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Retrospective evaluation of exposure to natural UV radiation: experiences with the online UV history tool in a field study
Author(s) -
Weistenhöfer Wobbeke,
Hiller Julia,
Drexler Hans,
Kiesel Johannes
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1111/ddg.13250
Subject(s) - actinic keratoses , medicine , dermatology , skin cancer , context (archaeology) , natural history , basal cell , basal cell carcinoma , occupational exposure , cancer , pathology , environmental health , paleontology , biology
Summary Background Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and multiple actinic keratoses can be recognized as occupational diseases if the site affected has been subjected to additional occupational UV exposure of at least 40 %. An online UV history tool that allows for the quantification of occupational and recreational UV doses was now tested in a field study. Patients and methods Ninety‐nine patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer were examined. Patient history with respect to UV exposure was obtained using the online UV history tool. Initial validation was carried out with data from ten additional patients. In the context of a pilot study, the applicability of the tool was assessed using a questionnaire. Results Overall, patient history revealed a UV exposure between 3,792 and 53,163 SEDs. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, or Bowen's disease (n = 22) had significantly higher SED values and were significantly older (73 vs. 66 years) than patients with basal cell carcinoma (n = 77). Occupational UV exposure was reported by 19 patients, two of whom showed an additional occupational UV exposure of more than 40 %, which prompted the filing of a (suspected) occupational disease report. With respect to validation, there was evidence of good inter‐investigator reliability. The applicability of the tool was rated as good. Conclusions The online UV history tool enables quick retrospective quantification of occupational and recreational UV exposure in case of suspicion of the occupational disease “cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratoses caused by natural UV radiation”.