Is there a special relationship between CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders and epidermal proliferation?

The relationship between CD30+ lymphoma and epithelial proliferations is not well defined. CD30+ lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulos (LyP) share immunohistochemical epitopes and some other features. A single case of LyP associated with multiple keratoacanthomas (KAs) was recently reported. We report two cases of atypical lymphocytic proliferation with features of CD30+ lymphoma and LyP intimately associated to KA and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), KA type. This similar combination of an epidermal tumor and apparent involvement with atypical lymphocytic infiltrates raises the possibility of an association between the two entities. We speculate that the association may be more than expected to occur by chance and suggest several mechanisms by which the association may evolve.

Acquired lymphangiectasis following mastectomy and radiation therapy--report of a case and review of the literature.

A woman noted vesicles and papules on her left upper extremity fifteen years after she underwent mastectomy and received radiation treatment for left breast carcinoma. The vesicles showed clinical and pathologic features of acquired lymphangiectasis. The skin lesions were successfully treated with shave excision followed by electrodesiccation and sequential peristaltic compressions twice daily.

Interferons alpha, beta and gamma therapy of anogenital human papillomavirus infections.

Anogenital condyloma acuminatum (genital warts) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted viral disease in the United States. At least 14 of the more than 60 types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for condyloma acuminatum. Anogenital condyloma acuminatum has a broad spectrum of manifestations in men and women, including subclinical latent infection, clinically apparent warts, abnormal genital cytology and squamous carcinoma. Traditional therapeutic modalities include cytolytic chemical agents and ablative techniques. These anti-wart methods are used in an attempt to eliminate clinically apparent disease. However, they are associated with high rates of recurrence because they do not eradicate the subclinical or latent reservoir of HPV remaining in adjacent epithelial cells and mucous membranes. Immunologic therapy with interferons (IFNs) represents a promising new antiviral modality that can be directed against all sites of infection, including clinical, subclinical and latent disease. IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and IFN-gamma are the three major groups of IFNs. These three groups of IFNs have been used successfully as monotherapy or in combination with traditional modalities to treat anogenital condyloma acuminatum. This review focuses on IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and IFN-gamma therapy of anogenital HPV infections.

Splenic infection simulating lymphoma: an unusual presentation of disseminated Pneumocystis carinii infection.

This report of disseminated pneumocystosis in an HIV-infected patient describes an unusual presentation consisting of splenic disease mimicking lymphoma, absence of typical roentgenographic signs of pulmonary or disseminated pneumocystis, and absence of use of aerosolized pentamidine. Because of these factors, a diagnosis of disseminated pneumocystosis was not considered. Our case in combination with other recent reports emphasizes the need to consider disseminated pneumocystosis in HIV-infected patients, even if they have no obvious pulmonary disease and have not received aerosolized pentamidine therapy. Timely recognition of this lethal infection is important for initiation of potentially curative therapy.

Myelodysplastic syndrome and transient acantholytic dermatosis.

Focal acantholytic dyskeratosis consistent with the clinical and histological features of Darier's type of transient acantholytic dermatosis occurred in a man with myelodysplasia. Topical steroids and systemic antihistamines provided temporary and moderate relief from pruritus, but failed to control the dermatosis.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the scalp: a series of cases.

Three cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on the scalp of young women are presented. The scalp is a rare but important anatomic site for this tumor because of the possibility of direct invasion into the skull and brain. The use of DNA analysis to predict biologic aggressiveness of a tumor is discussed.