Angiosarcoma: hiding in plain sight.

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma of endothelial origin that necessitates early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. The most commonly reported presentation consists of violaceous patches and plaques on the head and neck of elderly white men, with fewer reports affecting patients with Skin of Color. Most cases of angiosarcoma are idiopathic and tend to recur locally with early metastasis, conferring a poor prognosis. We report a case of an 83-year-old Fitzpatrick skin type IV man who presented with a large violaceous-to-black mamillated plaque on the frontotemporal scalp that was clinically highly suggestive of cutaneous angiosarcoma. However, unrevealing histopathology complicated our diagnostic process and delayed management. Immunohistochemistry was invaluable in determining the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Our case highlights the aggressive nature of cutaneous angiosarcoma, necessitating close clinicopathologic correlation to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment.

Sebaceous carcinoma: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

Sebaceous carcinoma usually occurs in adults older than 60 years, on the eyelid, head and neck, and trunk. In this Review, we present clinical care recommendations for sebaceous carcinoma, which were developed as a result of an expert panel evaluation of the findings of a systematic review. Key conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for diagnosis, first-line treatment, radiotherapy, and post-treatment care. For diagnosis, we concluded that deep biopsy is often required; furthermore, differential diagnoses that mimic the condition can be excluded with special histological stains. For treatment, the recommended first-line therapy is surgical removal, followed by margin assessment of the peripheral and deep tissue edges; conjunctival mapping biopsies can facilitate surgical planning. Radiotherapy can be considered for cases with nerve or lymph node involvement, and as the primary treatment in patients who are ineligible for surgery. Post-treatment clinical examination should occur every 6 months for at least 3 years. No specific systemic therapies for advanced disease can be recommended, but targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being developed.

Bullous dermatoses secondary to anti-PD-L1 agents: a case report and review of the literature.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to treat numerous malignancies but may be associated with severe adverse events. Bullous dermatoses, chiefly bullous pemphigoid (BP), are potentially progressive adverse events that cause blistering skin lesions and may involve a significant body surface area. Herein, we report an 87-year-old man with urothelial cell carcinoma undergoing atezolizumab treatment who presented with an acute-onset blistering eruption. Biopsy revealed a subepidermal bulla, direct immunofluorescence revealed linear IgG and C3 deposits at the dermal-epidermal junction, and serum studies revealed elevated levels of antibodies to BP180 and BP230. Anti-PD-L1-induced BP was diagnosed, immunotherapy was withheld, and he was treated with oral doxycycline with niacinamide and clobetasol ointment. He restarted atezolizumab and has successfully received four cycles (every 3 weeks) while continuing this BP treatment regimen. A literature review revealed eight other cases of anti-PD-L1-induced bullous disorders. The incidence of bullous dermatoses with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 agents combined is 1%, whereas the reported incidence for anti-PD-L1 agents alone ranges from 1.3-5%, raising concerns for a higher overall risk. In addition to our case, only one other case reported successful resumption of immunotherapy. Early control and management of immunotherapy-induced BP may reduce complications and prevent treatment discontinuation.

Widespread subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a patient receiving checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab.

Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, including ipilimumab and nivolumab, is associated with numerous immune-related adverse events including dermatitis, pruritus, hepatitis, diarrhea, and hypophysitis. As the number of patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment increases, however, rare and unusual immune-related adverse events are observed. Many of these resemble known autoimmune phenomenon, such as subacute lupus erythematosus and myositis. Herein, we report a patient with metastatic serous ovarian carcinoma undergoing treatment with combination ipilimumab and nivolumab who developed subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Recent case reports have documented SCLE as a novel immune-related adverse event. In our case, she was able to successfully restart immunotherapy after a course of oral corticosteroids and maintenance oral hydroxychloroquine and topical corticosteroid therapy.

Factitial panniculitis as a manifestation of self-imposed factitious disorder.

Factitious disorder imposed on self is characterized by self-induction. Dermatitis artefacta, the cutaneous subtype of factitious disorder imposed on self, can have a variety of atypical presentations. A 36-year-old woman with an extensive past medical history presented with painful nodules on her abdomen, thighs, and arms. Histologic evaluation identified panniculitis with foreign body material seen under polarization. Chart review from previous hospital visits established a history of factitious disorder imposed on self and upon subsequent search of the hospital room, syringes with an unknown substance were found. Factitial panniculitis should be considered in cases with atypical lesions or locations that do not conform to the presentation of organic causes of panniculitis. Management should include a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes patient safety and establishes a therapeutic patient-provider relationship.

Cutaneous manifestations of vemurafenib therapy for metastatic melanoma.

Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, is FDA-approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in patients who harbor the BRAF V600E mutation. By inhibiting BRAF, vemurafenib prevents the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway from driving melanoma growth. Here we present a patient with paradoxical activation of the MAPK pathway by vemurafenib, ultimately resulting in deleterious cutaneous manifestations. An emphasis on close follow-up is warranted for new or changing lesions for patients on this medication and other BRAF inhibitors.

Insulin stimulation of SREBP-1c processing in transgenic rat hepatocytes requires p70 S6-kinase.

Insulin activates sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) in liver, thereby increasing fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis. We created a line of transgenic rats that produce epitope-tagged human SREBP-1c in liver under control of the constitutive apolipoprotein E promoter/enhancer. This system allows us to dissect the pathway by which insulin stimulates SREBP-1c processing without interference by the insulin-mediated increase in SREBP-1c mRNA. Rats are used because freshly isolated rat hepatocytes respond much more robustly to insulin than do mouse hepatocytes. The data reveal that insulin-mediated stimulation of SREBP-1c processing requires the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which also is required for insulin-mediated SREBP-1c mRNA induction. However, in contrast to mRNA induction, insulin stimulation of SREBP-1c processing is blocked by an inhibitor of p70 S6-kinase. The data indicate that the pathways for insulin enhancement of SREBP-1c mRNA and proteolytic processing diverge after mTORC1. Stimulation of processing requires the mTORC1 target p70 S6-kinase, whereas induction of mRNA bypasses this enzyme. Insulin stimulation of both processes is blocked by glucagon. The transgenic rat system will be useful in further defining the molecular mechanism for insulin stimulation of lipid synthesis in liver in normal and diabetic states.

Paraneoplastic plaque-like cutaneous mucinosis: a case report.

Plaque-like cutaneous mucinosis (PCM) is a rare disorder of dermal mucin deposition. Some patients with PCM will be found to have an associated malignancy. We report the case of a 72-year-old man presenting with new onset pruritic, waxy-appearing erythematous and skin-colored papules and nodules coalescing into plaques on his shoulder, scalp, and forehead. Skin biopsy revealed cutaneous mucinosis. Despite conservative treatment, his skin lesions progressed, and he was found to have an occult malignancy of pancreatobiliary origin. After several months of chemotherapy, his skin lesions showed progressive improvement. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of paraneoplastic PCM and the first reported to occur in association with underlying adenocarcinoma of pancreatobiliary origin. PCM may occasionally represent a paraneoplastic dermatosis. This case highlights the importance of a search for occult malignancy in such patients.

Anatomic Subtype Differences in Extramammary Paget Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare, highly recurrent cutaneous malignant neoplasm of unclear origin. EMPD arises most commonly on the vulvar and penoscrotal skin. It is not presently known how anatomic subtype of EMPD affects disease presentation and management. Objective: To compare demographic and tumor characteristics and treatment approaches for different EMPD subtypes. Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are presented. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Reviews CENTRAL from December 1, 1990, to October 24, 2022. Study Selection: Articles were excluded if they were not in English, reported fewer than 3 patients, did not specify information by anatomic subtype, or contained no case-level data. Metastatic cases on presentation were also excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Abstracts of 1295 eligible articles were independently reviewed by 5 coauthors, and 135 articles retained. Reporting was in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The analysis was cunducted in August 2019 and updated in November 2022. Findings: Most vulvar EMPD cases were asymptomatic, and diagnosis was relatively delayed (mean, 25.1 months). Although most vulvar EMPD cases were intraepidermal (1247/1773 [70.3%]), radical surgeries were still performed in almost one-third of cases. Despite this aggressive surgical approach, 481 of 1423 (34%) recurred, commonly confined to the skin and mucosa (177/198 [89.4%]). By contrast, 152 of 1101 penoscrotal EMPD cases (14%) recurred, but more than one-third of these recurrences were regional or associated with distant metastases (54 of 152 [35.5%]). Perianal EMPD cases recurred in one-third of cases (74/218 [33.9%]), with one-third of these recurrences being regional or associated with distant metastasis (20 of 74 [27.0%]). Perianal EMPD also had the highest rate of invasive disease (50% of cases). Conclusions and Relevance: The diagnosis and treatment of EMPD should differ based on anatomic subtypes. Considerations for updated practice may include less morbid treatments for vulvar EMPD, which is primarily epidermal, and close surveillance for local recurrence in vulvar EMPD and metastatic recurrence in perianal EMPD. Recurrences in penoscrotal subtype were less common, and selective surveillance in this subtype may be considered. Limitations of this study include the lack of replication cohorts and the exclusion of studies that did not stratify outcomes by anatomic subtype.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Extramammary Paget Disease.

