Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons^™

Targeted Skin Cancer Education Improves Agricultural Workers' Safe Sun Practices And Knowledge In South Dakota: A Farm Show Survey, Leah Naasz, Kianna Thelen, Candace Zeigler

Scholarship Pathways Program

Targeted Skin Cancer Education Improves Agricultural Workers' Safe Sun Practices and Knowledge in South Dakota: A Farm Show Survey

Leah Naasz, MD | Candace Zeigler, MD

Background: Agricultural workers are at increased risk for skin cancer due to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure, yet many underutilize sun protection. Brief, community-based educational interventions may improve knowledge and preventive behaviors.

Objective: To provide a targeted skin cancer educational session to increase awareness and promote sun protection behaviors among agricultural workers in South Dakota.

Methods: Twenty agricultural workers attending the Vermillion and Sioux Falls Farm Shows participated in a pre- and post-educational survey. Inclusion …

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

Early Celiac Plexus Block In Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Brian Fardman, Christina Sheedy, Joshua Raymond

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Both Early and Delayed Celiac Plexus Blocks (CPBs) have been used in pancreatic cancer. Early CPB is completed when criteria for CPB is initially met, whereas Delayed CPB is implemented only after recalcitrant pain persists. We describe the benefit of early CPB in pancreatic cancer management.

Resection And Reconstruction Of Ewing Sarcoma Of The Cuboid Utilizing Vascularized Fibular Autograft: A Case Report, Brandon Cunha, Alexandre Arkader

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) rarely presents in the bones of the foot, and particularly in the cuboid, making it an exceedingly rare occurrence. We present the case of a 7-year-old female diagnosed with EWS of the right cuboid, detailing the management and outcomes of this rare presentation. The patient, now almost 5 years post-initial local control, exhibits restored foot function, a normalized gait, and no evidence of disease recurrence. This case underscores the potential for preserving lower extremity function and improving postoperative quality of life in rare presentations of EWS through innovative reconstruction strategies.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals In Cancer Patients, Bhumik Patel, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Deanna Janora, Jack Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and …

Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …

Utilizing Microwave Ablation In Combination With Vertebroplasty Is An Effective Method In Reducing Cancer Related Back Pain, Disability, And Opioid Use: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jonathan Elias, Lothar Vidal, Richard Jermyn

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: It is estimated that metastases from primary malignant neoplasms affect the spine around 30%-70% of the time. Many times, these osteolytic tumors will cause the degradation of the vertebrae, leaving patients in a tremendous amount of pain, disability, and dependence on opioids as analgesics. Microwave ablation (MWA) followed by vertebroplasties (VP) has been a developing treatment for such a condition; however, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses examining the method’s effectiveness thus far.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes the 4-week and 12-week outcomes of patients with metastatic spinal cancer treated with the combinatorial treatment …

Case Report: An Emergency Department Presentation Of An Ovarian Teratoma, David Marconi, Zamron Masih

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A teratoma (from the Greek terato for “monster” and onkoma for “mass” or “swelling”) is a type of neoplasm composed of tissues from two or three germ layers. Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) constitute 70% of all ovarian neoplasms. They typically present with nonspecific symptoms such as pain and nausea. They account for approximately 2% of all primary ovarian malignant cancers and are predominately diagnosed via ultrasound. Computed tomography may be necessary if malignancy is suspected. Larger size warrants a higher suspicion of malignancy. Management is symptom control and ultimately, surgical removal. Prognosis is generally excellent, provided there is no malignant …

Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Therapy For Stage Iiib-Iiid Melanoma, Bhumik Patel, Sangnya Upadhyaya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The treatment landscape for advanced stage melanoma is rapidly evolving due to advancements in our understanding of melanoma biology and the emergence of novel therapies. This necessitates a comprehensive review to guide clinicians in adopting evidence based and patient centric approaches to treat stage IIIB-IIID melanoma. A literature review was conducted to synthesize current information on the most optimal treatment available. Data available from different clinical trials found that neoadjuvant therapy was a more effective treatment compared to adjuvant therapies alone. Furthermore, neoadjuvant therapy with combination therapy was more efficacious in producing a complete pathological response compared to monotherapy. A …

