Dermatology in black skin.

The vast majority of publications in dermatology refer to lightly pigmented skin, with few addressing the peculiarities of black skin. In addition there is no consensus on what it means to be black in different regions of the world. The lack of knowledge on the subject makes it difficult to recognize and manage dermatoses in this type of skin. This article aims to review the literature on intrinsic characteristics, as well as epidemiological and clinical aspects of the cutaneous manifestations of different dermatoses in black skin. It was found that there are sometimes striking differences, in the structural, biological, and functional aspects when comparing lightly pigmented and black skin. There are also physiological changes that need to be recognized to avoid unnecessary interventions. Some dermatoses have a higher incidence in black skin, such as acne, eczema, dyschromia and dermatophytosis. On the other hand, several dermatoses are more specific to black skin, such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, keloid, dermatosis papulosa nigra, ulcers caused by sickle-cell anemia, dactylolysis spontanea, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud, and some diseases of the hair and scalp (including fragile and brittle hair, traction alopecia, folliculitis keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis dissecans and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia). A spectrum of peculiar aspects of specific dermatoses, including sarcoidosis, lichen planus (with emphasis on the pigmentosus variant), psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, syphilis, pityriasis versicolor, and neoplasms are highlighted. In the latter, characteristics of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are compared, in addition to highlighting unusual aspects of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, endemic Kaposi sarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Paracoccidioidomycosis with sarcoid-like lesions:a diagnostic challenge.

Clinical presentation of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) can be diverse. Morphology and quantity of skin lesions depends on interactions between host immunity and fungus virulence. Diagnosis can be a challenge considering that this fungus has low virulence and some individuals have immunity to microorganism, which results in well-marked granulomas without visible microorganisms. We report herein a clinical presentation of sarcoid-like PCM, initially diagnosed as tuberculoid leprosy. This rare type of PCM is often mistaken for other types of chronic granulomatous diseases. Diagnosis was confirmed after 4 years when a special stain analysis helped in the identification of the specific etiologic agent.

Paracoccidioidomycosis with sarcoid-like lesions: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract Clinical presentation of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) can be diverse. Morphology and quantity of skin lesions depends on interactions between host immunity and fungus virulence. Diagnosis can be a challenge considering that this fungus has low virulence and some individuals have immunity to microorganism, which results in well-marked granulomas without visible microorganisms. We report herein a clinical presentation of sarcoid-like PCM, initially diagnosed as tuberculoid leprosy. This rare type of PCM is often mistaken for other types of chronic granulomatous diseases. Diagnosis was confirmed after 4 years when a special stain analysis helped in the identification of the specific etiologic agent.

Sebaceous hyperplasia: systemic treatment with isotretinoin.

The study aimed to verify the therapeutic action of isotretinoin in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. During two months, 20 patients with sebaceous hyperplasia took isotretinoin at a dosage of 1mg/kg per day. Their skin lesions were counted and photographed before and after treatment and re-evaluated two years later. The average number of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions before treatment was 24 per patient. At the end of two months of therapy, the number of lesions decreased to 2 per patient. The statistically analyzed data showed a reduction in the number of lesions following isotretinoin use (p < 0.05). Two years after the end of the treatment, the average number of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions was 4 per patient. There were no severe side effects. Thus, the data analysis suggests that isotretinoin is a safe and effective drug for treating the disease under study.

Sebaceous hyperplasia: systemic treatment with isotretinoin

The study aimed to verify the therapeutic action of isotretinoin in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. During two months, 20 patients with sebaceous hyperplasia took isotretinoin at a dosage of 1mg/kg per day. Their skin lesions were counted and photographed before and after treatment and re-evaluated two years later. The average number of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions before treatment was 24 per patient. At the end of two months of therapy, the number of lesions decreased to 2 per patient. The statistically analyzed data showed a reduction in the number of lesions following isotretinoin use (p < 0.05). Two years after the end of the treatment, the average number of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions was 4 per patient. There were no severe side effects. Thus, the data analysis suggests that isotretinoin is a safe and effective drug for treating the disease under study.

