Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Bowen's Disease: A Review on Efficacy, Non-Invasive Treatment Monitoring, Tolerability, and Cosmetic Outcome

Bowen's disease represents the in situ form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; although it has an excellent prognosis, 3-5% of lesions progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with a higher risk in immunocompromised patients. Treatment is therefore always necessary, and conventional photodynamic therapy is a first-line option. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical response, recurrence rates, safety, and cosmetic outcome of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of Bowen's disease, considering different protocols in terms of photosensitizers, light source, and combination treatments. Photodynamic therapy is a valuable option for tumors at sites where wound healing is poor/delayed, in the case of multiple and/or large tumors, and where surgery would be difficult or invasive. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can be used as valuable tools for monitoring the therapeutic response. The treatment is generally well tolerated, with mild side effects, and is associated with a good/excellent cosmetic outcome. Periodic follow-up after photodynamic therapy is essential because of the risk of recurrence and progression to cSCC. As the incidence of keratinocyte tumors increases, the therapeutic space for photodynamic therapy will further increase.

Extra-Ocular Sebaceous Carcinoma in Situ of the Arm of an Elder Male: An Unusual Presentation in an Atypical Location

Background. Sebaceous carcinoma in situ outside the ocular region is an exceedingly uncommon. It is an intraepidermal neoplasm originating from sebaceous glands limited to the epidermis with no invasion into the underlying dermis or beyond. Although sebaceous carcinoma in situ is predominantly observed in ocular regions, particularly the eyelids, instances of its occurrence in extraocular locations are infrequent, with only a limited number of examples reported in the literature. Case Presentation. A 63-year-old man presented with a left posterior arm lesion. Microscopic examination revealed a proliferation of poorly differentiated atypical neoplastic sebocytes confined to the epidermis with pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and clear cell changes. The neoplastic cells demonstrated positive staining for adipophilin, androgen receptor, epithelial membrane antigen, P63, BerEP4, and keratin 7. Microsatellite instability markers showed preserved nuclear staining for MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. A definitive diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma in situ was rendered. Discussion. The distinctive histopathologic characteristics typically involve the presence of atypical sebaceous cells confined within the epidermis. Atypical cells often exhibit enlarged nuclei, increased mitotic activity, and prominent nucleoli. A panel of epithelial membrane antigen, adipophilin, and androgen receptors is essential for ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Conclusion. This report underscores the importance of considering sebaceous carcinoma in situ in diagnosis in atypical locations, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining panel. This article aims to demonstrate the rarity of sebaceous carcinoma in situ in extraocular sites to broaden our understanding of its diverse clinical presentations.

Survival of patients with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma in situ: A whole population study

BACKGROUND

Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is the commonest type of malignancy in humans; however, the impact of KC on survival is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

This study characterizes the impact of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) on the survival of Icelanders.

METHODS

This whole population study evaluated relative survival of KC in Iceland by using a cancer registry containing records of all BCC, SCCis, and SCC cases recorded in Iceland between 1981 and 2015.

RESULTS

Between 1981 and 2015, 8767 Icelanders were diagnosed with their first localized KC. A total of 6473 individuals with BCC, 1194 with SCCis, and 1100 with invasive SCC, respectively. BCC was not associated with decreased survival except for men diagnosed with BCC between 1981 and 1995 for whom decreased 10-year relative survival was observed (85.3, 95% CI [77.9-92.7]). SCC and SCCis were both associated with a decrease in relative survival for certain population subgroups such as individuals <50 years of age at time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our whole population cohort survival study examining the Icelandic Cancer Registry supports prior studies demonstrating that BCC is not associated with a reduction in relative survival and that SCC and SCCis are associated with comparatively poor relative survival in certain population subgroups.

The utility of p63, CK7, and CAM5.2 staining in differentiating pagetoid intraepidermal carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ (PSCCIS), and Paget disease of the breast (PD) are intraepidermal carcinomas with overlapping histopathologic features. CK7 and CAM5.2 stains are frequently utilized to distinguish PSCCIS from EMPD and PD. However, some cases of PSCCIS can stain positively for CAM5.2 and CK7, indicating a potential pitfall with these stains. p63 has been shown to distinguish PSCCIS from EMPD. We assessed p63 staining in PD and compared it to p63 staining of PSCCIS and EMPD.

