Radiotherapy in the treatment of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM-LPD) is an increasingly recognized entity with heterogeneous management strategies that may include radiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to characterize treatment options for PCSM-LPD, with a focus on the role of radiotherapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 46 patients seen in the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, with a clinicopathologic review consistent with PCSM-LPD. All patients were biopsied and underwent observation, topical/intralesional steroids, and/or radiotherapy. Patients were confirmed to have residual disease prior to radiotherapy. RESULTS: All patients achieved a complete response (CR). Sixteen patients (35%) received focal radiotherapy, with a CR in 15 (94%). The CR rate following ultra-low-dose radiotherapy (4 Gy in 1-2 fractions) was 92%. There was no grade 3 toxicity after radiotherapy. Thirty patients were managed without radiotherapy, with excision and observation or steroids. CONCLUSION: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder has excellent outcomes, and management strategies may include observation following biopsy, steroids, or radiation. Ultra-low-dose radiotherapy results in excellent outcomes with limited toxicity and is effective for persistent lesions after steroidal therapy.

Superficial Neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 Fusion Tumor: A Distinctive, Clinically Indolent, S100 Protein/SOX10-Positive Neoplasm.

It is now understood that identical gene fusions may be shared by different entities. We report a distinctive neoplasm of the skin and subcutis, harboring the Ewing sarcoma-associated EWSR1::FLI1 fusion but differing otherwise from Ewing sarcoma. Slides and blocks for 5 cutaneous neoplasms coded as other than Ewing sarcoma and harboring EWSR1::FLI1 were retrieved. Immunohistochemical and molecular genetic results were abstracted from reports. Methylation profiling was performed. Clinical information was obtained. The tumors occurred in 4 men and 1 woman (median: 25 years of age; range: 19-69 years) and involved the skin/subcutis of the back (2), thigh, buttock, and chest wall (median: 2.4 cm; range: 1-11 cm). Two tumors were present "years" before coming to clinical attention. The lesions were multinodular and circumscribed and consisted of nests of bland, round cells admixed with hyalinized collagenous bands containing spindled cells. Hemorrhage and cystic change were often present; necrosis was absent. All were diffusely S100 protein/SOX10-positive; 4 of 5 were CD99-negative. One tested case was strongly positive for NKX2.2. A variety of other tested markers were either focally positive (glial fibrillary acidic protein, p63) or negative. Molecular genetic results were as follows: EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 8, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 5, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 6, EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 6, and EWSR1 exon 10::FLI1 exon 6. Methylation profiling (3 cases) showed these to form a unique cluster, distinct from Ewing sarcoma. All patients underwent excision with negative margins; one received 1 cycle of chemotherapy. Clinical follow-up showed all patients to be alive without disease (median: 17 months; range: 11-62 months). Despite similar gene fusions, the morphologic, immunohistochemical, epigenetic, and clinical features of these unique EWSR1::FLI1-fused neoplasms of the skin and subcutis differ substantially from Ewing sarcoma. Interestingly, EWSR1 rearrangements involved exons 10 or 11, only rarely seen in Ewing sarcoma, in a majority of cases. Superficial neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 fusion tumors should be rigorously distinguished from true cutaneous Ewing sarcomas.

Treatment of sebaceous carcinoma with Mohs micrographic surgery versus wide local excision: a systematic review.

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare neoplasm affecting periocular and extraocular sites. If inadequately treated, it can recur and cause morbidity. Specific management guidelines have not been established. Wide local excision (WLE) has been traditionally used; however, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can be advantageous because of complete margin assessment and tissue-sparing nature. This analysis aims to systematically review the surgical modalities used for the management of SC. Articles meeting eligibility criteria were identified using MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. All studies investigating surgical management of SC with WLE or MMS were considered. Seventy studies met inclusion criteria, including retrospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports. WLE was used in 32 studies, MMS in 29, and MMS and WLE in 9. Subgroup analysis showed that MMS has lower recurrence rates. For WLE, local, regional, and distant recurrence rates were 23.4%, 13.3%, and 11.0%, respectively, and for MMS, 6.8%, 4.3%, and 4.6%, respectively. Patients treated with WLE were more likely to have local recurrence than patients treated with MMS (P = 0.001). WLE cases were more likely to have a regional (P = 0.05) and distant recurrence (P = 0.001). Limitations of the study include heterogeneity of case reports, case series, and retrospective studies, variable follow-up times between the two groups, and large tumors included in the WLE category. In addition, disease-specific survival was not evaluated. MMS cases showed a superior outcome for local, regional, and distant recurrence, making it a good option for the management of SC.

