Unusual skin cancer linked to chronic allergy from metal orthopedic implant
In rare cases, patients with allergies to metals such
as nickel develop persistent skin rashes after metal devices are
implanted near the skin. New research suggests these patients may be at
increased risk of an unusual and aggressive form of skin cancer from the inflammatory cells and molecules that gather at the site.
IUDs, implants are most effective birth control
A study by Brooke Winner, MD (pictured), and Jeff Peipert, MD, to evaluate birth control methods has found dramatic differences in their effectiveness. Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.