Hidroacanthoma simplex: dermoscopy and cryosurgery treatment

ALA-PDT combined with CO2 laser in the treatment of malignant hidroacanthoma simplex: A case report

Hidroacanthoma simplex (HS) is a rare skin appendage tumor that typically appears on the trunk and lower limbs in the elderly. Although HS is a predominantly benign condition, the presence of cellular atypia and dermal infiltration on histological examination indicates malignant HS (MHS). 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) uses a photosensitizer and corresponding light source to cause irreversible damage or death of target cells through a photochemical reaction. Here, we reported the successful treatment of a MHS patient with ALA-PDT using plum-blossom needle pretreatment combined with CO2 laser. After five courses of ALA-PDT, the lesions were completely resolved, and the autonomic activity and smooth surface of the left ring finger were restored. This suggests that ALA-PDT is an effective, minimally invasive and safe treatment modality for MHS.

Athena: Speciality Certificate Examination case for dermatopathology

This is a case for the Speciality Certificate Examination of a rare benign skin tumour and the associated histopathological features along with the histopathological features of differential diagnoses.

Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic findings of hidroacanthoma simplex: Literature review and case report

Hidroacanthoma simplex (HS) is a rare benign intraepidermal tumor that originates in the acrosyringial portion of the eccrine duct. Clinically, they are well-defined lesions, flat or verrucous brownish plaque, and can be misdiagnosed with other types of benign or malignant tumors. Dermoscopy reveals small black globules and fine scales. The histopathology of HS is characterized by typical intraepidermal nests, well-circumscribed, composed of uniform basaloid and poroid cells within the acanthotic epidermis with cystic or ductal structures in the nests. We report a case of HS that changes its clinical appearance, dermoscopy, and histopathologic findings over time. Differential diagnoses included seborrheic keratosis, Bowen disease, melanoma, and malignant HS.

Dermoscopic-Histopathological Correlation of Eccrine Poroma: An Observational Study

Background

Eccrine poroma (EP) is a benign adnexal neoplasm that can be pigmented in 17% of cases. Four histopathological variants of EP exist. Dermoscopically, EP can mimic many other skin neoplasms.

Objectives

To provide a dermoscopic-histopathological correlation of EP, classifying the clinical and dermoscopic features of EPs on the basis of their histopathological subtype, in an attempt to better characterize these entities.

Patients and Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data were collected; patients were classified on the basis of the 4 histopathological variants of EPs. Dermoscopic images were reviewed. A dermoscopic-histopathological correlation was performed, and the results were compared with literature data.

Results

Twenty-six lesions were included, both pigmented and nonpigmented. Three of the 4 histopathological variants were identified. Different dermoscopic features were observed for each distinct histopathological subtype of EP. The lesions mimicked different types of other skin neoplasms, in particular: nonpigmented hidroacanthoma simplex resembled nonmelanoma skin cancer; pigmented hidroacanthoma simplex appeared like a seborrheic keratosis or a solar lentigo; EPs sensu stricto presented as pink nodules if nonpigmented and were similar to seborrheic keratosis if pigmented; dermal duct tumors appeared as pigmented nodular lesions.

Conclusions

Distinct dermoscopic features appeared to be recurrent in each histopathological variant. Dermoscopy can provide important clues for the diagnosis of EP; the final diagnosis is allowed by histopathology. To achieve a correct diagnosis of EP, because of its clinical and dermoscopic variability, surgical excision is recommended.

Dermoscopy of Adnexal Tumors

Cutaneous adnexal tumors include lesions with apocrine, eccrine, follicular, sebaceous, and mixed differentiation. Most are benign and sporadic, although malignant forms are occasionally observed and some cases develop in the setting of inherited syndromes. These tumors often cause immense diagnostic difficulty. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of different skin lesions, including these tumors. We provide a review of the literature on the dermoscopic structures and patterns associated with adnexal tumors. Most patterns associated with this kind of tumor are nonspecific and are observed in other nonadnexal tumors, especially in basal cell carcinomas.