exudates and Skin-Neoplasms

Heavy-metal pollution occurs in various environments, including water, air and soil, and has serious effects on human health. Since heavy-metal pollution in drinking water causes various diseases including skin cancer, it has become a global problem worldwide. However, there is limited information on the mechanism of development of heavy-metal-mediated disease. We performed both fieldwork and experimental studies to elucidate the levels of heavy-metal pollution and mechanisms of development of heavy-metal-related disease and to develop a novel remediation system. Our fieldwork in Bangladesh, Vietnam and Malaysia demonstrated that drinking well water in these countries was polluted with high concentrations of several heavy metals including arsenic, barium, iron and manganese. Our experimental studies based on the data from our fieldwork demonstrated that these heavy metals caused skin cancer and hearing loss. Further experimental studies resulted in the development of a novel remediation system with which toxic heavy metals were absorbed from polluted drinking water. Implementation of both fieldwork and experimental studies is important for prediction, prevention and therapy of heavy-metal-mediated diseases.

Topics: Bangladesh; Drinking Water; Hearing Loss; Humans; Malaysia; Metals, Heavy; Skin Neoplasms; Vietnam; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical; Water Purification

Granulomatous skin lesions can have various histopathological features leading to diagnostic confusion. The study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of different granulomatous skin lesions.. This was a 5-year retrospective study done between April 2017 and March 2022 at Dermatology Department, Sarawak General Hospital. Subjects with a clinicopathological diagnosis of granulomatous diseases were included in the analysis.. A total of 1718 skin biopsies were done during the study periods, with 49 (2.8%) confirmed granulomatous skin lesions. Most patients were aged 40-60 with a male predominance of 51%. Most of the skin biopsy samples were taken from the upper limb (36%). In this study, epitheloid granuloma was the commonest subtype (21, 43%) followed by suppurative granuloma (12, 24%), tuberculoid granuloma (8, 16%) and foreign body granuloma (5, 10%). The commonest aetiology of granulomatous skin lesions in our study was infections (30, 61%) followed by foreign body inoculation (8, 16%). Fungal infection was the most common infective cause, followed by cutaneous tuberculosis.. The major cause of granulomatous dermatoses in developing countries is still infections, fungal and tuberculosis being the leading causes.

Topics: Female; Granuloma; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Retrospective Studies; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Tertiary Care Centers

There has been a rising incidence of skin cancers among Asians in recent years. We present a retrospective analysis of 106 skin cancers and analysed the demography, clinical subtypes of skin cancers and surgical techniques used for skin cancer treatment. In our population, skin cancers were most frequently basal cell carcinomas and diagnosed among ethnic Chinese patients.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Retrospective Studies; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Sex Distribution; Skin Neoplasms; Urban Population

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Dermatomycoses; Eczema; Female; Humans; Leprosy; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Psoriasis; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors; Skin Diseases; Skin Neoplasms; Tertiary Care Centers; Urban Health Services; Young Adult

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (a.k.a. NK cell lymphoma, CD4+CD56+ haematodermic neoplasm) is a rare aggressive tumour that arises from plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors. We report the first case from Malaysia of a 79-year-old Chinese woman who presented with purpuric plaques and nodules produced by pleomorphic CD4+, CD56+, CD68+, CD123+ and CD303+, but CD2APmononuclear cell infiltrates. Leukemic dissemination occurred and she succumbed to disease without treatment 4 weeks after diagnosis and 9 months after onset of cutaneous disease.

Topics: Aged; Dendritic Cells; Female; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Malaysia; Skin Neoplasms

The objective of this study was to determine the practice of skin cancer prevention among Malaysian road traffic police officers.. This cross-sectional study involved 202 Malaysian Road Police Traffic officers. Inclusion criteria were those officers who work wearing white uniform regulating traffic. The survey took place at the Police Traffic Station, Jln Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, the main Head Quarters of Malaysian's Traffic Department where almost 600 police traffic officers are employed. The police traffic officers are given the task to take care of the traffic from the main office of the police station, then, according to the task, the officers drive to their given location for their duty. Each task is approved by the Chief Traffic Inspector of Kuala Lumpur. Data collected in this study were analyzed using SPSS 13, with the T-test for univariate analysis and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis.. A total of 202 road traffic police officers participated. The majority were older than 30 years of age, male, Malay, married, with secondary education, with monthly income more than 2000 Ringgit Malaysia (66.3%, 91.1%, 86.6%, 84.7%, 96%, 66.3%; respectively). Regarding the practice of skin cancer prevention, 84.6% of the study participants were found to wear hats, 68.9% sunglasses and 85.6% clothing that covering most of the body but only 16.9% used a sunscreen when they were outdoors. When analysis of the factors that influenced the practice of skin cancer prevention was performed, univariate analysis revealed that gender, age and monthly income significantly influenced the practice of skin cancer prevention. For multivariate analysis, gender, monthly income and race significantly influenced the practice of using sunscreen among road traffic police officers (p<0.001, p=0.019, p=0.027; respectively).. The practice of skin cancer prevention among the traffic police officers showed good practices in terms of wearinga hat, sun glasses and clothing that covers most of the body. However, the study revealed a poor practice of the use of sunscreen. The factors that influence the practice of sunscreen use were found to be gender, income, and race. The study suggests that more awareness campaign among traffic police officers is needed. Providing sunscreen for free for police traffic officers should be considered by the Police authorities.

Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Behavior; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Occupational Exposure; Police; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultraviolet Rays

Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer that occurs predominantly among Caucasians. In Malaysia, the incidence of melanoma is low. This is a retrospective study of clinical and histopathological features of patients with cutaneous melanoma who were seen at the University Malaya Medical Centre from 1998 to 2008. Thirty-two patients with cutaneous melanoma were recorded during that period. Of these, 24 had sought treatment at the onset of disease at our centre. Chinese patients constituted the largest group (19 cases). The median age of these 24 patients at the time of presentation was 62 years. 16 patients had melanoma involving the lower limb with 12 affecting the sole of the foot. None had melanoma arising from the face. Histopathology showed nodular melanoma in 22 cases (91.6%), with superficial spreading and acral lentiginous melanoma diagnosed in 1 case each. The majority of patients (62.5%) were found to be in Stage III of the disease at the time of diagnosis.

Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Malaysia; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Survival Rate; Tertiary Care Centers

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is classified among the ten most frequent cancers in Malaysia. A common polymorphism at codon 72 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and its influence on cancer risk has been studied for different types of cancer with mixed and inconsistent results with limited published data on the Malaysian population so far. In the present study, the frequency of p53 codon 72 polymorphism in 60 patients with NMSC was investigated from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue obtained from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). Additionally, random amplified polymorhic DNA -polymorphic chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was employed for preliminary biomarker development. NMSC FFPE samples (70%) possess Arg/Arg, 20% with Pro/Pro and 10% with Arg/Pro. In total, there was no significant difference in the p53 codon 72 genotypes between histological types of NMSC, gender, race, tumor location and age group. However, there was an apparent age-associated increase in the Arg/Arg genotype but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.235). NMSC types and demographic characteristics did not influence genotype distribution. On the other hand, BCC and SCC distributions are influenced by age group, race and tumor location.

Topics: Adult; DNA Mutational Analysis; Female; Formaldehyde; Genes, p53; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Paraffin Embedding; Polymorphism, Genetic; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; Skin Neoplasms

Acral melanoma involve the non-pigmented palmoplantar and subungual areas and are commonly seen among Asians. Patients commonly display advanced stage of disease at presentation. It may appear unnoticed and mimic benign lesions.. Data for this retrospective study was retrieved from Histopathology Unit, Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia archive from 2003 to 2009.. 62.3% cases of malignant melanoma were acral melanoma. The mean age of diagnosis was 64.3 +/- 12.1. The involved sites were the heel (39.4%), middle and frontal plantar area (24.2%), toe (24.2%) and web spaces (9.1%). The clinical presentations were; an enlarging mass (60.6%), non-healing ulcer (24.2%) and abnormal pigmented lesion (15.2%). Most cases exhibited Breslow thickness >4.00 mm (87.9%) and Clark's levels V (50%). The majority showed moderate (non brisk) tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (57.6%). Ulceration (84.8%) and lymphovascular involvement were seen (24.2%).. Acral melanoma is the commonest malignant melanoma in this Sarawakian cohort. Most of the cases presented with advanced stage disease.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Extremities; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms

Malignant melanoma in particular is one of the few remaining cancers with an increasing incidence.. The objective of this study is to explore the perceptions and opinions of young Malaysians towards skin cancer prevention.. Focus group discussions were conducted among 33 medical science students from Management and Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Malaysia, using convenience sampling. Students were divided into 4 focus groups consisting of 8, 8, 9 and 8 students respectively. The facilitator wrote down the conversations and data obtained were classified into various categories and analyzed manually.. The majority of the participants mentioned that overexposure to ultraviolet light is the commonest cause of skin cancer but also that the most benefit we get from sun ight is vitamin D synthesis. The majority mentioned that the best prevention measure for skin cancer is using a sunscreen, followed by limit exposure to the sun.. The present study demonstrated there is a lack of knowledge regarding screening methods and prevention measures of skin cancer. Therefore, there is a need to establish health education unit in all universities to educate all university students regarding various health problems including skin cancer prevention.

