Prognostic factors in Merkel cell carcinoma: analysis of 240 cases.

Background: Knowledge regarding behavior of and prognostic factors for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is limited.

Objective: We sought to further understand the characteristics, behavior, prognostic factors, and optimal treatment of MCC.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study of patients with known primary MCC was completed.

Unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma: 23 new cases and a review.

Background: Knowledge is limited regarding unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma (UPMCC).

Objective: We sought to document the characteristics and behavior of UPMCC, and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study reviewing patients given a diagnosis of UPMCC between 1981 and 2008 was completed.

The impact of biopsy technique on upstaging, residual disease, and outcome in cutaneous melanoma.

Background: After skin biopsy of malignant melanoma, the findings in the subsequent wide local excision (WLE) sometimes result in upgrading of the T-category. Herein, we examine the influence of biopsy technique on residual disease in melanoma WLE specimens and on upstaging.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of data from malignant melanoma patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy between 1997 and 2010.

Correlation of thickness of basal cell carcinoma by optical coherence tomography in vivo and routine histologic findings: a pilot study.

Background: Optical coherence tomography uses advanced photonics and fiber optics to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images and tissue characterization in real time.

Objective: The objective was to correlate measurements of the depth of basal cell carcinomas obtained by optical coherence tomography and standard histopathologic examinations.

Methods: Twenty previously scanned optical coherence tomography images of histopathologically confirmed basal cell carcinoma were reviewed.

Optical coherence tomography for the characterization of basal cell carcinoma in vivo: a pilot study.

Background: Optical coherence tomography combines principles of ultrasonography and optical interferometry to provide real-time cross-sectional images of subsurface microstructure of tissue in vivo.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to define and characterize basal cell carcinoma by using optical coherence tomography.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with 49 lesions clinically suggestive of superficial basal cell carcinoma were recruited.

The exanthem of acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis: Clinical and histopathologic features of 3 cases and review of the literature.

Background: Coccidioidomycosis may be associated with a reactive generalized cutaneous eruption early in the course of the illness. Detailed descriptions in the literature are scarce.

Observations: We describe 3 patients with a florid eruption associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Gloves and socks syndrome: early and late histopathologic features.

Background: Gloves and socks syndrome (GSS) is a recently described exanthem, most commonly caused by parvovirus B19.

Objective: Our purpose was to describe both early and late histopathologic features of GSS.

Methods: We performed histopathologic examination of biopsy specimens from a case of GSS and reviewed all the English-language literature reports of GSS to compare the reported histologic descriptions.

Necrotizing cellulitis caused by Apophysomyces elegans at a patch test site.

Plant material occasionally is used in patch testing to diagnose contact dermatitis. Serious adverse reactions to this practice are extremely uncommon. The authors report on a 68-year-old non-insulin-dependent diabetic gentleman with hand dermatitis in whom severe necrotizing cellulitis developed caused by Apophysomyces elegans, a subtype of mucormycosis, at the site of a patch test to a snapdragon plant from his garden.