In a press release, Oregon Health & Science University revealed that Guinness World Records has recognized a team of its dermatologists after they detected a micromelanoma in situ on a patient’s cheek. The detection now holds the world record for the smallest detected skin cancer. The patient, Christy Staats, had visited her dermatologist after a red spot under her eye had grown larger, but was assured that it was a benign cherry angioma. However, the dermatologist noticed a worrisome lesion on Ms. Staats’ cheek. Utilizing several noninvasive techniques—including dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, staining, and molecular testing—a team of dermatologists, dermatopathologists, and dermatologic surgeons identified the lesion as a 0.65-mm micromelanoma. The team noted that reflectance confocal microscope was key in their discovery, allowing them to virtually biopsy the lesion without cutting into the skin. “It’s an important reminder that you can’t get lazy with your skin. You have to stay on top of it and get new things checked out,” Ms. Staats underscored. The dermatologists stressed that early detections such as these are crucial for preventing skin cancer progression and metastases.
May 25, 2023