Editorial

Abstract

As clinical dermatologists, we are all striving to achieve the highest possible accuracy in our clinical acumen and diagnostic skills. Over the past decade, one relatively simple advance, epiluminescence microscopy with the use of the dermatoscope, has significantly contributed to our diagnostic skills in the detection of benign versus pigmented lesions. In the paper by Kawabata and Tamaki, these authors delineate distinctive dermatoscopic features of acral lentiginous melanoma in situ, and contrast this with melanocytic nevi. The restructuring of healthcare delivery systems by third party payers and governmental programs is impacting on the pattern of our medical practices. In Canada, this has limited access to widespread use of techniques such as Mohs' micrographic surgery. The article by Arlette and colleagues has further supported the well-established studies indicating that Mohs' micrographic surgery for high-risk skin cancers has a dramatic benefit. Healthcare restructuring has also led to a decreased number of trainees in a number of subspecialties, including dermatology. This decrease in manpower has been an impetus to look at alternative forms of care for underserviced areas. Telemedicine, the use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services over a distance, has been examined as one attempt at solving this problem. In the Point-Counterpoint articles, we have two distinct views on the future of telemedicine as it applies to dermatology. Over the past decade, there have been dramatic advances in our understanding at a molecular nature of various disease processes. This rapid development has translated into a large number of therapies. Regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, or the Health Protection Branch in Canada, are caught between demands to bring effective therapies to the market in an expedited fashion, and yet establish efficacy and maintain safety of new therapeutic entities. This occurs by a multistaged approval process. During the early phases, exposure is limited in order to accumulate preliminary data on pharmacology and toxicity. In the Critical Appraisal CME series, Muglia and DiGiovanna describe early testing processes in Phase 1 clinical trials. Calciphylaxis is a severe disease associated with calcification of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and potentially, internal organs. While the disease itself is relatively uncommon, the manifestations are quite distinctive. In this issue of the Journal, we have a review of calciphylaxis from Richard Worth, as well as a preamble by Dr. Goodall and a case report by Kalaaji et al. illustrating the consequences of this rare but distinctive entity.