Prurido no idoso / Pruritus in the elderly

Entende-se por prurido uma sensação cutânea desagradável que leva o indivíduo a coçar-se, podendo estar relacionado a doenças dermatológicas ou até mesmo sistêmicas. Esta dermatose é queixa frequente no idoso e, por vezes, apresenta um grande impacto em sua qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever suas possíveis causas. Analisaram-se também os aspectos relacionados ao seu diagnóstico e tratamento. O prurido, na senilidade, pode ser associado a várias causas, sendo a xerose (pele seca) a mais frequente. A busca pela etiologia correta é um fator decisivo para a escolha do tratamento eficaz. É importante ressaltar que, nessa faixa etária, a ocorrência de reações adversas a medicamentos é alta, devido, principalmente, ao uso concomitante de vários fármacos.Uma boa avaliação, incluindo anamnese e exame físico completo, é de suma importância para que se possa fazer um raciocínio clínico adequado e aplicação de um tratamento eficaz.

Pruritus is understood as an unpleasant skin sensation that makes people scratch themselves. It may be related to skinor systemic diseases. It is a frequent complaint of the elderly and many times it highly impacts patient's quality of life. The objective of this work was to study pruritus possible causes, also analyzing aspects related to its diagnosis and treatment. Among the elderly, pruritus can be associated to various causes and the most frequent one is xerosis (dry skin). The search for the correct etiology is a decision factor for the choice of an effective treatment. It is important to highlight that in this age the occurrence of adverse drug reactions is elevated, especially because of concomitant use of multiple drugs. A welldone evaluation, including anamnesis and complete physical examination, is extremely important for an adequate clinical reasoning and for effective treatment application.

Câncer na pele negra / The black skin cancer

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O câncer da pele é a neoplasia de maior incidência no Brasil. O câncer na pele negra é menos comum em relação à pele clara, mas está frequentemente associado com o aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o câncer na pele negra no Brasil. CONTEÚDO: Em indivíduos de pele escura o carcinoma espinocelular é a neoplasia mais comum, seguido do carcinoma basocelular e do melanoma. O carcinoma espinocelular e o melanoma geralmente ocorrem em locais não expostos ao sol e a radiação ultravioleta não é um fator etiológico importante,ao contrário do carcinoma basocelular que habitualmente localiza-se em regiões mais expostas. Os tumores nessa população tendem a se apresentar em estágios mais avançados e com pior prognóstico. Inúmeros fatores contribuem para isso, como a falta de experiência médica para diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças cutâneas de diferentes etnias, crença de que a pele negra é completamente protegida contra o câncer da pele, e menor acesso aos cuidados médicos e triagem preventiva por fatores socioeconômicos e culturais. No entanto, como no Brasil existe um grande número de negros, é necessário que os médicos se familiarizem com as diferentes nuanças que ocâncer da pele pode adquirir na pele mais pigmentada. CONCLUSÃO: Os cânceres da pele representam um risco significativo nas pessoas de pele escura, os médicos deveriam centrar-se sobre medidas preventivas nestes grupos, como exames de pele regular, autoexame, educação pública e programas de rastreio.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Skin cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in Brazil. The black skin cancer is less commonin relation to the skin, but is often associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This paper to study cancer in black skinin Brazil. CONTENTS: In individuals with dark skin squamous cell carcinomais the most common neoplasm, followed by basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma often occur in places not exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet radiationis not an important etiologic factor, unlike basal cell carcinoma usually located in regions most at risk. The tumors in this population tend to present in more advanced stages and bring a worse prognosis. Several factors contribute to this, the lack of medical expertise for diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases of different ethnicities, belief that black skin is fully protected against skin cancer, and less access to medical care and preventive screening for socioeconomic and cultural factors. However, as in Brazil there are a large number of blacks, it is necessary that health professionals become familiar with the different nuances that skin cancer can occurred the skin pigmentation. CONCLUSION: The skin cancers represent a significant risk in people with dark skin; doctors should focus on preventive measuresin these groups, such as regular skin examinations, self-examination, public education and screening programs.

Occupational dermatosis.

