Case of large lentigo maligna melanoma of the scalp treated with 5% and 3. 75% Imiquimod

Abstract The paper presents a case of lentigo maligna melanoma of the scalp in an elderly patient treated for the nodular part with surgery and the residual melanoma in situ with 5% Imiquimod and subsequently with 3.75% Imiquimod (each concentration for 4 months, 5 times per week), with complete regression of the lesion. 3.75% Imiquimod, which is already used for the treatment of actinic keratosis, could be a useful weapon with the same effectiveness and fewer side effects compared to 5% Imiquimod.

Uso da técnica em "spaghetti" para tratamento cirúrgico do lentigo maligno / Use of the "spaghetti" technique for surgical treatment of lentigo maligna

O lentigo maligno (LM) é uma forma de melanoma in situ que mais comumente se apresenta como uma mácula de crescimento lentamente progressivo, pigmentada, na face de idosos com pele danificada pelo sol. Esse melanoma in situ tem um risco (30% a 50%) de progressão para lentigo maligno melanoma. A excisão cirúrgica completa da lesão requer margens de pelo menos 10mm, mesmo para lesões in situ. Porém, quando o crescimento de LM ocorre em áreas de implicações estéticas ou funcionais (face, pescoço, solas), a excisão é frequentemente reduzida para preservar estruturas anatômicas importantes e por razões cosméticas. Além disso, as margens periféricas podem ser clinicamente mal definidas e nem sempre pigmentadas, com extensão subestimada e risco de ressecção insuficiente. A "técnica de espaguete", descrita por Gaudy Marqueste, é uma cirurgia estratégica baseada na amostragem de uma faixa de tecido "spaghettilike" para determinar as margens da lesão antes da remoção do tumor. Após a confirmação anatomopatológica de margens livres de neoplasia, a lesão principal central é ressecada, permitindo a reconstrução do defeito no mesmo procedimento, sendo uma alternativa à cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs.(AU)

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a melanoma in situ that commonly presents as a macula with progressive and irregularly pigmented growth, especially in the face of elderly people with sun-damaged skin. This melanoma in situ has a risk (30-50%) of progression to lentigo maligna melanoma. Complete surgical excision of the lesion requires margins of at least 10 mm, even for lesions in situ. However, when the growth of LM occurs in areas of aesthetic or functional implications (face, neck, and soles), the excision is often reduced to preserve important anatomic structures and for cosmetic purposes. Moreover, the peripheral margins may be clinically ill-defined and not always pigmented, and thus, such cases are associated with underestimated extension and risk of insufficient resection. The "spaghetti" technique, described by Gaudy Marqueste, is a strategic surgical approach based on sampling of a range of "spaghetti-like" strips to determine the margins of the lesion prior to removal of the tumor. After the pathological confirmation of neoplasia-free margins, the main central lesion is resected, allowing reconstruction of the defect in the same procedure, as an alternative to Mohs micrographic surgery. (AU)

Avaliação das lesões pigmentadas e isoladas da face por microscopia confocal: desenvolvimento de um nomograma preditivo de melanoma / Reflectance confocal microscopy of pigmented and isolated face lesions: a predictive nomogram for melanoma

