Focus Issue on Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Practical Concerns Regarding the 7th Edition AJCC Staging Guidelines

The 7th edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual represents a dramatic shift in the way that cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is staged, in that it is first attempt to incorporate evidence-based medicine into the staging guidelines for cSCC. In our opinion, the changes made to the seventh edition represent a significant improvement over previous editions and will ultimately lead to improved patient stratification, more accurate prognostic data, and a better framework to guide clinical decision making. However, there are a number of issues within the latest guidelines that require clarification or are impractical for clinical practice. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key changes to the 6th edition staging manual as they pertain to cSCC, to point out impractical component of the 7th edition and/or aspects that require further clarification, and to make recommendations that address any current shortcomings to improve subsequent editions. Specific focus will be given to the inclusion of separate guidelines for cSCC and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), the incorporation of high-risk factors as modifiers of T stage, the addition of new guidelines for advanced T stage, and the changes in stratification of lymph node status. This paper is modified from a more comprehensive treatment of the staging of nonmelanoma skin cancer by Warner and Cockerell entitled "The new 7th edition American joint committee on cancer staging of cutaneous nonmelanoma skin cancer: a critical review," in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (paper accepted, pending publication).

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with infradiaphragmatic presentation of skin metastases

Distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx have an incidence of 6.5-7.2%, and most commonly involve the lungs, liver and bone. Metastases to the skin are exceedingly rare, with only 30 cases reported in the literature. Skin metastases may represent the first clinical evidence of impending locoregional recurrence, suggest distant metastatic spread, or rarely, be the first sign of 'silent' laryngeal tumour. They are usually considered a poor prognostic sign and most often affect the supradiaphragmatic area, i.e. the head, neck, thorax or upper extremities. Infradiaphragmatic presentation of metastatic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is exceptional, with only four cases reported in the literature. Here we present another.

The Treatment of Eruptive Syringomas in an African American Patient with a Combination of Trichloroacetic Acid and CO2Laser Destruction

BACKGROUND

Eruptive syringomas are uncommon benign adnexal neoplasms. They are numerous and disseminated and often have a predilection for the neck, face, chest, and axillary fossae. Because they are persistent, usually numerous, and often on exposed sites, the lesions may be disfiguring and often pose significant cosmetic concerns for patients. Many treatment modalities such as dermabrasion, electrodesiccation with curettage, and scissors excision have been tried with some success, but more recently lasers have provided good to excellent results.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an approach to the treatment of eruptive syringomas in an African American patient with a combination of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and CO2 laser resurfacing, providing acceptable cosmetic results without significant side effects.

METHODS

We describe an African American patient with eruptive syringomas of the face treated with a combination of TCA and CO2 laser resurfacing with good results.

RESULTS

While the syringomas were not completely ablated, the combination of TCA and CO2 laser resurfacing provided acceptable cosmetic results without significant side effects.

CONCLUSION

The TCA pretreatment probably removed some of the bulk of the surface of the lesions, thereby reducing the number of laser passes required to flatten the remainder of the lesions and thus lessening the potential for thermal damage at the treated sites and of surrounding normal skin.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: a report of 7 cases and review of the literature

Over the last 2 decades, hypopigmented macules have been reported with increasing frequency as an initial presentation of mycosis fungoides (MF). We retrospectively reviewed 7 patients with hypopigmented MF. The mean age was 35 years at disease onset, with a mean of 5.5 years' duration of illness before presentation. All of our patients were Fitzpatrick skin type IV or V, and most reported pruritus. Histologic findings in all cases were consistent with MF. Treatment with topical nitrogen mustard produced repigmentation in 4 of 6 patients.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed: is finger predominance another clue to etiology? A report of 5 cases

Although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is commonly found on sun-exposed skin, the occurrence of this malignancy in the nail bed is rare. We report 5 cases of SCC of the nail bed and suggest that the disproportionate number of neoplasms of this type on the second, third, and fourth fingers, combined with the known relationship of SCC and human papillomavirus (HPV), is evidence that most SCC of the nail bed result from contact with HPV. Moreover, we suggest that patients who present with new, verrucous lesions of the nail bed and have a history of cervical dysplasia, cervical carcinoma, or condyloma acuminata undergo diagnostic biopsy as opposed to traditional destructive therapy for a lesion presumed benign.

