Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp in the immunocompromised patient: review of 53 cases.

Objective: We analyzed outcomes from immunocompromised patients with scalp squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with surgical excision with and without radiation in order to explore 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival.

Study Design: The study design was a retrospective chart review.

Setting: This study was conducted in a private practice setting.

The role of elective superficial parotidectomy in the treatment of temporal region squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: In order to determine rates of metastasis and efficacy of elective superficial parotidectomy, we examine parotid specimens in patients with temporal region cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated with local excision and ipsilateral parotidectomy.

Study Design: This paper is a retrospective review.

Setting: This study was conducted at a private tertiary referral practice in Fort Worth, Texas, from 1998 to 2013.

The role of parotidectomy in the treatment of auricular squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: We analyze parotid specimens in patients treated with prophylactic parotidectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle greater than or equal to 2 cm to determine rates of metastasis and the efficacy of elective resection.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Cancer treatment center in Fort Worth, Texas, from 1998 to 2013.

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to review our series of metastatic basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Study Design: A retrospective review was conducted for this study.

Methods: All cases of documented metastatic basal cell carcinomas arising from a primary within the head and neck region and presenting for treatment to one of the authors (Y.

Initial Mohs surgery followed by planned surgical resection of massive cutaneous carcinomas of the head and neck.

Objective: To review our experience with Mohs excision of massive cutaneous carcinomas for peripheral margin control, followed by planned definitive resection of the deeply invasive component of the carcinoma.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Methods: All cases of massive (at least 10 cm in dimension) cutaneous carcinomas treated by the technique outlined by Yadranko Ducic from 1998-2006.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of melanocytic skin lesions: consensus terminology glossary and illustrative images.

Background: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been used for over 10 years for in vivo skin imaging. However, to date no standard RCM terminology has been published.

Objective: To establish a glossary of terms for RCM evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

Colloid milium: a review and update.

Colloid milium (CM) is a rare cutaneous deposition disease with at least 3 distinct subtypes. The exact histogenesis of the condition is still unresolved and awaits definitive elucidation. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis have allowed the distinction of CM from clinically similar conditions such as amyloidosis.

Systemic toxicity from topically applied lidocaine in conjunction with fractional photothermolysis.

Background: Topical anesthetics, unlike injectable anesthetics, can be applied painlessly and can provide sufficient pain control to maintain patient comfort throughout a variety of laser procedures. Although the use of topical lidocaine is considered relatively safe, instances of cardiotoxic and neurotoxic adverse events have been reported to occur.

Observations: A 52-year-old woman underwent fractional photothermolysis for management of severe hypopigmentation and scarring of several years' duration.

Onion extract gel versus petrolatum emollient on new surgical scars: prospective double-blinded study.

Background: Cutaneous scars resulting from surgical procedures can be erythematous, hypertrophic, pruritic, painful, or cosmetically unacceptable. An onion extract-based topical gel (Mederma, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Greensboro, NC, USA) has been marketed as a product to improve scar appearance and texture. However, few data are available to substantiate these claims.

Detection of residual basal cell carcinoma by in vivo confocal microscopy.

Background: Near-infrared reflectance-mode confocal scanning laser microscopy (RCM) represents a novel imaging technique for microscopic analysis of skin lesions and may provide a noninvasive modality for the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Objective: To determine the feasibility of detecting residual or clinically equivocal BCC using RCM.

Methods: In this pilot study, RCM was used in three cases to characterize the histologic features of index lesions in vivo.

5% imiquimod cream and reflectance-mode confocal microscopy as adjunct modalities to Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Background: Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that up-regulates cytokines and has been shown in clinical studies to reduce or clear basal cell carcinoma tumors when applied topically.

Objective: The objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream in treating basal cell carcinoma preceding excision by Mohs micrographic surgery and to determine if reflectance-mode confocal microscopy is useful to establish the need for surgical intervention after imiquimod treatment.

Methods: Subjects applied study cream to one biopsy-confirmed basal cell carcinoma tumor 5 x/week for 2, 4, or 6 weeks in this vehicle-controlled, double-blind study.

Tissue eosinophils and the perils of using skin biopsy specimens to distinguish between drug hypersensitivity and cutaneous graft-versus-host disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a frequent and serious complication of bone-marrow transplantation (BMT), and carries a high morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and treated. The rash of acute GvHD is often difficult to distinguish clinically from a drug eruption, and skin biopsies are often performed in an attempt to render a diagnosis. Histologically, eosinophils are classically associated with hypersensitivity reactions, and their presence in inflamed tissue is considered suggestive of a drug-induced dermatitis.

Mohs micrographic surgery of primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma using immunohistochemistry for margin control.

Background: Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is a rare adnexal malignancy with a high recurrence rate following conventional excision and the potential for aggressive local invasion.

Objective: To enhance the microscopic detection of mucinous carcinoma in Mohs micrographic surgical sections by incorporating rapid immunohistochemical staining.

Methods: Standard Mohs micrographic surgical technique was used in conjunction with frozen section immunohistochemistry using an antibody to low-molecular-weight cytokeratin.