bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cartilaginous papule of the ear
Authors: Paslin D.A. 
Published: April 2006

A 65‐year‐old white man developed 2 skin‐colored papules on the left helix. Microscopic examination disclosed hyperplasia of the auricular cartilage, a finding not heretofore described. It is unknown whether these cartilaginous papules of the ear represent a neoplastic or reactive phenomenon.Paslin DA. Cartilaginous papule of the ear.
Cytoskeleton and motility: an immunohistological and computer simulation analysis of melanocytic skin tumors
Authors: Fink‐Puches Regina , Smolle Josef 
Published: April 2006

Tumor cell motility and tumor cell proliferation are supposed to be essential for tumor invasion. The cytoskeleton, which consists of different components, is considered to be important for maintaining cell shape and facilitating cell movement. Numerous data are available about tumor cell motility in vitro, but the behavior of tumor cells in vivo is as yet poorly understood. In the present study, estimates of tumor cell motility and proliferation were statistically derived from morphological tumor patterns in human melanocytic skin tumors, and their relationship to expression of certain cytoskeletal components was evaluated. Over‐expression of vimentin within tumor cells correlated with low actual tumor cell motility and proliferation, indicating a structurally stabilizing function of these filaments. An overexpression of actin was found within tumor cells of high motility and proliferation, suggesting the contribution of cytocontractile elements to active tumor cell locomotion in situ. Concerning the cytoskeleton of the stromal cells, expression of actin, myosin and tubulin correlated with a high number of motile tumor cells and high mitotic counts. Thus increased tumor cell motility seems to be associated with cytoskeletal changes not only of the tumor cells themselves but also of the surrounding stromal cells.Fink‐Puches R, Smolle J. Cytoskeleton and motility: an immunohistological and computer simulation analysis of melanocytic skin tumors.
Nevoid malignant melanoma: morphologic patterns and immunohistochemical reactivity
Authors: McNutt N. Scott , Urmacher Carlos , Hakimian Jack , Hoss Diane M. , Lugo Jorge 
Published: April 2006

The term “nevoid malignant melanoma” (nevoid MM) is used here to describe rare nodular malignant melanomas that may escape detection in routine histological sections due to the lack of a prominent intraepidermal component, sharp lateral circumscription and evidence of partial maturation with descent in the dermis. Nevoid MM mimic ordinary compound or intradermal melanocytic nevi when the melanoma cells are small, or Spitz's nevi when the cells are large.The patterns of HMB‐45 staining in 12 nevoid MM were compared with those in 107 melanocytic nevi. HMB‐45 staining was strong in the dermal component of the nevoid MM, even in the absence of a junctional component. In common acquired and congenital nevi, the upper dermal component stained less than the junctional component of the lesion. The deepest components of these nevi were negative. Spitz nevi and cellular blue nevi had positive dermal cells, even without a junctional component. Additional staining for a proliferation marker, such as cyclin (PCNA) or Ki‐67 (with the antibody MIB‐1), can help further in distinguishing a nevoid MM from a Spitz's nevus. Melanoma has strong nuclear staining throughout the lesion. In contrast, Spitz's nevi have more staining at the top of the lesion than at the bottom. The patterns of HMB‐45 and MIB‐1 staining can be used along with standard histologic criteria for the diagnosis of nevoid MM. Clinicopathologic correlation is needed to distinguish some metastatic melanomas from primary nevoicl MM.
Elastic fibers in scar tissue
Authors: Roten Sonja Vollenweider , Bhat Shailesh , Bhawan Jag 
Published: April 2006

The capacity of the skin to be stretched and to return to its resting position is correlated to the quantity and to the quality of the elastic fiber network. Although elastic fibers have been demonstrated in scars, the time course of their appearance in scars and their role in scar elasticity has not been elucidated. A study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the elastic fiber network in scars.The scars studied were from re‐excision specimens following a biopsy performed for a benign or a malignant process. A total of 182 scars were evaluated in patients of different age groups. Miller's elastic tissue stain, considered to be superior to Verhoeff's van Giesen stain, was used. No elastic fibers were detected in any of 116 scars which were of less than 3 months' duration. In 66 scars present for over 3 months, a progressive increase in elastic fibers was present, first as focal and thin fibers, then as diffuse and thicker fibers. For scars of the same duration, a regional difference was noted in that scars from the back contained more and thicker elastic fibers than those from the cheek. When patients were stratified according to age, no appreciable difference was noted in the density of elastic fibers in both new and old scars between the different age groups. These results show that the synthesis of elastic tissue fibers in scars is a function of duration and site of the scar.
Small‐diameter invasive melanomas: clinical and pathologic characteristics
Authors: Gonzalez Alfonso , West Andrew J. , Pitha Jan V. , Taira James W. 
Published: April 2006

