Primary dermal melanoma: a case report and a review of the literature.

Patients with cutaneous metastatic melanoma of unknown primary origin (stage IV M1a disease according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer melanoma staging system) have an estimated 5-year survival rate of between 5% and 17.9% and a median survival of 6 months. However, certain patients with stage IV M1a disease have much higher survival rates.

[Epidemiology of contact dermatitis: prevalence of sensitization to different allergens and associated factors].

Background: In clinical practice, contact dermatitis is a relatively common skin complaint, whose prevalence has increased in recent years. Study by patch testing is essential for diagnosis of contact sensitization.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of sensitization to different allergens in a standard battery and observe the influence of different epidemiological and clinical variables on contact sensitization.

[Presentation of 2 new cases of cutaneous angiomyolipomas and literature review].

We present 2 new cases of cutaneous angiomyolipomas with very similar characteristics, located in the postauricular region of 2 women aged 58 and 52 years. The lesions measured 1.5 cm and 1 cm across and had been present for 5 and 2 years, respectively.

[Post-traumatic basal cell carcinoma associated with patch testing].

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common epithelial skin cancer in humans and usually effects elderly individuals. Although the pathogenesis is directly related to exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, other factors,particularly trauma, may be involved. We present the case of a woman with contact dermatitis due to sensitization to metals.

[Contact sensitization to Euxyl K-400].

Introduction: Euxyl K400 is a widely used preservative in cosmetics, topical drugs, cutting fluids, etc. This antimicrobial product has two active components: methyldibromoglutaronitrile (MDGN), also known as 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, and 2-phenoxyethanol, in a proportion of 1 to 4. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sensitization to this preservative in cases in our dermatology department over a 5-year period.

Isolated and concurrent prevalence of sensitization to transition metals in a Spanish population.

Background: Positive patch test results to transition metals (nickel sulphate, palladium chloride, cobalt chloride and potassium dichromate) alone and in combinations with one another are well known. Numerous factors may play a role in isolated and concurrent sensitization to these allergens.

Objective: This study aims to describe the isolated and concurrent prevalence of sensitization to transition metals in a Spanish Dermatology Department, between 2000 and 2005, and to determine the prevalence of concomitant positive patch test reactions to different transitional metals.

[Spontaneous cutaneous umbilical endometriosis].

Endometriosis consists of extrauterine endometrial growths. Although it is usually located in the pelvis it can also be found in other sites. Endometriosis of the skin is rare and the most frequent form develops over gynecologic or obstetric scars, although it may also appear spontaneously in the umbilical area.

[Cutaneous metastases from adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site].

Metastatic cancer of unknown primary site appears in 5-10% of oncologic patients. The primary tumor is usually discovered at autopsy and only in 27% of patients alive. Metastases from cancer of unknown primary site may be located in the skin and subcutaneous tissue and it is the dermatologist the first in evaluating these patients.

[Familial pemphigus vulgaris: immunogenetic study of HLA class II antigens].

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous disease that affects the skin and mucosae, characterized by the presence of antibodies against desmoglein 3, that causes acantholisis and formation of intraepidermal blisters. Observation of PV cases in several members of the same family suggests the existence of genetic factors that contribute to susceptibility to suffer the disease. However, very few cases of familial PV have been described.