Spitz Nevus: An Evolving Clinicopathologic Concept

Abundance of the benign melanocytic universe: Dermoscopic-histopathological correlation in nevi

The broad universe of "melanocytic nevi" includes a variety of different subtypes, which can be classified either due to their morphology, epidemiology, genetic alterations or risk for developing melanoma. Regarding morphology, on the one hand macroscopic/clinical and on the other hand histopathological appearance were used to subdivide in the past, often resulting in confusion and poor interobserver agreement, while nowadays dermoscopy presents the clinician's precious bridge between naked-eye examination and histopathological diagnostics, allowing prediction of the lesions' histopathology, follow up and monitoring over time without need of excision. The non-invasive dermoscopic examination relies on the assessment of colors, patterns and the distribution of both within a cutaneous lesion. Until today, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic colors and patterns to certain histopathological correlates has been reported for a huge amount of different cutaneous lesions. Moreover, the correspondence of certain dermoscopic features to certain body sites, age groups and pigmentary traits, but also to specific genetic alterations in lesions, has been broadly investigated. Dermoscopy has led us to a new understanding of melanocytic nevi's biology and evolution and, last but not least, to a new classification system, which we want to present herein.

From the bottle to the skin: challenges in evaluating antioxidants

Endogenous production and ultraviolet-generated free radicals in the skin can lead to photoaging and even skin cancer. Topical antioxidants have been found to provide benefits against ultraviolet damage and these ingredients have been incorporated into various cosmetic products and claimed to have substantial effects. Currently, there is a lack in a standardized rating system to measure the concentration and activity levels of antioxidants in these products. As a result, it is difficult for consumers and clinicians to evaluate and select commercial products based on readily accessible evidence. In this review, we will describe four assays which have been used to measure antioxidants in various products, and the strengths and weaknesses of each test will be detailed. We will highlight key considerations for clinicians when interpreting the results of antioxidant tests when evaluating commercial products containing antioxidants.

Advances in dermoscopy for detecting melanocytic lesions

Over the last 30 years dermatological approaches to diagnosis and management of melanocytic lesions have been revolutionized by the introduction of dermoscopy. Continuous improvements are being made in applying the technique, mostly in melanoma diagnosis, follow-up of melanocytic lesions and nevogenesis. Identification of new dermoscopic criteria, such as the dermoscopic island and the blue-black color for thin and nodular melanoma, respectively, further add two new weapons in the dermoscopical armamentarium for diagnosis of otherwise featureless melanoma. Recent advances show that short-term, 3-month, follow-up is the optimum time interval to identify minimal changes in initially featureless melanomas. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is still useful for the recognition of changes in melanomas with a very low-rate of growth. Dermoscopy greatly improves diagnosis and early excision of melanomas and reduces the number of unnecessary excisions.