Transcriptomic analysis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma reveals a multigene prognostic signature associated with metastasis.

Background: Metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is uncommon. Current staging methods are reported to have sub-optimal performances in metastasis prediction. Accurate identification of patients with tumors at high risk of metastasis would have a significant impact on management.

Rare cutaneous metastasis from sarcomatoid carcinoma of lung.

We present the case of a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with stage 4 sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung who concurrently developed a scalp lesion, thought to be a cyst, which continued to grow and ulcerate. Excision revealed a rare case, only four previously reported in the literature, of metastatic sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung. While a very unusual case, we would like to emphasise the importance of considering skin metastases when presented with unusual skin lesions, and importantly listening to the patient's concerns, showing empathy and respecting their autonomy and referring to an appropriate specialist when considering the management of what may seem to be a minor skin report.

Cutaneous malakoplakia presenting as a groin swelling and graft failure.

Malakoplakia (from the Greek malakos, 'soft' and plakos 'plaque') is a granulomatous inflammatory condition, commonly presenting as a plaque in the genitourinary system, but has been shown to affect a wide variety of structures including the skin. Presentation is varied and a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to make a diagnosis. We report a case of cutaneous malakoplakia presenting as an inguinal swelling in a 48-year-old kidney transplant patient with temporally associated graft dysfunction.

Epithelial damage and tissue γδ T cells promote a unique tumor-protective IgE response.

IgE is an ancient and conserved immunoglobulin isotype with potent immunological function. Nevertheless, the regulation of IgE responses remains an enigma, and evidence of a role for IgE in host defense is limited. Here we report that topical exposure to a common environmental DNA-damaging xenobiotic initiated stress surveillance by γδTCR intraepithelial lymphocytes that resulted in class switching to IgE in B cells and the accumulation of autoreactive IgE.

Value of sentinel node status as a prognostic factor in melanoma: prospective observational study.

Objective: To establish the prognostic value of knowledge of sentinel node status in melanoma.

Design: Single centre prospective observational study, with sentinel nodes identified by lymphoscintigraphy, gamma probe, and intraoperative blue dye and examined by both conventional histopathology and immunopathology.

Setting: Specialist surgical service in west of Scotland.