers who received a period of blended and experiential learning in Radiographer Abnormality Detection Systems (RADS). METHODS: We evaluated the diagnostic opinions of 13 radiographers who received a blended training and experiential learning (a process of self-learning and reflection) in RADS. Radiographers' opinions on 16,483 images were examined using the final radiologists' report as a reference standard. For each radiographer, we recorded the number of true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative opinions and MedCal® was used to calculate diagnostic performance and error rates. A t-test was used to assess whether the number of images read was associated with performance and whether the radiographers retained performance over time. RESULTS: Sensitivity ranged from 87.4 (84.0-90.2) to 98.9 (97.5-99.7) with a mean of 94.3 (93.6-94.8). Specificity varied from 96.4 (94.8-97.5) to 99.9 (99.41-100.0) with a mean of 98.2 (97.9-98.4). Diagnostic accuracy ranged from 93.1 (91.5-94.4) to 99.5 (98.9-99.8) with a mean of 96.9 (96.6-97.1). The mean false positive rate was 0.018 (range: 0.010-0.031) with a false negative rate of 0.057 (range: 0.026-0.11). There were no differences in performance between the first and latter nine months of providing opinions and the number of images reviewed was not associated with performance. CONCLUSION: Radiographers who received blended and experiential learning in RADS provide accurate diagnostic comments on plain emergency appendicular skeleton radiographs. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: A combined blended and experiential learning can equip radiographers to provide diagnostic opinion on plain appendicular skeleton radiographs.

Radiation dose tracking in computed tomography: Red alerts and feedback. Implementing a radiation dose alert system in CT.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates instances of elevated radiation dose on a radiation tracking system to determine their aetiologies. It aimed to investigate the impact of radiographer feedback on these alerts. METHODS: Over two six-month periods 11,298 CT examinations were assessed using DoseWatch. Red alerts (dose length products twice the median) were identified and two independent reviewers established whether alerts were true (unjustifiable) or false (justifiable). During the second time period radiographers used a feedback tool to state the cause of the alert. A Chi-Square test was used to assess whether red alert incidence decreased following the implementation of radiographer feedback. RESULTS: There were 206 and 357 alerts during the first and second time periods, respectively. These occurred commonly with CT pulmonary angiography, brain, and body examinations. Procedural documentation errors and patient size accounted for 57% and 43% of false alerts, respectively. Radiographer feedback was provided for 17% of studies; this was not associated with a significant change in the number of alerts, but the number of true alerts declined (from 7 to 3) (χ2 = 4.14; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Procedural documentation errors as well as patient-related factors are associated with false alerts in DoseWatch. Implementation of a radiographer feedback tool reduced true alerts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The implementation of a radiographer feedback tool reduced the rate of true dose alerts. Low uptake with dose alert systems is an issue; the workflow needs to be considered to address this.

Soil Lead Concentrations in Dareta Village, Zamfara, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute widespread lead poisoning took place in Zamfara State, Nigeria in 2010. Over 735 children were reported dead and thousands sickened by the neurotoxin. The source was traced to artisanal gold mining and processing in the villages. An immediate medical response protocol was developed to provide oral chelation therapy to the vulnerable population. In order not to compromise the efficacy of the chelation therapy, immediate remediation of the affected villages was carried out. An over 95% reduction in soil lead levels was reported immediately after the remediation exercise. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to perform a general audit of soil lead concentrations, conducted between June and July 2013 in Dareta village (one of the most affected villages), to evaluate the soil pollution status of the village three years after the remediation exercise. METHODS: Soil samples were collected from residential compounds, cultivated farmlands and other common areas. Lead contents of the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, model AA-6800, Japan) after wet digestion. Speciation of lead in soil was done following standard analytical methods. RESULTS: Mean soil lead concentrations for residential areas were 1029.42±98.50 mg/kg, 1523.99±201.00 mg/kg, 1404.57±141.00 mg/kg and 6724.68±84.00 mg/kg for residential compounds, market square, old grinding mills and new grinding mills, respectively. The concentrations exceeded both the Dutch target and intervention values and US Environmental Protection Agency limit for soil lead levels in residential areas. Based on the index of geo-accumulation, the ranking of intensity of lead (Pb) pollution of Dareta soils ranged from strongly polluted to extremely polluted, indicating they pose a range of moderate to very high potential ecological risk to the other components of the environment. At the current rate of accumulation, by the year 2025, soil Pb levels of Dareta common areas are expected to exceed the pre-remediation levels associated with several deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study indicate that the problem of lead poisoning is ongoing in Dareta village. Zamfara State authorities should address the challenge through sustained periodic assessment and cleanup of affected areas. Implementation of safer mining practices should be enforced immediately. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Predicting heat stress index in Sasso hens using automatic linear modeling and artificial neural network.