Routine periodic acid-Schiff staining of nail plate fragments in fungal cultures for onychomycosis: a method to increase the sensitivity of diagnosis

We propose the routine staining of nail plate fragments with periodic acid-Schiff stain to increase diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing onychomycosis. The advantages of this method, including increasing diagnostic yield after contaminant growth, confirmation of negative culture, and low cost, are reviewed.

A role for NF-kappaB-dependent gene transactivation in sunburn

Exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to induce NF-kappaB activation, but the functional role for this pathway in UV-induced cutaneous inflammation remains uncertain. In this study, we examined whether experimentally induced sunburn reactions in mice could be prevented by blocking UV-induced, NF-kappaB-dependent gene transactivation with oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing the NF-kappaB cis element (NF-kappaB decoy ODNs). UV-induced secretion of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and VEGF by skin-derived cell lines was inhibited by the decoy ODNs, but not by the scrambled control ODNs. Systemic or local injection of NF-kappaB decoy ODNs also inhibited cutaneous swelling responses to UV irradiation. Moreover, local UV-induced inflammatory changes (swelling, leukocyte infiltration, epidermal hyperplasia, and accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines) were all inhibited specifically by topically applied decoy ODNs. Importantly, these ODNs had no effect on alternative types of cutaneous inflammation caused by irritant or allergic chemicals. These results indicate that sunburn reactions culminate from inflammatory events that are triggered by UV-activated transcription of NF-kappaB target genes, rather than from nonspecific changes associated with tissue damage.

Sentinel node biopsy for staging of aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with a propensity for metastases and recurrence. The role of lymph node staging in this tumor is poorly defined. We describe the use of sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy in staging this tumor.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and discuss the use of lymphatic mapping in staging aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy was performed after excision of an aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma of the toe.

RESULTS

Metastatic tumor cells were absent in sentinel lymph nodes by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunocytochemistry analysis.

CONCLUSION

We describe the first reported case of staging lymph nodes in a patient with aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma utilizing sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy.

Delivery of dermatopathologic health care in the twenty-first century

Dermatology and dermatopathology has experienced significant growth over the last century and continues to burgeon. Upheavals as a consequence of the advent of managed care have threatened both specialties, especially with regard to direct access and choice of consultant. The demand for dermatology and dermatopathology services continues to increase, and for patients to be served appropriately, these issues must be addressed.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy as an adjunct to management of histologically difficult to diagnose melanocytic lesions: a proposal

There is a significant subset of primary cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms that are difficult to diagnose with the use of routine light microscopy. The currently recommended approach in assessing such lesions is to make a histopathologic diagnosis that reflects some uncertainty and then to recommend complete surgical excision. While adequate in many cases, the excision that might be recommended for such a lesion if malignant would be mutilating in many others. To increase the sensitivity of diagnosis and to provide potentially useful prognostic information, we propose that sentinel lymphadenectomy be considered in patients with melanocytic neoplasms of uncertain behavior that are 1.0 mm or more in thickness.

Histopathology of incipient intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma ("actinic keratosis")

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are proliferations of transformed, neoplastic keratinocytes confined to the epidermis induced by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. They are extremely prevalent and are seen in most middle-aged to elderly Caucasian persons with a history of significant sun exposure. These lesions are currently termed AKs while they remain confined to the epidermis, but when they extend more deeply to involve the papillary and/or reticular dermis, they are termed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The term AK was developed on the basis of clinical appearance and texture of these lesions without regard to histopathology or pathobiology.

METHODS

This study was based on a current and historical literature review.

RESULTS

AKs and SCC represent the same disease process at different stages of evolution. Neoplastic transformation occurs in keratinocytes exposed to UV radiation manifest primarily as mutations in the p53 gene. In time, these cells proliferate in the epidermis and eventually extend into the dermis at which point metastatic spread can occur. Cytologic atypia is visible in early stages and is identical to that seen in SCC that is present in the dermis or in metastatic lesions. This sequence of events is directly analogous to that of evolving carcinoma of the uterine cervix that has been termed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

CONCLUSION

AKs are malignant neoplasms in evolution and demonstrate histologic and molecular genetic features of malignancy. Because the name currently used to describe these lesions does not reflect the pathobiology of the process, we propose that a new, more appropriate name be given to these lesions. We propose that a classification scheme analogous to that used by gynecologists for evolving carcinoma of the uterine cervix using the terminology "keratinocytic intraepidermal neoplasia" or another term such as "solar keratotic intraepidermal SCC" be used to define these lesions and that the term actinic (solar) keratosis be eliminated.

