Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Aug;39(8):e106

Department of Dermatology, Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Trichostasis spinulosa is a rarely diagnosed disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by retention of telogen hairs within the dilated follicles. A hair tuft can be seen protruding from the follicles. We present a case of trichostasis spinulosa associated with intradermal melanocytic nevi, where dermoscopy helps to identify this entity. Read More

Diagn Cytopathol 2017 Jul 18. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Hospital and Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Ocular cytology specimens are relatively uncommon, adding to the difficulty of their evaluation by cytopathologists. While melanomas account for a majority of primary intraocular pigmented lesions, other diagnostic considerations must be included in the differential. This brief report highlights a case of a pigmented ocular lesion in a 24-year-old man and key morphologic, immunohistochemical, and clinical differences between melanoma, melanocytoma, choroidal nevus, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2017 Jul 17. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2017 07 13;31(2 Suppl. 2). Epub 2017 Jul 13.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

An 88-year-old Caucasian man recently sought medical attention due to recrudescence of skin disease in the area of previously excised nodule (in 2002) on the nose dorsum. The original lesion was clinically considered as a pigmented basal cell carcinoma, after which histological examination revealed a superficial spreading melanoma in vertical growth face (Clark level IV; Breslow thickness 2.1 mm) arising from a pre-existing nevus. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Jul 1. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. Electronic address:

Background: The clinicopathologic features of benign acral melanocytic neoplasms (BAMNs) remain poorly understood.

Objective: To define the clinicopathologic features of BAMNs.

Methods: We analyzed clinical data and mapped BAMNs anatomically. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2017 Jul 30;34(4):438-445. Epub 2017 Jun 30.

Department of Dermatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Background/objectives: Spitz nevi are melanocytic lesions with clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic presentations that may resemble those of melanoma. The evolution of Spitz nevi is a well-known feature. The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinical and dermoscopic features of Spitz nevi and define their evolution. Read More

J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017 Jun 1. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea. Electronic address:

The deep penetrating nevus (DPN) is a rare benign melanocytic tumor often clinically and histopathologically mistaken for malignant melanoma (MM) and other nevus types. This report describes an extremely rare case of multiple lesions of a large DPN in the oral cavity with extensive infiltration to the minor salivary gland, buccal fat pad, buccinators, and masseter muscles, yet with preservation of the normal anatomic architecture. After receiving a diagnosis of MM in another hospital, the patient was at risk for receiving a wide excision that included the masticatory muscles, facial nerve, and overlying skin. Read More

BMJ 2017 Jun 28;357:j2813. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.

Objective To quantify the accuracy and reproducibility of pathologists' diagnoses of melanocytic skin lesions.Design Observer accuracy and reproducibility study.Setting 10 US states. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2017 Jun 28. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Pathology Service and Dermatopathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: Recent molecular advances suggest that Spitz nevi and other spitzoid neoplasms are biologically distinct from melanoma and conventional nevi. The ubiquitin ligase UBE2C and the homeobox transcription factor HOXA1 are candidate oncogenes in melanoma.

Methods: Using RNA expression analysis and immunohistochemistry, we evaluated these biomarkers in Spitz nevi (n = 20), melanoma (n = 20), and by immunohistochemistry in conventional nevi (n = 20). Read More

Ann Diagn Pathol 2017 Jun 10;28:30-36. Epub 2016 Nov 10.

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address:

Background: FISH has recently emerged as a technique to better assess the malignant potential of histologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions. However, the usefulness of FISH has not been conclusively established. The purpose of this study was to further explore the diagnostic value of FISH in distinguishing the borderline melanocytic tumor (BMT) from melanoma. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2017 May;16(5):516-518

Melanoma Res 2017 Jun 13. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Departments of aPathology bOncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus cBioneer A/S, Hørsholm dDepartment of Clinical Pathology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark.

