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Biomedical subjects

K E Thai

Publications and source records attributed to K E Thai.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Nail apparatus melanoma.

Nail apparatus melanoma is a relatively rare variant of melanoma with a disproportionately high mortality when compared with melanoma elsewhere. The aetiology and natural history remain poorly understood. There is no clear epidemiological association with race, skin type or sun exposure. Universally accepted clinical and histological criteria for the diagnosis of early nail apparatus melanoma have not been defined. The two cardinal clinical signs are melanonychia striata and Hutchinson's sign. These are useful but not pathognomonic of melanoma. Diagnostic delay is frequent and patients commonly have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Surgical excision is advocated for treatment of stage I disease; however, the most appropriate re-excision margins, including the level of amputation where required, have not been determined. Early diagnosis and excision of the tumour is the only treatment known to increase survival. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, isolated limb perfusion, and routine elective lymph node dissection have been used, but no survival benefit has been demonstrated.

Adult↗

Spironolactone-induced hepatitis.

There is widespread use of spironolactone in medical practice and the indications for its use well established and side effect profile well known. Herein, we present a case of drug-induced hepatitis occurring in a 50-year-old woman using spironolactone for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Six weeks after commencement of spironolactone the patient became unwell, complained of an extensive itch, but no icterus or jaundice. Liver function tests found abnormally elevated bilirubin and enzymes levels. After withdrawal of spironolactone, the patient's symptoms resolved and liver function improved. To date, there has only been one other report of spironolactone-induced hepatitis.

Alopecia↗

Keratosis pilaris and hereditary koilonychia without monilethrix.

Keratosis pilaris is found commonly in isolation as well as associated with other conditions. We describe a family with keratosis pilaris and hereditary koilonychia, with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. These two findings have only been previously found in the context of monilethrix. The coexistence of the two disorders suggests a close association of their genetic pathogenesis.

Adult↗

Cryosurgery of benign skin lesions.

Cryosurgery is a widely used treatment modality in dermatology. Its place in cutaneous malignant and premalignant disease is well established; however, it also has great utility with benign lesions. Vascular, infectious, fibrotic diseases, solar damage, acne, as well as some cosmetic defects are amenable to freezing. The mechanism of treatment involves inducing tissue damage, vascular stasis and occlusion, as well as inflammation, to destroy unwanted tissue. After destruction of epidermal lesions, healing involves rapid re-epithelialization over a relatively cold-insensitive dermal network. Side effects are common but shortlived and are rarely severe. The equipment required is relatively economical and readily available. The technique is straightforward and reproducible, making cryosurgery an attractive option for many commonly encountered benign skin conditions. This review outlines treatment with the timed spot freeze technique of some commonly encountered benign lesions.

Contraindications↗