Malignant skin cancers impose an escalating and heterogeneous health burden worldwide.¹ Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 database,² we summarize these cancers’ epidemiology, subgroup patterns, and projections to 2050.

We analyzed GBD 2023 estimates (1990-2023) for malignant melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Outcomes included prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; years of life lost due to premature death plus years lived with disability). Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, age group, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI; range, 0-1), defined as the geometric mean of indices of fertility in those younger than 25 years, education among those aged 15 years and older, and lag-distributed income per capita. Projections to 2050 used a bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model, a bayesian hierarchical framework that jointly estimates age, period, and cohort effects and provides uncertainty intervals. For basal cell carcinoma, we excluded the 2005 to 2009 surveillance-artifact period and fit projections using 2010 to 2023 data. Additional methods are provided in the eMethods in Supplement 1. This study was deemed to be not human participant research by Shenzhen People’s Hospital; therefore, institutional review board approval and informed consent were not required.

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David Wilkinson, Julia Sottovia, Sonje Hoogstad

Abstract

Meryem Soughi, Oumaima Bouraqqadi, Zakia Douhi, Sara Elloudi, Hanane Baybay, Fatimazahra Mernissi

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Palmoplantar nevi (PPN) are common and sometimes difficult to diagnose because
of their unusual clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features, often mistaken for acral lentiginous
melanoma.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the different dermoscopic patterns of palmoplantar nevi
and their correlation with age and location.

Methods: This was a retrospective-prospective cohort study of a sample of the Moroccan population
collected over 2 years. The diagnosis was based mainly on clinical and dermoscopic evaluation, and a
biopsy performed in a single patient.

Results: A total of 140 patients with 144 PPNs were included in this study. PPNs were more frequently
located on the palms (64%) than on the soles (36%). The parallel furrow pattern (PFP) was the most
frequent in 44% of patients, followed by the lattice pattern (17,4%), then the homogeneous pattern
(16.7%), the fibrillar pattern (10,4%), the compound pattern (7%), the globular pattern (2 %), the
dotted pattern (2 %), and finally, the atypical pattern (0.7%). We found a correlation between fibrillar
and globular patterns with younger patients (P <0.05) lattice pattern with pressure-free regions such
as the arch and palmar region. In contrast, the fibrillar pattern was associated with heels and PFP with
digital location.

Conclusion: Recognition of these patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary
excisions.

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Abstract

Introduction: Conjunctival nevi (CN) represent the majority of benign conjunctival melanocytic lesions (CML), followed by complexion-associated melanosis (CAM). Noninvasive methods like dermoscopy could be of importance to increase diagnostic accuracy in this biopsy-sensitive area. Because of the unique anatomy of the conjunctiva, dermoscopic findings differ significantly compared to the skin or other mucosae.

Objective: Our objective was to analyze epidemiological, clinical, and dermoscopic characteristics of benign conjunctival melanocytic lesions and to explore their correlation to total body nevus count (TBNC).

Methods: This retrospective study involved the collection and analysis of demographic data, patient information, and clinical and dermoscopic images from individuals with long-standing, stable, pigmented conjunctival lesions.

Results: A total of 30 benign conjunctival melanocytic lesions in 28 patients (female/male :18/10) with a median age of 32 (range 16–68) years were evaluated. The prevalent dermoscopic pattern was a mixed, globular, homogeneous pattern (36.6%). Clear cysts were identified via dermoscopy in 60% of the lesions, and a reticular pattern was observed in all cases involving cysts (P<0.05). The presence of benign CML was associated with a low TBNC (<10) in 64.3%.

Conclusions: The present study provides a detailed overview of the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of benign CML. It highlights consistent patterns such as cyst-associated reticular features and a low TBNC among affected individuals. These findings support the clinical utility of dermoscopy as a noninvasive tool for differentiating between benign and suspicious conjunctival lesions. The observed association with low TBNC may warrant increased vigilance during ocular examination in patients with few cutaneous nevi. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm and extend these observations.

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Cliff Rosendahl, Simon Clark, Syril Keena T. Que, Denis Moir, Harald Kittler, Jane M. Grant-Kels