Recurrent chondrosarcoma of the right skull base in a patient with Maffucci syndrome.

Maffucci syndrome is a rare, sporadic disease characterized by the development of multiple enchondromas and subcutaneous hemangiomas. Patients with Maffucci syndrome have a 23-37% risk of malignancy, with chondrosarcomas being the most common. Although the development of a chondrosarcoma in a patient with Maffucci syndrome may be expected, intracranial chondrosarcomas are rare. We present a patient with Maffucci syndrome who was diagnosed with an intracranial chondrosarcoma after presenting with hearing loss and vomiting. After three craniotomies and two recurrences of chondrosarcoma of the right skull base, the patient demonstrated a positive outcome to treatment with external radiation therapy.

Epidermotropic metastatic prostate carcinoma presenting as an umbilical nodule-Sister Mary Joseph nodule.

Carcinoma of the prostate accounts for fewer than 1% of all skin metastases. Cutaneous metastases from prostate carcinoma most often involve the penis, the anterior aspect of the thighs, the suprapubic area, and the perineum, but they also have been reported in the scalp, the chest, the back, and even the face. We report an unusual case of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma that presented as an umbilical nodule (Sister Mary Joseph nodule) and demonstrated significant epidermotropism histologically. A review of the literature has found only one documented case of prostatic carcinoma metastasizing to the umbilicus, and one other documented case of epidermotropic metastatic prostate carcinoma.

Use of a deep polypropylene suture during earlobe repair: a method to provide permanent reinforcement in the prevention of recurrent earlobe tract elongation.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic repair of elongated or lacerated earlobe tracts is a commonly encountered dermatologic procedure. For esthetic purposes, patients may choose to repierce the repaired lobe over the original site. Subsequent piercing within a scarred area potentially increases the risk of recurrent tract elongation secondary to the reduced tensile strength of the scar. OBJECTIVE: To strengthen a damaged earlobe by incorporating a nonabsorbable, dermal polypropylene suture during earlobe METHODS: The technique is described within the text. RESULTS: A deep polypropylene suture placed within a repaired earlobe tract provides a permanent barrier above which repiercing can be performed. CONCLUSION: Permanent reinforcement of the repaired earlobe serves to reduce the possibility of recurrent elongation of the earlobe tract. The technique is relevant when repeat piercing is desired over the original site.