Skin cancer has become the most common neoplasm in the United States. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, most skin cancers have an overall 5-year survival rate of 95%. Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), however, has a significantly higher morbidity and mortality, resulting in 65% of all skin cancer deaths. Although the long-term survival rate for patients with metastatic melanoma is only 5%, early detection of CMM carries an excellent prognosis, with surgical excision often being curative. Primary care physicians can play a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality from CMM by recognizing patients at risk, encouraging the adoption of risk-reducing behaviors, and becoming adept at identifying suspicious lesions.

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Background: Mycophenolate mofetil is increasingly being used as a corticosteroid-sparing agent in immunosuppressive regimens.Objective: To elucidate the effectiveness of mycophenolate as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of both pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus.

IVIG may be an effective adjuvant in the treatment of PG and has an acceptable side-effect profile. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trials are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

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Historical reviews suggest that tanning first became fashionable in the 1920s or 1930s. To quantitatively and qualitatively examine changes in tanning attitudes portrayed in the popular women's press during the early 20th century, we reviewed summer issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar for the years 1920, 1927, 1928, and 1929. We examined these issues for articles and advertisements promoting skin tanning or skin bleaching and protection. We found that articles and advertisements promoting the fashionable aspects of tanned skin were more numerous in 1928 and 1929 than in 1927 and 1920, whereas those promoting pale skin (by bleaching or protection) were less numerous. These findings demonstrate a clear shift in attitudes toward tanned skin during this period.

A 14-year-old boy presented for management of chronic and recalcitrant large ulcerative lesions on the extremities. These lesions appeared at 18 months of age as erythematous papules that progressively enlarged, becoming painful and ulcerated. His growth and development were normal. Evaluations for underlying immunodeficiencies and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders were consistently negative. He had no family or personal history of diabetes mellitus. Physical examination revealed several 6-11 cm in diameter atrophic violaceous infiltrated plaques affecting the extremities. The majority of the lesions had central deep ulcerations and crusting. Mucous membranes were not affected and there was no palmoplantar involvement.Histologic examination of a deep incisional skin biopsy of an ulcerated site revealed extensive deep dermal and subcutaneous palisading granulomas (Fig. 1). There were no significant neutrophilic infiltrates and no evidence of vasculitis or cholesterol clefting. Alcian blue staining showed scant mucin Figure 1 (a) Areas of extensive inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue forming areas of palisading granulomas × 10 magnification. (b) Palisading lymphohistiocytic granuloma surrounding a central area of degenerated collagen and isolated multinucleated cells × 40 magnification

Massage therapists encounter skin on a daily basis and have a unique opportunity to recognize potential skin cancers. The purpose of this study was to describe the skin cancer education provided to massage therapists and to assess their comfort regarding identification and communication of suspicious lesions. An observational retrospective survey study was conducted at the 2010 American Massage Therapy Association Meeting. Sixty percent reported receiving skin cancer education during and 25% reported receiving skin cancer education after training. Massage therapists who examine their own skin are more likely to be comfortable with recognizing a suspicious lesion and are more likely to examine their client's skin. Greater number of clients treated per year and greater frequency of client skin examinations were predictors of increased comfort level with recognizing a suspicious lesion. Massage therapists are more comfortable discussing than identifying a potential skin cancer. Massage therapists may be able to serve an important role in the early detection of skin cancer.