Background: Most melanomas when first diagnosed clinically are larger than common benign melanocytic nevi (> 6 mm). Smaller melanomas, however, may occasionally occur. Yet, very little is known about them.Objective: To determine the incidence and delineate the clinical and histologic characteristics of small‐diameter invasive melanomas.Methods: Slides of all melanomas diagnosed between 1984–1993 were reviewed and measured. All invasive lesions less than 6 mm were further scrutinized clinically and morphologically. Results: Among 357 invasive melanomas, 16 (4.4%) were less than 6 mm. Most lesions lacked some of the histologic features usually seen in large melanomas. One half of them were over 0.75 mm deep. Patients with small melanomas were on average 15 years younger than those with large lesions. In females, sites on the upper extremities predominate. In females, small melanomas had clinical signs of melanoma, while in males they resembled nevi.Conclusion: Melanomas smaller than 6 mm are not rare. Clinicians and pathologists must learn their features in order to diagnose them properly.
CD44 and melanocytic tumors: a possible role for standard CD44 in the epidermotropic spread of melanoma
Authors: Fernández‐Figueras Maria‐Teresa , Ariza Aurelio , Calatrava Ana , Puig Lluis , Fernández‐Vasalo Angeles , Ferrándiz Carlos 
Published: April 2006

CD44 is a polymorphic family of cell membrane glycoproteins that mediate cell‐matrix and cell‐cell interactions involved in the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis, and are subject to differential regulation during normal and malignant cell growth. We have investigated immunohistochemically the expression of CD44S and the variant isoforms CD44v3 and CD44v6 in paraffin‐embedded tissue from 5 Spitz nevi, 3 compound melanocytic nevi, 2 blue nevi, 6 primary melanomas, 15 cutaneous metastases (three epidermotropic, nine dermal and three ulcerated) and 10 lymph node metastases of melanoma. Melanocytes were extensively positive for CD44S in primary melanomas and benign melanocytic proliferations. Among 15 cases of cutaneous metastases of melanoma, the three epidermotropic metastases, as well as one of the three ulcerated ones were positive for CD44S. CD44S expression was diminished or totally absent in six of the nine dermal metastases, in two of the ulcerated metastases and in seven of the ten lymph node metastases. CD44v3 and CD44v6 melanocytic expression was absent in all the lesions studied.According to our results, selective retention of CD44S expression by melanocytes in epidermotropic metastases of melanoma seems to indicate that preservation of CD44S may contribute to the intraepidermal spread of melanoma.
Intradermal and subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 41 cases
Authors: Jensen Marianne Lidang , Jensen Olaf Myhre , Michalski Wojchiech , Nielsen Ole Steen , Keller Johnny 
Published: April 2006

Superficial leiomyosarcomas are rare tumours. The lesions confined to the dermis, contrary to those involving the subcutis, have been reported to carry a favourable prognosis.A retrospective study of 41 consecutive cases of surgically treated intradermal and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas was undertaken in order to determine the prognostic factors that may influence the survival of these patients. Seven tumours were predominantly intradermal and 34 involved the subcutaneous tissue. Fifty‐four percent of the tumours were located in the lower extremities. All cases stained positively for smooth muscle antigen and 66% for desmin. The tumours were classified with regard to tumour grade I (low grade, 3%), II (intermediate, 12%), IIIA (high grade, 46%) and IIIB (high grade, 39%). In all patients, follow‐up information was available. Mean follow‐up time was 5 years. The patients with intradermal tumours were all alive without signs of recurrence, whereas 14 of those with leiomyosarcomas involving the subcutis have died with pulmonary metastases.Our study confirms that “pure” intradermal leiomyosarcomas independent of tumour grade behave in a benign fashion, probably due to small tumour size. Tumour size ≥ 5 cm, deep localization with fascia involvement, and high malignancy grade (IIIB) were found to deteriorate survival based on a univariate analysis. However, in a multivariate analysis only tumour size was found to be an independent prognostic factor.
Chondroid syringoma: an immunohistochemical study using antibodies to Ca 15‐3, KA‐93, Ca 19‐9, CD44 and BM‐1
Authors: Tsuji Takuo 
Published: April 2006

