Highlights From Pigmented Lesion Clinic

Carrie Nagorka: Thank you for talking to us about your sessions at Maui Derm Hawaii 2023, “Pigmented Lesion Clinic: Part 1 and 2.” I am interested in hearing your thoughts about your presentations and what you hope the audience learns from you.

Elena Hawryluk, MD: I love participating in the Pigmented Lesion Clinic session at Maui Derm! During this session, I share pediatric-relevant pearls regarding the management of complex pigmented lesions in children. This year I am focusing on what to do when meeting an infant with a congenital nevus and I am reviewing salient points regarding melanoma risk (which is dependent on size) and our new data regarding which patients are appropriate to undergo screening MRI study for potential central nervous system involvement. This has been a controversial topic. Our discussion at Maui Derm Hawaii in 2022 inspired my research team to tackle the topic with a retrospective study, and I am pleased to share our results with the conference participants (also published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in November 2022).¹ I also discuss Spitz nevus cases in children, which have management considerations that are unique compared to the adult population.

I love this session because I present alongside incredible experts in the field. Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD, is a brilliant dermatologist with expertise in melanoma who clearly presents how to approach a variety of clinical presentations of melanoma. Whitney High, MD, breaks down the ancillary tests and dermatopathology considerations for challenging pigmented lesions, tying in the latest tools and technology. There really is no better way to learn the complex surgical oncology and medical oncology management considerations than to hear about the evolving literature from thought leaders Kenneth Tanabe, MD, and Ryan Sullivan, MD, both from Massachusetts General Hospital's Pigmented Lesion Clinic team.

Overall, this session promises attendees a brilliant overview of melanoma care from all facets and is a great way for attendees to keep on top of the latest advancements from testing to the evolving landscape of medical management of melanoma.

The other session I will present is "Pediatric Dermoscopy Workshop: Nevi, Vascular Growths, Rashes and Other Practical Uses of Dermoscopy in Young Patients."² During this session, Elizabeth “Vinny” Seiverling, MD, does an outstanding job taking the participants through nuanced considerations of dermoscopy; this technology allows us to see pediatric pigmented lesions, vascular growths, and other diagnoses that impact clinical care. Ilona Frieden, MD, and I provide clinical correlates; I always enjoy her insights and wealth of experience. If you're not using a dermatoscope in the regular care of your pediatric patients, you will after this session!

Carrie Nagorka: Why is this conference important to the field of dermatology?

Elena Hawryluk: This meeting brings together world-class speakers who share their expertise with attendees. It is an incredibly high yield learning opportunity, at an amazing location.

Carrie Nagorka: What sessions are you most looking forward to attending?

Elena Hawryluk: I am most looking forward to Ilona Frieden's Alan Shalita Memorial Lecture. She is an incredible speaker with a wealth of knowledge, and I learn something new every time I hear her speak. I am eager to learn from her perspective as a port-wine birthmark expert and especially her thoughts on future treatments.

I look forward to hearing from Hensin Tsao and Sheila Fallon-Friedlander, MD, who will kick off the meeting with their presentation "Dermatology in Review."³ and hearing their perspectives regarding the literature they found most relevant and impactful from the preceding year. It sets the stage for an exciting meeting!

References

1. Neale H, Plumptre I, Belazarian L, et al. Central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and neurologic outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital nevi: A 10-year multi-institutional retrospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Nov;87(5):1060-1068. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.062.

2. Frieden, I, Seiverling, E, Hawryluk, E. Pediatric Dermoscopy Workshop: Nevi, Vascular Growths, Rashes and Other Practical uses of Dermoscopy in Young Patients; Presented at Maui Derm Hawaii 2023; January 23-27, 2023; Maui, Hawaii.

3. Friedlander, S, Tsao, H. Dermatology in Review; Presented at Maui Derm Hawaii 2023; January 23-27, 2023; Maui, Hawaii