METHODS

A retrospective search for 15 examples each of PSCCIS, EMPD, and PD with remaining tissue in the paraffin block was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by a board-certified dermatopathologist and immunostaining for p63, CK7, and CAM5.2 was performed. Staining >55% was scored as positive. Staining <55% was scored as negative and an approximate percentage of positive cells was recorded.

RESULTS

Diffuse nuclear expression for p63 was detected in 100% (15/15) of PSCCIS cases, 0% (0/15) of PD cases, and 0% (0/15) of EMPD cases. CK7 and CAM5.2 stains were positive in 100% of PD. CAM5.2 was positive in 100% of EMPD and CK7 was positive in 93% of EMPD. CAM5.2 was positive in 0% of PSCCIS biopsy specimens, but partial staining was seen in 20%. CK7 was positive in 13%, but partial staining was seen in 47%.

CONCLUSIONS

p63 immunostaining is a highly sensitive and specific method for differentiating between PSCCIS and PD or EMPD. While CAM5.2 and CK7 are also useful ancillary stains in this differential diagnosis, false-positive and false-negative staining occurs with these two markers.

Efficacy of Fractionated Erbium Laser in Treating Radiation-Induced Dermal Atrophy: A Case Report

Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy in patients with acute and chronic changes affecting the skin. While acute changes occur within 90 days of radiation exposure, chronic changes manifest thereafter. This paper presents a case of a 70-year-old male with squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) on the right zygoma who was treated with superficial radiation therapy (SRT), which resulted in a hypo-pigmented atrophic scar. The scar was successfully treated with a single session of Erbium:YAG laser therapy. The findings highlight the need for improved treatment options for radiation-induced skin changes and demonstrate the efficacy of fractionated laser therapy in addressing SRT-induced dermal atrophy.

Bladder squamous cell carcinoma in situ in the background of condyloma acuminatum in a kidney transplant recipient

Condyloma acuminatum with synchronous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) rarely occurs in the bladder. In developed countries, bladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is uncommon. Among the various noninvasive squamous bladder lesions, there is significant morphological overlap, which further complicates accurate diagnosis. Immunosuppression and human papilloma virus increase the risk of bladder condyloma acuminatum, which has a strong association with bladder SCC. Herein, we describe a case of a 79-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease with kidney transplantation and anal SCC who presented with bladder squamous cell CIS arising in the background of condyloma acuminatum.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ of the Nail Unit: Current Evidence and Recommendations for Patient Centered Treatment

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the hand and nail is an infrequent tumor but represents the majority of hand and nail malignancies. While the conventional treatments of invasive nail unit squamous cell carcinoma include Mohs micrographic surgery, wide local excision, or distal digit amputation, no standardized management paradigm for in situ disease exists and the necessity of surgical options is debated. This review aims to discuss the most commonly reported treatment methods and critically assess relevant management considerations in order to facilitate appropriate treatment decisions for nail unit SCCis across dermatologic practice settings. Assessment of the current literature reveals insufficient evidence to determine a standardized treatment for nail unit squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Rather, management is greatly impacted by multiple factors including the presence of subungual involvement, surgical candidacy, importance of curative treatment, and patient preferences regarding cosmesis and function versus cure. When cure is desired, Mohs micrographic surgery is the treatment of choice in most cases. In the setting of desired curative intent, but poor surgical candidacy, radiotherapy may be effective and provide a reasonable chance of functional and cosmetic preservation. Other methods including photodynamic therapy, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryotherapy, and intralesional chemotherapeutics may be appropriate in specific circumstances, but are generally limited by lack of evidence or impracticalities. Lastly, observation with palliation may be appropriate when considering exceedingly rare disease-related mortality.

Dermoscopic Findings in Intraepidermal Carcinoma: an Interobserver Agreement Study

INTRODUCTION

A wide range of descriptive terms have been used for dermoscopic findings in intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) and the clinical diagnostic accuracy of IEC can be challenging. Furthermore, dermoscopic findings in IEC have only rarely been evaluated in fair-skinned populations.

OBJECTIVES

To measure the interobserver agreement between dermatologists for dermoscopic findings in IEC. Furthermore, to describe the frequency of these findings in a predominantly fair-skinned population.

