Acute effects of fractional laser on photo-aged skin.

BACKGROUND: Nonablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) laser treatment has shown clinical efficacy on photo-aged skin. Few studies have examined the molecular responses to FP. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the dynamic alterations involved in dermal matrix remodeling after FP laser treatment. METHODS: A single multipass FP treatment was performed. Baseline, day 1, and day 7 biopsies were obtained. Biopsies were sectioned and stained for histology and immunofluorescence confocal microscopic. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and extracellular matrix (ECM) autofluorescence were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments were performed probing for collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) and COL3A1. RESULTS: All three patients were Caucasian women aged 49, 62, and 64 with Fitzpatrick skin types II, III, and IV. Transient neutrophilic infiltration found on day 1. Protein expression of HSP-70 and MMP-1 were up-regulated on day 1, reverting to baseline by day 7. ECM autofluorescence decreased from baseline to day 7. qRT-PCR showed a minor decrease in COL1A1 and COL3A1 messenger RNA 1 day after treatment. Variable results between patients receiving equal treatment were evident.

Basal cell carcinoma: evidence-based medicine and review of treatment modalities.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common type of human cancer, with basal cell carcinomas representing the majority of these cancers. The following article will focus on a review of the current knowledge regarding incidence, risk factors, and pathogenesis, including genetics, clinical features, and treatment options of basal cell carcinomas.

The role of radiation therapy in the management of skin cancers.

The use of radiation therapy in the management of skin cancer is variable and often anecdotal. Applied as both primary and adjuvant therapy in patients with both nonmelanoma skin cancer and rarer tumors of the skin, a consensus regarding optimal dosing regimens has not yet been reached. Herein, the authors outline the basic concepts of radiation therapy for tumors of the skin and review its use for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer, as well as less common malignancies, including angiosarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma.

Epidermoid cyst mimicry: report of seven cases and review of the literature.

Cysts are entities encountered frequently in dermatological clinics. Various types of cysts have been described and include trichilemmal cysts, epidermoid cysts, steatocystomas, and the myriad of developmental cysts (branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cysts, bronchogenic cysts). Moreover, not all lesions that appear clinically as cystic structures are, in fact, cysts. Increased awareness of these mimickers and a systematic approach to the evaluation of these cases is essential. The authors report seven cases, over the course of six years, presenting to their dermatology department, all of which were originally clinically diagnosed as "cysts" and referred to the authors for management. In this article, the authors review seven cyst mimickers and describe important aspects of these diagnoses to increase awareness of the importance of a preoperative biopsy and evaluation. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the wide differential diagnosis of cutaneous nodules and to consider other causes of lesions that appear to be cysts, particularly in the anatomical locations described.

Giant keratoacanthoma of the upper extremity treated with mohs micrographic surgery: a case report and review of current treatment modalities.

Keratoacanthomas are fast-growing, solitary, cutaneous neoplasms that usually show spontaneous regression. The development of giant variants and aggressive behavior have been described. Clinically, a keratoacanthoma larger than 20 to 30mm is classified as a giant keratoacanthoma. A major challenge in dealing with these neoplasms is the difficulty of clinically and histologically differentiating them from squamous cell carcinoma. The authors report a practical approach using Mohs micrographic surgery for evaluation of large tumors. With this method, the lateral margins are evaluated and cleared prior to excision of the bulk of the tumor. The authors also describe alternative therapies for giant keratoacanthomas and present a case of a 61-year-old woman with a rapidly growing tumor on her left arm. Skin biopsy was consistent with a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with focal features of a keratoacanthoma. The patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery using the described approach, and no recurrence has been noted in four years. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice for giant keratoacanthomas. Mohs micrographic surgery is a logical treatment option for giant keratoacanthomas. This case illustrates a useful approach that may prove valuable when treating large specimens during Mohs micrographic surgery.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous SCC is the second most common skin cancer among whites. Most cases of primary cutaneous SCC are induced by UV radiation. Chronic sun exposure is the major risk factor, and favored locations include the head and neck and other sun-exposed areas. Moreover, it is important for the clinician to recognize other risk factors associated with this malignancy, including HPV infection, occupational exposures, various genodermatoses, scarring dermatoses, chronic wounds, and burn scars. The allogenic transplant population is at most risk for developing cutaneous SCC. For these patients, aggressive patient education, control of immunosuppression, and clinical surveillance should be the standard of care. Most patients who have primary SCC have an excellent prognosis, and treatment is usually straightforward. A substantial minority of these neoplasms, however, may recur or metastasize. Obtaining a complete history and performing a total-body skin examination can help to identify tumors at high risk for recurrence or metastasis in addition to those that may be more easily treated. For those individuals with metastatic disease, however, the long-term prognosis is guarded. Based on recent reports, in the future, there may be a role in SLNB for cutaneous SCC to diagnose subclinical metastasis accurately. Larger studies and better guidelines need to be developed before SLNB can be routinely used in the management of metastatic disease. Physicians should emphasize to their patients the benefits of sun avoidance and protection from sunlight, beginning in childhood, to minimize the risk for developing this potentially life-threatening neoplasm.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis successfully treated with alefacept.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that affects multiple organ systems, including the pulmonary, lymphatic, skeletal, and integumentary systems. Improved understanding of the intrinsic immunology and molecular biology in sarcoidosis can be applied to the treatment of this disease. Alefacept is a human fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of leukocyte function-associated antigen 3 fused with the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G1. It works by blocking the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T cells to inhibit activation and by inducing apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. In this case report, we describe a 46-year-old patient with recalcitrant lupus pernio who was successfully treated with alefacept. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether T-cell inhibition, specifically the use of alefacept, may be used to treat a patient with recalcitrant cutaneous sarcoidosis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: There was a modest clinical improvement after 8 weeks of intramuscular injections of alefacept. CONCLUSION: This case report provides further evidence of successful treatment of sarcoidosis with biologic agents directed against T-lymphocyte activation.

Photodynamic therapy in dermatology: current concepts in the treatment of skin cancer.

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment modality that is developing rapidly and increasing in utilization within various medical specialties, including dermatology. This technique requires the presence of a photosensitizer, light energy and molecular oxygen to selectively destroy pathologic cells. A thorough understanding of photobiology and tissue optics is necessary to correctly and effectively utilize photodynamic therapy in dermatology. Photodynamic therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat actinic keratoses. In Europe, photodynamic therapy is currently being used in the treatment of actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. Other off-label uses of photodynamic therapy have included cutaneous lesions of Bowen's disease, psoriasis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and acne. Most recently, photodynamic therapy has been employed in photorejuvenation. The advantages of photodynamic therapy include the capacity for noninvasive targeted therapy via topical application of the drug and local irradiation of involved areas, as well as the ability to generate excellent cosmetic results with minimal discomfort. This review summarizes the fundamentals of photodynamic therapy and its role in the treatment of cutaneous disorders, particularly skin malignancies.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae: review and update on new treatment modalities.

Pseudofolliculits barbae, PFB, is a common cutaneous disease encountered frequently in medical practice. PFB represents a chronic inflammatory condition of the hair follicle caused by ingrown hairs producing an inflammatory foreign body reaction. The pathogenesis of PFB is multifactorial. Factors such as hair type and direction of hair growth play a role in the initial inflammatory reaction. In the armed forces, PFB represents a real challenge for both the physician and the patient. The combat environment, with the recent threat of biological and chemical weapons, requires the servicemen to be clean-shaven for appropriate gas mask fitting around the face. This article will review the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, and newer treatment modalities in the management of PFB.