The British journal of dermatology
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Topical methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy in patients with basal cell carcinoma prone to complications and poor cosmetic outcome with conventional treatment.
Conventional treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) causes morbidity and/or disfigurement in some patients because of the location (e.g. mid-face) and size of the lesion. ⋯ Topical MAL-PDT is effective in treating BCC at risk of complications and poor cosmetic outcome using conventional therapy. MAL-PDT preserves the skin and shows favourable cosmetic results.
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Population-based figures on skin cancer are essential for a realistic assessment of the personal disease burden, prevention modes and the need for caring. The Robert Koch Institute in Germany estimates the incidence of melanoma skin cancer as seven cases in 100 000 persons (age-standardized by the European standard rate). Population-based studies presumably show higher incidence rates of 10-16 cases in 100 000 persons. Few data exist for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) as this is not systematically registered in Germany. ⋯ The first population-based data from Schleswig-Holstein on the characteristics (age, sex, histological subtypes, localization and stage) of skin tumours agree well with the existing literature and may thus be regarded as representative. However, markedly higher incidences for MM and NMSC in the north of Germany compared with other parts of the country were observed. As the incidence rates from the north of Germany fit well into the European geographical pattern, we assume no regional increase. Therefore, the official German estimates on cutaneous tumours may largely depend on regional factors and may not be regarded as representative for all regions in Germany.
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The oak processionary caterpillar as the cause of an epidemic airborne disease: survey and analysis.
Thaumetopoea processionea L. (order Lepidoptera), the oak processionary moth, is found in oak forests in most European countries. Its third to sixth larval instars are armed with poisonous hairs (setae) containing an urticating toxin (thaumetopoein) potentially harmful to humans. Because T. processionea infests trees at the edges of forests or standing alone people frequently come into contact with its setae. In the woodland bordering on the western suburbs of Vienna conditions favouring its increase have led to frequent outbreaks of lepidopterism. ⋯ Lepidopterism caused by T. processionea is a public health problem of increasing significance. In years with outbreaks of the pest it can reach epidemic proportions in communities located near infested trees. Contact with airborne setae was mainly responsible for the occurrence of the disease.