Occupational Dermatosis is described as any alteration in the skin, mucosa or annexes that is directly or indirectly caused, conditioned, maintained or aggravated by agents present in the occupational activity or work environment. The authors of the present study describe the importance of the topic and the epidemiology and etiopathogeny of the main forms of occupational dermatoses: allergic and irritative contact dermatitis, phytodermatitis, acne (elaioconioses and chloracne), keratosis, cancers, foreign body granuloma, infections, onychias, and ulcerations. Clinical findings of occupational dermatosis are presented in relation to various professions. Laboratory tests used to diagnose this condition are analysed, with special emphasis on patch testing, which is the gold standard. Information about the treatment and prevention of this disorder is provided. Collective and individual measures, especially regarding the proper use of individual protection equipment for the prevention of occupational dermatosis, are detailed.

Incidence of skin conditions in neonates born at a public hospital associated with some variables in pregnant women at risk / Incidência de dermatoses em neonatos de enfermaria para gestantes de risco em hospital público

Objectives: To verify the incidence of skin diseases in newborns of pregnant women at risk of a public hospital in the city of Santos, Brazil (Hospital Guilherme Alvaro), determining the potential relation between these dermatoses and diseases presented by the mothers. Methods: A total of 1,000 neonates were examined in the first 36 hours of life. The examination was repeated daily in each child up to hospital discharge. The paternal and newborn variables were submitted to analysis to detect statistically significant associations. Results: The most frequent skin disorders were: Mongolian spot (69.8%), erythema toxicum neonatorum (19.7%), Port-wine stain (angiomatous naevi) (13.9%), and hypertrichosis lanuginose (10.3%). Conclusions: Minipuberty had a low incidence in neonates of diabetic mothers. The incidence of Mongolian spot was very low among newborns classified as caucasian.

Objetivos: O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as dermatoses em uma população específica de recém-nascidos do Hospital Guilherme Álvaro (Santos, SP), verificando-se a possível correlação dessas dermatoses com doenças apresentadas pelas mães durante a gestação. Métodos: Mil crianças recém-nascidas foram examinadas nas primeiras 36 horas de vida e reexaminadas todos os dias seguintes, até a alta hospitalar. As variáveis paternas e as dos recém-nascidos foram submetidas à análise para se detectarem relações significativas estatisticamente. Resultados: As dermatoses mais diagnosticadas foram: mancha mongólica (69,8%), eritema tóxico neonatal (19,7%), mancha de vinho-do-porto (13,8%) e hipertricose lanuginosa (10,3%). Conclusões: A puberdade em miniatura teve baixa incidência entre os neonatos de mães diabéticas. A mancha mongólica teve incidência muito baixa entre recém-nascidos classificados como brancos.

Dermatoses ocupacionais / Occupational dermatosis

Dermatose ocupacional é qualquer alteração da pele, mucosa e anexos, direta ou indiretamente causada, condicionada, mantida ou agravada por agentes presentes na atividade ocupacional ou no ambiente de trabalho. Os autores referem a importância do tema, a epidemiologia e a etiopatogenia das principais dermatoses ocupacionais: dermatites de contato irritativas e alérgicas, fitodermatites, acnes (elaioconiose e cloracne), ceratoses, cânceres, granulomas de corpo estranho, infecções, oníquias e ulcerações. A clínica da dermatose ocupacional é apresentada em diferentes profissões. Analisam-se os exames laboratoriais pedidos nessas dermatoses, com especial destaque para testes de contato, que são o padrão ouro, e fornecem-se dados do tratamento e prevenção; quanto à prevenção da dermatose ocupacional, informam-se as medidas coletivas e individuais, especialmente, no que respeita ao uso adequado dos equipamentos de proteção individual.

Occupational Dermatosis is described as any alteration in the skin, mucosa or annexes that is directly or indirectly caused, conditioned, maintained or aggravated by agents present in the occupational activity or work environment. The authors of the present study describe the importance of the topic and the epidemiology and etiopathogeny of the main forms of occupational dermatoses: allergic and irritative contact dermatitis, phytodermatitis, acne (elaioconioses and chloracne), keratosis, cancers, foreign body granuloma, infections, onychias, and ulcerations. Clinical findings of occupational dermatosis are presented in relation to various professions. Laboratory tests used to diagnose this condition are analysed, with special emphasis on patch testing, which is the gold standard. Information about the treatment and prevention of this disorder is provided. Collective and individual measures, especially regarding the proper use of individual protection equipment for the prevention of occupational dermatosis, are detailed.