There is an increasing use of robust analytical algorithms in the prediction of heat stress. The present investigation therefore, was carried out to forecast heat stress index (HSI) in Sasso laying hens. One hundred and sixty seven records on the thermo-physiological parameters of the birds were utilized. They were reared on deep litter and battery cage systems. Data were collected when the birds were 42- and 52-week of age. The independent variables fitted were housing system, age of birds, rectal temperature (RT), pulse rate (PR), and respiratory rate (RR). The response variable was HSI. Data were analyzed using automatic linear modeling (ALM) and artificial neural network (ANN) procedures. The ALM model building method involved Forward Stepwise using the F Statistic criterion. As regards ANN, multilayer perceptron (MLP) with back-propagation network was used. The ANN network was trained with 90% of the data set while 10% were dedicated to testing for model validation. RR and PR were the two parameters of utmost importance in the prediction of HSI. However, the fractional importance of RR was higher than that of PR in both ALM (0.947 versus 0.053) and ANN (0.677 versus 0.274) models. The two models also predicted HSI effectively with high degree of accuracy [r = 0.980, R2 = 0.961, adjusted R2 = 0.961, and RMSE = 0.05168 (ALM); r = 0.983, R2 = 0.966; adjusted R2 = 0.966, and RMSE = 0.04806 (ANN)]. The present information may be exploited in the development of a heat stress chart based largely on RR. This may aid detection of thermal discomfort in a poultry house under tropical and subtropical conditions.

A self-directed learning intervention for radiographers rating mammographic breast density.

PURPOSE: Subjective methods of mammographic breast density (MBD) assessment are prone to inter-reader variability. This work aims to assess the impact of a short self-directed, experiential learning intervention on radiographers' reproducibility of MBD assessment. METHOD: The study used two sets of images (test and learning intervention) containing left craniocaudal and left mediolateral oblique views. The test set had MBD ratings from Volpara™ and radiologists using the fourth edition Breast Imaging and Data Systems (BI-RADS®). Seven radiographers rated the MBD of the test set before and after a self-directed learning intervention using the percentage descriptors in the fourth edition BI-RADS® Atlas. The inter-reader agreement, the agreement between radiographers and Volpara™ as well as radiologists, was assessed using a Weighted Kappa (кw). RESULTS: Overall, radiographers' inter-reader agreement (кw) was substantial (0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.87) before the intervention and almost perfect (0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.90) after the intervention. Before the intervention, radiographers demonstrated fair agreement with radiologists (0.24; 95% CI: -0.46-0.61) and Volpara™ (0.24; 95% CI: -0.41-0.59). A fair but slightly improved agreement was also observed between radiographers and radiologists (0.31; 95% CI: -0.33-0.64) as well as Volpara™ (0.28; 95% CI: -0.34-0.61) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate that a short duration self-directed, experiential learning intervention reduces inter-reader differences in MBD classification, but has a negligible impact on improving the agreement between inexperienced and expert readers.

Filling the Gap - Improving Awareness and Practice in Hyponatraemia and the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) in the Older Patient: A European Consensus View.

Introduction: Causes of hyponatraemia in older patients are multivariate and in the case of SIADH may often be drug induced. Diagnostic and treatment algorithms are unclear for this important age group. Methods: The author group identified 6 broad themes for consensus and formulated 42 separate consensus statements within these 6 themes. Statements were then circulated to geriatricians, general practitioners and other doctors to test agreement at the European level. Results: 64 responses were evaluated from around Europe. Agreement was achieved in 86% of the statements following amendment and redistribution of 6 of the statements. The survey and its feedback prompted the development of 13 recommendations related to the diagnosis and treatment of hyponatraemia including SIADH. Conclusion: The series of 13 recommendations developed here is intended to increase clarity for clinicians managing older patients with hyponatraemia and SIADH. Surprisingly, despite the lack of clear guidelines or recommendations for this age group consensus levels for the author-based statements were high among the respondents.

