[The surgical treatment of thin melanoma]. / La chirurgia del cosiddetto melanoma sottile.

Examination of more than 700 cutaneous melanoma cases, the authors have identified 19 so-called thin melanomas, which have evolved in the long time in metastases. Two tumor distinctive features, vascularization and regression, correlated between them, seem to be particularly important in outlining the future tumor behavior, and so these two parameters must be analysed and included in the histological report. In these cases it is undoubted the need to make a strict surveillance protocol, also more than 10 years. According to our opinion, surgical treatment can immediately provides, in selected cases, the use of sentinel lymph node technique or the integration with other therapies (immuno-treatment).

[Pseudosarcomatous lesions: report of two cases]. / In tema di lesioni "pseudosarcomatose".

Of unknown etiology, mainly located on the upper limbs, the nodular fasciitis nowadays is considered as a reactive inflammatory lesion more than a neoplastic one. With very few symptoms, it can be diagnosed through histology and the extent of the excision is related to the report of the pathological examination.

[Breast lymphoma: diagnostic and surgical approach]. / Il linfoma della mammella: orientamento diagnostico e chirurgico.

By clinical observation and surgical treatment of a patient with a primitive lymphoma of the breast, the authors describe the nosological approach, the correct diagnosis and the relative surgical treatment in that disease.

[Recent progress in the treatment of lower limb defects]. / Attualità nel trattamento delle perdite di sostanza degli arti inferiori.

Technological and reconstructive surgical procedures improvments are limiting demolitive interventions on the lower limb for common pathologies and traumatology. From 1999 to 2002, 32 men and 14 women, from 18 to 54 years-old, were admitted at the Operative Unit of Plastic Surgery of ASL RMH. They were grouped according to cause and site of extremity defects and different surgical techniques. Seven cross-leg flaps, 31 proximity flaps, and 18 skin grafts were performed. The results were satisfactory except in two cases. The Authors are oriented towards the cross-leg flap for foot repair. For other anatomical districts, they prefer muscular flaps covered by skin grafts. Finally, for neoplastic lesions they choose proximity flaps.

[Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders: technical note]. / Ricostruzione mammaria con espansore tissutale post-mastectomia: note di tecnica.

The aim of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders is the mammary symmetry. The Authors report a personal experience in immediate (55 pts) and delayed (12 pts) breast reconstruction with implants. The technique is simple and safe with good aesthetical and functional results.

[Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: therapeutical and clinical considerations]. / Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: considerazioni clinico-terapeutiche.

Taking the starting point from their own experience and looking at the most recent literature, the Authors report the prospects about the surgical treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

[Parietal implantation after thoracoscopic surgery: a case report]. / Reimpianto parietale da chirurgia toracoscopica: osservazione di un caso clinico.

The Authors report the case of a patient who underwent video-thoracoscopic resection of a solitary pulmonary metastasis. She presented, after about two years, a local relapse (implantation) in the trocar site. Pathogenesis and surgical therapeutic problems are discussed as well.

[Fournier syndrome: report of a clinical case]. / La sindrome di Fournier: descrizione di un caso clinico.

The case of a Fournier's syndrome in a 58 years old patient is reported from the Authors that describe the ethiopathogenetic and therapeutic aspects. They analyse the importance of an early surgical treatment associated with antibiotic therapy and later a riparation of the lesions with a myocutaneous skin flap of TLF.

[Non-parasitic splenic cysts]. / Le cisti spleniche non parassitarie.

The Authors report their experience matured during the last decade in the Institute of III Surgical Clinic of the University "La Sapienza" in Rome, relatively to 174 patients operated of splenectomy of which 8 for not parassitair benign cystic pathology. After the nosologic organization of the varied types of cystics splenopaty is examined the different symptomatology and is discussed the different treatment.

[Treatment of pilonidal sinus with the Limberg's technique]. / Trattamento del sinus pilonidalis con tecnica di Limberg.

The Authors describe sinus pilonidalis disease and report their experience of two principal surgical techniques: the closed method and the Limberg cutaneous skin flap. They conclude that both the methods are recommended for a good clinical result.

[Mesothelial cyst of the diaphragm. Report of a case and review of the literature]. / Le cisti mesoteliali del diaframma. Osservazione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

A case of mesothelial cyst of the right hemidiaphragm in a 44 year old man is reported. Origin (most likely due to a recess of the primary coelomiatic cavity), topographical, histological and therapeutic features are discussed, stressing that it is now more frequently recognised thanks to progress in diagnostic imaging techniques. Complete surgical excision is mandatory to definitely differentiate such lesion from primary diaphragmatic neoplasm, not infrequently malignant.

[Pilomatrixoma or Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma. A case report and review of the literature]. / Il pilomatrixoma o epitelioma calcifico di Malherbe. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

The case of a upper extremity calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe in a 16-year-old boy is reported. Clinical and pathological features of this extremely rare tumour, arisen from hair cortex cells, are reviewed. Pilomatrixoma has been reported not only as a benign lesion, or as a low-grade malignant lesion with a tendency to recur locally, but also as a highly malignant tumour. Factors influencing clinical differential diagnosis and prognosis are discussed as well.

[Facial rejuvenation with chemical peeling using phenol (Exoderm)]. / Ringiovanimento del volto con peeling chimico al fenolo (Exoderm).

The authors report their personal experience in the treatment of the resurfacing by means of phenol chemical peeling using a new solution described by Dr. Yoram Fintsi and called Exoderm. They report dressing technique and possible contraindications as well.

Tumor markers in uremia: carcinoembryonic antigen, neuron-specific enolase, carbohydrate antigen CA-50 and alpha-fetoprotein.

The incidence of the tumor markers was studied in 140 patients aged between 18 and 84 years who had been on dialysis for 4-188 months. Neuron-specific enolase increased in 81 cases, CA-50 carbohydrate antigen in 44, while alpha-fetoprotein was within the normal range. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with 2 monoclonal assays was increased in 7 cases. When polyclonal assays were used, CEA was found to be elevated in 12 cases with one set and in 72 cases with another kit set. The data point to the potential usefulness of these markers for the detection of malignancy and possibly neuropathy in uremia; to the importance of renal tubules in the metabolism of proteins, glycoprotein and peptides, and to the activation/inhibition in various enzyme systems in the uremic state.