METHODS

One hundred dermoscopic images of histopathologically verified IECs were collected. The 11 most common dermoscopic findings described in previous studies were re-defined in a new terminology in a pre-study consensus meeting. Images were assessed by eight experienced international dermoscopists. The frequency of findings and the interobserver agreement was analyzed.

RESULTS

Scales (83%), dotted/glomerular vessels (77%), pinkish-white areas (73%) and hemorrhage (46%) were the most commonly present dermoscopic findings. Pigmented structures were found in 32% and shiny white structures (follicular or stromal) in 54% of the IEC. Vascular structures (vessels and/or hemorrhage) could be seen in 89% of the lesions. Overall, the interobserver agreement for the respective dermoscopic findings was poor to moderate, with the highest kappa values noted for scales (0.55) and hemorrhage (0.54) and the lowest for pinkish-white areas (0.015).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm those of previous studies on dermoscopy in IEC, including the frequency of pigmented structures despite the fair-skinned population. The interobserver agreement was relatively low. The proposed new terminology and our findings can hopefully serve as a guideline for researchers, teachers and students on how to identify IEC.

Genomic evidence suggests that cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas can arise from squamous dysplastic precursors

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma without a known dysplastic precursor. In some cases, MCC is associated with SCCIS in the overlying epidermis; however, the MCC and SCCIS populations display strikingly different morphologies, and thus far a relationship between these components has not been demonstrated. To better understand the relationship between these distinct tumor cell populations, we evaluated 7 pairs of MCC-SCCIS for overlapping genomic alterations by cancer profiling panel. A subset was further characterized by transcriptional profiling and immunohistochemistry. In 6 of 7 MCC-SCCIS pairs there was highly significant mutational overlap including shared TP53 and/or RB1 mutations. In some cases, oncogenic events previously implicated in MCC (MYCL gain, MDM4 gain, HRAS mutation) were detected in both components. Although FBXW7 mutations were enriched in MCC, no gene mutation was unique to the MCC component across all cases. Transcriptome analysis identified 2736 differentially expressed genes between MCC and SCCIS. Genes upregulated in the MCC component included Polycomb repressive complex targets; downregulated transcripts included epidermal markers, and immune genes such as HLA-A. Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased expression of SOX2 in the MCC component, with diminished H3K27Me3, Rb, and HLA-A expression. In summary, MCC-SCCIS pairs demonstrate clonal relatedness. The shift to neuroendocrine phenotype is associated with loss of Rb protein expression, decrease in global H3K27Me3, and increased expression of Merkel cell genes such as SOX2. Our findings suggest an epidermal origin of MCC in this setting, and to our knowledge provide the first molecular evidence that intraepithelial squamous dysplasia may represent a direct precursor for small cell carcinoma.

Diffuse Pagetoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ of the Esophagus: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) with diffuse pagetoid features has been well-described in skin and external genitalia. Diffuse pagetoid SCCIS of the esophagus is extremely rare with only two cases published in the English literature. In this article, we report a rare case of diffuse pagetoid SCCIS of the esophagus in an 89-year-old female with no significant past medical history who presented with dysphagia. Endoscopic examination of the esophagus was remarkable for multiple clean base ulcers spanning 4 cm in the proximal esophagus. Biopsy showed enlarged and hyperchromatic dysplastic cells in the basal half of the epithelium with scattered large individual pagetoid cells as well as several apoptotic dyskeratotic cells in the superficial half of the epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the dysplastic cells were positive for CK7 and p40 with overexpression of p53, and were negative for cytokeratin 20, SOX10, GATA3, CDX2, TTF1. Kreyberg stain was negative for mucin. The histologic features and immunohistochemical profile supported the diagnosis of esophageal diffuse pagetoid SCCIS.

Efficacy of Non-excisional Treatment Modalities for Superficially Invasive and In Situ Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are prevalent conditions that are increasing in incidence worldwide. Many non-excisional treatments are commonly used, but the efficacy of these treatments is not well delineated.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the recurrence rates of SCCIS and SCC treated with non-excisional treatment modalities.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed for SCCIS and SCC treated with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, electrodessication, curettage, photodynamic therapy, ablative lasers, or cryotherapy.

RESULTS

We included 186 studies describing treatment of 9,336 tumors. The recurrence rates of SCC and SCCIS following electrodessication with curettage (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.1%-3.0%) or cryotherapy with curettage (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.4%-2.8%) were lower than other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy (29.0%; 95% CI, 25.0%-33.0%), 5-fluorouracil (26.6%; 95% CI, 16.9%-36.4%), or imiquimod (16.1%; 95% CI, 10.3%-21.8%).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include publication bias of mostly observational data and heterogeneity of treatment regimens.

