Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
06:29

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19

Published on: May 25, 2022

2.5K

Impact of COVID-19 on dermatologic surgery: experience of a Midwestern academic practice

Remi Hamel1, Bruin Pollard2, M Laurin Council3

  • 1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.

Archives of Dermatological Research
|October 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced skin cancer surgeries by 38%, but higher upgrade rates for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) indicate appropriate patient triage during this disruption.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare delivery.
  • Academic dermatologic surgery practices experienced unprecedented operational challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on skin cancer treatment.
  • To analyze changes in patient visits, surgical procedures, and tumor characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 1138 patient encounters.
  • Comparison of 60-day periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration.
  • Analysis of in-person visits, Mohs surgeries, histological upgrading, and tumor types (BCC, SCC/SCCIS).

Main Results:

  • A 58% decrease in total in-person visits and a 38% decrease in Mohs surgeries were observed post-pandemic declaration.
  • Treatment shifted towards more squamous cell carcinoma (SCC/SCCIS) and less basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
  • Histological upgrade rates increased significantly for all tumors and for BCC, but not SCC/SCCIS.

Conclusions:

  • The pandemic led to reduced skin cancer surgeries but a higher rate of histological upgrades, suggesting effective risk-based patient prioritization.
  • Findings offer insights into managing future public health crises in surgical dermatology.
  • Protocols for COVID-19 demonstrated a capacity for adapting to resource limitations.
Keywords:
COVID-19Dermatologic surgeryMohs surgeryPandemic

More Related Videos

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.1K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.8K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
258
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
4.5K
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
58
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
4.9K
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.7K