MED15::ATF1-Rearranged Tumor: A Novel Cutaneous Tumor With Melanocytic Differentiation.

We recently described novel dermal tumors with melanocytic differentiation and morphologic and biological similarities to cutaneous clear cell sarcoma, including CRTC1::TRIM11 cutaneous tumor, and clear cell tumors with melanocytic differentiation and either ACTIN::MITF or MITF::CREM. Here, we describe a series of 3 patients presenting with tumors reminiscent of CRTC1::TRIM11 cutaneous tumor, found to demonstrate a novel MED15::ATF1 fusion. All 3 patients were children (5-16 years old).

A critical re-evaluation of Mohs micrographic surgery for a facial basal cell carcinoma in older adults: Should we waive this treatment in certain patients?

Background: Skin cancer incidences are increasing. Treatment for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be questioned in certain patients. Treatment options are various, but Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has the highest cure rate.

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser of Recent Surgical Scars in the Head and Neck Region: A Split-Scar, Evaluator-Blinded Study.

Background: Postoperative scarring is a common cause of patient dissatisfaction. Several strategies have been developed to improve its clinical aspects.

Objective: To assess efficacy and safety of the 10,600 nm ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the treatment of recent surgical scars in the head and neck region.

Total-Body Examination vs Lesion-Directed Skin Cancer Screening.

Importance: Skin cancer is the most frequent cancer type. It remains unknown if and how screening programs can be organized in a cost-effective manner.

Objective: To compare the 2 screening strategies of systematic total-body examination (TBE) and lesion-directed screening (LDS), with a focus on the participation rate, detection rate, anxiety, and cost.

Xanthoma disseminatum: case report and mini-review of the literature.

Xanthoma disseminatum is a non-familial disorder of non-Langerhans cell origin or a class II histiocytosis with unknown etiology, with just over 100 cases reported in the literature. Because of the rarity of this disease, there is no established treatment. We studied clinical manifestations and different treatments of xanthoma disseminatum from a series of cases, including our own patient.

Facial exercises for facial rejuvenation: a control group study.

Objective: Facial exercises are a noninvasive alternative to medical approaches to facial rejuvenation. Logopedists could be involved in providing these exercises. Little research has been conducted, however, on the effectiveness of exercises for facial rejuvenation.

Hypomelanoses in children.

Hypomelanosis of the skin is a frequently encountered problem in childhood, being totally innocent or representing the first sign of a multisystem disorder. Medical history, clinical examination, Wood's light investigation, histological analysis of the skin and a multidisciplinary consultation can contribute to a correct and early diagnosis of the different types of hypopigmentations. In the present paper, we present a systematic clinical approach to the differential diagnosis of those skin disorders.

Immune mediated mechanisms of melanocyte destruction: Paving the way for efficient immunotherapeutic strategies against melanoma.

Insights into immune reactions against benign and malignant melanocytes may help the development of more efficient immunotherapeutic treatments for melanoma. The interplay between an active systemic antitumor immunity and a responsive local tumor environment is crucial to achieve effective clinical responses. Increasing evidence confirms this strategy can lead to an adequate and durable immunosurveillance of melanocytes.

EGFR in melanoma: clinical significance and potential therapeutic target.

Background: The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been established in a range of neoplasms. In melanoma, data on EGFR protein expression are conflicting. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for EGFR gene expression in melanoma showed EGFR gene amplification to be linked with worse prognosis.

Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity: a prospective study with 8 years of clinical and radiologic follow-up.

Background: Scarf midshaft metatarsal osteotomy has become increasingly popular as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities because of its great versatility. Numerous studies on Scarf osteotomy have been published. However, no prospective studies were available until 2002.

The role of RhoC in growth and metastatic capacity of melanoma.

Background: RhoC overexpression in tumor cells promotes invasive and metastatic behavior. RhoC expression levels have been correlated with tumor progression and metastasis in multiple human cancers. In melanoma, RhoC is upregulated in highly metastatic tumors.

Clinical significance of the expression of c-Ski and SnoN, possible mediators in TGF-beta resistance, in primary cutaneous melanoma.

Background: Loss of TGF-beta growth control is considered as a hallmark of several human neoplasms including melanoma. Resistance of cancer cells to TGF-beta has been linked to mutations in proteins involved in the TGF-beta pathway. In melanoma such mutations have not been observed.

The role of VEGF-C staining in predicting regional metastasis in melanoma.

Sentinel lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in primary melanoma. The number of melanoma-associated lymphatic vessels has been associated with sentinel lymph node status and survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is found to promote tumour-associated lymphatic vessel growth.

Knee arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail: a retrospective study.

A group of 19 patients who underwent knee arthrodesis with use of an intramedullary nail between 1996 and 2005, was studied. In the majority of patients knee arthrodesis was performed as a salvage procedure for the limb following an infected total knee arthroplasty. The outcome of the procedure was evaluated with radiographs, the SF-36 score and the Oxford 12-item knee score.

Topical pimecrolimus in the treatment of vitiligo.

Although the treatment of vitiligo has improved during the last decade, therapy is still not satisfactory for many patients. Recently topical calcineurin inhibitors were introduced in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Considering the autoimmune hypothesis of vitiligo pathogenesis, the use of these topical calcineurin inhibitors seems reasonable.