Giant cell epulis.

Giant cell epulis (peripheral giant cell granuloma) typically appears as a reactive benign lesion in the oral cavity in areas following local irritation or chronic trauma. Here we describe the case of a 45-year-old male patient who presented with the chief complaint of a large gingival mass in the anterolateral maxilla. There had been progressive growth within the past few months, with increased painless discomfort during mastication. The patient also reported bleeding during interdental cleaning. A full physical work-up led to the suspicion of giant cell epulis alongside other differentials including mucosal hemangioma and squamous cell carcinoma, with unremarkable laboratory values. Imaging including computed tomography showed signs of previous insertion of metal implants on either side of the lesion alongside mucosal hyperplasia. A confirmatory biopsy was taken and showed multiple giant cells on a reactive bed of stroma, in line with the diagnosis of giant cell epulis. Oral inflammatory conditions such as giant cell epulis have greater chances of local recurrence and, therefore, careful investigation with timely and accurate diagnosis is imperative for appropriate early treatment. Complete surgical excision should then be employed to prevent relapses, as incomplete removal can lead to further recurrence. Identification and eradication of potential sources of irritation should also be considered when treating the patient, to avoid further recurrence.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the scalp: dermatosurgical approach with favourable outcome.

Although described as early as 1975 as a distinct, rare form of cancer with diverse localization, primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC) remains a mystery and challenge for both clinicians and pathologists. The clinical presentation cannot be clearly distinguished from amelanotic melanoma or intradermal nevus, Merkel cell carcinoma, trichofolliculoma, trichoepithelioma or other rare tumors of the adnexa, or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The histopathological diagnosis requires not only careful evaluation of standard hematoxylin/eosin preparations, but also immunohistochemical staining with a number of markers such as epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), S-100, SOX-10, Ki- 67, CD-117 (c-kit), Vimentin, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Ber-EP4 and many others. The surgical approach should consist of excision with margins between 1 and 2 cm, with the choice of margins depending upon the histopathological findings in the primary excisional specimen. We present a 31-year-old patient with an enlarging, amelanotic, plaque-like tumor of the scalp with a duration of no more than 18-24 months. Surgical treatment was performed within two surgical sessions with a total resection field of 1.3 cm. A good cosmetic result was achieved.

Double hatchet flap as adequate dermatosurgical approach for tumours of the occipital scalp zone: Presentation of two cases.

Tumors of the scalp remain a serious challenge for clinicians since poor locoregional skin elasticity hinders the ability to utilise certain flaps, limiting the choice of reconstructive techniques available. As a result, surgical restoration of medium to large-sized defects are left to the discretion of the surgeon, who with a comprehensive knowledge of restorative techniques, along with the advantages, limitations as well as a sound understanding of the locoregional anatomy, can make thorough decisions on the choice of which flap is best suited for the defect. Here we present two cases where the double hatchet flap was employed as a dermatosurgical approach in order to provide exceptional cosmetic results. On dermatological examination, both patients presented with a medium to large- sized tumour formation but were otherwise in good health. Both underwent radical, widelocal excision, followed by reconstructive manipulation in the form of a double hatchet flap to close the defect. Postoperative follow- up reported positive signs of wound healing with aesthetically pleasing results. Finally, we discuss the use of various flaps in such conditions while providing evidence for the double hatchet flap as a possible alternative that provides perfect aesthetic results as seen in our cases. Such a complex surgical intervention requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary team in order to achieve an overall successful outcome.

Mucocutaneous Melanoma - A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Problem.

Mucosal melanoma, or so-called mucosal-oral melanoma is a rare but serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The "primary mixed" mucocutaneous forms of melanoma, which affect both the mucosa and the adjacent skin, are also particularly problematic and rare. Given that the staging, diagnosis, and treatment of mucosal (oral) melanoma differs from that of cutaneous melanoma, staging in mixed melanoma (primary mucocutaneous melanoma) as well as decisions for each subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic step should be individualized and modified according to the recommendations of the respective two classifications (for cutaneous but also mucosal melanomas), while at the same time or at least to a large extent overlapping with them. In practice, the following paradoxes occur during staging - there are melanomas with the same tumor thickness, but in different stages, which should be treated in a different, consensus-based way. At the same time, it would be appropriate for the surgical interventions to be in accordance with the patient's wishes for minimal trauma/reduced risk of developing facial disproportion. We present the case of a 69-year-old patient with a newly-developed lesion in the area of the mucosa of the upper lip and adjacent skin, which was identified as a primary mucocutaneous form of melanoma after surgical removal. The complex pathogenesis of the disease is discussed herein, emphasizing the role of UV radiation, iatrogenic immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and prednisolone (due to severe glomerulonephritis leading to kidney transplantation), as well as the potential possible but speculative pathogenetic role of acetyl salicylic acid, etc. Primary mucosal and mucocutaneous forms of melanoma remain a challenge for clinicians, and steps for their diagnosis and treatment should be an expression of multidisciplinary, consensual solutions.

The great imitator, revisited.

Our study shows an atypical presentation of primary syphilis inappropriately treated with surgery: a 36-year-old male visited our clinic for a consultation 2 weeks after surgery, since he had noticed a recurrent lesion on the glans head of the penis. Clinical data, histologic pictures and serological tests, confirmed the diagnosis of an atypical presentation of primary syphilis; in addition, Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found. The patient was started on a course of doxycycline 100 mg tablets, twice daily for 4 weeks. At follow up, there was complete remission.

Baboon syndrome (SDRIFE) after valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide intake for several years.

Herein, we present a case of baboon syndrome/SDRIFE that occurred after intake of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide for several years. The patient falls within the five diagnostic criteria and to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports associating valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide with baboon syndrome/SDRIFE. Withdrawal of the anti-hypertensive drugs and initiation of topical and systemic steroids provided symptomatic relief and follow-up showed favourable results with complete remission of the cutaneous eruptions.

Giant Mushroom-like Neglected Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Shoulder with Spontaneous Bleeding: A Successful Surgical Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) are extremely rare and typically more aggressive than their predecessor subtype. GBCCs with mushroom-like morphology have rarely been reported, with only one other case identified in the literature. Here we present a unique case of a neglected giant mushroom-like BCC that was treated successfully. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 81-year-old male patient presented with a large ulcerative mass on his back. He had a medical history of chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which were controlled with heart medication. During a routine visit to change the dressing of the lesion, the central pedunculated stalk underwent spontaneous haemorrhaging which led to massive blood loss. The patient was treated for shock and the lesion was completely excised under emergency surgery. The tumour was sent for histopathological assessment after complete surgical removal. Recovery was successful with good postoperative results and no recurrence was reported in the 12 months following discharge. DISCUSSION: The patient was under long-standing anticoagulant therapy that contributed to the untimely rupture of the pedunculated lesion and led to spontaneous heavy haemorrhaging. Treatment for such giant lesions can be complex, especially in patients with co-morbid conditions. Careful assessment and early treatment are paramount for successful results. CONCLUSION: Complete removal of such lesions is very successful for treating GBCCs. LEARNING POINTS: Giant mushroom-like basal cell carcinoma is a rare phenomenon that may only occur as a result of patient neglect and failure to seek early medical intervention.Patients with such lesions require special attention as multiple co-morbidities can play a role in disease progression.Early aggressive surgical intervention may be the best strategy for successful treatment and to prevent recurrence.