Radiographers' performance in chest X-ray interpretation: the Nigerian experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of Nigerian radiographers in interpretation of plain chest radiographs and to assess whether age, years since qualification and sector of practice are associated with performance. METHODS: A test set of 50 radiographs containing 23 cases with no pathology (normal) and 27 abnormal cases (cardiopulmonary conditions) independently confirmed by 3 radiologists were presented to 51 radiographers in a random order. Readers independently evaluated radiographs for absence or presence of disease and stated the location, radiographic features and diagnosis. Readers self-reported their age, years since qualification and sector of practice. Receiver operating characteristic was used to assess the performance. Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess whether age, years since qualification and sector of practice were associated with performance. RESULTS: Mean location sensitivity was 88.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.787-0.980]. Mean sensitivity and specificity were 76.9 (95% CI, 0.658-0.864) and 79.8 (95% CI, 0.658-0.864), respectively. Age was not associated with performance (p = 0.07). Number of years qualified as radiographer (p = 0.005) and private practice (p = 0.004) were positively associated with performance. CONCLUSION: Nigerian radiographers can correctly report chest radiographs to a reasonable standard, and performance is associated with number of years since qualification and the sector of practice. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: There are less than 300 radiologists serving a Nigerian population of about 170 million; therefore, X-ray interpretation by radiographers deserves consideration. Nigerian radiographers have potential to interpret chest X-ray in the clinical setting, and this may significantly improve radiology service delivery in this region.

CHALLENGES IN SETTING UP QUALITY CONTROL IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY FACILITIES IN NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) was established to regulate and control the use of radioactive and radiation emitting sources in Nigeria. Quality control (QC) on diagnostic radiology equipment form part of the fundamental requirements for the authorization of diagnostic radiology facilities in the Country. METHOD: Some quality control tests (output, exposure linearity and reproducibility) were measured on the x-ray machines in the facilities that took part in the study. Questionnaire was developed to evaluate the frequencies at which QC tests were conducted in the facilities and the challenges in setting up QC. RESULTS: Results show great variation in the values of the QC parameters measured. Inadequate cooperation by facilities management, lack of QC equipment and insufficient staff form the major challenges in setting up QC in the facilities under study. The responses on the frequencies at which QC tests should be conducted did not correspond to the recommended standards; indicating that personnel were not familiar with QC implementation and may require further training on QC.

Effect of x-ray exposure (mAs) on peroxide and acid values of honey.

Honey is used in most places as food sweetener and antibacterial agent for wounds. The antibacterial property of honey depends mainly on its peroxide value and acidity. This study investigated the possible effect that may be observed on the peroxide value and acidity if honey is exposed to x-ray at varying tube current values (mAs) in order to infer the possible implications of referring patients undergoing honey therapy for diagnostic x-ray examination. The acid and peroxide values were found to vary with changes in the exposure (mAs) value. It is therefore recommended that patients undergoing honey therapy should be referred for diagnostic x-ray examination with caution while radiotherapy should be avoided.

Measurement of breast density with digital breast tomosynthesis--a systematic review.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has gained acceptance as an adjunct to digital mammography in screening. Now that breast density reporting is mandated in several states in the USA, it is increasingly important that the methods of breast density measurement be robust, reliable and consistent. Breast density assessment with DBT needs some consideration since quantitative methods are modelled for two-dimensional (2D) mammography. A review of methods used for breast density assessment with DBT was performed. Existing evidence shows Cumulus has better reproducibility than that of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS®) but still suffers from subjective variability; MedDensity is limited by image noise, whilst Volpara and Quantra are robust and consistent. The reported BI-RADs inter-reader breast density agreement (k) ranged from 0.65 to 0.91, with inter-reader correlation (r) ranging from 0.70 to 0.93. The correlation (r) between BI-RADS and Cumulus ranged from 0.54-0.94, whilst that of BI-RADs and MedDensity ranged from 0.48-0.78. The reported agreement (k) between BI-RADs and Volpara is 0.953. Breast density correlation between DBT and 2D mammography ranged from 0.73 to 0.97, with agreement (k) ranging from 0.56 to 0.96. To avoid variability and provide more reliable breast density information for clinicians, automated volumetric methods are preferred.