Challenging Recurrence and Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Calcaneal Region: A Case Report.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. As ultraviolet exposure represents an important risk factor, SCC commonly occurs on the face, lips, scalp, hands, and heels. The foot is an unusual location to manifest SCC. In this report, we present a case of a 44-year-old woman with severe local recurrence of SCC in the right heel, four years after an initial excision of a primary, small lesion. For various reasons, the patient did not visit the clinic for follow-up assessment during this period. Considering the extent of the lesion and infection risk, the affected leg was amputated at one-third of the lower leg. This case report underlines the importance of educating patients about the risk of SCC and assisting them in attending follow-up visits. In addition, adequate attention should be given to foot lesions with suspicious appearance. Early detection would minimize systemic risks, including metastasis and infection, and maximize preserved function after surgical intervention.

A large exophytic plaque on the shoulder of a skin of color patient.

A 75-year-old Black man presented for evaluation of a skin lesion on his right shoulder. The lesion had been present for 3 months and was bleeding. A physical exam demonstrated a 2.7 cm exophytic, crusted, blue-to-purple plaque. A shave biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed anastomosing strands of basaloid cells in the dermis, leading to a diagnosis of fibroepithelioma of pinkus (FeP). FeP is a rare variant of basal cell carcinoma. It typically presents as a solitary, pink, pedunculated papule on the lower back, but the presentation can vary. This case contributes to the scarce literature on the occurrence of FeP in skin of color populations. Here, we raise the possibility that FeP may present differently in skin of color patients compared to white patients. Greater clinician awareness can foster improved identification, management, and understanding of FeP in diverse populations.

A rapidly growing nodule on the face during pregnancy.

It is well known that adnexal skin tumors can simulate other cutaneous neoplasia and that various types of benign and malignant skin tumors can develop or modify during pregnancy. Here, we report a case of trichoblastoma mimicking a keratoacanthoma arising in a nevus sebaceous during pregnancy. Given its unique clinical and dermoscopic features, this case highlights the pivotal role of clinicopathological correlation in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors with an atypical clinical presentation.

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of proliferating pilar tumors: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proliferating pilar tumors (PPTs) are rare cutaneous neoplasms arising from hair follicles that have both malignant and metastatic potential. OBJECTIVE: To present a systematic review of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment and outcome data on PPTs. METHODS: Using the OVID platform, MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception until May 26, 2022. All studies that provided original data on PPTs in English were included. References of these studies were also cross-checked to identify any additional relevant articles. Oxford's Levels of Evidence-Based Medicine was used for quality assessment. RESULTS: A total of 114 articles, providing data on 361 cases of PPTs, were included in our synthesis. Every study included was either a case series or case report. The mean age at diagnosis was 61.7. Most patients in the synthesis were female (71%), and the majority of cases occurred on the scalp (73.1%). The presence or absence of cytological atypia was only reported in one-third of the cases; 36.8% of cases were classified as malignant and 7.5% metastasized. Although no lesions treated with Mohs micrographic surgery required adjuvant radiation and only one reported recurrence occurred after Mohs surgery, there is insufficient data to make conclusions on a superior treatment modality. LIMITATIONS: All studies in this review were either case reports or case series. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our study supports the notion that PPTs occur most commonly on the scalp of elderly female patients. Moreover, our findings confirm that PPT is capable of demonstrating aggressive biology and metastasis. Given the lack of uniformity in histologic description, pathologists should be encouraged to comment on the presence and degree of cytological atypia when reporting cases of rare neoplasms such as the PPT. Greater consensus on diagnosis and classification as well as more robust data is needed regarding optimal management.