Development Of Cancer Surveillance Guidelines In Ataxia Telangiectasia: A Delphi-Based Consensus Survey Of International Experts, Renata Neves, Blanca De Dios Perez, Rafal Panek, Sumit Jagani, Sophie Wilne, Jayesh M Bhatt, Caterina Caputi, Emilia Cirillo, David J Coman, Gregor Dückers, Donald L Gilbert, Mary Kay Koenig, Lobna Mansour, Elizabeth Mcdermott, Micaela Pauni, Claudio Pignata, Susan L Perlman, Oscar Porras, Mariela Betina Porto, Katherine Schon, Pere Soler-Palacin, Sam Nick Russo, Masatoshi Takagi, Marc Tischkowitz, Claire Wainwright, Madhumita Dandapani, Cristine Glazebrook, Mohnish Suri, William P Whitehouse, Robert A Dineen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a multiorgan disorder with increased vulnerability to cancer. Despite this increased cancer risk, there are no widely accepted guidelines for cancer surveillance in people affected by A-T. We aimed to understand the current international practice regarding cancer surveillance in A-T and agreed-upon approaches to develop cancer surveillance in A-T.

DESIGN/METHODS: We used a consensus development method, the e-Delphi technique, comprising three rounds. Round 1 consisted of a Delphi questionnaire and a survey that collected the details of respondents' professional background, experience, and current practice of cancer surveillance in A-T. Rounds 2 and 3 were designed …

The Clinical Definition And Characterization Of Field Of Cancerization In Patients With Actinic Keratoses, Stuti Prajapati, Christina Kontzias, Mallory Zaino, Steven Feldman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Chronic UV radiation affects the entire area of skin exposed, leading to visible actinic keratoses (AK) and subclinical changes in the surrounding skin. AKs are hyperkeratotic lesions, with a 0.025-16% risk of transforming into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).1 Cellular atypia around AKs is the field of cancerization (FOC). Topical AK therapies can treat the FOC, while destructive treatments address visible lesions. FDA-approved products may be approved for field sizes up to 25 cm2.1,2

Objective: To characterize the FOC and assess the correlation between the FOC and number of AKs.

Methods: 100 patients with AKs were recruited. FOC was defined …

Barriers To Dermatological Care In Patients Who Received Extensive Mohs Surgery - An In-Depth Qualitative Analysis, Stuti Prajapati, Mallory Zaino, Christina Kontzias, Laura Doerfler, Steven R. Feldman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Dermatological care needs to be accessible for the elderly, but they face prominent challenges contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Prolonged management of may lead to widespread cutaneous malignancies, necessitating extensive Mohs surgery.

Objective: To identify areas for early intervention in the geriatric population who have undergone extensive Mohs surgery.

Methods: We performed a qualitative study on 10 patients 65 years and older (68-91) from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist dermatology clinics between December 2022 and February 2023, who had extensive Mohs surgery (3 or more layers removed).

Results: Three major areas for potential intervention for cutaneous carcinoma …

Case Report: Glioblastoma Tumor Presenting With Mild Changes In Memory, Samuel Thalathoti, Nicholas Palladino, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 66-year-old female who presented to the ED with generalized headache and mild confusion, who was diagnosed with high-grade glial neoplasm. The differential diagnosis of headache is vast, but without red flags or symptoms is generally from a benign cause and easily treatable. However, even in the context of a normal neurologic physical exam, symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, and behavioral changes should merit imaging in the workup. Glioblastoma is the most common brain tumor, accounting for 47.7% of all cases, with an incidence of 3.21 per 100,000 population. Median age of diagnosis is 64 …

Phyllodes Tumor Containing Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: A Rare Case Description & Review Of Literature, Kathryn Eckert, John Ground, Alyssa Imperatore, Victoria Tiedemann, Linda Szczurek

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Phyllodes tumors are uncommon, often benign, malignancies of the breast and account for approximately 0.5% of all breast malignancies. These tumors were first described in 1838 by Johannes Muller as cystosarcoma phyllodes and were later more aptly renamed phyllodes tumors (as they were neither cystic nor sarcomatous).(1) As a mixed connective tissue and epithelial tumor, these behave similar to benign fibroadenomas, though their growth is much more rapid and they tend to occur in older patients.(2) Hallmarked by their large size at presentation, these tumors average between 4 and 7 cm at the time of diagnosis. The only known risk …

A Rare But Life Threatening Case Of Labile Blood Pressures In Pregnancy, Kelsey Carrio, Aarti Aggarwal, Susan Mcgroarty

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pheochromocytoma is a rare but life threatening adrenal secreting tumor. The infrequency with which it is encountered makes pheochromocytoma, especially in pregnancy, a formidable diagnostic challenge.

Although a pheochromocytoma is rare, it is good to keep it in differential diagnosis as a possible cause of labile BP with headaches and significant orthostatic BP. It is critical to recognize this condition to institute an appropriate therapy & surgical intervention to prevent mortality.