Current Challenges in Deciphering Sutton Nevi-Literature Review and Personal Experience.

Halo nevi, known as leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum, Sutton nevus, leukopigmentary nevus, perinevoid vitiligo, or perinevoid leukoderma, together with vitiligo and melanoma-associated hypopigmentation, belong to the group of dermatoses designated as immunological leukodermas. The etiology and pathogenesis of halo nevi has not been fully elucidated. There are several mechanisms through which a lymphocytic infiltrate can induce tumoral regression.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Skin Cancers: A Review.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in physiologic processes such as embryogenesis and wound healing. A similar mechanism occurs in some tumors where cells leave the epithelial layer and gain mesenchymal particularities in order to easily migrate to other tissues. This process can explain the invasiveness and aggressiveness of these tumors which metastasize, by losing the epithelial phenotype (loss of E-cadherin, desmoplakin, and laminin-1) and acquiring mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin).

Efficacy of methotrexate as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug in dermatology: Three case reports.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid analog with anti-proliferative (anti-neoplastic, cytotoxic), immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, which has been used in the treatment of various cutaneous disorders, such as psoriasis, keratoacanthoma, pityriasis rubra pilaris, atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, bullous skin diseases, systemic sclerosis, morphea, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and crusted scabies. Inhibition of cell proliferation is explained through its role in blocking DNA/RNA synthesis, by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, necessary for the production of pyrimidine and purine nucleotides. An anticancer effect can be related to α-oxoaldehyde metabolism (MTX increases methylglyoxal levels).

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes: The regulator of melanoma evolution.

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer and its incidence has increased in the last decades. In the United States, it is the 6th most common cancer in both men and women. Prognosis for patients with melanoma depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and it can be influenced by the immunologic response.

Matrix metalloproteinases expression in lentigo maligna∕lentigo maligna melanoma - a review of the literature and personal experience.

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with high invasive potential. Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a relatively rare type, accounting for about 10% of all melanomas, while the most common subtype of melanoma on the face, typically on chronically sun-exposed skin of elderly people. Its in situ stage is lentigo maligna (LM).

On the Dual Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in Human Malignancies.

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a glycoprotein belonging to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family that is expressed on a wide variety of cells and holds a complex role in inflammation through its alternate splicing and generation of various isoforms, mediating intricate mechanisms of modulation and dysregulation. Initially regarded as a tumor suppressor as its expression shows considerable downregulation within the epithelia in the early phases of many solid cancers, CEACAM1 has been linked lately to the progression of malignancy and metastatic spread as various papers point to its role in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and invasion. We reviewed the literature and discussed the various expression patterns of CEACAM1 in different types of tumors, describing its structure and general biologic functions and emphasizing the most significant findings that link this molecule to poor prognosis.