Summary
Background and Objective
Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma is characterized by dermatoscopic dots and structureless areas, including dots in linear arrangement and by coiled vessels. There are no studies describing the dermatoscopic features of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck. We aim to characterize the clinical and dermatoscopic appearance of this entity.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 79 cases of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck.
Results
Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck was characterized dermatoscopically by multiple colors (98.7 %, n = 78), pigmented circles (48.1 %, n = 38), white circles (17.7 %, n = 14), angulated lines (41.8 %, n = 33) and structureless areas (86.1 %, n = 68). Dots in linear arrangement were present in 13.9 % (n = 11). Coiled vessels were present in 7.6 % (n = 6), the dominant vessel type being prominent serpentine vessels (29.2 %, n = 23), thicker and/or redder in color than surrounding vessels, most being in the angular arrangement of the dermal plexus (24.1 %, n = 19).
Conclusions
Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck differs from current published descriptions of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma, reaching statistical significance with a lower incidence of coiled vessels and a higher incidence of pigmented circles, with evident similarities to pigmented actinic keratosis at that location.
Introduction
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are established therapies for advanced lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. They commonly cause acneiform eruptions that affect patient quality of life and may lead to discontinuation of therapy.
Methods
A systematic review and meta‐analysis was undertaken to assess strategies for the prevention and reactive management of acneiform rash associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy for advanced lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. A systematic Medline, Embase, and EBM Reviews database search was conducted on the 2nd of January 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses statement was followed and the studies were critically appraised. Studies were selected if they focused on preventing or treating acneiform eruptions in adults being treated for advanced lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancers with EGFR inhibitors.
Results
Oral antibiotics had the greatest efficacy in preventing grade 2 or higher acneiform eruptions with a relative risk reduction of 40% (RR = .6, 95% CI .46–.79, p < .01). Other treatment modalities did not have statistically significant results. Topical antibiotics had a total relative risk reduction of 19% (RR = .81, 95% CI .45–1.48, p = .5). Vitamin K1 cream did not reduce the relative risk (RR = 1.08, 95% CI .45–1.48, p = .50). Sunscreen had a total relative risk reduction of 25% (RR = .75, 95% CI .49–1.14, p = .18).
Conclusions
The results of this meta‐analysis reinforce the fact that oral tetracycline antibiotics are the most efficacious prophylactic option for acneiform eruptions in EGFR inhibitors. They should be offered to suitable patients commencing treatment and used with a general skin‐care routine involving emollients and avoidance of irritants.
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