A 5-year study of skin adnexal tumours in a large teaching hospital with implications for linked genetic diagnoses

Abstract Linked Article: Cook et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:167–173. Skin adnexal tumours (SATs) are a rare type of tumour (abnormal growth) found in children and adults. SATs different types may develop from hair follicles, sebaceous glands or sweat glands. It is often difficult to diagnosis SATs. Certain these growths also be linked an underlying genetic (inherited) condition, some which carry increased risk cancer other parts the body such as bowel kidney. Under microscope, skin biopsy (where small section tissue removed for testing) can examined diagnosed by pathology experts. We wanted look at found, ways identify patients with better. This study took place large hospital UK, where more than 100,000 samples were received pathologists over 5 years. Of samples, 1615 that prior biopsy, only 28% doctors got right, showing importance expert diagnosing Many looked this had potential links diagnosis. Determining if link was true required clinical information, not usually available pathologist. propose their reports clinicians flag up any will allow clinician appropriately assess patient decide testing needed. have healthcare implications affected family they