Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the South Texas region due to a combination of increased UVB exposure, occupational hazards, and lack of access to preventative screening. Unfortunately, several studies have suggested that skin cancer diagnosis may be linked with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, it was recently suggested that amyloid beta plaques may have a role in melanoma metastasis. Here, we seek to evaluate the role of skin cancer incidence and the degree and severity of neurological comorbidities, with a particular focus on the Hispanic patient population. We anticipate that a unique relationship will exist in the Hispanic patient population, where a history of skin cancer may be related to a more severe or early-onset neurodegenerative disease.
Method: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective chart review of UT Health RGV medical records for all common skin cancers dating back five years. We included common skin cancers within ICD-10 codes C44, C43, and C4A for our analysis. This classification includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Inclusion criteria for the study included patients who self-reported as Hispanic or Latino/Spanish. We excluded charts that were duplicative or needed more information. After screening, we reviewed 838 unique patient charts for accompanying neurological comorbidities. We examined neurological comorbidities classified by the following ICD-10 codes: Q85.0, G20, and G30. These classifications include neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, schwannomatosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-square testing, correlation analysis, and survival analysis.
Results/discussion: Our analysis aimed to help elucidate potential relationships between common skin cancers and neurological comorbidities. Specifically, we evaluated the association between having skin cancer and neurological comorbidities, the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and the time it takes to develop neurological conditions after the development of skin cancer. Our preliminary findings suggest a relationship will exist between the existence of our neurological comorbidities of interest and prior or concurrent skin cancer malignancies.
Conclusion: This project aims to elucidate the prevalence of neurological disorders in patients with current or prior cases of common skin cancers. Due to the geographical and socioeconomic nature of the Rio Grande Valley, our patient population is increasingly susceptible to various skin-related malignancies. With a lack of specialists and medical professionals as a whole, this issue is compounded, leading to adverse outcomes in the long term. If a relationship is shown, the long-term goal would be to promote the education and screening of neurological and skin conditions in the area and provide additional fodder for future research goals.
Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Mentor/PI Department
Neuroscience
Recommended Citation
Hensley, Jared; Wiggins, Russell; Martin, Blake; Butler, Hunter M.; Valdez, Kevin Garcia; Harris, Chloe; and Potter-Baker, Kelsey, "Neurological Comorbidities in Hispanic Skin Cancer Patients in South Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Study" (2024). Research Symposium. 20.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2024/posters/20
Included in
Neurological Comorbidities in Hispanic Skin Cancer Patients in South Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
Background: Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the South Texas region due to a combination of increased UVB exposure, occupational hazards, and lack of access to preventative screening. Unfortunately, several studies have suggested that skin cancer diagnosis may be linked with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, it was recently suggested that amyloid beta plaques may have a role in melanoma metastasis. Here, we seek to evaluate the role of skin cancer incidence and the degree and severity of neurological comorbidities, with a particular focus on the Hispanic patient population. We anticipate that a unique relationship will exist in the Hispanic patient population, where a history of skin cancer may be related to a more severe or early-onset neurodegenerative disease.
Method: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective chart review of UT Health RGV medical records for all common skin cancers dating back five years. We included common skin cancers within ICD-10 codes C44, C43, and C4A for our analysis. This classification includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Inclusion criteria for the study included patients who self-reported as Hispanic or Latino/Spanish. We excluded charts that were duplicative or needed more information. After screening, we reviewed 838 unique patient charts for accompanying neurological comorbidities. We examined neurological comorbidities classified by the following ICD-10 codes: Q85.0, G20, and G30. These classifications include neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, schwannomatosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-square testing, correlation analysis, and survival analysis.
Results/discussion: Our analysis aimed to help elucidate potential relationships between common skin cancers and neurological comorbidities. Specifically, we evaluated the association between having skin cancer and neurological comorbidities, the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and the time it takes to develop neurological conditions after the development of skin cancer. Our preliminary findings suggest a relationship will exist between the existence of our neurological comorbidities of interest and prior or concurrent skin cancer malignancies.
Conclusion: This project aims to elucidate the prevalence of neurological disorders in patients with current or prior cases of common skin cancers. Due to the geographical and socioeconomic nature of the Rio Grande Valley, our patient population is increasingly susceptible to various skin-related malignancies. With a lack of specialists and medical professionals as a whole, this issue is compounded, leading to adverse outcomes in the long term. If a relationship is shown, the long-term goal would be to promote the education and screening of neurological and skin conditions in the area and provide additional fodder for future research goals.