CONCLUSION

Electrodessication and cryotherapy, in combination with curettage, are more effective than photodynamic therapy, 5-flurouracil, or imiquimod for treating SCCIS and SCC.

Metformin is associated with decreased risk of basal cell carcinoma: A whole-population case-control study from Iceland

BACKGROUND

Metformin has anticarcinogenic properties and is also known to inhibit the sonic hedgehog pathway, but population-based studies analyzing the potential protective effect for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are needed.

OBJECTIVES

To delineate the association between metformin use and invasive SCC, SCC in situ (SCCis), and BCC.

METHODS

A population-based case-control study design was employed using all 6880 patients diagnosed in Iceland between 2003-2017 with first-time BCC, SCCis, or invasive SCC, and 69,620 population controls. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Metformin was associated with a lower risk of developing BCC (OR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.83), even at low doses. No increased risk of developing SCC was observed. SCCis risk was mildly elevated in the 501-1500 daily dose unit category (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.00-1.96).

LIMITATIONS

This study was retrospective in nature with the inability to adjust for ultraviolet exposure, Fitzpatrick skin type, and comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Metformin is associated with decreased risk of BCC development, even at low doses. Metformin might have potential as a chemoprotective agent for patients at high risk of BCC, although this will need confirmation in future studies.

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Face Successfully Treated with Ingenol Mebutate 0.05% Gel: Case Report and a Review of the Literature

A 64 year-old Caucasian male patient with a long history of ultraviolet light exposure and multiple actinic keratoses presented with a large, erythematous, and scaly plaque on his forehead. Biopsies revealed superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Because the patient wanted the shortest possible topical regimen, his sBCC was treated with two overnight ingenol mebutate (IM) 0.05% gel applications. He tolerated the local skin reaction (LSR) well, and at approximately six weeks post-treatment, biopsies showed no evidence of sBCC. The patient was happy with the cosmetic outcome and has remained free of clinical recurrence for 18 months. Although IM gel is only FDA approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, it has also been used off-label to treat other epithelial lesions, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), anogenital warts, and Bowen's disease. One clinical trial, multiple case series and case reports, and now this report, have demonstrated IM's utility in treating BCC. IM treatment is therefore a promising alternative to surgery for select BCC, with major advantages, including a short treatment duration and generally favorable cosmetic outcome.

Bowen disease with matrical differentiation: Report of an exceptional histopathologic presentation

Matrical differentiation is the distinctive feature of pilomatricoma and other purely matrical adnexal neoplasms; additionally, foci of matrical differentiation have been also described in hybrid cysts of Gardner syndrome, as well as in a wide variety of benign and malignant cutaneous tumors, including basal cell carcinoma. We report an exceptional case of Bowen disease exhibiting multiple foci of matrical differentiation, as confirmed by means of immunohistochemical studies. Several types of divergent, non-squamous differentiation have been exceptionally reported in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (cSCCIS), including sebaceous, mucinous/glandular, poroid, tricholemmal, and neuroendocrine differentiation; matrical differentiation may be added to this list. Our findings further emphasize the undifferentiated nature of neoplastic cells in cSCCIS.

High-risk human papillomavirus in a child with digital pigmented Bowen's disease: Case report and dermoscopic findings

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, also known as Bowen's disease (BD), is a skin malignancy most commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly adults. Pediatric BD is rare and can be a diagnostic challenge for physicians. Digital BD has largely been associated with human papilloma virus. We report an immunocompetent 11-year-old girl with periungual pigmented BD induced by high-risk human papilloma virus.

Clinical efficiency of dynamic observation of patients with epidermal dysplasia of the skin

OBJECTIVE

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among the population of Ukraine. The aim: The study of clinical efficacy of dynamic observation of patients with epidermal dysplasia of the skin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: To study epidermal dysplasia of the skin there was used identifying information of patients, who were under dynamic observation of dermatologists of the State Scientific Institution "Research and Practical Centre of Preventive and Clinical Medicine" of the State Administration in 2013-2017.

