Thigmotropism of Malignant Melanoma Cells

in Dermatology Research and Practice (2012), (362784), 1-6

Molecular dermatopathology in malignant melanoma.

in Dermatology Research and Practice (2012), 2012(684032), 1-6

At present, immunohistochemistry is taken for granted in the establishment of malignant melanoma (MM) diagnosis. In recent years, molecular diagnosis in dermatopathology has benefited from a vast array of ... [more ▼]

At present, immunohistochemistry is taken for granted in the establishment of malignant melanoma (MM) diagnosis. In recent years, molecular diagnosis in dermatopathology has benefited from a vast array of advances in the fields of genomics and proteomics. Sensitive techniques are available for detecting specific DNA and RNA sequences by molecular hybridization. This paper intends to update methods of molecular cytogenetics available as diagnostic adjuncts in the field of MM. Cytogenetics has highlighted the pathogenesis of atypical melanocytic neoplasms with emphasis on the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway during the initiation step of the neoplasms. 20 to 40% of MM families have mutations in the tumour suppressor gene p16 or CDKN2A. In addition, somatic mutations in p16, p53, BRAF, and cKIT are present in MM. Genome-wide scan analyses on MM indicate positive associations for genes involved in melanocytic naevi, but MM is likely caused by a variety of common low-penetrance genes. Molecular dermatopathology is expanding, and its use in the assessment of melanocytic neoplasms appears to be promising in the fields of research and diagnosis. Molecular dermatopathology will probably make its way to an increased number of diagnostic laboratories. The expected benefit should improve the patient management. This evolution points to a need for evolution in the training requirements and role of dermatopathologists. [less ▲]

Hypomelanosis of Ito: pigmentary mosaicism with immature melanosome in keratinocytes.

in International Journal of Dermatology (2011), 50(10), 1234-9

BACKGROUND: Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare genetic disorder characterized by whorled areas of hypomelanosis. The purpose of the present study was to revisit some aspects of Ito's hypomelanosis. METHODS ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare genetic disorder characterized by whorled areas of hypomelanosis. The purpose of the present study was to revisit some aspects of Ito's hypomelanosis. METHODS: Clinical observations included ultraviolet-light-enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were performed on biopsy samples from the hypopigmented areas and the surrounding skin. RESULTS: Both the ULEV and microscopic examinations revealed the heterogeneity of the pigmentation. Hypomelanosis was characterized by a reduction in melanosomes, both in melanocytes and keratinocytes. These organelles were immature and atypical, showing a weak tyrosinase immunoreactivity. Melanosome macroautophagy was prominent in keratinocytes. Some clusters of the same cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity for the Mac 387 antibody (Ca(2+) -dependent calprotectin). Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1) decorated the superficial layers of the epidermis. Such features are typically found in functionally altered keratinocytes. A number of dermal cells exhibited intense phagocytic activity linked to lysozyme immunoreactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Both the melanosome depletion and macroautophagy of immature melanosomes in keratinocytes appeared to represent prominent aspects of hypomelanosis of Ito. In sum, Ito's hypomelanosis combines structural and functional changes affecting both the melanocytes and keratinocytes in the skin. [less ▲]

Identification d'une dermatose provoquée par la lumière

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66

Focus on skin cancer association and progression under TNF antagonist therapy.

in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy (2011), 11(9), 1215-22

INTRODUCTION: Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in humans. Their prevalence is higher in immunocompromized patients. Results of some animal ... [more ▼]

INTRODUCTION: Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in humans. Their prevalence is higher in immunocompromized patients. Results of some animal experiments have indicated that TNF acts both as a tumour promotor and an inductor of apoptosis. AREAS COVERED: Peer-reviewed articles about human skin cancers possibly related to TNF antagonists. The occurrence and growth kinetics of NMSC are possibly increased in some patients under TNF antagonist therapy. Other issues of such biological treatment suggested include the activation of other distinct skin malignancies, including malignant melanoma. Benign melanocytic tumours appear to be boosted as well. At present, most of the reported findings only represent anecdotal case reports. The influence of cumulative co-factors must not be neglected, particularly the effect of other therapies administered to the patients. The occurrence of antibodies to some TNF antagonists may decrease both the treatment efficacy and the risk of skin cancer progression. EXPERT OPINION: More research needs to be performed in order to firmly establish and understand the risk of anti-TNF biologicals in the area of human skin cancers. At present, NMSC progression appears to be boosted on areas of skin field cancerization. Benign melanocytic naevi may develop as well. [less ▲]

Radionécrose historique

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66

Comment j'explore ... l'hypothese diagnostique d'une syphilis.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66(10), 550-4

The versatility of the clinical presentations of syphilis is large. A laboratory diagnosis is required in any case where a clinical assumption is raised. Two main diagnostic methods are available ... [more ▼]

The versatility of the clinical presentations of syphilis is large. A laboratory diagnosis is required in any case where a clinical assumption is raised. Two main diagnostic methods are available according to the lesion aspects and the staging of the disease. They rely on the recognition of the spirochete or on the identification of the immune response using specific and non specific serology tests. [less ▲]

Les coulisses du cancer mammaire.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011), 66(5-6), 269-73

A 55 year-old women presented with lesions simulating cysts of the scalp. The dermatopathological examination revealed a metastasis of a breast adenocarcinoma. At the diagnosis disclosure, the patient ... [more ▼]

A 55 year-old women presented with lesions simulating cysts of the scalp. The dermatopathological examination revealed a metastasis of a breast adenocarcinoma. At the diagnosis disclosure, the patient recognized having concealed for 7 years a neoplastic wound replacing one of her breasts. About this case report, we report the astonishing clinical diversity of skin metastases of breast adenocarcinomas. [less ▲]

Specular light reflectance of flakes in seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp: a pilot study.

in Clinical & Experimental Dermatology (2011), 36(7), 793-6

Seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff are common scalp conditions. In this study, we set out to explore a new method for rating both the severity of the scalp condition and the efficacy of scalp-care ... [more ▼]

Seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff are common scalp conditions. In this study, we set out to explore a new method for rating both the severity of the scalp condition and the efficacy of scalp-care compounds. Scalp flakiness was sampled for 40 volunteers using adhesive-coated clear discs, with image analysis used to quantify the specular light reflectance (SLR) of the flakes Two ultraviolet (UV)-emitting charge-coupled device cameras (Visioscan VC98 and Visiopor PP34) were used. SLR clearly highlighted the flakiness with high contrast against a black background, and the recorded appearance could be conveniently submitted to the image-analysis system for quantification. In conclusion, SLR under UV illumination highlights scalp flakiness, allowing objective measurements. [less ▲]

Cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings

in Textbook of aging skin (2010)