INTRODUÇÃO: O lentigo maligno (LM) é o subtipo do melanoma mais comum da face. O LM apresenta-se clinicamente como uma mácula acastanhada na sua fase inicial, sendo difícil sua diferenciação com lesões pigmentadas benignas da face ao exame clínico. A face, por apresentar particularidades anatômicas e histológicas, pode dificultar o diagnóstico do LM ao diferenciá-lo dos seus simuladores (ceratose actínica pigmentada, ceratose líquen plano-like, lentigo solar, ceratose seborreica). A microscopia confocal in vivo (MC) auxilia no diagnóstico das lesões dermatológicas em que a dermatoscopia possui limitação, permitindo assim, aumentar a acurácia diagnóstica e evitar procedimentos invasivos em lesões benignas, de maneira desnecessária. OBJETIVOS: Descrever as alterações celulares e arquiteturais significativas no exame de MC nas lesões isoladas da face para o diagnóstico de melanoma. Elaborar um método diagnóstico acurado utilizando os critérios da microscopia confocal. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e retrospectivo com amostragem não aleatória consecutiva no qual foram incluídos 105 pacientes com lesões pigmentadas solitárias da face provenientes do Núcleo de Câncer de Pele A.C.Camargo Cancer Center. Critérios avaliados na MC: padrão em "favo de mel" típico ou atípico; células dendríticas; células nucleadas redondas; disseminação pagetóide, Sheets of cells; ninhos celulares densos e homogêneos (típico) ou denso e esparsos, com atipias (atípico); célula nucleada redonda ou dendrítica na junção dermo-epidérmica; células dendríticas foliculares (célula dendrítica no epitélio folicular) e cords ou projeções bulbosas; ilhas tumorais e fendas. O teste Exato de Qui Quadrado foi aplicado aos critérios da MC. Regressão Logística Univariada foi realizada através de estimativas de risco pelo Odds Ratio. Foi realizado a Regressão Logística Múltipla, resultando em um Nomograma para quantificar, em porcentagem, a chance de ter o diagnóstico de melanoma de acordo com a presença, singular ou concomitante, dos critérios da microscopia confocal supracitados. RESULTADOS: Os critérios da MC célula redonda atípica nucleada na epiderme, célula dendrítica nucleada na epiderme, disseminação pagetóide, célula atípica na JDE, ninhos juncionais atípicos, célula dendrítica folicular, sheets of cells e ilhas tumorais ou silhuetas escuras apresentaram significância estatística (p<0,05). Enquanto que os critérios cords ou projeções bulbosas e padrão em favo de mel atípico não tiveram significância. O único critério que apresentou-se como fator protetor pelo odds ratio foi a presença de ilhas tumorais ou silhuetas escuras. A Regressão Logística Múltiplo resultou em 3 critérios: célula redonda nucleada na epiderme, disseminação pagetóide e célula dendrítica folicular. A partir destes dados, foi realizado o nomograma para definir a chance, em percentual, de ter o diagnóstico de melanoma de acordo com a presença ou ausência das alterações celulares encontradas na microscopia confocal. A presença destes 3 critérios concomitantes expressa 98% de probabilidade da lesão ser melanoma. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo viabilizou uma estimativa de probabilidade por intermédio de um percentual executável para o referido diagnóstico de melanoma da face, de acordo com a presença, ausência e concomitância destes critérios, de maneira prática e factível à aplicação no cotidiano do consultório

INTRODUCTION: Lentigo maligna (LM) is the most common subtype of facial melanoma. LM presents clinically as a brownish macule in its initial phase, and it is a challenge to differentiate from others facial benign pigmented lesions. Anatomical and histological face's features may make difficult to diagnose LM and to distinguish it from its simulators (actinic keratosis, lichen planus-like queratosis, solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis). In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) assists in the diagnosis of dermatological lesions in which dermatoscopy is limited, allowing to increase diagnostic accuracy and avoid invasive procedures in benign lesions, unnecessarily. OBJECTIVES: Describe cellular and architectural characteristics that were significant in the RCM examination in lesions face for the diagnosis of melanoma. Also elaborate an accurate diagnostic method using the criterias of RCM. METHODS: A prospective and retrospective study with consecutive non-random sampling with 105 patients presenting solitary pigmented facial lesions from the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center Skin Center. RCM criteria: typical or atypical honeycomb; dendritic cells; round nucleated cells; pagethoid spread, Sheets of cells; nests dense and homogeneous (typical) or dense and sparse (atypical); round or dendritic nucleated cell at the dermo-epidermal junction; follicular dendritic cells (dendritic cell in the follicular epithelium) and bulbous cords or projections; tumor islands and dark silluets. The exact test of Chi Square was applied to the criteria of RCM. Univariate Logistic Regression was performed through risk estimates by the Odds Ratio. Multiple Logistic Regression model was performed, resulting in a Nomogram to quantify, in percentage, the chance of having the diagnosis of melanoma according to the singular or concomitant presence of the above mentioned RCM criteria. RESULTS: RCM criteria atypical round cell nucleated in the epidermis, nucleated dendritic cell in the epidermis, pagethoid spread, atypical cell in the JDE, atypical junctional nodes, follicular dendritic cell, sheets of cells and tumor islands or dark silhouettes presented statistical significance (p <0.05). While the criteria cords or projections bulbous and standard in atypical honeycomb had no significance. The only criterion that presented itself as a protective factor by odds ratio was tumor islands or dark silhouettes. The Multiple Logistic Regression resulted in 3 criteria: nucleated round cell in the epidermis, pagetoid spread and follicular dendritic cell. From these data, the nomogram was used to define the percentage chance of having the diagnosis of melanoma according to the presence or absence of cellular alterations found in RCM. The presence of these 3 concomitant criteria expresses 98% probability of the lesion being a melanoma. CONCLUSION: This study enabled estimate probability for the diagnosis of facial melanoma, according to the presence, absence and concomitance of RCM criteria, in a practical and feasible way to the daily medical practice