Secondary syphilis in persons infected with and not infected with HIV-1: a comparative immunohistologic study

To better understand the cutaneous immune response to Treponema pallidum, we performed an immunohistologic study of skin biopsies from a total of 11 patients with secondary syphilis; biopsies from five persons infected with HIV-1 were included in the analysis to assess at the tissue level the impact of concomitant HIV-1 infection on disease expression. In all of the biopsies, staining for HLA-DR, a marker for cellular activation, was observed among infiltrating leukocytes, dermal vascular endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. Infiltrating mononuclear cells stained positively for CD4 or CD8, with CD4+ cells always being in the majority. Surprisingly, most of the CD4+ cells had histiocytic, rather than lymphocytic, morphologic characteristics. Immunostaining for CD14 confirmed that these cells were monocytic in origin, whereas immunostaining for CD3 revealed that the lymphocytes were predominantly CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. B cells were not detected despite the presence of variable numbers of plasma cells in all specimens. By immunofluorescence, all of the specimens demonstrated perivascular deposition of immunoglobulins, complement, or fibrinogen; linear staining at the dermal-epidermal junction also was observed in most of the specimens. No differences in immunocytochemical or immunofluorescence staining patterns were observed between the specimens from patients who were HIV positive and patients who were HIV negative. In addition to providing a more precise definition of the infiltrating cells in syphilitic lesions, our results, taken as a whole, indicate that cellular immune processes are largely responsible for the development of cutaneous manifestations during syphilitic infection and that coinfection with HIV-1 has little discernible effect on the cutaneous response to T. pallidum.

Update on the cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection. Clinical and pathologic features

Skin is the most commonly affected organ in patients with HIV. As such, cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection have been the subject of intense scrutiny as well as the topic of many articles. A broad range of infectious and noninfectious skin lesions may develop during the course of the disease. This article discusses the clinical and pathological cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurring as a consequence of treatment with foscarnet

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) has been shown to occur following administration of many different medications. Recently, we observed a patient who sustained a severe case of TEN shortly following the administration of foscarnet. Since this agent has not been previously associated with this complication, we report the first case of TEN occurring secondary to treatment with foscarnet.

Incipient intraepidermal cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a proposal for reclassifying and grading solar (actinic) keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are primarily induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and are often identified as premalignant lesions. In our opinion, AKs are proliferations of transformed, neoplastic keratinocytes confined to the epidermis that may eventually extend into the dermis, at which point they are termed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In contrast to AKs, SCCs have the potential to metastasize and kill. This process is analogous to that of evolving carcinoma of the uterine cervix that has been termed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a time-tested and reliable classification that provides clinicians with accurate information on which to base treatment decisions regarding cervical neoplasms following biopsy testing. A similar classification scheme could provide guidance to clinicians for the diagnosis and treatment of evolving SCC of the skin and as such, we propose a similar classification using the terminology keratinocytic intraepidermal neoplasia (KIN). This system is more reflective of the histology and natural history of SCC and eliminates ambiguity in the terminology of lesions currently referred to as AKs. The KIN classification defines features by which individual specimens can be objectively graded and specific treatment recommendations are made based on the grade of the lesion. We propose that the term keratinocytic intraepidermal neoplasia (KIN) be used to define and describe evolving SCC of the skin and that the term actinic (solar) keratosis be eliminated.

Disseminated sporotrichosis with extensive cutaneous involvement in a patient with AIDS

Sporotrichosis most commonly presents as a localized, lymphocutaneous infection that follows trauma, such as an injury from a rose thorn. In patients infected with HIV, it may be widespread and disseminated. We describe a patient with AIDS who developed disseminated sporotrichosis, a rare opportunistic fungal infection that may affect these patients. The condition remained undiagnosed because of failure to recognize characteristic histopathologic findings and failure of clinicians to interface closely with the microbiology laboratory. The condition was difficult to treat, requiring systemic administration of amphotericin. While localized sporotrichosis is an innocuous disorder that responds well to therapy, in immunocompromised hosts, it is potentially life-threatening and may require prolonged therapy with potentially toxic medications such as amphotericin B. It is important that clinicians be aware of the presentation of this unusual opportunistic infection and that they maintain close communication with pathology and clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure that proper stains and cultures are performed to avoid potential misdiagnosis.