The expression of Ca 15‐3, KA‐93, Ca 19‐9, CD44 and BM‐1 in normal skin and chondroid syringoma was investigated immunohistochemically using antibodies to these antigens.In the normal skin, the eccrine ducts and/or secretory elements were positive for all these antigens. On the other hand, the apocrine ducts and/or secretory elements were positive for the antibodies to Ca 15‐3, KA‐93 and CD44.In chondroid syringoma, the luminal cells of tubnloglandular structures were positive for the antibodies to Ca 15‐3 and BM‐1, and partly positive for those to KA‐93 and Ca 19‐9. The basal cells of the tubular structures and solid nests were positive only for the antibody to CD44. Stromal cells in the myxoid area were positive for the antibodies to KA‐93 and CD44, and the chondroid matrix was positive for the antibody to BM‐1.It is suggested that chondroid syringoma might originate from, or differentiate into the ducts and/or secretory elements of the eccrine sweat glands. In addition, the significance of the expression of BM‐1 in the chondroid matrix is discussed.
Clinical and histological features of poor prognosis in cutaneous metastatic melanomas
Authors: Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Woltsche‐Kahr I. , Smolle J. , Kerl H. 
Published: April 2006

Patients with melanoma metastatic to the skin show variable prognosis. Though some may survive for quite a long time, some die of disseminated disease within 1 year of removal of cutaneous metastases. The aim of this study was to find out whether there are any histological criteria indicating particular poor outcome. Clinical and histological features of 344 melanoma lesions metastatic to the skin were assessed and their prognostic relevance was investigated. H&E stained histological slides were scanned for the presence of morphological criteria expressing certain tumor cell ‐ stroma interactions: capsule formation (CAPSULE), formation of intratumoral septa (NEWSEPTA), simple invasion between collagen of reticular dermis (DERM‐SIMPLE), or subcutis (SCSIMPLE), preservation of preexistent collagen (PRECOLL) or fatty tissue (PREFAT) and, finally, histological site of metastasis. Additionally, anatomical location of the metastases, time between removal of primary tumor and metastases, age and sex of patients were recorded. The metastases were divided into two groups: lesions of patients who died within 1 year after resection (n=59) and lesions from patients with a longer survival (n=285).Metastases which were associated with death within one year were significantly more often found in male patients (54.2% versus 34.7%), in younger patients (mean age 51.1±14.1 years versus 58.8 ± 15.3 years), had developed earlier after the primary tumor (mean time of 21.7±19.9 months versus 43.3±27.4 months) and were more often found at distant sites than in localregional sites (45.7% versus 30.5%), and were more often involved in the subcutis (74.5% versus 56.1%). From a histological point of view, DERMSIMPLE (80% versus 46%; p<0.001) and PRECOLL (82.8% versus 57.6; p<0.01) were more frequent in metastases of poor outcome. The same was true for SCSIMPLE (50% versus 25.6%; p<0.01) and PREFAT (68.1% versus 46.8%; p<0.05) in lesion with subcutaneous growth, whereas CAPSULE (54.5% versus 75%) was less frequently seen.In conclusion, melanoma deposits metastatic to the skin with particular poor outcome differ clinically and histologically from other cutaneous melanoma metastases. This should be taken into account in the design of therapeutic clinical trials.
Intermediate‐ and low‐molecular‐weight keratin detection with the monoclonal antibody MNF116. An immunohistochemical study on 232 paraffin‐embedded cutaneous lesions
Authors: Prieto Victor G. , Lugo Jorge , McNutt N. Scott 
Published: April 2006

