Nonmelanoma skin cancer of the ear: frequency, patients' knowledge, and photoprotection practices.

BACKGROUND: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the world. Information about NMSC on the ear and photoprotection practices of the ear is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at precise anatomical sites, with a special focus on the ear. To evaluate dermatology patients' knowledge about skin cancer, photoprotection practices, and use of photoprotection on the ear. METHODS: At a dermatology practice in Fresno, California, a retrospective chart review of 643 patients diagnosed with NMSC was performed and categorized into detailed anatomical sites. An anonymous questionnaire was given to patients aged 18 and older seen at this private practice. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred eleven NMSCs were biopsied and histologically confirmed. Of these, 538 were BCC (41%) and 773 (59%) were SCC. Seven hundred sixty-five tumors (58.4%) were on the head. The ear was the fifth most common site for NMSC on the head. The male:female ratio for NMSC of the ear was 17:1. There were 269 survey responses; 72.8% used sunscreen, but only 26.0% of those who used sunscreen always apply it to their ears. CONCLUSION: Directed public education about the ear as a high-risk, common site for NMSC is needed. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

New strategies in nonoperative management of meconium ileus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop new nonoperative strategies for the management of meconium ileus in an attempt to improve on the current unacceptable failure rate. METHODS: Mice were constipated with subcutaneous morphine injection. Each then received an enema solution (perflubron, surfactant, Tween-80, Gastrografin, Golytely, DNase, N-Acetylcysteine, Viokase, or normal saline). After the enema solution was administered, stool output was quantitated. Histologic examination of the intestines was performed on a second group of mice that also received enemas. Finally, viscosity measurements were taken of human meconium at baseline and after variable incubation periods with each test solution. RESULTS: For relieving constipation in vivo, Gastrografin enema was most efficacious. All agents were equally benign to the intestinal mucosa. In vitro, only 4% N-Acetylcysteine and perflubron were less effective at decreasing meconium viscosity than normal saline at T = 0 hours, with N-Acetylcysteine producing greater reduction in viscosity than normal saline at T = 6 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that surfactant and Gastrografin are the most effective for the in vivo relief of constipation. This is accomplished without mucosal damage. These agents also significantly reduce viscosity in vitro, and we speculate that they may be beneficial in relieving constipation caused by meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis patients.