IMPORTANCE: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a frequently recurring malignant neoplasm with metastatic potential that presents in older adults on the genital, perianal, and axillary skin. Extramammary Paget disease can precede or occur along with internal malignant neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the care of adults with EMPD. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A systematic review of the literature on EMPD from January 1990 to September 18, 2019, was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Libraries. Analysis included 483 studies. A multidisciplinary expert panel evaluation of the findings led to the development of clinical care recommendations for EMPD. FINDINGS: The key findings were as follows: (1) Multiple skin biopsies, including those of any nodular areas, are critical for diagnosis. (2) Malignant neoplasm screening appropriate for age and anatomical site should be performed at baseline to distinguish between primary and secondary EMPD. (3) Routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection is not recommended. (4) For intraepidermal EMPD, surgical and nonsurgical treatments may be used depending on patient and tumor characteristics, although cure rates may be superior with surgical approaches. For invasive EMPD, surgical resection with curative intent is preferred. (5) Patients with unresectable intraepidermal EMPD or patients who are medically unable to undergo surgery may receive nonsurgical treatments, including radiotherapy, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, carbon dioxide laser therapy, or other modalities. (6) Distant metastatic disease may be treated with chemotherapy or individualized targeted approaches. (7) Close follow-up to monitor for recurrence is recommended for at least the first 5 years. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinical practice guidelines for EMPD provide guidance regarding recommended diagnostic approaches, differentiation between invasive and noninvasive disease, and use of surgical vs nonsurgical treatments. Prospective registries may further improve our understanding of the natural history of the disease in primary vs secondary EMPD, clarify features of high-risk tumors, and identify superior management approaches.

Sebaceous carcinoma: controversies and their evidence for clinical practice.

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a potentially aggressive malignancy of periocular or extraocular skin. It arises sporadically or is associated with Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS). Here, we review three controversial clinical conundra related to the diagnosis and treatment of SC and offer evidence-based recommendations. First, following a diagnosis of SC, deciding which patients to screen for MTS can be challenging. The Mayo MTS Risk Score is a clinical score that incorporates the key cutaneous findings in MTS but relies heavily on personal and family history that may not be available at the time of SC diagnosis, especially in young patients. Young patients, who have extraocular SC and are suspected to have MTS though do not meet criteria by Mayo MTS Risk Score, should have their tumors tested using immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins. Second, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used in periocular SC to evaluate nodal disease. Patient selection is critical for SLNB. Periocular SC stage ≥ T2c (by American Joint Commission on Cancer, 8th edition) may be considered for SLNB given positivity rates over fifteen percent in expert hands. Lastly, treatment of metastatic SC is an area of active investigation. When possible, tumor profiling may be used to select targeted agents. Future research into these three key questions is needed.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: Informed by a Systematic Review.

IMPORTANCE: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) occurs primarily in older adults of white race/ethnicity on sun-exposed skin of the head and neck. There are no formal guiding principles based on expert review of the evidence to assist clinicians in providing the highest-quality care for patients. OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the care of adults with MAC. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A systematic review of the literature (1990 to June 2018) was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The keywords searched were microcystic adnexal carcinoma, sclerosing sweat gland carcinoma, sclerosing sweat duct carcinoma, syringomatous carcinoma, malignant syringoma, sweat gland carcinoma with syringomatous features, locally aggressive adnexal carcinoma, and combined adnexal tumor. A multidisciplinary expert committee critically evaluated the literature to create recommendations for clinical practice. Statistical analysis was used to estimate optimal surgical margins. FINDINGS: In total, 55 studies met our inclusion criteria. The mean age of 1968 patients across the studies was 61.8 years; 54.1% were women. Recommendations were generated for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MAC. There are 5 key findings of the expert committee based on the available evidence: (1) A suspect skin lesion requires a deep biopsy that includes subcutis. (2) MAC confined to the skin is best treated by surgery that examines the surrounding and deep edges of the tissue removed (Mohs micrographic surgery or complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment). (3) Radiotherapy can be considered as an adjuvant for MAC at high risk for recurrence, surgically unresectable tumors, or patients who cannot have surgery for medical reasons. (4) Patients should be seen by a physician familiar with MAC every 6 to 12 months for the first 5 years after treatment. Patient education on photoprotection, periodic skin self-examination, postoperative healing, and the possible normal changes in local sensation (eg, initial hyperalgesia) should be considered. (5) There is limited evidence to guide the treatment of metastasis in MAC due to its rarity. Limitations of our findings are that the medical literature on MAC comprises only retrospective reviews and descriptions of individual patients and there are no controlled studies to guide management. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The presented clinical practice guidelines provide an outline for the diagnosis and management of MAC. Future efforts using multi-institutional registries may improve our understanding of the natural history of the disease in patients with lymph node or nerve involvement, the role of radiotherapy, and the treatment of metastatic MAC with drug therapy.