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potent mediators of melanoma development and progression, a precise understanding of their oncogenic role remains unclear. In this study, we analysed formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from two separate melanoma cohorts and from a series of benign melanocytic nevi. Using three different quantification methods [array analysis, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and in-situ hybridization (ISH) quantified by digital image analysis], we found considerable miRNA dysregulation in tumours. Read More

Oncogene 2017 Jun 12. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.

Approximately 33% of melanomas are derived directly from benign, melanocytic nevi. Despite this, the vast majority of melanocytic nevi, which typically form as a result of BRAF(V600E)-activating mutations, will never progress to melanoma. Herein, we synthesize basic scientific insights and data from mouse models with common observations from clinical practice to comprehensively review melanocytic nevus biology. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Jun 7. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kansas University, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Kansas University, Kansas City, Kansas. Electronic address:

Background: Dermatopathology is considered the gold standard for melanoma diagnosis, but a subset of cases is difficult to diagnose by histopathology.

Objective: The goals of this study were to measure the accuracy of histopathologic features in difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic tumors and the interobserver agreement of those features.

Methods: This is a case-control study of histopathologic features of melanoma in 100 difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic neoplasms (40 melanomas and 60 nevi). Read More

Arq Bras Oftalmol 2017 Mar-Apr;80(2):78-83

Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Purpose:: To compare measurements of lesions clinically diagnosed as choroidal nevi using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and 10- and 20-MHz ultrasound (US).

Methods:: This prospective study, which was conducted between May 2011 and December 2011, evaluated eyes diagnosed with choroidal nevus via photographic documentation using 10- or 20-MHz A- and B-mode US (experienced examiner using both the transpalpebral technique and direct contact) or SD-OCT in the enhanced depth imaging mode (performed by a different examiner blinded to the US results). Anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (T) US sections corresponded to sections adjusted perpendicularly on SD-OCT. Read More

Case Rep Dermatol Med 2017 8;2017:3509146. Epub 2017 May 8.

Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.

Intra- and subcorneal hematoma, a skin alteration seen palmar and plantar after trauma or physical exercise, can be challenging to distinguish from in situ or invasive acral lentiginous melanoma. Thus, careful examination including dermoscopic and histologic assessment may be necessary to make the correct diagnosis. We here present a case of a 67-year-old healthy female patient who presented with a pigmented plantar skin alteration. Read More

J Cutan Med Surg 2017 May 1:1203475417712496. Epub 2017 May 1.

1 Bezmialem Vakif University, Dermatology, İstanbul, Turkey.

Background: Dermoscopy is a useful tool for earlier diagnosis and differentiating benign lesions from melanoma.

Objectives: We aim to investigate dermoscopic features of acral nevi, age, and localisation-related findings of these lesions.

Methods: This was an observational, descriptive study. Read More

Pathol Res Pract 2017 Jul 30;213(7):860-862. Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Research Unit Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

A 40-year-old woman presented with a pigmented nodule on a previously existing yellowish, verrucous plaque on the scalp. The histological diagnosis was consistent with a pigmented trichoblastoma developed within a sebaceous nevus (SN). A multigene hotspot mutational profiling of the BRAF, NRAS, HRAS and KRAS genes was carried out, and a shared G13R HRAS mutation in both the trichoblastoma and the sebaceous nevus components was found. Read More

Skin Res Technol 2017 May 21. Epub 2017 May 21.

Department of Dermatologic Clinic, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Background: The differential diagnosis between regressing nevi and melanoma might be challenging; regressing areas can represent a confounding factor for the diagnosis and the histology still remain mandatory to rule out melanoma. Reflectance confocal microscopy may add valuable information by revealing features suggestive of the nature of the melanocytic proliferation.

Objective: To assess the impact of confocal microscopy in the management of regressive melanocytic lesions. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2017 Mar-Apr;92(2):256-259

School of Medicine at Universidade de São Paulo (USP) - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Although giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a rare lesion, it causes significant deformity and carries a risk of malignant degeneration. Different surgical techniques for the lesion removal are described, including serial resection, resection with skin grafting, and resection and coverage with expanded skin flap (skin expanders). The aim of this study is to report the author's 40 years of experience with cases requiring at least 4 serial excisions to complete the treatment. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2017 Mar-Apr;92(2):231-233

Department of Dermatology, San Cecilio University Hospital - Granada, Spain.

Proliferative nodules can occasionally arise on congenital and acquired melanocytic nevi. At first sight their clinical and pathologic features cause alert to both dermatologist and dermatopathologist. However, proliferative nodules are typically benign, regression is common and there is minimum risk of malignization. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2017 Mar-Apr;92(2):200-205

Dermatology Unity - Hospital das Clinicas - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil.

Background:: Large congenital melanocytic nevus (LCMN) is considered a risk factor for melanoma, although the magnitude of this risk is controversial.

Objective:: To evaluate the risk of melanoma development in patients with LCMN seen at a dermatology referral center in Brazil during a twelve-year period. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published similar studies on large congenital melanocytic nevus in South America. Read More

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2017 May;97(19):1469-1473

Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.

Objective: To analyze prodromal phase and prodromal events of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Methods: Clinical data of 179 patients hospitalized and diagnosed during 2010-2016 including adults and children in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Beijing Children's Hospital were collected.Patients with prodromal phase or prodromal events were selected. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2017 May 16. Epub 2017 May 16.

Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Background: Many efforts have been spent attempting to define clinical, histopathological and molecular markers for differential diagnosis of Spitz nevus and melanoma. Dermoscopy has been widely used but it may be not always sufficient.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed evaluating Spitzoid-looking lesions showing symmetry at clinical and dermoscopic examination in patients ≥ 12 years attending our Clinic from 2004 to 2014. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2017 Jun;27(3):275-280

Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea.

Longitudinal melanonychia is not frequently observed in children, and few studies exist on longitudinal melanonychia in paediatric patients, especially in Asian populations. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and histological findings of longitudinal melanonychia in Korean paediatric patients. A retrospective review of paediatric patients (≤18 years old) with longitudinal melanonychia who underwent nail biopsy between January 2010 and October 2015 was performed. Read More

Retin Cases Brief Rep 2017 May 16. Epub 2017 May 16.

*Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York; †LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York; ‡Unit of Macula, Health Research Institute, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain; §Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; and ¶Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Purpose: To report a case of "posterior scleral melanocytosis," a pigmented lesion of the posterior sclera that clinically resembles a flat choroidal nevus.

Methods: Case report of a patient with posterior scleral melanocytosis. Multimodal imaging, including swept source optical coherence tomography, was used to demonstrate the scleral location of the pigmented lesion and to distinguish its features from a typical choroidal nevus present in the same eye. Read More

Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017 Jan-Apr;8(1):221-231. Epub 2017 Apr 10.

Strathfield Retina Clinic, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Purpose: Angioid streaks (AS) are dehiscences in Bruch's membrane that may be idiopathic or associated with numerous systemic illnesses. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is an underdiagnosed exudative chorioretinopathy often characterised by serosanguineous detachments of the pigmented epithelium. The use of the anti-VEGF agents ranibizumab and aflibercept in the management of PCV secondary to AS has not been previously documented. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2017 Jul 15;33(7):823-827. Epub 2017 May 15.

Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the risk of early malignant transformation in infants with giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GN) and demonstrate the potential for earlier intervention with aggressive surgery. We describe the case of a child born with a GN who developed a metastatic melanoma early in life, despite early commencement of resection of the nevus. This is contrasted against a second case of a child in which a more radical management was conducted. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 May 11. Epub 2017 May 11.

Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Málaga, España.

JAMA Dermatol 2017 May 10. Epub 2017 May 10.

Department of Skin Oncology/Dermatology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.

Cutis 2017 Apr;99(4):268-270

Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, USA.

Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN) are rare multiple benign melanocytic nevi that develop within a few months. The phenomenon has been associated with a variety of dermatologic and systemic conditions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, epidermolysis bullosa, Addison disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and internal malignancy, among others. It also is commonly attributed to medications, particularly immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic agents. Read More

Surg Pathol Clin 2017 Jun 31;10(2):281-298. Epub 2017 Mar 31.

Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, Amsterdam 1007 MB, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Spitz tumors are melanocytic neoplasms hallmarked by large cell size, lack of high-grade atypia, and a regular architecture. Most are nonpigmented or poorly pigmented. Malignant potential ranges from absent (Spitz nevus), to fully present (spitzoid melanoma), with a further, ill-defined group of Spitz tumors with limited metastatic potential. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Apr 27. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

Departments of *Pathology, and†Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and‡Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.

Blitz nevi/tumors are a distinct subset of melanocytic neoplasia which show mixed morphologic features of Spitz and blue nevus. Genomically, most blue nevi have GNAQ or GNA11 mutations while most Spitzoid neoplasms have either an HRAS mutation or translocations involving MET, ROS, BRAF, ALK1, NTRK1, and RET. The criteria used for the assessment of malignancy in blue and Spitzoid lesions are different, and these lesions have different prognostic markers. Read More

PLoS One 2017 4;12(5):e0177126. Epub 2017 May 4.

Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Studies surveying melanomas associated with melanocytic nevi in Asia are rare. In this study, we examined whether nevus-associated melanomas differ from de novo melanomas in terms of their associations with clinical factors, histologic characteristics, and patient survival in Taiwan. Using data on cancer cases obtained from the Department of Pathology archives and the Cancer Registry of National Taiwan University Hospital, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 103 consecutive melanoma patients who were diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 and received follow-up through November 2016. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017 Apr 27. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

University Department of Dermatology - Venereology, "Andreas Sygros" Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Paediatric melanoma, although rare, is the most common skin cancer in children. Our current knowledge on paediatric melanoma incidence trends is expanding, as several studies have addressed this issue with conflicting results. Known risk factors for paediatric melanoma include family history of melanoma, a previous history of malignancy, large congenital nevi, numerous melanocytic nevi, sunburns, increased UV exposure and a sun-sensitive phenotype. Read More

J Dermatol 2017 May;44(5):490-498

Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Tokyo, Japan.

The depth of melanin in the skin can be estimated roughly by observation of the color exhibited on dermoscopy. Currently, there are no objective methods to estimate it. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between the depth of melanin in the skin and the color variation exhibited, and to objectively estimate the 3-D location of melanin in the pigmented skin lesions from dermoscopic images. Read More

J Dermatol 2017 May;44(5):499-506

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

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. Read More

Int J Surg Pathol 2017 Apr 1:1066896917706026. Epub 2017 Apr 1.

2 Laboratory of Pathology, Division of Morphology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.

Background: Protein kinase C βII promotes melanogenesis and affects proliferation of melanocytic cells but is frequently absent or decreased in melanoma cells in vitro.

Objective: To investigate PKC-βII expression and spatial distribution within a lesion in various benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations.

Methods: Expression of PKC-βII was semiquantitatively assessed in the various existing compartments (intraepidermal [not nested], junctional [nested], and dermal) of benign (n = 43) and malignant (n = 28) melanocytic lesions by immunohistochemistry. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2017 Jul;43(7):911-919

*Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; †Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria, Europe.

Background: Differentiation of melanotic macules from melanocytic lesions, most importantly of melanoma, is a common problem on clinical-dermoscopic examination.

Objective: To assess the value of noninvasive reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the differential diagnosis of melanotic macules and melanocytic lesions.

Patients And Methods: Reflectance confocal microscopy images of 42 pigmented macules on mucocutaneous junctions of genitalia and lips, including 31 melanotic macules, 6 nevi, and 5 melanomas, were retrospectively and independently assessed in a blinded manner by one expert observer and 2 less experienced observers together. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 May;39(5):414-416

*Pathology Unit, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Cantabria and IDIVAL, Santander, Spain †Anatomical Pathology Service, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Cantabria and IDIVAL, Santander, Spain ‡Dermatology Service, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Cantabria and IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2017 Apr 19. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy -

