Abstract Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the helminth Gnathostoma spp., acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated aquatic animals.The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Central America. Two male patients, both middle-aged, presented with single itchy erythemato-edematous plaques on the anterior thorax and left flank. Both had consumed raw fish in the Amazon region. The clinical and epidemiological examinations suggested gnathostomiasis, and treatment with albendazole caused total regression of the lesions. Health teams should be familiar with the disease to provide correct diagnosis. The control strategy should be based on health education for the population.

Abstract A 28-year-old white female patient presented with multiple erythematous-to-violaceous, painful, suppurative nodules on the buttocks and thighs that appeared after two weeks of mesotherapy with deoxycholate, caffeine, sunflower liposomes, and sinetrol for localized fat. She was treated for atypical mycobacteriosis, but with no satisfactory response after antibiotic therapy. Bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal culture were all negative. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy showed noninfectious suppurative panniculitis. It resolved after treatment with methotrexate, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine. This report highlights the rarity of this complication, the importance of its early recognition, and differentiation with atypical fast growing mycobacterioses.

Abstract Cutaneous neoplasms frequently occur in leprosy, but there are few reports of the coexistence of leprosy and basal cell carcinoma in the same lesion. This case reports a 49-year-old male with an ulcerated plaque on the right lateral nasal wall, bright papules on the sternal region, and a blackened plaque on the right temporal region. The nasal and temporal lesions were diagnosed by histopathology as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, respectively. The sternal lesions were excised with the repair of the “dog ear” which histopathological examination showed macrophages in the dermis parasitized with acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy with Fite-Faraco staining. This case report highlights the importance of referring the dog-ear specimen for histopathologic analysis.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma has been increasing in Brazil and all over the world. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, mortality remains unchanged. OBJECTIVE: To associate clinical and histopathological aspects with the evolution of 136 cases of cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that analyzed all patients diagnosed with melanoma during the period from 2003 to 2011, with at least 4 years follow up. Archived slides were analyzed to study histopathological variables (Breslow, ulceration, mitoses and histological regression). Medical records were used to retrieve clinical variables (age, sex, localization, time of appearance, diameter) and progression (metastases or death). Association measures were assessed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to age. Superficial spreading subtype showed lower Breslow (0.5mm) than acral lentiginous and nodular subtypes (2 and 4.6mm respectively), less ulceration and metastases (9.4% against 50 and 70.6%). Nodular subtype had higher mitoses' median (5.0/mm2) than superficial spreading and lentigo maligna (0.0/mm2, for both). Regression was more frequent in superficial spreading and lentigo maligna subtypes. There were only deaths by melanoma in the acral group, however, there were deaths for other reasons in groups superficial spreading one, acral lentiginous one and lentigo maligna two. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Use of medical records as a source of data to the study. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial spreading subtype presents better prognosis indicators. Histological subtype should be considered in follow-up and treatment protocols of patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Abstract: Primary cutaneous lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a rare disease with low metastatic potential. Its morphologic and pathological features are similar to those of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelial carcinoma. We report the case of a 60-year-old man with an infrapalpebral pearly papule, measuring 0.6 cm in diameter. The lesion was excised with a clinical hypothesis of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathological analysis revealed a malignant neoplasm with syncytial arrangement of cells with vesicular nuclei, associated with dense lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry revealed cytokeratin-positive cells (AE1/AE3) and p63 protein, indicating epithelial histogenesis and squamous differentiation. A negative Epstein-Barr virus test result was achieved by immunohistochemistry. Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin is a differential diagnosis of lesions with prominent inflammatory infiltrates.

Abstract: Milker's nodule is an occupational dermatovirose caused by Parapoxvirus, which is self-limited and, due to the lack of information of health professionals, may lead to underdiagnosis. We present two cases with exuberant manifestations and classic histopathologic findings. Case 1: Male, 19 years of age, milker, presented nodules and blisters on his palm for 15 days. Case 2: Male, 33 years of age, administrative assistant, presented erythematous nodules on his palms with lymphangitis for 5 days. He had milked a cow one week before the onset of the lesions. In both cases, the histopathology was representative and coincident with the clinical hypothesis. The lesions have presented complete involution. Milker's nodule diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, epidemiology, and histopathology. The knowledge of this disease is essential for its correct diagnosis, as well as to guide the implementation of public health measures and the appropriate treatment of sick cattle.

Abstract The etiopathogenesis of female pattern hair loss is still poorly understood. In addition to genetic and hormonal elements, environmental factors could be involved. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and can be activated by environmental pollutants leading to alterations in the cell cycle, inflammation, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate the overexpression of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptors in miniaturized hair follicles in female pattern hair loss.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os casos de exenteração orbitária de um hospital terciário brasileiro. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, envolvendo pacientes submetidos à exenteração orbitária no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, entre os anos de 1993 a 2016. As cirurgias foram realizadas sob anestesia geral, por equipe multidisciplinar composta por oftalmologistas, otorrinolaringologistas e cirurgiões de cabeça e pescoço. Resultados: Foram estudados 14 casos de exenteração orbitária, com média de idade de 63,36 ± 13,18 anos e nove homens (64,3%). Todas cirurgias foram realizadas para tratamento de tumores malignos, sendo mais frequente o carcinoma espinocelular (7 casos - 50,0%). Os sítios primários mais frequentes foram as pálpebras (50,0%), seguida pela conjuntiva (28,6%). A maioria das cirurgias foram do tipo exenteração estendida (57,1%), com cicatrização por granulação espontânea (64,3%). A sobrevida em 1 ano foi de 78,6% e em 5 anos de 71,4%. Conclusão: O carcinoma espinocelular foi a principal causa de indicação de exenteração orbitaria, sendo as pálpebras o sítio primário mais frequente. O procedimento mais realizado foi a exenteração estendida, com a grande maioria alcançando margens livres.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe causes of orbital exenteration in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective study was done, involving patients submitted to orbital exenteration at the Clinical Hospital of Botucatu Medical School, between the years of 1993 to 2016. The surgeries have been performed under general anesthesia, by a multidisciplinary team, composed by ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons. Results: Fourteen cases of orbital exenteration occurred in the period of the study, with a mean age of 63.36 ± 13.18 years and nine were men (64.3%). All exenteration were due to malignant tumors, being more frequent the squamous cell carcinoma (7 cases - 50.0%). The most common primary sites were the eyelids (50.0%) followed by the conjunctiva (28.6%). The majority of the surgeries was extended exenteration type (57.1%) and most of the reconstructions was made by spontaneous granulation (64.3%). The survivor rate in 1 year was 78,6% and in 5 years was 71.4%. Conclusion: The main cause of orbital exenteration was squamous cell carcinoma and the most frequent primary site was the eyelids. Extended exenteration was necessary for the majority of cases, most of them with free margins.