Sonidegib as a Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Therapy in Real-life Clinical Setting: A National Multicentre Study / Sonidegib para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular avanzado en práctica clínica real: estudio nacional multicéntrico

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer. A minority of BCCs have an aggressive behaviour (laBCC) and may require hedgehog pathway inhibitors such as sonidegib as its treatment. Objective To describe the use of sonidegib in a large number of patients and provide more data on its real-life efficacy and safety profile. Methods We conducted a retrospective and multicentric study that included patients treated with sonidegib. Epidemiological, effectiveness and safety data were collected. Results A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years were included. Ten patients had Gorlin syndrome. Median treatment duration was 6 months. Median follow-up duration was 34.2 months. Globally, 81.7% of the patients showed clinical improvement (52.4% partial response and 29.3% complete response), 12.2% clinical stability and 6.1% disease progression. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical improvement between the 24h and 48h sonidegib posology. After 6 months of treatment, 48.8% of the patients discontinued sonidegib. Prior vismodegib treatment and recurrent primary BCC were associated with a poorer response to sonidegib. At 6 months of treatment, 68.3% of the patients experienced at least one adverse effect. Conclusion Sonidegib shows good effectiveness and acceptable safety profile in usual clinical practice (AU)

Antecedentes El carcinoma de células basales (CBC) es el cáncer más prevalente. Una minoría de CBC tiene un comportamiento agresivo (laBCC) y puede requerir inhibidores de la vía del erizo, como sonidegib como tratamiento. Objetivo Describir el uso de sonidegib en un gran número de pacientes y aportar más datos sobre su perfil de eficacia y seguridad en la vida real. Métodos Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico que incluyó pacientes tratados con sonidegib. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, de eficacia y de seguridad. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 82 pacientes con una edad media de 73,9 años. Diez pacientes tenían síndrome de Gorlin. La mediana de duración del tratamiento fue de 6 meses. La mediana de duración del seguimiento fue de 34,2 meses. Globalmente, el 81,7% de los pacientes mostró mejoría clínica (52,4% respuesta parcial y 29,3% respuesta completa), el 12,2% estabilidad clínica y el 6,1% progresión de la enfermedad. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la mejoría clínica entre la posología de sonidegib de 24horas y de 48horas. Después de 6 meses de tratamiento, el 48,8% de los pacientes suspendió sonidegib. El tratamiento previo con vismodegib y el CBC primario recurrente se asociaron con una peor respuesta a sonidegib. A los 6 meses de tratamiento el 68,3% de los pacientes experimentó al menos un efecto adverso. Conclusión Sonidegib muestra un perfil de eficacia y seguridad mejor de lo esperado en la práctica clínica habitual (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Sonidegib para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular avanzado en práctica clínica real: estudio nacional multicéntrico / Sonidegib as a Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Therapy in Real-life Clinical Setting: A National Multicentre Study

Antecedentes El carcinoma de células basales (CBC) es el cáncer más prevalente. Una minoría de CBC tiene un comportamiento agresivo (laBCC) y puede requerir inhibidores de la vía del erizo, como sonidegib como tratamiento. Objetivo Describir el uso de sonidegib en un gran número de pacientes y aportar más datos sobre su perfil de eficacia y seguridad en la vida real. Métodos Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico que incluyó pacientes tratados con sonidegib. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, de eficacia y de seguridad. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 82 pacientes con una edad media de 73,9 años. Diez pacientes tenían síndrome de Gorlin. La mediana de duración del tratamiento fue de 6 meses. La mediana de duración del seguimiento fue de 34,2 meses. Globalmente, el 81,7% de los pacientes mostró mejoría clínica (52,4% respuesta parcial y 29,3% respuesta completa), el 12,2% estabilidad clínica y el 6,1% progresión de la enfermedad. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la mejoría clínica entre la posología de sonidegib de 24horas y de 48horas. Después de 6 meses de tratamiento, el 48,8% de los pacientes suspendió sonidegib. El tratamiento previo con vismodegib y el CBC primario recurrente se asociaron con una peor respuesta a sonidegib. A los 6 meses de tratamiento el 68,3% de los pacientes experimentó al menos un efecto adverso. Conclusión Sonidegib muestra un perfil de eficacia y seguridad mejor de lo esperado en la práctica clínica habitual (AU)