Immunohistochemical detection of certain low to intermediate molecular weight keratins often is impaired in routinely processed specimens due to masking of these antigens by formalin fixation. Despite standard enzymatic digestion, AE1:AE3 and CAM 5.2, two of the most currently utilized antikeratin antibody preparations, either stain weakly or fail to stain basal keratinocytes and tumors composed of basaloid keratinocytes in paraffin sections of formalin‐fixed tissue.We present here our experience with the monoclonal antibody MNF116 which detects keratins 5, 6, 8, 17, and 19 (DAKO, Carpinteria, CA). We have studied 232 routinely‐processed skin lesions with MNF116 and compared the staining with that of AE1:AE3 mixture or CAM 5.2. In normal skin, the staining achieved with MNF116 was particularly strong on the basal cells of the epidermis and adnexae. MNF116 was positive in all 154 epithelial tumors and negative in all but one (a leiomyosarcoma) of 78 mesenchymal and melanocytic tumors. AE1:AE3 mixture was positive in all but four poorly‐differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and it was only weakly positive in most basal cell carcinomas. CAM 5.2 was positive in tumors of the sweat apparatus, Merkel cell carcinomas, metastatic carcinomas, and 5/15 basal cell carcinomas.We consider that, in routinely processed specimens, MNF116 is very useful and convenient for detection of cytokeratin expression in cutaneous lesions, and therefore helpful in the evaluation of tumors with small cells and other poorly differentiated neoplasms of the skin.
Quantification of vascularity in nodular melanoma and Spitz's nevus
Authors: Binder Michael , Steiner Andreas , Mossbacher Ulrike , Hunegnaw Mesfin , Wolff Klaus , Pehamberger Hubert 
Published: April 2006

Spitz's nevi are acquired benign melanocytic skin tumors. Usually they are differentiated from nodular melanoma by clinical and histopathological criteria. Since Spitz's nevi are one of the most common simulators of nodular melanomas their bizarre histopathology may cause diagnostic confusion and make it difficult to differentiate these two melanocytic tumors. One of the histologic features shared by Spitz's nevus and nodular melanoma is prominent vascularity. The ability of malignant melanoma to induce angiogenesis is well established whereas benign melanocytic tumors do not have a prominent overall vascularity.The purpose of this study was to find out whether the degree of vascularity of nodular melanomas differs significantly from that of benign Spitz's nevi.In this study the number of microvessels and the vessel area were determined in 23 Spitz's nevi and 16 nodular melanomas. The number of microvessels and the vessel area were determined on Ulex Europacus agglutinin I‐stained sections by computer‐assisted image analysis. Two methods of measurement were used, namely systematic and selective sampling. Measurement of the whole tumor specimen (systematic sampling) revealed a vessel count of 10.83/field (SD±5.97) for Spitz's nevi whereas nodular melanomas exhibited a significantly lower (p=0.04) vessel count of 6.44/field (SD±3.85). This difference was even more pronounced when the vessel area (Spitz's nevi: 17.85×10–4mm2, SD±10.32; nodular melanomas: 7.88×10‐mm2, SD×5.23) was investigated (p < 0.001). The difference in vessel area and vessel count was insignificant for areas exhibiting the greatest vascularity (selective sampling). Measurement of vessel count and vessel area lead us to conclude that Spitz's nevi have a significantly higher vascularity than do nodular melanomas. Our results thus indicate that angiogenesis in these pigmented lesions is not correlated with malignancy.
The pathogenesis of large cell transformation in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma is not associated with t(2;5)(p23;q35) chromosomal translocation
Authors: Li Guoqing , Salhany Kevin E. , Rook Alain H. , Lessin Stuart R. 
Published: April 2006

In 20%–50% of the advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL), malignant T cells undergo large cell transformation (LOT). The malignant T cells of LCT in CTCL can share morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities with CD30 (Ki‐1)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), suggesting a common mechanism of pathogenesis. The t(2;5) (p23;q35) translocation, resulting in the fusion of the nucleophosmin (NPM) gene and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, is associated with primary CD30+ ALCL.To determine whether acquisition of this chromosomal translocation is involved in the pathogenesis of LCT in CTCL, we examined 12 tumor samples from 9 CTCL patients, including 8 with LCT‐CTCL and one with concurrent CTCL and Hodgkin's disease, for the presence of the t(2;5) translocation. Numerous CD30+ large cells were present in 4 LCT‐CTCL consistent with secondary CD30+ ALCL; CD30 was expressed by <10% of the large cells in another case and was negative in the other 3 lymphomas. Using primers spanning the NPM/ALK fusion junction, PCR amplification following reverse transcription (RT) of mRNA failed to show the products of NPM/ALK fusion in all samples tested. Thus, the t(2;5) (p23;q35) translocation does not appear to be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of LCT in CTCL, including CD30+ cases.
Keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma: study of PCNA and LeY expression
Authors: Tsuji Takuo 
Published: April 2006

