Current concepts of metastasis in melanoma.

The main cause of death in melanoma patients is widespread metastases. Staging of melanoma is based on the primary tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph node and distant metastases. Metastases develop in regional lymph nodes, as satellite or in-transit lesions, or in distant organs.

Mechanism of UV-related carcinogenesis and its contribution to nevi/melanoma.

Melanoma consists 4-5 % of all skin cancers, but it contributes to 71-80 % of skin cancers deaths. UV light affects cell and tissue homeostasis due to its damaging effects on DNA integrity and modification of expression of a plethora of genes. DNA repair systems protect cells from UV-induced lesions.

Pesticide-associated pemphigus vulgaris.

We present a 40-year-old man with occupation-induced pemphigus vulgaris (PV). He developed PV within days of a one-time heavy exposure to fumes of burning glyphosate, a broad-spectrum nonselective pesticide. This exposure suggests acute cutaneous contact as a stimulus in the development of his pemphigus.

Ruptured umbilical hernia in a case of alcoholic cirrhosis with massive ascites.

Umbilical hernias are common in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. However, spontaneous rupture of the hernia is not frequently seen. This is a serious complication and carries a high mortality.