A potpourri of parasitic infestations

Ectoparasitic infestations are common cutaneous problems. The vast majority of these are attributable to scabies and pediculosis. While these are usually readily recognizable, infestations caused by other ectoparasites, such as nonscabetic mites, may pose difficulty in diagnosis. In this article, we present a variety of ectoparasitic infestations that initially eluded diagnosis and review the gamut of ectoparasites that can cause eruptions in the skin.

Topical and intralesional cidofovir: a review of pharmacology and therapeutic effects

BACKGROUND

Cidofovir is a potent nucleoside analog antiviral drug approved for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. It is currently available only for intravenous infusion. Several small studies and case reports describe the successful use of cidofovir applied either topically or intralesionally in several virally induced cutaneous diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to review the usefulness of topical and intralesional cidofovir for the treatment of viral infections caused by human papillomavirus, herpesviruses (including acyclovir-resistant strains), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and molluscum contagiosum.

METHODS

We performed a review of recent literature.

RESULTS

Cidofovir is a potent topical intralesional antiviral agent with activity against several DNA viruses that cause cutaneous disease. No significant systemic side effects have been noted, although application site reactions are common and can occasionally be severe.

CONCLUSION

The effective use of topical and intralesional cidofovir for the treatment of diseases of the skin caused by DNA viruses has been demonstrated in a limited number of patients including those infected with HIV. Although larger studies will be necessary to determine the specific function that topical cidofovir will have in the treatment of cutaneous diseases caused by DNA viruses, the drug offers significant promise.

Update on cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection

The skin is affected in virtually all patients with HIV infection. Many articles and several books have been published that deal with these disorders for a number of reasons. First, cutaneous disease may serve as the initial or only problem that the patient suffers for much of the course of the HIV infection. Second, serious opportunistic infections may present for the first time in the skin, so that a skin lesion may be a harbinger of the patient's having a life-threatening illness. Third, skin disorders in these patients may appear unusual and hence may not be accurately diagnosed by clinical inspection alone. Furthermore, response to treatment may be poorer than expected. Thus, skin diseases in the HIV-infected patient are important and, in some cases, may be the most debilitating element of the patient's condition.

Eccrine syringofibroadenomatosis associated with hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ES) is generally regarded as a solitary benign adnexal neoplasm of the skin. Recently, the epithelial and stromal changes of this lesion have been recognized as being a reaction pattern in certain settings. We describe two individuals in whom this process was a manifestation of hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. In both cases, the diagnosis had been missed for many years and the process had been thought to be a manifestation of an inflammatory dermatosis of the palms and soles. In both instances, other family members were found to be affected. Thus, ES may be manifested clinically as erythematous erosive plaques, especially of the palms and soles. It is important that clinicians be familiar with this disorder and be aware that it may exhibit unusual cutaneous manifestations.

Vesiculo-bullous dermatomyositis

Cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM) commonly include Gottron's papules, cuticular erythema and telangiectasia, periorbital edema with a "heliotrope" rash, a papulosquamous eruption of the hairline, face, and trunk, as well as poikiloderma. Very few references can be found concerning vesicular and bullous lesions, however. We present two patients with dermatomyositis who manifested vesicular and bullous lesions who were initially misdiagnosed. Although rare, it is important to recognize this form of DM to avoid misdiagnosis. Furthermore, in some cases, vesiculo-bullous DM may portend a poor prognosis.

Histologic differentiation of desmoplastic melanoma from cicatrices

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma (DMM) is a rare variant of melanoma that can be very difficult to diagnose correctly both clinically and histologically. The problem is compounded by the fact that many lesions persist at previous biopsy or excision sites so that scar tissue is often present admixed with or adjacent to the spindle cell neoplasm which may exhibit fibroblastic differentiation itself. In order to assess this problem, we compared and contrasted the histologic features of six DMM with 15 examples of cicatrices from various sources. Mature scars were readily differentiated from DMM by light microscopy. In contrast, immature scar and DMM had many features in common including hypercellularity, nodular lymphoid infiltrates, myxoid stroma, and atypical nuclei. The presence of a melanocytic proliferation within the epidermis above the dermal component, neurotropism, and S-100 and/or HMB-45 positivity of neoplastic cells were the only features that permitted reliable differentiation between the two. Clinical correlation and review of previous biopsy specimens are crucial in preventing a delayed diagnosis of DMM. Re-excision is advised in all questionable cases.

