In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy can detect the invasive component of lentigo maligna melanoma: Prospective analysis and case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna (LM), a form of melanoma in situ, has no risk of causing metastasis unless dermal invasive melanoma (LMM) supervenes. Furthermore, the detection of invasion impacts prognosis and management. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of RCM for the detection of invasion component on LM/LMM lesions. METHODS: In the initial case-control study, the performance of one expert in detecting LMM at the time of initial RCM assessment of LM/LMM lesions was recorded prospectively (n = 229). The cases were assessed on RCM-histopathology correlation sessions and a panel with nine RCM features was proposed to identify LMM, which was subsequently tested in a subset of initial cohort (n = 93) in the matched case-control study by two blinded observers. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate RCM features predictive of LMM. Reproducibility of assessment of the nine RCM features was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 229 LM/LMM cases evaluated by histopathology were assessed blindly and prospectively by an expert confocalist. On histopathology, 210 were LM and 19 were LMM cases. Correct identification of an invasive component was achieved for 17 of 19 LMM cases (89%) and the absence of a dermal component was correctly diagnosed in 190 of 210 LM cases (90%). In the matched case-control (LMM n = 35, LM n = 58), epidermal and junctional disarray, large size of melanocytes and nests of melanocytes were independent predictors of LMM on multivariate analysis. The interobserver analysis demonstrated that these three features had a fair reproducibility between the two investigators (K = 0.4). The multivariable model including those three features showed a high predictive performance AUC = 74% (CI 95% 64-85%), with sensitivity of 63% (95% CI 52-78%) and specificity of 79% (CI 95% 74-88%), and likelihood ratio of 18 (p-value 0.0026). CONCLUSION: Three RCM features were predictive for identifying invasive melanoma in the background of LM.

Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Melanoma Subtypes Using Reflectance Confocal Images.

Lentigo maligna (LM) is an early form of pre-invasive melanoma that predominantly affects sun-exposed areas such as the face. LM is highly treatable when identified early but has an ill-defined clinical border and a high rate of recurrence. Atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation (AIMP), also known as atypical melanocytic hyperplasia (AMH), is a histological description that indicates melanocytic proliferation with uncertain malignant potential. Clinically and histologically, AIMP can be difficult to distinguish from LM, and indeed AIMP may, in some cases, progress to LM. The early diagnosis and distinction of LM from AIMP are important since LM requires a definitive treatment. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an imaging technique often used to investigate these lesions non-invasively, without biopsy. However, RCM equipment is often not readily available, nor is the associated expertise for RCM image interpretation easy to find. Here, we implemented a machine learning classifier using popular convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures and demonstrated that it could correctly classify lesions between LM and AIMP on biopsy-confirmed RCM image stacks. We identified local z-projection (LZP) as a recent fast approach for projecting a 3D image into 2D while preserving information and achieved high-accuracy machine classification with minimal computational requirements.

Complex management of lentigo maligna in the setting of chrysiasis, argyriasis, and tattoo using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy.

Lentigo maligna (LM) can be difficult to diagnose and recurrence is not uncommon. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) improves diagnostic accuracy of LM. LM can be difficult to discern from coexistent metal-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation (MICH). We are the first to describe three cases of LM associated with gold, silver, and metal oxide (from tattoos) and the RCM findings, respectively. The images obtained via RCM were analyzed by two RCM experts, and histopathology reviewed by a dermatopathologist. MICH under RCM appeared as intensely hyperreflective dots (when found freely) or clusters of variable sizes (when engulfed by macrophages) limited to the dermis. Dermal dendritic cells and melanophages were also found in association but distinct from the confluence of dendritic cells at the dermoepidermal junction observed in LM. We showed longitudinal changes within the dermis in MICH, not previously reported, where these hyperreflective dots congregate into clusters. RCM was able to distinguish the features of LM from MICH, delineate treatment margins, and monitor for recurrence.

Onychomatricoma: A Case Report with 5-year Follow-up.

The authors present a case of onychomatricoma, a rare benign tumour of the nail matrix, first described by Baran and Kint in 1992. The lesion appeared on the proximal nail fold, covering half the nail of the second left finger. The nail was thickened and yellowish with longitudinal melanonychia. It was surgically removed with very satisfactory aesthetic results even after 5 years. A review on the subject is also presented.

Lasers e preenchimentos: possíveis complicações / Lasers and cutaneous fillers: possible complications

O tratamento das cicatrizes de acne, queixa dermatológica comum e motivo de ansiedade para os pacientes é desafiante, consistindo geralmente em múltiplas abordagens seriadas. Descreve-se um caso em que foram indicados preenchimento com ácido hialurônico e laser fracionado de CO2, tendo ocorrido complicação inusitada, devido ao curto intervalo de tempo entre a utilização das técnicas. Discutem-se a necessidade de relação médico/paciente estreita e confidente para conter a ansiedade dos pacientes e de estudos que determinem o intervalo ideal entre as abordagens terapêuticas no tratamento das cicatrizes de acne.

The treatment of acne scars ­ a common dermatological complaint and cause of anxiety for patients ­ is challenging, usually consisting of multiple serial methods. The authors of the present article describe a case where hyaluronic acid cutaneous filling and fractional CO2 laser were indicated, with an unusual complication occurring due to the short time interval between the applications of the techniques. The article discuses the need for a close and frank physician / patient relationship aimed at containing patient anxiety as well as studies determining the optimal time interval between therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acne scars.

The prognostic importance of parotid involvement by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - Case report

Abstract Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common malignant cutaneous cancer, with 60% occurring in the head and neck region. Metastases are uncommon and imply a more conservative prognosis. This report describes a case of parotid-invasive, facial squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting the importance of its prognostic and therapeutic management. The patient is an 81-year-old female, exhibiting extensive tumoral lesions in the pre-auricular region, affecting the parotid parenchyma and implying the metastatic involvement of the intra-parotid lymph node. Parotid involvement caused by SCC in specificity tumors is discussed herein. Parotid invasion is currently recognized as an isolated variable. It affects survival rates and determines certain changes in case management, such as the broadening of resection areas and adjuvant radiotherapy.