ABSTRACT Objective: Cytological analysis and Bethesda classification of thyroid nodules is the standard method of diagnosing differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). However, even for nodules with a non-malignant cytological diagnosis, there is a not insignificant risk of cancer. There are doubts whether this lack of certainty would influence patient prognosis. Our aim was to compare patients with DTC, classified according to the preoperative cytological diagnosis, regarding their evolution. Subjects and methods: A retrospective study was carried out with 108 DTC patients submitted to total thyroidectomy (TT) between 2009 and 2015, divided into three groups according to preoperative cytological diagnosis (Bethesda classification): classes I/II, III/IV, and V/VI. Groups were compared for evolution considering response to treatment at last evaluation as well as time disease free. Statistical analysis used ANOVA, chi squared, and Kaplan-Meier curves with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Groups differed for time between nodule puncture and TT [in months; V/VI (2.35 ± 2.48) < III/IV (7.32 ± 6.34) < I/II (13.36 ± 8.9); p < 0.0001]. There was no significant difference between groups for evolution at final evaluation (disease free status; classes I/II: 71.4%; classes III/IV: 60%; classes V/VI: 66.6%; p = 0.7433), as well as time disease free (in months; classes I/II: 34.57 ± 25.82; classes III/IV: 38.04 ± 26.66; classes V/VI: 30.84 ± 26.34; p = 0.3841). Conclusions: DTC patients classified according to preoperative cytological diagnosis did not differ for evolution. Although patients with non-malignant cytological diagnoses were submitted to TT later, this did not affect the evolution of the cases.

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 Objective: Follicular lesions of the thyroid with papillary carcinoma nuclear characteristics are classified as infiltrative follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma-FVPTC (IFVPTC), encapsulated/well demarcated FVPTC with tumour capsular invasion (IEFVPTC), and the newly described category “non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features” (NIFTP) formerly known as non-invasive encapsulated FVPTC. This study evaluated whether computerized image analysis can detect nuclear differences between these three tumour subtypes. Materials and methods: Slides with histological material from 15 cases of NIFTP and 33 cases of FVPTC subtypes (22 IEFVPTC, and 11 IFVPTC) were analyzed using the Image J image processing program. Tumour cells were compared for both nuclear morphometry and chromatin textural characteristics. Results: Nuclei from NIFTP and IFVPTC tumours differed in terms of chromatin textural features (grey intensity): mean (92.37 ± 21.01 vs 72.99 ± 14.73, p = 0.02), median (84.93 ± 21.17 vs 65.18 ± 17.08, p = 0.02), standard deviation (47.77 ± 9.55 vs 39.39 ± 7.18; p = 0.02), and coefficient of variation of standard deviation (19.96 ± 4.01 vs 24.75 ± 3.31; p = 0.003). No differences were found in relation to IEFVPTC. Conclusion: Computerized image analysis revealed differences in nuclear texture between NIFTP and IFVPTC, but not for IEFVPTC.

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.

Resumo Introdução: A tireoglobulina estimulada pelo hormônio tireoestimulante endógeno coletada após tireoidectomia total é um preditor útil de melhor prognóstico em pacientes com carcinomas diferenciados de tireoide em geral, mas os estudos com microcarcinomas são escassos. Objetivo: Avaliar se a primeira medida pós-operatória de tireoglobulina estimulada é um fator prognóstico em pacientes com microcarcinoma. Método: Os dados clínicos de 150 pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide foram estudados retrospectivamente e 54 (36%) casos com microcarcinoma foram selecionados. A primeira dosagem de tireoglobulina estimulada (1a TgE) pós-operatória, medida após a tireoidectomia, os dados da apresentação inicial e tratamento do microcarcinoma foram avaliados quanto ao resultado. O pior prognóstico foi definido como a persistência/recorrência da neoplasia. Resultados: A persistência/recorrência ocorreu em 27,8% dos casos. Esses pacientes foram identificados de acordo com os seguintes parâmetros: receberam mais de uma dose de iodo131 (100% vs. 0%; p < 0,0001); dose acumulada de iodo131 (232,14 ± 99,09 vs. 144 ± 33,61 mCi; p < 0,0001); apresentou doença ativa na última avaliação (53,3% vs. 0%; p < 0,0001); tempo de seguimento (103,07 ± 61,27 vs. 66,85 ± 70,14 meses; p = 0,019); e 1ªTgE (19,01 ± 44,18 vs. 2,19 ± 2,54 ng/dL; p < 0,0001). Após a regressão logística multivariada, apenas a 1ª TgE [odds ratio = 1.242; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,022-1,509; p = 0,029] e tempo de seguimento (odds ratio = 1,027; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,007-1,048; p = 0,007) foram preditores independentes de risco de persistência/recorrência. O ponto de corte de 1,6 ng/dL para a 1a TgE foi significativamente associado à persistência/recidiva da doença [área abaixo da curva = 0,713 (p = 0,019)]. Conclusão: A 1ª dosagem sérica de tireoglobulina estimulada previu a persistência/recorrência da doença em pacientes com microcarcinoma.

Abstract Introduction: Endogenous thyroid-stimulating hormone-stimulated thyroglobulin collected after total thyroidectomy is a useful predictor of better prognosis in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas in general, but studies with microcarcinomas are scarce. Objective: To assess whether the first postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin measurement is a prognostic factor in patients with microcarcinoma. Methods: The medical data of 150 differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients were studied retrospectively, and 54 (36%) cases with microcarcinoma were selected. The first postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin (1st stimulated thyroglobulin), measured after thyroidectomy, initial presentation data, and microcarcinomas treatment were assessed regarding outcome. Worse prognosis was defined as neoplasm persistence/recurrence. Results: Persistence/recurrence occurred in 27.8% of the cases. These patients were identified according to the following parameters: receiving more than one 131iodine dose (100% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001); accumulated 131iodine dose (232.14 ± 99.09 vs. 144 ± 33.61 mCi; p < 0.0001); presented active disease in the last assessment (53.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001); follow-up time (103.07 ± 61.27 vs. 66.85 ± 70.14 months; p = 0.019); and 1st stimulated thyroglobulin (19.01 ± 44.18 vs. 2.19 ± 2.54 ng/dL; p < 0.0001). After multivariate logistic regression, only the 1stSTg [odds ratio = 1.242; 95% confidence interval: 1.022-1.509; p = 0.029] and follow-up time (odds ratio = 1.027; 95% confidence interval: 1.007-1.048; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of risk of persistence/recurrence. The cutoff point of 1.6 ng/dL for the 1st stimulated thyroglobulin was significantly associated with disease persistence/recurrence [area under the curve = 0.713 (p = 0.019)]. Conclusion: The first stimulated thyroglobulin predicted disease persistence/recurrence in patients with microcarcinoma.

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.