Histologic features of alopecia areata other than peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates.

Background: Histologic features other than a lymphocytic infiltrate around follicular bulbs are now recognized as helpful clues to the diagnosis of alopecia areata, especially in long-standing lesions where the peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrate may be sparse or absent.

Objectives: We sought to determine the frequency of peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and melanin in fibrous tracts, pigment casts in follicles, the presence of catagen/telogen follicles, follicular miniaturization, and dystrophic ("nanogen") follicles in alopecia areata. Secondly, we sought to compare the diagnostic use of transversely sectioned versus horizontally sectioned specimens in those cases for which both were available (15 of 109 cases).

Is superficial spreading melanoma still the most common form of malignant melanoma?

Background: Most epidemiological studies suggest that superficial spreading melanoma is the most common histological subtype of malignant melanoma, but past data may not reflect current patterns of sun exposure or other risk factors.

Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of melanoma subtypes among recent specimens in a South Texas dermatopathology practice.

Results: Lentigo maligna was the most common subtype of melanoma among the cases studied.