Bacillary angiomatosis and other Bartonella species infections

Infections with organisms of the genus Bartonella, for many years important only in South and Central America, have assumed significance in developing countries, especially in conjunction with the advent of the pandemic of the human immunodeficiency virus infection. New molecular and culture techniques have determined that these organisms cause new diseases such as bacillary angiomatosis as well as diseases the etiology of which have been unknown such as cat scratch disease. In this article, the microbiology, pathogenesis, histopathology and clinical manifestations of diseases caused by these organisms are discussed.

Actinic keratoses. Differential diagnosis and treatment

Actinic keratoses are extremely common premalignant keratinocytic neoplastic lesions that develop primarily in fair-complexioned individuals during midlife or beyond. Genetic, occupational and other environmental factors predispose to the development of these lesions. Without treatment, a significant number may progress to fully developed neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma, over a period of 20 to 50 years. The multistep theory of carcinogenesis is helpful in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of this important and highly prevalent lesion.

Eruptive melanocytic nevi after Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Widespread melanocytic nevi may rarely appear suddenly after a severe bullous disease. We describe two patients in whom eruptive melanocytic nevi developed 3 weeks after a severe episode of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Benign melanocytic proliferation may develop after a bullous dermatosis and should not be confused with malignant or metastatic melanoma.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis in adults

Three cases of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with unusual clinical and histopathologic features are described. The first two cases illustrate diagnostic pitfalls that underscore the importance of considering Langerhans' cell histiocytosis in the differential diagnosis of purpuric papular eruptions of the scalp and intertriginous areas, particularly in association with hypothalamic, pituitary, or liver disease. The third case is the first report of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis presenting as a vesicular eruption.

Expression and mutation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Alteration of the p53 gene is the most frequent event reported in human cancer, and p53 mutations have been observed in various neoplasms, including certain forms of skin cancer. Therefore, we postulated that p53 may also be involved in Kaposi's sarcoma associated with AIDS (AIDS-KS). Expression of the p53 gene was examined in freshly isolated tumor biopsy specimens from 15 patients with AIDS-KS. p53 mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both the AIDS-KS tumors and in normal skin control samples. p53 protein was detected in 4 of the 15 AIDS-KS specimens by immunohistochemical staining. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis PCR-products (PCR-SSCP) was used for detection of mutations of the p53 gene. One of the p53 positive AIDS-KS samples showed mobilized shifts in exon 6 suggestive of a mutation. Sequencing data showed the mutation to be located in codon 210. We examined other mechanisms that could stabilize p53 protein. SV40 large T antigen and adenovirus E1B protein were not found in the AIDS-KS specimens. MDM2, a p53-binding protein, was also detected in five of the AIDS-KS specimens, two of which also contained p53-positive cells. These observations suggest that the tumor suppressor gene p53 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS-KS.

Biopsy technique for pigmented lesions

The biopsy technique that should be used when sampling a pigmented lesion may not always be readily apparent. The final arbiter is whether the specimen that will be generated will be representative of the entire process so that an accurate and complete diagnosis will be able to be rendered. In some cases, melanoma may not be clinically suspected so that it is essential that any biopsy that is performed will detect these lesions.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma: classification and clinical diagnosis

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) is a treacherous disease which carries high mortality rates. However, when diagnosed early it is wholly curable. The incidence of MM is rising steadily. The most important clinical signs include the appearance of a newly acquired pigmented lesion or change in a preexisting one. Melanoma has been classified into subtypes which include melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna melanoma, nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, desmoplastic melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, and mucosal melanomas. Although these overlap, there are characteristic clinical features of each that are generally recognizable. Evaluation of pigmented lesions requires correlation of clinical findings with risk factors, family history and histology. A representative skin biopsy should be performed on any lesion suspected of being MM, even if the possibility is remote.