Objectives:
For solid organ transplant recipients the risk of skin cancer is markedly increased due to immunosuppression. Many studies propose an annual, or more frequent, skin screening program by a dermatologist. As the number of transplant recipients increases and survival times improve, the need for screening and rapid response (as required) access is increasing.
Design:
In a quality control study we retrospectively examined the medical records of patients participating in an annual screening program between 1997 and 2012. A total of 69 medical records were studied and we here describe the program and present the findings.
Results:
We found malignant melanoma in 3 cases. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma occurred in 16 patients and basal cell carcinoma in 12 patients. The most frequent skin lesions were actinic keratoses, reported in 20 patients.
Conclusions:
Incidence rates for all diagnoses were elevated compared to the general population. Awareness of the increased risk for skin malignancies is of importance to those involved in the care of solid organ transplant recipients. Routines for early discovery of skin tumors are needed both in the form of screening, which can also establish risk group status and give preventive education, and as rapid response access for skin lesion diagnosis and treatment.
Author(s): Per Sundbom, Laila Hubbert, Therese Armeryd, Monica M Karlsson, Marita Linden, and Chris D Anderson