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer. A minority of BCCs have an aggressive behaviour (laBCC) and may require hedgehog pathway inhibitors such as sonidegib as its treatment. Objective To describe the use of sonidegib in a large number of patients and provide more data on its real-life efficacy and safety profile. Methods We conducted a retrospective and multicentric study that included patients treated with sonidegib. Epidemiological, effectiveness and safety data were collected. Results A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years were included. Ten patients had Gorlin syndrome. Median treatment duration was 6 months. Median follow-up duration was 34.2 months. Globally, 81.7% of the patients showed clinical improvement (52.4% partial response and 29.3% complete response), 12.2% clinical stability and 6.1% disease progression. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical improvement between the 24h and 48h sonidegib posology. After 6 months of treatment, 48.8% of the patients discontinued sonidegib. Prior vismodegib treatment and recurrent primary BCC were associated with a poorer response to sonidegib. At 6 months of treatment, 68.3% of the patients experienced at least one adverse effect. Conclusion Sonidegib shows good effectiveness and acceptable safety profile in usual clinical practice (AU)

Sonidegib as a Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Therapy in Real-life Clinical Setting: A National Multicentre Study. / [Artículo traducido] Sonidegib para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular avanzado en práctica clínica real: estudio nacional multicéntrico.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer. A minority of BCCs have an aggressive behaviour (laBCC) and may require hedgehog pathway inhibitors such as sonidegib as its treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of sonidegib in a large number of patients and provide more data on its real-life efficacy and safety profile. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and multicentric study that included patients treated with sonidegib. Epidemiological, effectiveness and safety data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years were included. Ten patients had Gorlin syndrome. Median treatment duration was 6 months. Median follow-up duration was 34.2 months. Globally, 81.7% of the patients showed clinical improvement (52.4% partial response and 29.3% complete response), 12.2% clinical stability and 6.1% disease progression. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical improvement between the 24 h and 48 h sonidegib posology. After 6 months of treatment, 48.8% of the patients discontinued sonidegib. Prior vismodegib treatment and recurrent primary BCC were associated with a poorer response to sonidegib. At 6 months of treatment, 68.3% of the patients experienced at least one adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Sonidegib shows good effectiveness and acceptable safety profile in usual clinical practice.

A Linear Waxy Verrucous Plaque of the Scalp.

Nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn (NSJ) is an inborn, cutaneous hamartoma that is presented as a round-oval, or linear, yellowish-orange hairless plaque with an excess of sebaceous glands, typically localized to the head or neck. NSJ disease progresses slowly in three general stages. Due to its embryological origin, it yields an already documented potential for a variety of epidermal and adnexal tumors. The incidence of secondary neoplasms within NSJ is 10-30%, and the risk of neoplastic transformation increases with age. The majority of neoplasms are benign. Regarding malignant tumors, NSJ is usually associated with basal cell carcinoma. All neoplasms are typically encountered in long-standing lesions. Owing to NSJ's ample variety of associations with neoplasms, its management demands a case-driven tailored treatment. We present the case of a 34-year-old female with NSJ.

Sonidegib as a Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Therapy in Real-life Clinical Setting: A National Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer. A minority of BCCs have an aggressive behaviour (laBCC) and may require hedgehog pathway inhibitors such as sonidegib as its treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of sonidegib in a large number of patients and provide more data on its real-life efficacy and safety profile. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and multicentric study that included patients treated with sonidegib. Epidemiological, effectiveness and safety data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years were included. Ten patients had Gorlin syndrome. Median treatment duration was 6 months. Median follow-up duration was 34.2 months. Globally, 81.7% of the patients showed clinical improvement (52.4% partial response and 29.3% complete response), 12.2% clinical stability and 6.1% disease progression. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical improvement between the 24h and 48h sonidegib posology. After 6 months of treatment, 48.8% of the patients discontinued sonidegib. Prior vismodegib treatment and recurrent primary BCC were associated with a poorer response to sonidegib. At 6 months of treatment, 68.3% of the patients experienced at least one adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Sonidegib shows good effectiveness and acceptable safety profile in usual clinical practice.

A Review of Cutaneous Diseases Observed in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for numerous cutaneous conditions that fall within four categories: pre-neoplastic, neoplastic, infectious, or idiopathic. Many of these diseases can be attributed to immunosuppressive medications, including mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, or glucocorticoids. Iatrogenic lessening of the immune system places the patient at risk of malignancies, opportunistic infections, immune-mediated dermatoses, and adverse effects of medications. As the life expectancy of patients with solid organ transplants continues to increase, dermatologists and transplant physicians must stay abreast of this spectrum of dermatologic conditions, their respective prognoses, prevention, mitigation, and treatment.