Melanoma: clinical, evolutive and histopathological characteristics of a series of 136 cases

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma has been increasing in Brazil and all over the world. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, mortality remains unchanged. OBJECTIVE: To associate clinical and histopathological aspects with the evolution of 136 cases of cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that analyzed all patients diagnosed with melanoma during the period from 2003 to 2011, with at least 4 years follow up. Archived slides were analyzed to study histopathological variables (Breslow, ulceration, mitoses and histological regression). Medical records were used to retrieve clinical variables (age, sex, localization, time of appearance, diameter) and progression (metastases or death). Association measures were assessed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to age. Superficial spreading subtype showed lower Breslow (0.5mm) than acral lentiginous and nodular subtypes (2 and 4.6mm respectively), less ulceration and metastases (9.4% against 50 and 70.6%). Nodular subtype had higher mitoses' median (5.0/mm2) than superficial spreading and lentigo maligna (0.0/mm2, for both). Regression was more frequent in superficial spreading and lentigo maligna subtypes. There were only deaths by melanoma in the acral group, however, there were deaths for other reasons in groups superficial spreading one, acral lentiginous one and lentigo maligna two. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Use of medical records as a source of data to the study. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial spreading subtype presents better prognosis indicators. Histological subtype should be considered in follow-up and treatment protocols of patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Development of Vitiligo-Like Depigmentation after Treatment of Lentigo Maligna Melanoma with 5% Imiquimod Cream

A 69-year-old man presented with a black irregular patch on his left cheek. Skin biopsy revealed lentigo maligna melanoma in situ. He was treated via partial excision of the melanoma, followed by the application of 5% imiquimod cream every other night for 6 to 8 hours. The patient experienced severe local inflammation accompanied by burning, edema, and erythema, as well as oozing and crusting. The patient discontinued using the imiquimod cream after 15 applications because of the inflammation. Depigmentation was noted in the treated area 3 months after the initiation of treatment with imiquimod cream. Histological examination using Melan-A staining of the depigmented area revealed an absence of melanocytes, which is consistent with vitiligo. The depigmented lesions improved considerably after a 5-year follow-up, and there was no recurrence of melanoma.

Synchronous conjunctival melanoma and lentigo maligna melanoma

Abstract: Lentigo maligna has an extensive and neoplastic character. It typically progresses slowly and may eventually develop into an invasive melanoma, which is called lentigo maligna melanoma. Ocular melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma. The uvea is the most common site of origin of ocular melanomas, while conjunctival melanoma accounts for about 1-5% of cases. In this article, we describe a rare case of synchronic conjunctival melanoma and lentigo maligna on the face.

Lentigo maligno na face: um desafio na conduta / Lentigo maligna on the face: a challenging conduct

Resumo O lentigo maligno é um melanoma in situ, de crescimento radial e lento, que acomete áreas fotoexpostas principalmente em idosos. Quando acomete a pálpebra, devido à proximidade a um órgão nobre, a conduta é controversa, porém a cirurgia é o método mais usado, com margens que variam de acordo com a referência utilizada. Terapias conservadoras são descritas, como o imiquimode 5% e a radioterapia. O presente relato tem como objetivo demonstrar a escassez de estudos sobre a margem cirúrgica e citar opções de tratamentos não cirúrgicos para o lentigo maligno da face.

