Clinicopathological report Periocular tumour of the follicular infundibulum.

Tumour of the follicular infundibulum (TFI) is an uncommon, benign lesion of the skin adnexae. Four cases are reported of periocular TFI. In all cases a clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma was made before surgery; however, histopatholog ca examination revealed TFI. This is an epithelial tumour showing differentiation along the lines of the follicular infundibulum. Characteristic features are a shelf-like proliferat on of pale epithelia cells in the upper dermis, attachment to the epidermis and the upper portions of the pilosebaceous units, a dense border of elastic fibres, and palisading of the peripheral cell layer of the tumour plate. This benign tumour has not, to the authors' knowledge, been reported in the ophthalmic literature. It has a non-specific appearance and may be clinically misdiagnosed as naevus sebaceous, xanthoma, seborrhoeic keratosis, or basal cell carcinoma.

Nail biting finish for NVQ academics.

The article in Nursing Standard entitled 'NVQ for the dole' (Viewpoint, August 24) is yet another example of ostrich-like behaviour by nursing academics.

Tired of Sister Susie's jibes at NVQs.

While I appreciate that the Sister Susie column is written tongue in cheek, it seems to me sad that she makes constant jibes at staff who have obtained NVQ certificates.