Incidence of skin conditions in neonates born at a public hospital associated with some variables in pregnant women at risk.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the incidence of skin diseases in newborns of pregnant women at risk of a public hospital in the city of Santos, Brazil (Hospital Guilherme Alvaro), determining the potential relation between these dermatoses and diseases presented by the mothers. METHODS: A total of 1,000 neonates were examined in the first 36 hours of life. The examination was repeated daily in each child up to hospital discharge. The paternal and newborn variables were submitted to analysis to detect statistically significant associations. RESULTS: The most frequent skin disorders were: Mongolian spot (69.8%), erythema toxicum neonatorum (19.7%), Port-wine stain (angiomatous naevi) (13.9%), and hypertrichosis lanuginose (10.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Minipuberty had a low incidence in neonates of diabetic mothers. The incidence of Mongolian spot was very low among newborns classified as caucasian.

Uso da pinça de calázio para biópsia de glândula salivar menor no diagnóstico da síndrome de Sjögren / Use of chalazion clamp for minor salivary gland biopsy in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome

A biópsia da glândula salivar menor é essencial para o diagnóstico da síndrome de Sjögren. Os autores demonstram o uso da pinça de calázio para facilitar este procedimento. A pinça de calázio retém o sangramento da mucosa labial e expõe mais facilmente as glândulas salivares para a sua dissecação e exérese individual, o que facilita a remoção de várias glândulas para a realização do exame histopatológico.

Minor salivary gland biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. The authors demonstrate the use of chalazion clamp to facilitate this procedure. Chalazion clamp retains the lip mucosal bleeding and exposes the salivary glands more easily for their dissection and excision individually, which facilitates the removal of various glands to histopathological examination.

Dermatologia na pele negra / Dermatology in black skin

Este estudo aborda a dermatologia na pele negra. Inicialmente, discute os conceitos de raça e etnia, assim como os critérios de classificação da população brasileira, indicando as regiões em que a população negra se concentra. A seguir, faz breve explanação sobre os sistemas de classificação da cor da pele e descreve particularidades estruturais, biológicas e funcionais da epiderme, derme e anexos cutâneos que diferenciam as peles clara e escura. Posteriormente, mostra algumas alterações fisiológicas comumente observadas na pele, nas unhas e nas mucosas dos indivíduos negros. Aponta, também, alguns padrões de reações e modificações da cor das lesões, decorrentes da hiperpigmentação cutânea, que determinam aspectos inusitados às dermatoses, dificultando seu reconhecimento. Finalmente, destaca algumas doenças em especial, enfatizando particularidades inerentes ao padrão das lesões e à freqüência de algumas dermatoses na pele negra. Nesse contexto, a intenção foi fornecer dados para auxiliar o dermatologista a se familiarizar com as diferentes nuanças que as doenças podem adquirir na pele mais pigmentada.

This study approaches dermatology in dark skinned individuals. First, it discusses the concepts of race and ethnicity, as well as the classification criteria of the Brazilian population, indicating areas where the dark skinned people are concentrated. Next, it makes one brief explanation on skin color classification systems and describes structural, biological and functional characteristics of the epidermis, dermis and cutaneous attachments that differentiate dark from fair skin. It also approaches some physiological alterations that usually are observed in the skin, nails and in the mucosa of dark skinned people. Also discussed are some patterns of reactions and alterations of lesion color, due to cutaneous hyperpigmentation, which lend unexpected aspects to the dermatosis, making its recognition difficult. Finally, the study highlights some diseases in particular, emphasizing inherent characteristics associated to lesion patterns and the frequency of some dermatoses in the black skin. The aim of this study was to bring data to help the dermatologist be familiar with the different nuances that lesions may present in a more pigmented skin.

The oral mucosa in paucibacillary leprosy: a clinical and histopathological study.

