Melanoma patterns of distant relapse: a study of 108 cases from a South Brazilian center

Abstract Background: The incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased over the last decades. Recurrences occur most frequently within the first 2-3 years after diagnosis but patients carry a lifelong risk of relapse. Nevertheless, there is no consensus in the literature on what screening tests patients should undergo. Objectives: To evaluate the most common melanoma metastasis sites among a South Brazilian population from a city with one of the highest melanoma rates, and establish the best screening method for these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of 108 consecutive melanoma patients followed up at a center from 2009 to 2013. Data were collected on demographic and tumoral characteristics, as well as the site of the first diagnosed metastasis. Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups for analytical purposes: Non-visceral metastases (48% of patients), visceral metastasis (39%) and brain metastasis (13%). We tried to correlate age, gender, mean Breslow thickness, mitosis and death rates with the aforementioned groups but none showed any statistically significant association. Conclusion: Melanoma patients must be monitored to detect early relapse and subsequent effective treatment but the best follow-up strategy remains to be established.

Epidemiology of Melanoma in the South of Brazil: study of a city in the Vale do Itajaí from 1999 to 2013

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence worldwide. The southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in a southern city of Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, aiming to detect the clinical and histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the city of Brusque - SC, between 1999 and 2013. RESULTS: A total of 213 cases in 212 individuals were studied. More than 50% of the patients were females (p< 0.05). The trunk was the most commonly affected site (p< 0.05), followed by the upper limbs. Nodular and superficial spreading melanomas were the most commonly detected in histological analyses. They did not differ statistically in frequency, but were more prevalent than other histopathological subtypes (p< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between invasive and noninvasive melanomas (p= 0.2441). Among the invasive melanomas, those with Breslow thicknesses < 1 mm and between 1-2mm were more prevalent (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found a higher frequency of melanomas in female patients and patients aged over 51. The trunk was the most commonly affected site. Nodular and superficial spreading melanomas prevailed. Among invasive melanomas, those with Breslow thicknesses < 2 mm were the most frequent. This paper highlights the epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in the city and may help to identify and aid in the follow-up of those who are most likely to present the disease. .

Pseudolinfoma cutâneo: relato de caso / Cutaneous pseudolymphoma: case report

Os pseudolinfomas cutâneos representam um grupo heterogêneo de reações linfoproliferativas benignos que podem simular clinica e histologicamente linfomas cutâneos. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a apresentação anatomoclínica de um caso de pseudolinfoma cutâneo para o aperfeiçoamento do seu diagnóstico diferencial com linfomas cutâneos. Paciente do gênero masculino, 66 anos procurou atendimento médico relatando história de nódulos em região superior do dorso há seis anos. Ao exame físico foram observados sete nódulos com aproximadamente 0,5 cm de diâmetro e sem sinais de linfonodomegalias. A biópsia de pele mostrava um denso infiltrado de linfócitos e histiócitos na derme. A análise imuno-histoquímica revelou uma população mista de linfócitos B (CD 20) e linfócitos T (CD 3). O diagnóstico diferencial entre as lesões benignas e malignas é a principal prioridade nesses casos. Tanto o pseudolinfoma, quanto o linfoma cutâneo se manifestam como nódulos solitários, pápulas e placas decorrentes de infiltração linfocitária. Para o diagnóstico diferencial, estão indicadas a avaliação imuno-histoquímica e técnicas de biologia molecular...

Cutaneous pseudolymphoma represents heterogeneous groups of benign lymphoproliferative reactions that may simulate clinically and histologically cutaneous lymphomas. The aim of this study was to report a case of cutaneous pseudolymphoma. Male patient, 66-year-old, came to us reporting a 6-year history of nodules on the upper back. On physical examination we noticed 7 nodules with 0.5 cm of diameter and no sign of adenopathy. The skin biopsy showed a dense infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes in the dermis. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a mixed population of B lymphocytes (CD 20) and T lymphocytes (CD 3). Differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions is the main concern in these cases. In some cases, pseudolymphoma manifests as solitary nodules, papules and plaques that are clinically indistinguishable from cutaneous lymphomas. The differentiation process can be further facilitated by immunohistochemical and molecular biological techniques...