RESULTS

Results: In 2013-2017, under our supervision there were 245 patients with epidermal dysplasia of the skin, including 66 (27.0%) patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma, 71 (29.0%) patients with squamous cell carcinoma in situ and 108 (44.0%) patients with actinic keratosis. It has been established that the level of annual progression of epidermal dysplasia of the skin in patients with actinic keratosis was 1.4%, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma - 3.22% and 0.86%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: It has been found that the level of annual progression of epidermal dysplasia of the skin in patients with a combined course of the above listed pathology of the skin was significantly (p≤0.05) higher and amounted to 8.8%.

Use of topical imiquimod in the treatment of VIN: a case report and review of the literature

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a premalignant disease of the vulvar squamous epithelium. Standard treatment for VIN lesions is surgical excision. Alternative therapeutic options for conservative treatment have been sought by patients to prevent disfigurement and to preserve sexual function. We present such a patient in whom topical imiquimod was used with a successful outcome. Imiquimod is effective in the treatment of VIN, as well as convenient, self-administered, and generally well tolerated.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression is associated with decreased GATA-3 immunohistochemical staining

BACKGROUND

The GATA family of transcription factors is an essential regulator of cellular proliferation and differentiation. In the skin, GATA-3 is critical for epidermal stratification and maintenance of barrier function. A role for GATA-3 in the development of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is not known. Here, we investigated GATA-3 immunohistochemical staining in premalignant and invasive cutaneous SCC from sun-exposed and sun-protected skin.

METHODS

GATA-3 immunohistochemistry was performed on actinic keratoses (AK) (n = 19), in situ squamous cell carcinomas with actinic [SCCIS (A)] (n = 9) or bowenoid features [SCCIS (B)] (n = 17), well-, moderately and poorly differentiated SCC (n = 36), Bowenoid papulosis of the perineum (n = 15) and penile SCC (pSCC) (n = 10).

RESULTS

We found that GATA-3 immunohistochemical staining is progressively lost in sun-exposed skin as neoplasia progresses from pre-cancerous AK to SCCIS (A), and ultimately, to SCC, which shows near absent GATA-3 staining. This reduction in GATA-3 staining is independent of histological grade in SCC. Only slight down-regulation of GATA-3 was seen in all cases of SCCIS (B) and Bowenoid papulosis, while near absent GATA-3 expression was seen in pSCC.

CONCLUSION

We propose that decreased GATA-3 immunohistochemical staining is associated with cutaneous SCC progression on both sun-exposed and sun-protected sites.

Orthokeratotic Bowen disease: a histopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular study

BACKGROUND

Some examples of Bowen disease lack the characteristic broad parakeratosis making their histopathologic diagnosis particularly difficult in small and incomplete biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The archives of our dermatopathology laboratory were searched for cases of Bowen disease with >75% orthokeratosis (orthokeratotic Bowen disease) and classic Bowen disease (>25% parakeratosis). Selected specimens were evaluated histopathologically, using immunohistochemical stains (CK10, CK7, Bcl-2, p16 and Ki-67) and by DNA amplification/sequencing for human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes.

RESULTS

Among 102 consecutive samples 14 cases of orthokeratotic Bowen disease were identified. In comparison with 24 examples of classic Bowen disease, the orthokeratotic examples occurred more frequently in female and younger patients (p = 0.04 and 0.008, respectively) but shared most of the histopathologic features of classic Bowen disease except a preserved granular layer and relative absence of the eyeliner sign (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.042, respectively). Immunohistochemical staining patterns were similar between the two groups. HPV types 11, 16 and 58 were identified from five cases of orthokeratotic Bowen disease.

CONCLUSION

Orthokeratotic Bowen disease is a distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma in situ associated with HPV infection in less than half of the cases studied.

Aggressive curettage-cryosurgery for human papillomavirus-16 associated subungual squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ is an uncommon tumour of the nail unit. Mohs micrographic surgery or wide surgical excision are often the preferred treatments. As an alternative therapy two patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 associated SCC in situ were treated by curettage-cryosurgery. After a careful curettage with different-sized curettes freezing with liquid nitrogen in a double freeze-thaw was performed. Both patients were treated successfully and healed completely within 3 months. No adverse events were observed during a follow-up of at least 5 years and no recurrences were noted. Curettage-cryosurgery might be a safe and non-resource-demanding alternative treatment for patients with subungual SCC in situ.