To determine whether keratoacanthoma (KA) is unique or a variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and LeY in 16 KA cases (11 fully developed and 5 involutional types; two of the involutional types transformed from the fully developed types) and 11 cases of well‐differentiated SCC were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The monoclonal antibodies used were PC‐10 for PCNA and BM‐1/JIMRO for LeY. LeY is one of the Lewis‐type antigens, and is thought to be related to apoptosis.In most of the cases of fully developed KA, the PCNA expression was linear or band‐like and was limited to the basal and suprabasal layers, while the LeY expression was seen in a diffuse pattern throughout the epidermis, except for the basal layer. However, in 5 of these cases, there were some areas in the basal and suprabasal layer where PCNA‐positive cells were few, while LeY expression was very strong. In the involutional Ka cases, the PCNA expression was very weak in the basal and suprabasal layers, and the LeY expression was strong throughout the epidermis.In the SCC cases, the PCNA and LeY expressions were very strong and diffuse throughout the tumor masses except for the lack of PCNA in the horny layer and the lack of LeY in the basal layer.These findings indicate that there are some differences between KA and SCC in the expression pattern of PCNA and LeY, and that apoptosis may occur in the LeY‐positive areas in the basal and suprabasal layers and thus cause the involution of KA.
Distribution of Langerhans cells in human hair follicle
Authors: Moresi J. Margaret , Horn Thomas D. 
Published: April 2006

Using immunohistochemical techniques, we mapped and quantified the distribution of Langerhans cells (LCs) within the follicular epithelium of normal human skin in serial horizontal sections. Ten skin biopsies from disparate, disease‐free sites from individuals of various skin types were stained with antibody to CD1a. LCs concentrated in the infundibular epithelium (x=16.16 cells), including the follicular bulge, and extended into the germinative sebaceous epithelium (x=8.84). In contrast, rare LCs (x=1.06) were observed in the follicular epithelium below the entry of sebaceous glands into the follicle. LCs were absent in bulbar epithelium.This infundibulocentric distribution of LCs corresponds to the pattern of follicular inflammation in the scarring folliculitides of lupus erythematosus and lichen planopilaris, as well as allogeneic graft versus host reaction and infundibulofolliculitis of atopy. Follicular LCs may act as the trigger and/or target for these T cell‐mediated inflammatory processes.
Angiogenesis and malignant melanoma. Angiogenesis is related to the development of vertical (tumorigenic) growth phase
Authors: Marcoval Joaquim , Moreno Abelardo , Graells Jordi , Vidal August , Escribà Josep Maria , Garcia‐Ramirez Marta , Fabra Angels 
Published: April 2006

To study angiogenesis in early steps of melanoma progression, 113 cutaneous melanomas 1mm or less in thickness were stained with Ulex europaeus lectin. Vascular density was determined in the areas of greatest vascularization. To avoid the effect of anatomic location, the quotient between vascular density at the tumor base and in normal skin (vascular ratio) was obtained in each case. Of these melanomas, 46 were immunohistochemically stained for the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Positivity was scored from 1–4 by comparing staining of melanoma cells with keratinocytes. Vascular ratio values in vertical growth phase melanomas were higher than those in radial growth phase when counting per 200 or 400 magnification (2.29±1.3 and 2.48±1.5 for vertical growth phase and 1.34±0.62 and 1.41 ±0.83 for radial growth phase melanomas, respectively). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001 and p<0.001 at × 200 and × 400, respectively). Also, VEGF staining was stronger in vertical growth phase melanomas when compared with radial growth phase melanomas (Chi square, p < 0.025).In conclusion, our findings suggest that angiogenesis and VEGF expression are associated with the development of vertical growth phase.