Caracterización de pacientes con cáncer de piel y otras afecciones causadas por fotodaño / Characterization of patients with skin cancer and other affections caused by photodamage

Introducción: El fotodaño es la agresión producida por la radiación solar en la piel. A su vez, la radiación ultravioleta es uno de los primeros agentes considerados como generadores de cáncer. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con neoplasias cutáneas y otras afecciones causadas por fotodaño, según variables clínicas seleccionadas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, observacional, clínico, descriptivo y retrospectivo de 64 pacientes diagnosticados con alguna afección causada por fotodaño, pertenecientes al área de salud del consultorio médico No. 11 del Policlínico Aquiles Espinosa Salgado de Las Tunas, desde enero del 2020 hasta igual periodo del 2022. Se analizaron variables, tales como edad, sexo, color de la piel, fototipo de piel, ocupación, uso regular de medios de protección solar antes de los 18 años de edad y actualmente, así como enfermedad dermatológica causada por fotodaño. Resultados: Predominaron el grupo etario de 60 años y más (43,7%), el sexo femenino (54,7 %), el color de la piel blanco (98,5 %), el fototipo de piel III (59,4 %) y los trabajadores estatales (53,1%).Se halló, que 90,6 % de los pacientes no tenían antecedentes de exposición a radiaciones no ultravioletas; 25,0 % refirió usar regularmente algún medio de protección antes de los 18 años de edad y 51,5 % lo emplean actualmente. La enfermedad dermatológica causada por fotodaño que primó fue el cáncer de piel (37,5 %). Conclusiones: Este estudio denotó la pertinencia y necesidad de identificación de las características clínicas de los pacientes con afecciones causadas por fotodaño en el consultorio médico referido.

Introduction: Photodamage is the aggression caused by solar radiation in the skin. In turn, the ultraviolet radiation is one of the first agents considered as cancer generators. Objective: Characterize the patients with cutaneous neoplasms and other affections caused by photodamage, according to selected clinical variables. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, clinical, descriptive and retrospective study of 64 patients diagnosed with some affection caused by photodamage was carried out, belonging to the health area of the doctor office No. 11 of Achiles Espinosa Salgado Polyclinic in Las Tunas, from January, 2020 to the same period in 2022. Some variables were analyzed, such as age, sex, color of the skin, skin photo type, occupation, regular use of solar protection means before the 18 years and now, as well as dermatologic disease caused by photodamage. Results: There was a prevalence of the 60 years and over age group (43.7 %), female sex (54.7 %), color of the skin white (98.5 %), skin photo type III (59.4 %) and the state workers (53.1 %). It was found that 90.6 % of the patients didn't have history of exhibition to non ultraviolet radiations; 25.0 % referred to use some means of protection regularly before the 18 years and 51.5 % use it at the moment. The dermatologic disease caused by photodamage that prevailed was the skin cancer (37.5 %). Conclusions: This study denoted the relevance and necessity to identify the clinical characteristics of the patients with affections caused by photodamage in the doctor office abovementioned.

Utilidad del dermatoscopio en la correlación clínica e histológica de nevus pigmentados / Usefulness of Dermatoscopy in the clinical and histological correlation of Pigmented Nevi

Introducción: La precisión diagnóstica de los nevus pigmentados ha sido una constante preocupación por los dermatólogos. Objetivo: Identificar la utilidad del dermatoscopio en la correlación de las características clínicas y los patrones dermatoscópicos de nevus pigmentados y su asociación con el diagnóstico histológico. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional, analítica, de tipo correlacional, con pacientes de la zona sur de Ciego de Ávila que acudieron a la consulta de dermatología del Hospital Provincial General Docente Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola en el periodo de abril 2017 a diciembre 2019. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino, el grupo de edad de 21 a 30 años, el fototipo II de piel y la zona expuesta (cara y V del escote) (18 ;35,3 por ciento) sin relación entre estas variables. El diagnóstico histológico de nevus de la unión se encontró asociado a la simetría (p < 0,004), la pigmentación homogénea (p < 0,000), así como al patrón dermatoscópico reticular (p < 0,000), globular (p < 0,002) y homogéneo (p < 0,008). El nevus intradérmico se observó asociado a la característica clínica de pigmentación homogénea (p < 0,007), y al patrón dermatoscópico reticular (p < 0,000) y homogéneo (p < 0,005). El nevus compuesto no presentó relación con las características clínicas ni dermatoscópicas. El nevus azul solo se correlacionó con el patrón dermatoscópico homogéneo (p < 0,025). Conclusión: Los patrones dermatoscópicos fueron útiles para el diagnóstico clínico e histológico de los nevus pigmentados(AU)

