The incidence of non-keratinocyte skin cancer after breast cancer radiation therapy
Today’s report also covers research into the efficacy of a 'seaweed mud' for cellulite, maternal tobacco exposure during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis, and more (1,535 words, 7.5 minutes)
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Good morning, and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re pleased to have you join us. This biweekly bulletin will update you on new findings regarding dermatologic issues that affect women and the female dermatologists who care for them. We welcome your feedback and opinions, so let us know if you have any comments, observations, or suggestions. You can email them to us at health@chronicle.org
A study published in JAMA Network (2024; 7(3):e241632) evaluated the association between radiation therapy for breast cancer and the risk of subsequent non-keratinocyte skin cancers, particularly lesions localized to the skin of the breast or trunk. The researchers used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31, 2019, to conduct a population-based cohort study involving 875,880 breast cancer patients.
Among these patients, 3,839 developed non-keratinocyte skin cancer after breast cancer treatment. The most common subtypes were melanoma (89.1%), Merkel cell carcinoma (3.2%), and hemangiosarcoma (2.7%). The research also revealed that the incidence of subsequent non-keratinocyte skin cancer was higher in patients who had received radiation therapy.
The study found that melanoma was 1.37 times more likely to occur on the skin of the breast or trunk after breast cancer treatment with radiation. At the same time, hemangiosarcoma was 27.11 times more likely to happen in this area compared to the general population. Overall, the risk of any non-keratinocyte skin cancer in this specific area was 57% higher among this cohort.
The study also examined the effects of different treatment modalities on subsequent skin cancer risk. Chemotherapy, when given alone or in combination with radiation therapy, was associated with a higher incidence of non-keratinocyte skin cancers. However, surgical interventions alone did not significantly increase the risk of subsequent skin cancer when radiation therapy was not part of the treatment.
The authors also found variations in skin cancer risk based on race. BIPOC patients experienced higher risks of developing subsequent skin cancer than White patients, indicating a possible racial disparity in skin cancer susceptibility following breast cancer treatment.
Bottom line
Radiation therapy for breast cancer increases the risk of subsequent non-keratinocyte skin cancers, particularly melanoma and hemangiosarcoma. The study also found cancers are most likely to occur on the skin of the breast or trunk. Additionally, the study found disparities in risk across racial groups, with BIPOC individuals experiencing higher incidence rates.
Facial physiological characteristics and skin microbiomes changes are associated with Body Mass Index
Research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology assessed the correlations between BMI, facial skin physiological parameters, and facial bacteria and fungi in a cohort of Chinese women. The researchers found that BMI is associated with differences in facial skin’s biophysical properties and microbiome. Specifically, a high BMI affects skin barrier integrity and microbial composition.
For this study, the authors analyzed the skin hydration, sebum content, and skin elasticity of 198 healthy women from Shanghai. They also collected microbial samples from the skin. The results showed that women with higher BMI significantly increased transepidermal water loss, indicating an impaired skin barrier. Women with higher BMI also had elevated skin hemoglobin, decreased skin surface pH, and increased α-diversity of facial bacterial and fungal microbiota. Furthermore, women with higher BMI also had a higher abundance of Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Malassezia, and Candida on their skin.
A pilot study on the efficacy of a seaweed mud application in the treatment of cellulite
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the efficacy of applying seaweed mud to improve the structure and function of tissues affected by cellulite. The researchers found that the seaweed mud treatment significantly improved the severity of cellulite and enhanced the affected tissues’ structure, elasticity, and hydration.
For this study, 60 women with cellulite underwent three seaweed mud applications of 45 minutes on their buttocks and thighs for two weeks, followed by two applications for one week and one application for another week. The results showed that the treatment reduced inflammation, edema, and lipid deposition. Additionally, it led to a significant improvement in comfort and satisfaction and a reduction in body circumferences. The authors concluded it was an effective and safe non-invasive treatment for cellulite.
Maternal tobacco exposure during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis in offspring
A study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology examined the relationship between active or passive smoking during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis in offspring. Passive smoking means to breathe in other people’s tobacco smoke. The researchers found that atopic dermatitis in offspring is not associated with active smoking during pregnancy. However, passive smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of eczema development in offspring.
The authors searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for this study to identify potentially related articles. The analysis included 15 observational studies.
Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use
Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the efficacy of a moisturizing cream and a facial mask in mitigating medical mask-related skin issues. The researchers found that both the facial cream and the combined use of facial mask and cream significantly improved skin barrier function and alleviated dryness symptoms associated with medical mask use.
For this randomized controlled study, 64 healthy Chinese women were randomly assigned to apply either a facial cream or a facial mask plus a facial cream on half of their faces after wearing medical masks for four hours. The researchers measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and redness at specific time points. The results showed that the combined use of facial cream and mask offered superior benefits in reducing TEWL and dryness compared to using only the cream.
VIDEO: Draining the infected cyst of a pregnant patient
Dr. Geoff Butler, a family doctor based in Windsor, Ontario, shows how to drain an infected cyst on the upper back of a pregnant patient.
A case of tumid lupus masquerading as rosacea
A case report published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine described a 43-year-old woman who presented with a burning eruption on her face. A year prior, the patient had been diagnosed with rosacea and treated with topical azelaic acid and oxymetazoline cream. However, her eruption worsened over time, extending to her upper chest. A physical examination revealed red, swollen bumps on her face and chest, which she reported were exacerbated by sun exposure. After a punch biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with tumid lupus. Her treatment included a strict sun protection regime and 200 mg/daily of oral hydroxychloroquine. The patient experienced complete symptom resolution within one month.
The February 2024 issue of The Chronicle of Skin & Allergy is now available online. Read the latest research and expert insights into dermatology and allergy treatments to stay informed about the field’s most recent advancements.
I was born with a capillary malformation on my face, also called a port wine birthmark because of its typical color. I began getting treatment at around six weeks old. Multiple times a year for most of my childhood, I would get laser treatments to lighten my birthmark and prevent potential complications. It was hard: As a kid, you don't want to be different, and people will notice when it's right on your face. I recognize how hard that can be, especially for my young patients, and how impactful it is to have somebody who understands what you're going through.”
— Dr. Caitlin Peterman, a pediatric dermatologist and health sciences clinical assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, in an interview with Mirage News.
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