Punch biopsies of melanoma: a diagnostic peril.

Excisional or incisional biopsies of melanoma are used to determine depth of tumor invasion and to plan subsequent treatment. Accurate determination of depth of melanoma invasion is critical for treatment decisions and prognosis. Incisional or punch biopsies can be perilous for histopathologic determination of invasion, and both over- and underestimation of invasion can occur when using incisional methods.

Collision tumor of apocrine carcinoma and squamous carcinoma occurring in the ear.

An unusual case of a cutaneous collision tumor comprised of a squamous cell carcinoma and an apocrine carcinoma occurring in the auricle of an 82-year-old man is presented. Microscopic study confirmed 2 distinct tumors: a squamous cell carcinoma arising in the epidermis and an adjacent apocrine carcinoma. We discuss the diagnostic criteria and review pertinent recent literature.

Synchronous adrenal cortical carcinoma in a patient with lung cancer.

Workup of a patient with lung cancer involves adrenal imaging for evaluation of metastatic disease. When nodules are detected, biopsy is often attempted to differentiate a primary neoplasm from metastatic carcinoma or other lesions, such as granuloma. CT-guided biopsy of the deep seated adrenal glands is technically difficult and material is often scanty.

Prostatic epithelial polyp diagnosed in a bladder wash.

Prostatic epithelial polyps, also known as adenomatous polyps or papillary adenomas with prostatic type epithelium, are uncommon lesions. These lesions typically involve the adult male urethra, trigone, or bladder dome. Diagnosis is usually made by biopsy.