Introduction: The diagnostic precision of pigmented nevi has been a constant concern of dermatologists. Objective: To determine the usefulness of the Dermatoscope in the correlation of the clinical characteristics and the dermoscopic patterns of pigmented nevi and their association with the histological diagnosis. Methods: An analytical observational investigation of a correlational type was carried out in patients from the southern area of Ciego de Ávila who attended the Dermatology consultation at the Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial Hospital in the period from April 2017 to December 2019. Results: The female sex, the age group of 21 to 30 years, skin phototype II and the exposed area (face and V of the neckline) (18; 35.3 percent) predominated with no relationship between these variables. The histological diagnosis of junctional nevus was found associated with symmetry (p <0.004), homogeneous pigmentation (p <0.000), as well as the reticular dermoscopic pattern (p <0.000), globular (p <0.002) and homogeneous (p <0.008). The intradermal nevus was observed associated with the clinical characteristic of homogeneous pigmentation (p <0.007), and with the reticular (p <0.000) and homogeneous (p <0.005) dermoscopic pattern. The composite nevus was not related to clinical or dermoscopic characteristics. The blue nevus only correlated with the homogeneous dermoscopic pattern (p <0.025). Conclusions: The dermoscopic patterns were useful for the clinical and histological diagnosis of pigmented nevi(AU)

Mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly Brazilians: 2001 to 2016

Abstract Background: Malignant skin melanoma is a serious public health problem, especially among the elderly population. Knowing the dynamics of the mortality rates of this disease in Brazil is essential to support the creation of public health policies. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly people in Brazil, from 2001 to 2016. Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study of mortality rates from malignant skin melanoma in the elderly. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System, and information related to the population was obtained from the 2010 population census and population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Mortality coefficients were calculated and simple linear regression analysis of the coefficients was performed by sex and macro-region. Results: A total 12,712 deaths due to malignant skin melanoma in the elderly were registered. The majority (56.8%) occurred in the male population. In females, a tendency of increase in mortality rates due to malignant skin melanoma was observed in the Northeast (p ≤ 0.001), Midwest (p = 0.002), and Brazil as a whole (p = 0.003). In males, an upward trend was observed in all regions, except for the Southeast region. For both sexes, there was also an upward trend in all regions, with the exception of the Southeast region. Study limitations: Secondary databases are directly influenced by the quality of death certificate completion and their heterogeneous scope in Brazilian regions. Conclusion: The increase in mortality indicates a potential public health challenge for the coming decades. The prevention of skin cancer among the elderly should become a priority, mainly through the implementation of preventive measures.

Mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly Brazilians: 2001 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Malignant skin melanoma is a serious public health problem, especially among the elderly population. Knowing the dynamics of the mortality rates of this disease in Brazil is essential to support the creation of public health policies. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly people in Brazil, from 2001 to 2016. METHODS: This was a descriptive analytical study of mortality rates from malignant skin melanoma in the elderly. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System, and information related to the population was obtained from the 2010 population census and population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Mortality coefficients were calculated and simple linear regression analysis of the coefficients was performed by sex and macro-region. RESULTS: A total 12,712 deaths due to malignant skin melanoma in the elderly were registered. The majority (56.8%) occurred in the male population. In females, a tendency of increase in mortality rates due to malignant skin melanoma was observed in the Northeast (p ≤ 0.001), Midwest (p = 0.002), and Brazil as a whole (p = 0.003). In males, an upward trend was observed in all regions, except for the Southeast region. For both sexes, there was also an upward trend in all regions, with the exception of the Southeast region. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Secondary databases are directly influenced by the quality of death certificate completion and their heterogeneous scope in Brazilian regions. CONCLUSION: The increase in mortality indicates a potential public health challenge for the coming decades. The prevention of skin cancer among the elderly should become a priority, mainly through the implementation of preventive measures.

A retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of staged purse-string sutures for the reconstruction of surgical defects on skin using computer image analysis program.

Background: Staged purse-string suturing has been recently introduced for the reconstruction of round or oval defects following tumor excision. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical advantage of staged purse-string suturing for the reconstruction of relatively large skin defects. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients who received staged purse-string sutures were included in the study. To evaluate the defects and scar sizes objectively, computer-based image analysis was used. A modified observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) was applied for evaluating the clinical efficacy. Results: The mean primary postsurgical defect size in the total 21 cases was 1446.2 ± 1187.2 mm2, and the mean final scar size was about 268.1 ± 252.3 mm2. The defect area decreased gradually as staged purse-string suturing was performed. The mean total modified OSAS was 7.96 ± 1.69. Conclusion: Staged purse-string sutures might be an alternative reconstructive method for relatively large round or oval skin defects.

Accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography for detecting malignancy in canine cutaneous neoplasms: preliminary results / Acurácia da ultrassonografia modo-B na detecção de malignidade em neoplasmas cutâneos de caninos: resultados preliminares

The aim of this study was to verify the applicability and accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography in detecting malignancy in dog cutaneous neoplasms. Forty-two neoplasms (12 benign and 30 malignant) of mesenchymal, round cells, epithelial and melanocytic origins from 24 dogs of different breeds and ages were included. The ultrasound evaluation was performed with a linear multi-frequency transducer (7.0 to 12MHz), with frequency dependent on the mass dimension. Ultrasonographic characteristics of echogenicity (hypo/hyperechogenic), echotexture (homogeneous/heterogeneous), regularity, invasiveness in adjacent tissues were classified. Dimensions were also measured to calculate the depth/width ratio. Neoplasms were classified as malignant or benign after cytological and/or histopathological analysis and the results were associated with ultrasound characteristics. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between malignancy and echogenicity, echotexture and invasiveness in adjacent tissues, so that 84.6% of hypoechogenic neoplasms, 76.9% of heterogeneous masses and 88.2% of invasive neoplasms were classified as malignant. However, for all these associations, moderate predictive values were obtained, which may be due to the small experimental number included in this study. Therefore, although it has been observed that hypoechogenic, heterogeneous and invasive neoplasms were more prone to malignancy, these findings should be used with caution until new studies are developed with a greater number and variety of cutaneous neoplasms in dogs.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade e acurácia da ultrassonografia modo-B na detecção de malignidade em neoplasmas cutâneos de cães. Foram incluídos 42 neoplasmas (12 benignos e 30 malignos) de origens mesenquimal, células redondas, epitelial e melanocítica provenientes de 24 cães de diferentes raças e idades. O exame ultrassonográfico foi realizado com transdutor linear multifrequencial (7.0 a 12MHz), com frequência dependente da dimensão da massa. Foram classificadas características ultrassonográficas de ecogenicidade (hipo/hiperecogênicos), ecotextura (homogêneos/heterogêneos), regularidade, invasividade em tecidos adjacentes. As dimensões foram mensuradas para cálculo da razão profundidade/largura. Os neoplasmas foram classificados como malignos ou benignos após análise cito e/ou histopatológica e os resultados foram associados com as características ultrassonográficas. Verificou-se associação significativa (P<0.05) entre malignidade e ecogenicidade, ecotextura e invasividade em tecidos adjacentes, de forma que 84.6% dos neoplasmas hipoecogênicos, 76.9% das massas heterogêneas e 88.2% dos neoplasmas invasivos foram classificados como malignos. Entretanto, para todas essas associações, foram obtidos valores preditivos moderados, que podem ser decorrentes do baixo número experimental incluso neste estudo. Sendo assim, embora tenha sido observado que os neoplasmas hipoecogênicos, heterogêneos e invasivos tiveram maior propensão à malignidade, esses achados devem ser utilizados com cautela até novos trabalhos sejam desenvolvidos com maior número e variedade de neoplasmas cutâneos de cães.(AU)