Abstract Lentigo maligna is a melanoma in situ, of slow radial growth, which affects sun-exposed areas, especially in the elderly. When it affects the eyelid, due to the proximity to a noble organ, the conduct is controversial, but surgery is the method most commonly used, with with margins varying according to the reference used. Conservative treatments are described, such as imiquimod 5% and radiotherapy. This report aims to demonstrate the lack of studies on the surgical margin, and to name nonsurgical treatment options for lentigo maligna of the face.

Cutaneous Melanoma in Asians / 전남의대학술지

Malignant melanoma is a rare disease in Asians but potentially the most aggressive form of skin cancer worldwide. It can occur in any melanocyte-containing anatomic site. Four main cutaneous melanoma subtypes are recognized: lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and nodular melanoma. Generally, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of melanoma. The exception is ALM, which is the most common melanoma subtype in Asians and is not associated with UV radiation. ALM presents as dark brownish to black, irregular maculopatches, nodules, or ulcers on the palms, soles, and nails. The lesions may be misdiagnosed as more benign lesions, such as warts, ulcers, hematomas, foreign bodies, or fungal infections, especially in amelanotic acral melanomas where black pigments are absent. The aim of this brief review is to improve understanding and the rate of early detection thereby reducing mortality, especially regarding cutaneous melanoma in Asians.

Cutaneous Melanoma in Asians / 전남의대학술지

Malignant melanoma is a rare disease in Asians but potentially the most aggressive form of skin cancer worldwide. It can occur in any melanocyte-containing anatomic site. Four main cutaneous melanoma subtypes are recognized: lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and nodular melanoma. Generally, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of melanoma. The exception is ALM, which is the most common melanoma subtype in Asians and is not associated with UV radiation. ALM presents as dark brownish to black, irregular maculopatches, nodules, or ulcers on the palms, soles, and nails. The lesions may be misdiagnosed as more benign lesions, such as warts, ulcers, hematomas, foreign bodies, or fungal infections, especially in amelanotic acral melanomas where black pigments are absent. The aim of this brief review is to improve understanding and the rate of early detection thereby reducing mortality, especially regarding cutaneous melanoma in Asians.

Retrospective Review of 19 Patients with Lentigo Maligna Melanoma / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a subtype of melanoma that typically develops on sun-damaged skin. LMM is estimated to comprise 4~15% of melanomas, but the prevalence is known to be relatively lower in the Korean population than in the Caucasian population. OBJECTIVE: To review the clinico-pathologic features and treatment outcomes of Korean patients with LMM. METHODS: Nineteen patients diagnosed with LMM during 2003~2015, in the Yonsei University Health System, were included in this study. The age and sex of the patients, lesion location, thickness (Breslow), stage, treatment methods, BRAF, NRAS, and KIT mutation status, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 19 Korean patients, 11 were male and 8 were female. The median age was 59.2 years. The most common site was the cheek (47.4%), followed by the scalp, eyelid, nose, forehead, lip, and neck. At the time of diagnosis, 13 patients were in localized stages (5 patients, stage 0; 3 patients, stage I; and 5 patients, stage II) and 6 patients were in advanced stages (3 patients, stage III; and 3 patients, stage IV). Patients in the localized stages showed better overall survival (OS) than those in the advanced stages (p=0.012). Nine patients were treated with a wide excision, and 6 using Mohs micrographic surgery. Three patients received high-dose interferon-α therapy; 6, chemotherapy; and 4, radiotherapy. Two patients in stage 0 were treated with topical ingenol mebutate. Two patients had BRAF V600E mutation; 1, NRAS G12R mutation; and 1, KIT mutation. Median OS of the patients was 40.8 months. CONCLUSION: Our analysis provides additional information about clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of LMM in Korean patients.

Dermoscopic and clinical features of head and neck melanoma

AbstractBACKGROUND:The dermoscopic criteria of extrafacial melanomas are well-known.OBJECTIVE:To determine the frequency of dermatoscopic findings in head and neck melanomas (HNM) and to assess the distinguishing dermoscopic criteria of facial and extrafacial melanoma.METHODS:This observational study included 108 patients with HNM (63% male, mean age 64 years). Participants underwent individual dermoscopic imaging of clinically melanoma. All lesions were excised, and histopathological examination was performed on all specimens.RESULTS:Drawing on histopathological analysis, lentigo maligna melanoma or lentigo maligna was diagnosed in 60 lesions, superficial spreading melanoma in 18, nodular in 10, desmoplastic in 8, superficial spreading melanoma in situ in 12. The most frequent location for head and neck melanoma was the cheek (60 patients, 55.6%). Eight prominent dermatoscopic features were observed in facial melanoma: annular-granular pattern (18%); rhomboidal structures (29%); pseudonetwork (29%); asymmetrical, pigmented, follicular openings (51%); obliterated hair follicles (8%); red rhomboidal structures (18%); increased density of the vascular network (32%); scar-like depigmentation (59%).CONCLUSIONS:HNM has specific dermoscopic features, and classical extrafacial dermoscopic rules are less useful for diagnosis of facial melanoma. In our study, further characteristic dermatoscopic findings were detected in facial melanoma such as low frequencies of irregular dots, 2 or fewer colors in lesions, the presence of pseudonetwork, increased density of the vascular network, red rhomboidal structures, in addition to dermatoscopic findings of extrafacial melanoma. Thus, it is concluded that the prediction and identification of HNM may be evident with the help of these signs.

Contoured technique for lentigo maligna

The surgical approach to lentigo maligna is a challenge to dermatologists, given the difficulty of clinical delimitation of borders. We report here a case of a 69-year-old female patient presenting with brownish macules on her face, since 10 years ago, with histopathological diagnosis of lentigo maligna. The surgical management employed was excision of visible borders with the contoured technique and immediate submission of these borders for histopathological analysis before complete excision of the tumor. This technique is a variant of staged excision, with lower rates of recurrence and acceptable aesthetic results.

Cirugía micrográfica de Mohs y técnica del espagueti para melanoma in situ de cabeza y cuello / Melanoma in situ of the head and neck treated with Mohs surgeryor “spaghetti technique”

Antecedentes: el lentigo maligno (LM) es un subtipo de melanoma in situ (MMis) que ocurre en áreas fotoexpuestas de cabeza y cuello (CC) de pacientes añosos. El margen quirúrgico necesario para su resección no fue confirmado por estudios controlados-randomizados.Existen distintas técnicas para el estudio histológico exhaustivo de márgenes: cirugía de Mohs (CMM), slow Mohs (SM), staged excision (SE) y técnica del espagueti (TE). Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de pacientes con MMis-CC tratados por nuestro grupo con CMM y TE. Diseño: estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Métodos: se analizó edad, sexo, histología, tratamiento y evolución de 103 MMis-CC en 102 pacientes, tratados entre 6/1996 y 6/2014. Resultados: edad promedio: 66 años. Mujeres: 54,4%. Anatomía patológica: LM: 63 y MMis: 40. Tratamiento previo: 25,2%. En 36 casos se empleó CMM (los primeros 20 en tejidos frescos y desde diciembre de 2009 en parafina (SM)). Desde mayo de 2011 (67 casos) se empleó TE. En el 86,4% fue necesaria 1 capa de Mohs, en 10 pacientes: 2 capas, en 3: 3 y en 1: 4. Se conoce la evolución de 101/102 pacientes, media de seguimiento:27,7 meses. A un paciente con lesión muy extensa que no completó la cirugía se lo excluyó del análisis de recidivas. Observamos 1 (0,99%) recidiva. Tasa de control de la enfermedad:99%. Conclusiones: las técnicas con control exhaustivo de márgenes para el tratamiento del MMis-CC son altamente eficaces, permiten preservar tejido sano en zonas de gran importanciafuncional y estética.

Background: lentigomaligna (LM) is a subtype of in situ melanoma (isMM)deberia serMIS. It usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of the head and neck (HN) of elderly patients.Safe surgical margins after removal were not confirmed by randomized and controlledstudies. There are different techniques for histological study of margins: Mohs surgery(MS), slow Mohs (SM), "staged excision" (SE) and spaghetti technique (ST).Objective: to describe epidemiological, clinical, treatment and outcome of patients withisMM-HN treated by our group using MS and ST.Design: descriptive, observational and retrospective study.Methods: we analyzed age, sex, histology, treatment and outcome of 103 isMM-HN in102 patients treated between 6/96 and 6/14.Results: mean age: 66 years. Women: 54.4%. Pathology: LM: 63 and isMM: 40. Previoustreatment:25.2%. MS in 36 cases (the first 20 with fresh tissue technique, and since12/09 with paraffin sections (SM)). Since 5/11 (67 cases) ST was preferred. In 86.4%, 1layer was necessary, 2 layers: 10, 3 layers: 3 and 4 layers: 1 patients. Known evolution:99% (102/103) with a median follow up of 27.7 months. A patient with an extensivelesion did not complete the surgery, and was excluded from the recurrence analysis. Weobserved 1 (0.99%) recurrence. Control of disease rate: 99%.Conclusions: the detailed margin-control techniques for the treatment of LM are highlyeffective, enabling to preserve healthy tissue at high functional and aesthetic importanceareas.

Melanoma lentiginoso acral com sinal de Hutchinson: relato de caso / Acral lentiginous melanoma with Hutchinson's sign: case report

Contexto: O sinal de Hutchinson é o derrame de pigmento melânico periungueal no melanoma ungueal e indica a propagação superficial do tumor. Descrição do caso: Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente negra, de 54 anos, com lesão ungueal há dois anos. Relatou trauma importante nessa região há 40 anos e, posteriormente, há 27 anos. Ao exame dermatológico, foi detectada a presença de unha distrófica com melanoníquia extensa e derrame pigmentar na região subungueal distal. O diagnóstico histológico revelou melanoma lentiginoso acral. Em relação ao diagnóstico do melanoma do aparelho ungueal, Levit e cols. propuseram um sistema para sua detecção, priorizando algumas características, as quais foram agrupadas segundo as letras do alfabeto A, B, C, D, E, F: A (age) - idade, B (nailband) - faixa, C (change) - mudança, D (digit involved) - local envolvido, E (extension) - sinal de Hutchinson e F (family) - história familiar. No caso relatado, cinco letras estavam presentes, o que sugeriu o diagnóstico de melanoma, visto que a precisão diagnóstica é maior quanto maior a somatória de letras. Conclusões: O melanoma lentiginoso acral é um tipo raro de neoplasia maligna, muitas vezes não diagnosticado. O diagnóstico precoce é de grande importância para o tratamento, e, consequentemente, para a sobrevida do paciente.

Comparison of Melanoma Subtypes among Korean Patients by Morphologic Features and Ultraviolet Exposure

BACKGROUND: Genetic alterations have been identified in melanomas according to different levels of sun exposure. Whereas the conventional morphology-based classification provides a clue for tumor growth and prognosis, the new classification by genetic alterations offers a basis for targeted therapy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the biological behavior of melanoma subtypes and compare the two classifications in the Korean population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients found to have malignant melanoma in Severance Hospital from 2005 to 2012. Age, sex, location of the tumor, histologic subtype, tumor depth, ulceration, lymph node invasion, visceral organ metastasis, and overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 206 cases, the most common type was acral melanoma (n=94, 45.6%), followed by nonchronic sun damage-induced melanoma (n=43, 20.9%), and mucosal melanoma (n=40, 19.4%). Twenty-one patients (10.2%) had the chronic sun-damaged type, whereas eight patients (3.9%) had tumors of unknown primary origin. Lentigo maligna melanoma was newly classified as the chronic sun-damaged type, and acral lentiginous melanoma as the acral type. More than half of the superficial spreading melanomas were newly grouped as nonchronic sun-damaged melanomas, whereas nodular melanoma was rather evenly distributed. CONCLUSION: The distribution of melanomas was largely similar in both the morphology-based and sun exposure-based classifications, and in both classifications, mucosal melanoma had the worst 5-year survival owing to its tumor thickness and advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.

