Second-Intention Healing in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Single-Center Academic Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in second-intention healing (SIH) use at a single Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) dermatology clinic and assess outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The authors conducted a single-center, retrospective study of patients who underwent MMS from November 2012 through November 2018. Data obtained for each patient included sex, age, tumor characteristics, number of MMS stages, final defect size, and postoperative complications. Patient satisfaction of SIH was retrospectively assessed by telephone survey. RESULTS: Providers used SIH in 22% of all MMS cases (n = 159/718). It was most commonly used for defects located on the nose, ear, temple, and periocular region. The average defect size and number of MMS stages for tumor clearance were 1.3 cm and 1.5 stages, respectively. Overall, low rates of postoperative complications were observed, and 95% of patients reported optimal or acceptable levels of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the idea that SIH is a safe, effective alternative for wound management and may have broader practice indications than those traditionally proposed.

Defining the Histopathological Term Atypical Intraepidermal Melanocytic Proliferation: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation (AIMP) is a general term assigned to melanocytic proliferations of uncertain biological potential when a definitive histopathological diagnosis cannot be achieved. There are few data available describing the possibility of malignancy of AIMP, or ways to further define diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of diagnostic change of AIMP to melanoma or melanoma in situ (MIS) after conventional excision. In addition, to determine the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in defining AIMP biopsies. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional, single-center review of biopsies with a diagnosis of AIMP with a follow-up conventional excision from 2012-2016 was performed. In a separate analysis, a search was performed for AIMP biopsied lesions in which IHC was subsequently performed. RESULTS: The rate of diagnostic change of AIMP to MIS was 4.8% (8/167) after excision. Punch biopsy was a risk factor for diagnostic change to MIS (odds ratio 12.94, confidence interval 2.56-65.38, P = 0.008). The rate of diagnostic change of AIMP biopsies after examining with IHC was 21.3% (34/160) to MIS and 4.4% (7/160) to melanoma. CONCLUSION: The possibility of malignancy of AIMP lesions must be taken into consideration when counseling patients and when planning treatment options. IHC is a useful tool and should be used in the evaluation of AIMP specimens.

Differentiation of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Trichoepithelioma: An Immunohistochemical Study.

ABSTRACT: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy of the skin. It is an epithelial neoplasm with origin in the precursor cells of the interfollicular epidermis. Even though it has low metastatic potential, delay in management may lead to local destruction and morbidity. In contrast, trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign tumor originating from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Similar to BCC, TE tends to affect the head and neck region. Both neoplasms may exhibit clinical and histopathological similarities, making them prone to misdiagnosis. Multiple immunomarkers have been used to distinguish among these entities, but so far, no single agent or combination of agents appear to be neither sensitive nor specific enough to differentiate between them. This study was divided into 2 parts. First, 17 cases of BCC and 14 cases of TE were stained with androgen receptor and bcl-2. Then, 27 cases of borderline/equivocal of BCC and 13 cases of borderline/equivocal TE were stained with the same protocol. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each individual immunomarker and for the combination of them. Androgen receptor positivity was 100% specific for BCC and borderline/equivocal BCC, whereas bcl-2 diffuse staining pattern demonstrated a sensitivity of 82.4% for BCC and 88.9% borderline/equivocal BCC. When both immunomarkers were combined, the sensitivity for BCC decreased (70.6%) but the specificity remained high (100%). Similarly, the sensitivity for borderline/equivocal BCC was 55.6%, whereas the specificity was 100%. Although moderately sensitive, combining both immunomarkers showed an excellent specificity to discriminate between BCC and TE.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Using MART-1 Immunostain in the Treatment of Invasive Melanoma and Melanoma In Situ.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with melanoma antigen recognized by T-cell (MART-1) immunostaining is an effective treatment of cutaneous melanoma. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of MMS with MART-1 immunostain in the management of invasive and in situ melanoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective cohort study evaluated 2,114 melanomas in 1,982 patients excised using MMS and MART-1 immunostain. The margins required for excision were calculated based on Breslow thickness, location, and size. Survival and local recurrence rates were calculated and compared with those of historical controls. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.73 years. Local recurrence was identified in 0.49% (7/1,419) of primary melanomas. Approximately 82% of melanomas were excised with ≤6-mm margins. The surgical margin was significantly related to tumor location and size but not to Breslow thickness. The five-year Kaplan-Meier local recurrence and disease-specific survival rates were 0.59 ± 0.30 and 98.53 ± 0.42, respectively. Mohs micrographic surgery with MART-1 immunostain achieved lower local recurrence rates and equivalent or higher Kaplan-Meier survival rates than conventional wide local excision. CONCLUSION: Mohs micrographic surgery with MART-1 immunostain is an effective treatment of melanoma as evidenced by low local recurrence rates. It offers the advantage of more tissue-conserving margins than those recommended for conventional excision.

Langerhans cell sarcoma: a case report.

Primary cutaneous neoplasms of histiocytes and dendritic cells are rare. Langerhans cells are a subset of antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Neoplasms of Langerhans cells are classified into cytologically benign Langerhans cell histiocytosis and cytologically malignant Langerhans cell sarcoma. Langerhans cell sarcoma is a rare entity characterized by multiorgan involvement and an aggressive clinical course. To date, only 30 cases of Langerhans cell sarcoma, including the present case, have been reported. We report a new case of Langerhans cell sarcoma that presented with multifocal cutaneous involvement. Diagnosis was done based on histopathological, immunohistochemical evaluation, as well as ultrastructural analysis identifying the presence of Birbeck granules. Our case represents a new case of this extremely rare, overtly aggressive neoplasm of Langerhans cells. Within 2 years of diagnosis, the patient developed metastatic disease and consequently died. Early recognition is important because of the tendency of Langerhans cell sarcoma to recur and metastasize. Therefore, ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies to confirm the diagnosis are very advantageous.