BACKGROUND: Involvement of the oral mucosa can occur in lepromatous leprosy; however, lesions in the oral mucosa of paucibacillary patients have not been previously observed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine whether clinical and subclinical lesions exist in oral mucosa in nontreated paucibacillary leprosy patients, using clinical and histopathological examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical and histopathological study involving 30 untreated paucibacillary leprosy patients was conducted. All patients underwent biopsies of the buccal mucosa, soft palate, and tongue. When acid-fast bacilli in association with inflammatory infiltrate, granulomatous or not, were encountered, it was considered "specific" involvement of the oral mucosa; and "nonspecific" involvement when the bacilli were not encountered. RESULTS: Eight nonspecific chronic inflammatory reactions and 1 granulomatous inflammatory process without acid-fast bacilli were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Paucibacillary leprosy patients do not exhibit specific, clinical or subclinical, involvement in the oral mucosa; nonspecific alterations occur even in the absence of signs and symptoms.

Queilite actínica adjacente ao carcinoma espinocelular do lábio como indicador de prognóstico / Actinic cheilitis adjacent to squamous carcinoma of the lips as an indicator of prognosis

Muitos estudos demonstram associação entre queilite actínica e carcinoma espinocelular do lábio. OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação da queilite actínica com o prognóstico dessa neoplasia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Elaborou-se um estudo de coorte retrospectivo com corte transversal em carcinoma espinocelular do lábio. Cortes histológicos desse tumor, levantados entre 1993-2000, nos arquivos do Departamento de Patologia/Universidade Federal de São Paulo, foram revisados para evidenciar presença ou ausência de queilite actínica no vermelhão adjacente ao tumor. Os prontuários dos pacientes foram revisados à procura de informações sobre exposição solar, metástase e recidiva. A ocorrência ou ausência de recidiva e metástase foi correlacionada com a presença ou ausência de queilite actínica no vermelhão. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Dos 31 pacientes selecionados predominou o sexo masculino, cor da pele branca e localização no lábio inferior. Constatou-se: independência entre a ocorrência de metástase e recidiva com sexo, cor dos pacientes e localizações no lábio superior ou inferior; dependência entre a presença de queilite actínica e elastose solar, dependência entre a ausência de queilite actínica e presença de metástase; independência entre a ausência de queilite actínica e presença de recidiva. CONCLUSÃO: Os tumores originários de queilite actínica têm melhor prognóstico.

Many studies have shown an association between actinic cheilitis and squamous carcinoma of the lips. AIM: The aim of the study was to observe the relation between actinic cheilitis and the prognosis of squamous carcinoma of the lips. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study of squamous carcinoma of the lips. Histological sections of squamous carcinoma tumors done at the the Departament of Pathology of the Sao Paulo Federal University between 1993 and 2000 were reviewed for evidence of actinic cheilitis in the lip vermillion adjacent to the tumor. Patient reports were reviewed to find information about exposure to sun, metastases and relapses. The occurrence or absence of relapses and metastases was correlated with the presence or absence of actinic cheilitis in the lip vermillion. Data was analyzed by FisherÆs Exact test. RESULTS: Of the 31 selected patients, most were caucasian, males and with lower lip involvement. Statistical analysis demonstrated independence between the occurrence of metastases and relapse and gender, skin color and site (lower or upper lips). There was dependence between actinic cheilitis and solar elastosis, and between the absence of actinic cheilitis and the occurrence of metastases. There was no dependence between the absence of actinic cheilitis and the occurrence of relapses. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that tumors originating from actinic cheilitis have a better prognosis.

A mucosa oral na hanseníase: um estudo clínico e histopatológico / The oral mucosa in leprosy: a clinical and histopathological study

INTRODUÇÃO: a anseníase multibacilar pode causar comprometimento da mucosa oral, com ou sem lesões aparentes. Há poucos estudos que tratam deste assunto na era da multidrogaterapia. OBJETIVO: Verificar a freqüência do comprometimento da mucosa oral em pacientes de hanseníase multibacilar. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal em vinte pacientes de hanseníase multibacilar, não-tratados, atendidos consecutivamente em Dracena, São Paulo, entre o período de 2000 e 2002. Foi realizado exame clínico completo da mucosa oral. Os pacientes foram submetidos a biópsias na mucosa jugal, na língua e no palato mole, em alteração ou em pontos pré-estabelecidos. Os cortes foram corados pelas técnicas da hematoxilina-eosina e Ziehl-Neelsen. O encontro de granuloma e bacilos álcool-ácido-resistentes ao exame histopatológico determinou o comprometimento específico. RESULTADOS: O estudo envolveu 19 pacientes multibacilares com tempo médio de evolução de 2,5 anos. Ocorreu comprometimento histopatológico específico em apenas um paciente virchowiano, com mucosa oral clinicamente normal, na língua e no palato mole. CONCLUSÕES: 1. Alteração clínica na mucosa oral não implica em comprometimento pela doença, é necessário confirmação histopatológica. 2. Alterações clínicas específicas aparentes são raras. 3. A mucosa oral clinicamente normal pode exibir comprometimento histopatológico específico.