Topics: Adult; Female; Focus Groups; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Melanoma; Perception; Qualitative Research; Skin Neoplasms; Students, Medical; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Universities; Young Adult

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer among Orientals. Data on this malignancy is lacking in Malaysia, prompting a retrospective study to determine the clinical characteristics in the skin clinic, Sarawak General Hospital between 2000 and 2008.. Demographic data and clinical features of 64 histopathologically proven BCC from 43 patients were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the clinical characteristics based on the region of involvement and gender.. The mean age of presentation was 60.9 years. Male to female ratio was 1.05. Majority of the patients were Chinese (44.2%) followed by Malays (32.6%), Bidayuhs (14.0%) and Ibans (6.9%). Nodular BCC accounted for 95.3% of cases while 4.7% were superficial BCC. All the nodular BCC were pigmented. Ulceration was noted in 18%. There were 82.8% of BCC on the head and neck region and 17.2% on the trunk and limb region. BCC on the latter region were larger (mean 35.0 cf. 14.4 mm, p < 0.001) and ulcerated (45.5% cf. 11.3%, p = 0.01). Superficial BCC were also more frequently encountered in this region (18.2% cf. 1.9%, p = 0.02). Compared to women, men had larger BCC (mean 21.1 cf. 13.3 mm, p = 0.03) and kept them for a longer duration (mean 21.6 cf. 13.3 months, p = 0.04).. Clinical characteristics of BCC in Sarawak were similar to other Asian studies. Additionally, BCC on the trunk and limbs and in men were larger, ulcerative and long standing warranting better efforts for earlier detection.

Topics: Age Distribution; Aged; Biopsy, Needle; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Chi-Square Distribution; Cohort Studies; Developing Countries; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Incidence; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Probability; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sex Distribution; Skin Neoplasms; Statistics, Nonparametric

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; HeLa Cells; Humans; Juniperus; Malaysia; Mice; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Skin Neoplasms; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Stomach Neoplasms; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured

A review of consecutive biopsies of adnexal tumours from 112 patients, received by the Department of Pathology, University of Malaya, over a 13-year period was undertaken. The age range of the patients was from 1 to 84 years, with a mean of 29.8 years. Thirty-three (32%) patients were under 20 years of age. There were 68 females with a male to female ratio of 1.0:1.5. In 105 cases (93.7%), the neoplasm was solitary. The tumour measured less than 2 cm in the largest dimension in 103 cases (92%). The common sites of occurrence were the head and neck region (59%) and extremities (25%). Neoplasms of hair follicle origin accounted for 63.4% (71 cases) of all lesions. Intra-tumour deposition of amyloid was noted in one of the 14 cases of trichoepithelioma.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Apocrine Glands; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Skin Appendage; Child; Child, Preschool; Eccrine Glands; Female; Hair Diseases; Hospitals, University; Humans; Infant; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Pathology Department, Hospital; Pilomatrixoma; Sebaceous Glands; Skin; Skin Diseases; Skin Neoplasms; Sweat Gland Neoplasms

The association of arsenical poisoning with the development of skin cancer is well-known. In Malaysia, arsenic has been shown to coexist with tin in tin-mining land. Our preliminary investigation has shown that the level of arsenic in well water from a tin-mining area is high. We report 3 patients with cutaneous lesions typical of chronic arsenical poisoning such as hyperpigmentation, keratoses and skin cancer. These patients have positive histories of previous domicility in tin-mining areas. We conclude that these patients developed chronic arsenical poisoning from drinking well water polluted with arsenic from the tin-mining soil.

Topics: Adult; Arsenic Poisoning; Carcinoma; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Mining; Skin Neoplasms; Tin; Water Pollution, Chemical; Water Supply

Congo-red screening demonstrated intratumor deposits of amyloid in 35 of 53 unselected cases of basal cell carcinoma. Male subjects had a higher amyloid positivity rate than female subjects. The amyloid deposits were permanganate-resistant and located in the stroma between clumps of tumor cells, as well as abutting the advancing front of the neoplasm. Solar elastosis was often observed in the overlying and adjacent subepidermis. The relationship between amyloid positivity and the different histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma, tumor ulceration, and density of the lymphoplasmacytic stromal infiltrate were also studied. The possibility that amyloid originates from the tumor cells and is a result of tumor apoptosis (degeneration) is discussed.

Topics: Amyloid; Amyloidosis; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Congo Red; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Racial Groups; Sex Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Time Factors

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaysia; Male; Racial Groups; Skin Neoplasms

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asian People; Female; Humans; Leukemia; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms; Time Factors; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Topics: Adenoma, Sweat Gland; Aged; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms