Basal cell carcinoma of the nipple: an uncommon but ever-increasing location.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy of the skin. It is most frequently seen on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck region. Occurrence of BCC on the nipple is extremely rare, though the number of the reported cases has been increasing steadily. It has metastatic potential to regional lymph nodes; therefore a more aggressive course can be expected when compared to BCCs located at other sites. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of BCCs located on this region is of importance. There are 39 reported cases of BCC of nipple-areola complex (NAC) in the English literature. We present an additional case of BCC located on the nipple, presenting with enlargement of the nipple as a sole clinical finding in a 60-year-old man.

Pulsed dye laser in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment options for nail psoriasis have been limited, and the management of nail psoriasis has been challenging for physicians. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of nail psoriasis. METHODS: Psoriatic nails of five patients were treated using PDL (595 nm) once monthly for 3 months. The pulse duration was 1.5 ms, the beam diameter was 7 mm, and the laser energy was 8.0 to 10.0 J/cm(2). Clinical efficacy was statistically evaluated according to Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score differences before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of NAPSI scores before and after treatment showed significant difference (p<.05, paired t-test). The nail bed lesions, particularly onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis, responded best to the treatment. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the lack of blinding and comparison and the small number of patients. CONCLUSION: PDL might be an alternative treatment for nail psoriasis. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Evaluation of 60 patients with pilonidal sinus treated with laser epilation after surgery.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatments for pilonidal sinus disease often result in recurrences, and the patients risk requiring multiple surgical interventions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of alexandrite laser hair removal after surgery in pilonidal sinus disease. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease and were treated with a 755-nm alexandrite laser after surgery between 1999 and 2007 were examined retrospectively. The charts were reviewed, and the patients were interviewed on the telephone about their post-laser period and recurrence. The laser parameters, patient history, and surgical details were recorded. RESULTS: The overall recurrence rate was 13.3%, after a mean follow-up period +/- standard error of the mean of 4.8 +/- 0.3 years. The mean number of laser treatment was 2.7 +/- 0.1. Seventy-five percent of the recurrences were detected after a follow-up period of 5 to 9 years. Fifty percent of the recurrent cases had drainage and secondary intention before the laser epilation. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that laser hair removal after surgical interventions in pilonidal sinus disease decreases the risk of recurrence over the long term.