Melanocytes are found throughout the oral mucosa but usually go unnoticed because of their relatively low level of pigment production. When focally or generally active in pigment production or proliferation they may be responsible for several affections in the oral mucosae ranging from physiologic pigmentation, systemic diseases to malignant neoplasms. The diagnosis of oral pigmentations (OP) is usually challenging for the physician, but a careful examination of the oral cavity may reveal the first manifestation of underlying systemic diseases. Read More

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2017 Apr;48(4):364-366

Optic disc melanocytoma (ODM) is a pigmented tumor with malignant potential characterized clinically as a dark brown to black lesion with feathery margins. The authors report a case of ODM and describe the utility of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in detecting superficial tumor vascularization. This case report demonstrated the ability of OCTA to reveal the fine abnormal retinal vasculature on the surface of the lesion, a characteristic of ODM, which has been previously correlated with tumor growth. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Aug 14;77(2):328-332. Epub 2017 Apr 14.

Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York; Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York.

Background: Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is an uncommon, recently described entity with unknown biologic behavior. There is a high rate of regional metastases, but limited evidence of distant metastases or disease-related death.

Objective: We sought to report our series of patients given a diagnosis of PEM at our institution and provide mutational analysis of genes commonly implicated in melanoma in 2 cases. Read More

Mod Pathol 2017 Jul 14;30(7):928-939. Epub 2017 Apr 14.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany.

Blue nevi are melanocytic tumors originating in the cutaneous dermis. Malignant tumors may arise in association with or resembling blue nevi, so called 'blue nevus-like melanoma', which can metastasize and result in patient death. Identifying which tumors will behave in a clinically aggressive manner can be challenging. Read More

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2017 3;10:99-104. Epub 2017 Apr 3.

First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Background: The incidence of skin diseases in children is influenced by hereditary, social, and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of pediatric dermatoses at a University Hospital in Northern Greece.

Patients And Methods: We reviewed epidemiologic data of 940 patients, aged 0-18 years, who were referred to the outpatient clinic of a University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015. Read More

Syst Rev 2017 Apr 13;6(1):81. Epub 2017 Apr 13.

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.

Background: Spitz nevi are uncommon melanocytic neoplasms found in children. Historically, the diagnosis and management of these tumors has lacked consensus among oncologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists. Once interpreted and treated as a "juvenile melanoma", many have argued for the benignancy of such tumors in certain patient age groups, encouraging a conservative approach. Read More

J Dermatol Case Rep 2016 Nov 30;10(3):49-52. Epub 2016 Nov 30.

2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Attikon" University General Hospital, 1 Rimini str, 12462, Chaidari, Athens, Greece.

Background: Nevogenesis is a complex process involving several pathogenetic mechanisms, including genetic factors, hormonal influences and UV-radiation. Trauma has been described as a triggering factor for an alternative pathway of nevogenesis. Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN), related either to immunosuppression or to blistering disorders, represent a special type of nevi probably induced by the disruption of the dermo-epidermal junction and consequent proliferation of quiescent pigment cells during re-epithelization. Read More

Cutis 2017 Mar;99(3):E29-E31

DuPage Medical Group, Naperville, Illinois, USA.

Laser treatment of Ota nevi can be complicated, particularly in darker skin types, as there is a higher risk for adverse effects if the laser is not carefully employed. We report a case of successful treatment of an Ota nevus in a patient with Fitzpatrick skin type IV with the novel 532-nm solid-state picosecond laser after 2 treatments. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Mar 27. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

*Department of Cellular Pathology, Cellular Pathology, Hospital El Bierzo, Ponferrada, Spain; †Biomedical Investigation Institute of A Coruña, CellCOM-SB Group, A Coruña, Spain; ‡Department of Cellular Pathology, Hospital de la Reina, Cellular Pathology, Ponferrada, Spain; §Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; ¶Universidad Complutense, Medical School, Instituto i+12, Madrid, Spain; and ‖Department of Dermatology, Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC), Southern California Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA.

Mucin deposition in Spitz nevus seems to be a very rare phenomenon, as there have only been 3 cases previously published. We report 6 additional cases, half of them in women, and half in men. The ages of the patients varied from 5 to 47 years (mean = 30. Read More