Assessing patient outcomes after digit-sparing en bloc surgery of nail apparatus melanoma in situ using two validated surveys

To the Editor: En bloc resection of the entire nail unit has been advocated as a conservative, function-preserving alternative to amputation in the management of nail apparatus melanoma in situ (NAMis) and early invasive disease.1 We sought to quantify patient quality of life (QOL) after en bloc resection of NAMis using the universal pain scale and 2 validated surveys: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)2 and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH).3 The DLQI, scored from no effect on QOL (0 points) to extremely large effect on QOL (30 points), was chosen given its wide applicability and familiarity among dermatologists.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Letter Source Type: research