Expression of Epidermal c-Kit+ of Vitiligo Lesions Is Related to Responses to Excimer Laser

BACKGROUND: The survival and growth of melanocytes are controlled by the binding of stem cell factor to its cell surface receptor c-kit+ (CD117). We have observed that c-kit+ melanocytes existed in some lesions of vitiligo, while Melan A+ cells were absent. OBJECTIVE: To verify possible relation between c-kit+ expression and treatment response in non-segmental vitiligo lesions. METHODS: Skin biopsies were done from the center of the 47 lesions from the 47 patients with non-segmental vitiligo. Expression of c-kit+ and Melan A, and amounts of melanin in the epidermis were assessed in each lesion, and treatment responses to excimer laser were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five of the 47 lesions (74.5%) had c-kit+ phenotypes. There was significant difference of c-kit staining value between good responders in 3 months of excimer laser treatment (average of 24 sessions) and the others. CONCLUSION: c-Kit expression in vitiliginous epidermis may be related to better treatment responses to excimer laser.

Precalcaneal Congenital Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas (PCFHs) are characterized clinically by the presence of unilateral or bilateral, asymptomatic nodules in the medial precalcaneal plantar region of the heel. They are skin colored and usually painless nodules. In most patients, the lesions appear within the first few months of life, but they may also be present at birth. Generally PCFHs are benign, but they can grow in proportion to the growth of the infants. Here, we report the case of a 4-month-old boy with a solitary, localized skin-colored nodule on the precalcaneal plantar region of his right heel, diagnosed as a PCFH.

A Case of Muir-Torre Syndrome: Extra-ocular Sebaceous Carcinoma in a Patient with Breast Cancer / 대한피부과학회지

Muir-Torre syndrome is defined by concurrent or sequential development of internal malignancy - most commonly colorectal cancer - and sebaceous neoplasm or multiple keratoacanthomas. Recent studies revealed it was caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, and suggested screening for mismatch repair gene defects may be of value for patients with Muir-Torre syndrome. We, herein, report a patient with Muir-Torre syndrome, who developed breast cancer and extra-ocular sebaceous carcinoma. In addition, we discussed our experience of immunohistochemical staining for mismatch repair protein with a review of the literature.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Choriocarcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Choriocarcinoma is one of the malignant tumors of trophoblastic cells characterized by secretion of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Choriocarcinoma often metastasizes to the lung, liver, and brain but skin metastasis is rare. To our knowledge, only one case of cutaneous metastasis was reported in Korea. A 35-year-old female presented with hemoptysis for 1 month. Biopsy from lung nodules revealed metastatic choriocarcinoma. She was subsequently referred to our clinic for evaluation of a rapidly growing, reddish nodule with bleeding tendency on the scalp. Histologic examination demonstrated biphasic pattern of cytotrophoblasts and hCG-positive syncytiotrophoblasts with multiple foci of hemorrhage - typical histologic features of choriocarcinoma. The patient was diagnosed with metastatic choriocarcinoma. We herein report a case of choriocarcinoma with cutaneous metastasis.