A reduction in radiographic exposure and image quality in film screen postero-anterior chest radiography.

PURPOSE: To develop a protocol for the optimization of diagnostic chest radiography examination, the effect of radiographic exposure reduction on image quality is investigated. PROCEDURE: Fourty-eight adult patients presenting for posterior-anterior (PA) chest radiography in a tertiary health care centre were categorized into 3 groups to assess the effects of exposure (tube current/time mAs) reduction on clinical image quality using in film screen (FS) chest radiography. Images were obtained at existing departmental exposure protocol (T1) while a record of the exposure factors was made. Test exposures obtained by reducing average mAs values by 20% (T2) and 50% (T3) were used to obtain radiographic images of patients following normal ethically based clinical practice. To make up for the reduction in mAs, a 4% increase in the T1 kVp was used. The quality of images obtained with each exposure protocol was studied by two consultant radiologists, using the image quality criteria of the Commission of European Communities (CEC). Assessors used the method of ranked scoring and worked independently. RESULTS: Results showed no change in image quality following the 20% exposure (mAs) reduction. However, there was a significant change in image quality at 50% reduction of mAs values (P < 0.05) with higher image quality scores suggesting improved perceptibility of all assessed criteria among the observers. CONCLUSION: Improving radiation protection of the patient while maintaining diagnostic quality of the radiographic image at reduced exposures is a clinically desirable development. This study will find application in current efforts at optimization of radiography procedures in the area of study.

Marjolin's ulcer: Sequelae of mismanaged chronic cutaneous ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the current pattern and risk factors of Marjolin's ulcer in the authors' setting. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with histological diagnosis of skin malignancy at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. METHODS: Presented are patients with histologic diagnosis of Marjolin's seen in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria from January 2007 through December 2007. RESULTS: Five patients (3 men and 2 women) with Marjolin's ulcer whose ages ranged from 32 to 70 years (mean 46.6 years) accounted for 45.5% of squamous cell carcinoma. All the patients suffered traumatic injuries (4 lower limb injuries from road traffic accidents and 1 puncture wound of the upper limb) and the latency was 21.4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic trauma-induced limb ulceration is the leading risk factor for Marjolin's ulcer. Health education, early detection, and proper management of chronic wounds would improve outcome.

Cutaneous metastatic carcinoma: diagnostic and therapeutic values.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic values of cutaneous metastatic carcinoma. METHODS: Presented are patients with histologic diagnosis of cutaneous metastatic carcinoma seen in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria from 2000 to 2006. RESULTS: Six patients (2 men and 4 women) with cutaneous metastatic carcinoma whose ages ranged from 37 to 55 years presented during the study period and accounted for 6.5% of total cutaneous cancer and 0.6% of total malignancy. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous metastatic carcinoma exhibited a pattern of clinical significance. Clinicians are urged to renew interest in cutaneous nodules, chronic discharging sinuses, and ulcers.

Skin cancers amongst four Nigerian albinos.

BACKGROUND: Albinism is an established risk factor for skin cancer in black Africans, and high levels of ultraviolet radiation increase the risk of the three major forms of skin cancer. METHODS: We present four albinos with histologic diagnoses of skin cancer who were seen at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria from January 2005 to December 2006. Skin cancer in these cases was compared with the total skin cancer affecting 29 patients during the study period. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients presented with skin cancer during the study period. Four Nigerian albinos (two men and two women) with skin cancer accounted for 13.8% of the skin cancers observed during the 2-year period. They ranged in age from 22 to 40 years (mean, 27.8 years). The sites of the lesions included the head [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in two patients and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in one patient] and the upper limb (melanoma). All tumors were excised; in addition, patients with SCC and melanoma received adjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients, one woman with SCC and the patient with melanoma, showed residual tumor because of inadequate excision. During the evaluation period between 14 and 18 months, the sites appeared to be healed with no evidence of recurrence in the male with SCC and female with BCC. CONCLUSION: Albinism and solar radiation are risk factors for skin cancer. Early implementation of public education strategies on prevention should improve outcome.