Two Cases of Lentigo Maligna with Atypical Clinical Presentation / 대한피부과학회지

Lentigo maligna is a variant of melanoma in situ that appears on sun-exposed areas as a macule with variegated pigmentation and irregular borders. If untreated, it has a risk of progressing to lentigo maligna melanoma. Two patients presented with hyperpigmented macules or patches on atypical facial areas. The histological findings were consistent with lentigo maligna. An 80-year-old Korean woman presented with clustered hyperpigmented macules on the lower lip and oral mucosa, and a 45-year-old Caucasian presented with a lesion located on the external auditory meatus, with intermittent sun exposure. Herein, we report two interesting cases of lentigo maligna with atypical clinical presentations.

Utilidad de la dermatoscopia para el diagnóstico diferencial del lentigo maligno del resto de máculas pigmentadas en rostro / Dermoscopy utility for the differential diagnosis of lentigo maligna from the rest of facial pigmented macules

La diferenciación clínica de máculas pigmentadas en rostro puede ser dificultosa. No es raro el diagnóstico de malignidad en lesiones clínicamente triviales. Además, en esta localización la dermatoscopía presenta criterios específicos debido a la histología particular observada en zonas fotoexpuestas. Objetivos: Describir las características dermatoscópicas observadas en máculas pigmentadasen rostro de pacientes vistos en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Privado de Córdoba. Determinar la sensibilidad y especificidad de la dermatoscopía para el diagnósticode máculas pigmentadas en rostro. Investigar la frecuencia de hallazgos sugestivos de lentigo maligno (LM) en otras máculas pigmentadas de la cara.Materiales y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de diagnóstico, observacional, transversal, prospectivo y descriptivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes mayores de 15 años con máculas pigmentadas en rostro que fueron atendidos en el servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Privado de Córdoba durante el período de un año. Resultados: Se incluyeron 53 pacientes y 56 máculas pigmentadas. Los criterios dermatoscópicos más frecuentes fueron los puntos/glóbulos grises, los puntos/glóbulos oscuros, las áreas homogéneas claras y las aperturas foliculares asimétricas. Los criterios mássensibles y específicos para el diagnóstico de LM fueron las áreas homogéneas oscuras, las líneas oscuras, las aperturas foliculares asimétricas y las estructuras romboidales.Conclusión: No se encontró un único criterio dermatoscópico que sea específico de lentigo maligno/lentigo maligno melanoma (LM/LMM). Se alcanzó una máxima sensibilidady especificidad al combinar 3 ó 4 criterios...

Características del melanoma cutáneo primario en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología 2006-2010 / Characteristics of primary cutaneous melanoma in the Colombian National Cancerology Institute 2006-2010

Objetivos: Describir las principales características del melanoma cutáneo en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, centro de referencia del cáncer, en Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de las características demográficas, clínicas e histológicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de melanoma cutáneo primario, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología entre 2006 y 2010. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 599 pacientes, de los cuales el 57,4% eran mujeres (n = 344) y el 42,6% hombres (n = 255). La edad media de diagnóstico fue de 60,8 años. La mayoría de los casos fueron procedentes de Bogotá, con el 56,3% (n = 329). Fue más frecuente el área urbana como sitio de residencia habitual (n = 500). La media de frecuencia anual fue de 115 casos nuevos por año. La localización más frecuente fue acral, con el 42,2% (n = 253), seguido de cabeza y cuello (n = 186). Concordando con la localización, el subtipo más frecuente fue el melanoma lentiginoso acral, con el 43,7% (n = 262), seguido por el lentigo maligno, con el 24% (n = 144). En cuanto a la profundidad, se observó una frecuencia igual de melanomas in situ y melanomas con Breslow > 4 mm, ambos con el 19% de los casos. Se encontró que la mayoría de los lentigos malignos, el 75% (n = 108), fueron in situ o con un Breslow ≤ 1 mm; por el contrario, los lentiginosos acrales y los nodulares tuvieron un Breslow > 4 mm con mayor frecuencia (con el 26,3%, n = 69, y el 45,4%, n = 10, respectivamente). El estadio más frecuente fue el III, con el 26,2% de los casos (n = 157). Conclusiones: Se evidenció un mayor porcentaje de melanomas en mujeres y mayor frecuencia de melanomas acrales. Un número importante de pacientes se ubicaron en estado avanzado, por lo que se requieren mayores acciones para la detección temprana del melanoma.