Abstract Granuloma faciale is a chronic, benign, cutaneous vasculitis with well-established clinical and morphological patterns, but with an unknown etiology. This study describes clinical and pathologic aspects of patients diagnosed with granuloma faciale. The authors analyzed demographic, clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical data from patients with a final diagnosis of granuloma faciale, confirmed between 1998 and 2012. There was a proportional and mixed inflammatory infiltrate, Grenz zones were present in almost all the samples. Immunophenotyping confirmed a higher intensity of T lymphocytes than B lymphocytes in thirteen samples, with a predominance of T CD8 lymphocytes in 64% of cases, in contrast to the literature, which indicates that the major component is T CD4 lymphocytes. All cases were positive for IgG4 but the majority (12/14) had less than 25% of stained cells. The pathogenesis of granuloma faciale remains poorly understood, making studies of morphological and immunohistochemical characterization important to better understand it.

Abstract: Histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma have biological, evolutionary and distinct prognostic behavior. The analysis of characteristics of the nucleus can provide data on their cellular physiology and behavior. The authors of this study evaluated nuclear morphological parameters and textural patterns of chromatin from different subtypes of basal cell carcinoma: nodular (n=37), superficial (n=28) and sclerodermiform (n=28). The parameters were compared between neoplasms' subtypes and with unaffected adjacent basal epithelium. Nuclear area and diameter of sclerodermiform neoplasms were superior to the other subtypes. Chromatin's color intensity and fractal dimension were less intense in superficial subtypes. Nuclear roundness and chromatin's entropy presented lower values in tumors than in normal epithelium. There was significant correlation between morphological and textural variables of normal skin and tumors. Morphometric elements and textural chromatin's homogeneity of basal cell carcinomas may be related to evolutionary, biological and behavior particularities related to each histotype.

BACKGROUND: squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin malignancy and may evolve to regional lymph node and distant metastases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to identify its clinical and histopathological characteristics, as well as the frequency of local recurrence and metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Inclusion criteria: histopathological confirmation, follow-up for longer than one year after diagnosis. Exclusion criteria: immunosuppression; lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma; and non-surgical resection of the lesion. We evaluated demographic, clinical and anatomopathologic findings and explored their associations. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with 79 tumors and followed by 4.8±3.0 years were selected. The average age was 67.1 years, and 63% of tumors had up to two centimeters. Seven tumors (8.9%) recurred and two of them had positive margins. Recurrence was associated with higher Broders' grade (p<0.01). Two patients (3.3%) had regional lymph node metastases. There were no distant metastases. Seventy tumors were considered to be usual tumors (89.7%), and 68 (87.2%) were classified as Broders' grade 1 and 2. Additionally, 64.1% of tumors had a depth of invasion below four millimeters. Thirteen tumors (16.7%) had positive histological margins. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients had good prognosis in the first year of follow-up, confirming that head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has a better prognosis than squamous cell carcinoma of other regions such as mucosa, oral cavity, and internal organs.

Pachydermodactyly is a rare and benign form of acquired digital fibromatosis characterized by the expansion of soft tissue around proximal phalanges and interphalangeal joints. The etiology remains unknown, although it is suggested that repetitive mechanic trauma like the interlacing or rubbing of the fingers can lead to skin thickening. We report a case of a young man with skin thickening around interphalangeal joints and compulsive finger manipulation habit. The histopathology disclosed hyperkeratosis, discrete papillomatosis, mild increase of fibroblasts and dermal mucinosis. The lesions regressed partially, after finger manipulation was stopped.

Calcifilaxia ou arteriolopatia urêmica calcificante é quadro cutâneo-sistêmico raro em paciente com doença renal crônica em fase de diálise. Caracteriza-se por úlcera cutânea, necrose de padrão retiforme, evolução progressiva, localizada principalmente nos membros inferiores e suscetibilidade à infecção secundária. Decorre de calcificação da parede arterial e oclusão de arteríolas e artérias cutâneas e subcutâneas. Os autores relatam caso de paciente do sexo masculino de 73 anos de idade com doença renal em estadio tardio e úlceras cutâneas nos membros inferiores com necrose, evolução grave, infecção local e sistêmica e, óbito por sepse após paratireoidectomia

Calciphylaxis or calcific uremic arteriolopathy is a rare cutaneous-systemic disease occurring in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The classical clinical picture is that of a necrotic and progressive skin ulcer of reticular pattern, mostly in the lower legs and susceptible to local infection. It is a product of mural calcification and occlusion of cutaneous and sub-cutaneous arteries and arterioles. The authors report the case of a 73-year-old male patient in his late stage of renal disease presenting severe necrotic cutaneous ulcers on lower legs followed by local and systemic infection and death due to sepse after parathyroidectomy.