Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Murine Full-thickness Skin Transplantation
Published on: January 2, 2017
Surveyed dermatologists are less likely to curette invasive squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant
Kathleen M Nemer1, Tyler M Bauman1, M Laurin Council1
1Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
Background:
The risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increased in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs), and preferential treatment modalities vary among clinicians.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to survey dermatologists regarding practice patterns for electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC) of SCC in OTRs and nontransplant patients.
Methods:
An 18-question survey was sent to dermatologist members of the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative, Association of Professors of Dermatology, and American College of Mohs Surgery. Differences in EDC practice patterns for treatment of SCC in OTRs and nontransplant patients were evaluated.
Results:
Dermatologists in this study (N = 227) were more likely to treat SCC with EDC in nontransplant patients (67.4%) than in OTRs (48.0%; P = .0003).Dermatologists who perform EDC in both groups (n = 108) were unlikely to use EDC on the H-zone of the face; they were more likely to EDC tumors on non-H-zone areas of the face and neck in nontransplant patients compared to OTRs (P = .0007). Dermatologists were more likely to use EDC over surgery in nontransplant patients compared to OTRs with the following demographics: dementia or psychiatric disease (P = .04), multiple medical comorbidities (P = .03), or anticoagulation medications (P = .02).
Conclusions:
In OTRs with SCC, 48% of clinicians would consider EDC. The main factors that affect the decision to perform EDC include tumor location and patient comorbidities.
Insights
Dermatologists are less likely to use electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) compared to other patients. Tumor location and patient comorbidities influence the decision to use EDC in OTRs.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have an elevated risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- Clinical practices for SCC treatment, particularly electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC), vary among physicians for OTRs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey dermatologists on their practice patterns for EDC of SCC in both OTRs and non-transplant patients.
- To identify differences in EDC application based on patient population and clinical factors.
Main Methods:
- An 18-question survey was distributed to members of prominent dermatology and transplant surgery organizations.
- Data were analyzed to compare EDC utilization for SCC treatment in OTRs versus non-transplant patients.
Main Results:
- Dermatologists were significantly more likely to use EDC for SCC in non-transplant patients (67.4%) than in OTRs (48.0%).
- EDC use on the face's H-zone was less common; however, tumors in non-H-zone facial and neck areas were more frequently treated with EDC in non-transplant patients compared to OTRs.
- EDC was favored over surgery for non-transplant patients with dementia, psychiatric conditions, multiple comorbidities, or those on anticoagulation medication.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 48% of clinicians would consider EDC for SCC in OTRs.
- Key factors influencing the decision to use EDC in OTRs include tumor location and the presence of patient comorbidities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:24Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction