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Rather than simply nod their heads at the importance of exercise for cosmetic surgery candidates, physicians would be well advised to actually "prescribe" exercise as a prerequisite to surgery, said Todd Bezilla, D.O., M.Ed., a certified strength and conditioning specialist board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and holistic medicine.

Nashville - For the first time, patients with recurrent head and neck tumors have a less invasive alternative to conventional 10- to 12-hour surgery.

San Francisco - Compared with first-generation antihistamines, second-generation agents are more specific antihistamine antagonists that are less sedating and have a longer half-life, Michael D. Tharp, M.D., said.

There is high drama playing out in Washington this summer, and it pits the insurance industry against trial lawyers, Republicans against Democrats; and dermatologists, like other physicians, are caught in the middle.

So many times physicians think of marketing as Yellow Page ads, flashy brochures, or radio and TV commercials. Of course, that is one component of marketing, but the easiest way to market your practice is to provide stellar service to current patients.

San Francisco - Use of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification system for primary cutaneous lymphomas will help dermatologists make an accurate diagnosis and select appropriate treatment for patients with primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, Rein Willemze, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - When treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), dermatologists will want to tailor their treatment to the stage of the disease, according to Madeleine Duvic, M.D., who spoke at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Dave is always looking for ways to increase his practice revenues. In his practice, he has a good mix of general and surgical dermatology patients, has learned to ethically promote his talents, and has launched a successful Web site. He ponders what else he can do to increase revenues.

Promises, Promises

The United States is headed into another presidential campaign season, and several top Democratic candidates are making noise about universal healthcare coverage and developing a national healthcare plan. Plans vary from limited care for the uninsured to a full-coverage system reminiscent of the Canadian and British National Health Plans.

San Francisco -- While biological byproducts such as growth factors have a potential role in skin rejuvenation, there is not yet sufficient evidence to measure their true efficacy, according to recent research.

Nashville, Tenn. - The new injectable product Radiance FN (BioForm Inc.) is being used for facial soft-tissue augmentation with long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction, Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., said at the Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meeting (COSM).

Chicago - A novel nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel (ABI-007) administered intra-arterially has been shown to be well tolerated and very active against squamous carcinomas of the head and neck, uterus, and anal canal, Bruno Damascelli, M.D., said at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Ablative Pitfalls

San Francisco - Ablative laser resurfacing procedures can result in a range of complications, including some that are serious; therefore, careful patient selection and preparation, attention to treatment technique, and close postoperative observation are critical for optimizing safety, Tina S. Alster, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - The expanding indications for the topical immune response modulator imiquimod (Aldara) may soon include treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Mark Naylor, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Diagnosis Staining

San Francisco - Immunohistochemistry is an important aspect of the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphomas, and its results may also have therapeutic implications, Werner Kempf, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Confirming a diagnosis and individualizing treatment are primary goals in the treatment of patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), as is striving for complete remission, Eric C. Vonderheid, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Cosmetic Conundrums

A. A pentapeptide is a five amino acid fragment intended to function as a regulator of cellular function. Peptides are the newest antiaging technology presently marketed in Europe and are being brought to the United States in the form of a cooperative agreement between the French company Sederma and the Olay brand of Procter & Gamble.

San Francisco - Injury to motor nerves is a potential disaster confronting dermatologic surgeons performing head and neck procedures, Stuart J. Salasche, M.D. said.

San Francisco - With the emergence of new laser and cutaneous surgical techniques, the need for more effective, fast-acting topical anesthesia that works safely continues to grow, Christopher B. Zachary, F.R.C.P., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Dermatologic surgeons need to consider carefully the effects of wound closure on free margins so they can develop a reconstruction plan that will avoid development of functional and/or cosmetic defects postoperatively, Stuart J. Salasche, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Flap Modification

San Francisco - The addition of a curvilinear incision along one or more limbs of an advancement flap can eliminate standing cutaneous cones and result in favorable cosmetic outcomes. If done properly, this advancement flap modification decreases the number of facial suture lines and does not increase the risk for complications, according to Roberta D. Sengelmann, M.D., who developed the technique.

A Growing Factor

Chicago - Palifermin, a recombinant form of human keratinocyte growth factor (rhuKGF), has been shown to significantly reduce the duration and incidence of severe oral mucositis, while lessening the use of parenteral opioid analgesics and improving the patient's outcome in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and total body irradiation (TBI) followed by hematopoietic stem-cell support, Ricardo Spielberger, M.D., said at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology.

Antigen Activation

Chicago - Results from an ongoing phase II clinical trial point out that electrochemotherapy followed by low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) (Proleukin) produces a clinical response in a subset of patients with disseminated malignant melanoma, Julie Gehl, M.D., said at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Familiar Techniques

San Francisco - Performing an oral biopsy can be as safe and easy as performing a regular skin biopsy, provided you know the rules, Ginat Mirowski, D.M.D., M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Of all the dilemmas that dermatologists confront in the clinical setting, few are as disturbing as the risk of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to a needle stick.

Relieving the Itch

San Francisco - Topical preparations remain the first-line therapy for pruritus and often include such old-fashioned therapies as medicated baths, wet dressings, and shake lotions to induce feelings of coolness or heat, Jana Hercogov?, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Itch Treatments

San Francisco - A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mediators of itch has led to some novel and promising approaches to its successful treatment, Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Several exciting systemic therapies approved for the treatment of various neurologically mediated disorders now show potential in the treatment of itch.

Pain in the Mouth

San Francisco - Aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) often are not considered to be anything more than a nuisance, but patients who suffer from complex aphthosis experience considerable pain and limitations to normal activities, like eating and talking.