Objectives: To describe the main characteristics of cutaneous melanoma in the National Cancerology Institute, a cancer reference center in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on the demographic, clinical and histological characteristics of patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma in the National Cancerology Institute between 2006 and 2010. Results: A total of 599 patients were included, of whom 57.4% were females (n= 344) and 42.6% males (n=255). The mean age at diagnosis was 60.8 years. The majority of cases, 56.3% (n=329), were from Bogota. It was also the most common urban area where the patients had their usual residence (n=500). The mean annual frequency was 115 new cases per year. The most frequent location was acral, with 42.2% (n=253), followed by head and neck (n=186). In accordance with the location, the most common sub-type was acral lentiginous melanoma, with con 43.7% (n=262), followed by lentigo maligna, with 24% (n=144). As regards the depth, a similar frequency was observed for melanomas in situ and melanomas with Breslow >4 mm, both with 19% of the cases. It was found that the large majority of the lentigo maligna, 75% (n=108) were in situ or with a Breslow ≤1 mm. On the other hand, acral lentiginous and nodular melanomas had a higher frequency of Breslow >4 mm (with 26.3% n=69 and 45.4% n=10, respectively). Stage III was the most common stage, with 26.2% (n=157) of the cases. Conclusions: A higher percentage of melanomas were observed in women, as well as a higher frequency of acral melanomas. A signifi cant number of patients were in an advanced stage, thus greater action is required for the early detection of melanoma.

Epidemiological aspects of melanoma at a university hospital dermatology center over a period of 20 years / Aspectos epidemiológicos do melanoma em serviço de dermatologia de hospital universitário em um período de 20 anos

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising in past decades. Although it accounts for only 3% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for 75% of deaths. OBJECTIVE: to describe the epidemiological aspects of melanoma in a university hospital setting over a period of 20 years. METHODS: A total of 166 patients were analyzed between January 1990 and January 2010 for clinical and histological variables and correlations between them. A 5% level of significance was adopted. RESULTS: The majority of patients were Caucasians (74%), females (61%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 55. The predominant histological type was lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (35.7%) and the head and neck was the most affected site (30.7%). Among non-Caucasians, the acral region was the most affected. Most tumors were in situ (41.1%). Growth of the lesion was the most frequent complaint (58.1%) and bleeding was most frequently associated with melanomas with a depth > 4mm. There were seven deaths (4.2%), with a high risk among men, non-Caucasians and those under 20 years of age, with a Breslow's depth > 2mm, with lentiginous acral melanoma and with a history of growth and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample differs from most of the studies in the predominant location (head and neck), histological type (lentigo maligna/ lentigo maligna melanoma) and a major risk of death under the age of 20, which could be with a reflex of regional variation. Broader studies are necessary for validation of the results. .

FUNDAMENTOS: A incidência do melanoma cutâneo aumentou nas últimas décadas. Embora represente 3% dos tumores cutâneos, é responsável por 75% dos óbitos. O diagnóstico precoce constitui a principal chance de cura. OBJETIVO: Descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos do melanoma em hospital universitário em 20 anos. MÉTODOS: Avaliaram-se 166 pacientes no período de janeiro de 1990 a janeiro de 2010, quanto s variáveis epidemiológicas, histológicas e óbitos relacionados ao melanoma e suas correlações. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era brancos (74%), mulheres (61%), com média de idade ao diagnóstico de 55 anos. O tipo histológico predominante foi o lentigo maligno/lentigo maligno melanoma (35,7%) e a localização mais frequente foi a cabeça e o pescoço (30,7%). Entre os não-brancos, a região acral foi a mais acometida. Quanto espessura tumoral, a maioria dos melanomas era in situ (41,1%). O crescimento da lesão foi a queixa mais frequente (58%) e o sangramento foi mais associado a melanomas espessos. Ocorreram sete óbitos (4,2%), com maior risco de morte em menores de 20 anos e naqueles com história de sangramento, após análise multivariada. CONCLUSÃO: Esta casuística difere da maioria dos estudos em relação localização (cabeça e pescoço), ao tipo histológico (lentigo maligno/lentigo maligno melanoma) e ao maior risco de óbito em menores de 20 anos, o que pode ser devido variação regional. Estudos mais amplos são necessários para validação destes resultados. .