ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Melanocytic skin tumors can be divided into benign nevi and malignant which take the form of melanoma. Melanocytic nevi are common in both adults and children. It is widely acknowledged that they are one of the risk factors of the formation of melanoma. However, melanoma among children is rare. In addition, differentiation of benign and malignant melanocytic tumors is often challenging. Recent studies suggest that COX-2 protein maybe useful in excluding malignant transformation of melanocytic lesion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and differences of reactions with COX-2 in groups of nevi in children and melanoma adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 75 common nevi and 43 atypical nevi incised in children and 15 cases of melanoma removed in adults. Paraffin blocks were used to make a preparations with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining (H + E) and immunohistochemistry. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Positive reactions were observed in both melanocytic nevi and melanoma. Differences between benign and malignant melanocytic tumors were statistically significant. Differences within melanocytic nevi were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The reactions of COX-2 are present in all nevi and do not allow to differentiate between their various types. COX-2 has potential utility in the differentiation of benign and malignant melanocytic tumors.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism , Melanoma/metabolism , Nevus, Pigmented/metabolism , Nevus/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms/metabolism , Adult , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Melanoma/diagnosis , Nevus/diagnosis , Nevus, Pigmented/diagnosis , Skin Diseases/diagnosis , Skin Diseases/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injuries in children seeking medical advice at trauma care centres. Most cases are treated conservatively and hospitalisation is not necessary. However, surgery under general anaesthesia is often required on account of severity of the injuries and the patients' young age. The aim of the paper is to discuss a series of patients treated in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Oncology between 2008 and 2010, and present the problems associated with surgical care in fingertip injuries in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 76 children were treated in the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology between 2008 and 2010 because of fingertip injuries. This group is estimated to represent approx. 10% of all patients admitted to the Emergency Unit. Fingertip injuries were treated with situation sutures, V-Y-plasty, suturing back the amputated fingertip and by suturing into thenar skin. Data were extracted from medical files and presented as percentages. RESULTS: There were 50 boys in the group of 76 children (65.79%). Mean age was 7 years. Most of the patients were children aged 1 to 5 years (36 patients, 47.37%). In 45 children (59%), the right hand was injured. Injury to fingers responsible for the pincer grasp occurred in 29 children (38.16%). CONCLUSIONS: Fingertip injuries are among the most common injuries in children and preservation of the hand's motor abilities depends on thorough surgical care. Most children with fingertip injuries are treated in Emergency Units and only 10% of patients need surgery under general anaesthesia after hospital admission. A number of surgical techniques can be used in the management of fingertip injuries in children. These techniques represent adaptations of methods used in adults. A model for the evaluation of severity and management of fingertip injuries in children should be established.