INTRODUCTION: Multibacillary leprosy may involve the oral mucosa, with or without apparent lesions. There are few studies that deal with this issue in the era of multidrug therapy. AIM: To assess the frequence of oral mucosa involvement in multibacillary leprosy patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A transversal study with twenty non-treated multibacillary leprosy patients. The patients were treated in Dracena, São Paulo, between 2000 and 2002. Clinical examination of the oral mucosa was carried out. All patients were submitted to jugal mucosa, soft palate and tongue biopsies, in altered or in pre-established sites. The cross-sections were stained by techniques of hematoxilin-eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen. Granuloma and alcohol-acid-resistant bacilli findings determined the specific histopathological involvement. RESULTS: The study involved 19 patients with an average of 2.5 years of disease progression. Specific histopathological involvement occurred in the tongue and soft palate of one lepromatous patient with an apparently normal oral mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Clinical alterations in the oral mucosa does not imply disease involvement, it is necessary to have histopathological confirmation. (2) Apparent specific clinical alterations are rare. (3) The clinically normal oral mucosa can show specific histopathological involvement.

Actinic cheilitis adjacent to squamous carcinoma of the lips as an indicator of prognosis.

UNLABELLED: Many studies have shown an association between actinic cheilitis and squamous carcinoma of the lips. AIM: The aim of the study was to observe the relation between actinic cheilitis and the prognosis of squamous carcinoma of the lips. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study of squamous carcinoma of the lips. Histological sections of squamous carcinoma tumors done at the the Department of Pathology of the Sao Paulo Federal University between 1993 and 2000 were reviewed for evidence of actinic cheilitis in the lip vermillion adjacent to the tumor. Patient reports were reviewed to find information about exposure to sun, metastases and relapses. The occurrence or absence of relapses and metastases was correlated with the presence or absence of actinic cheilitis in the lip vermillion. Data was analyzed by Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: Of the 31 selected patients, most were caucasian, males and with lower lip involvement. Statistical analysis demonstrated independence between the occurrence of metastases and relapse and gender, skin color and site (lower or upper lips). There was dependence between actinic cheilitis and solar elastosis, and between the absence of actinic cheilitis and the occurrence of metastases. There was no dependence between the absence of actinic cheilitis and the occurrence of relapses. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that tumors originating from actinic cheilitis have a better prognosis.

Epidemiology of Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most frequent neoplasm in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although many studies on KS epidemiology have been performed in other countries, few have been carried out in Brazil despite the high incidence of AIDS. METHODS: One hundred and seven KS patients seen in São Paulo, Brazil, between August 1995 and November 1998 were studied. The patients were followed for 1 year with assessment of the immunologic status, improvement of the lesions, treatment, and causes of death at the end of this period. RESULTS: KS occurred mainly in men (94.4%) with a mean age of 37 years, and 25.2% of these patients were found to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive through KS. HIV was acquired mainly through homosexual contact. The patients presented an average of 15.9 KS lesions at the first visit and the mean duration of KS lesions before the first visit was 15.5 months. The clinical presentation was predominantly papules and plaques, and 33.6% presented with mucosal and/or visceral disease. KS affected mainly the lower limbs. The mean time since the diagnosis of HIV infection was 42.4 months. The CD4+ cell count was lower than 200 cell/mm(3) in 60.8% of patients, but patients with a complete response showed an improvement in immune status after 1 year. Patients who did not show progression received a protease inhibitor as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Patients treated exclusively with HAART presented a complete response (61.6%), partial response (23%) or progression (15.4%) of KS. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in immune status and the use of HAART were the most important prognostic features.