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Erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP) represents a significant challenge in dental and medical management due to its chronic inflammatory nature, painful symptoms, and impact on quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the current diagnostic approach with novel non-invasive techniques, such as dermoscopy, and also the landscape of treatment options for EOLP, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and the challenges that it present in clinical practice. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explored the use of topical corticosteroids, systemic immunosuppressants, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating EOLP, alongside examining patient compliance, psychological impacts, and the risk of adverse effects and recurrence. Our findings reveal that while topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of EOLP treatment, offering symptomatic relief, their long-term use is limited by side effects and tolerance development. Systemic therapies and biologics provide alternatives for refractory cases but necessitate careful adverse effect monitoring. JAK inhibitors show promise as an innovative treatment avenue but require more evidence on long-term safety and efficacy. This study highlights the necessity of personalized treatment approaches due to the variable disease course and response to treatment, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy in managing EOLP. The complexity of EOLP treatment, compounded by its psychological and quality of life impacts, demands ongoing research into targeted therapies, the establishment of standardized treatment protocols, and the development of effective outcome measures to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

Both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) represent important causes of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we evaluate the available knowledge on the differences and similarities between cutaneous melanoma and uveal melanoma, focusing on the epidemiological aspects and risk factors. Uveal melanoma is a rare condition but is the most prevalent primary intra-ocular malignant tumor in adults. Cutaneous melanoma, on the other hand, is significantly more common. While the frequency of cutaneous melanoma has increased in the last decades worldwide, the incidence of uveal melanoma has remained stable. Although both tumors arise from melanocytes, they are very distinct entities biologically, with complex and varied etiologies. Both conditions are encountered more frequently by individuals with a fair phenotype. ultraviolet-radiation is an important, well-documented risk factor for the development of CM, but has shown not to be of specific risk in UM. Although cutaneous and ocular melanomas seem to be inherited independently, there are reported cases of concomitant primary tumors in the same patient.

Aim of the study: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease primarily affecting the skin, but it can also involve the oral mucosa. Emerging evidence suggests that oral manifestations might serve as early indicators or predictive factors for psoriasis evolution. This study aims to identify specific oral mucosal features that could predict the progression and severity of psoriasis, providing insights into early diagnosis and management strategies. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 150 patients with clinically and histologically confirmed psoriasis manifesting oral lesions. The exclusion criteria included other systemic inflammatory diseases, recent use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and inability to provide informed consent. Results: The presence of oral changes such as fissures can be directly related to patients’ gender. The presence of erythema and fissures on the oral mucosa can be correlated with the severity of psoriasis disease. Conclusions: Particular aspects of the oral mucosa, including erythema, plaques, and fissures, are significant predictive factors for the evolution of psoriasis.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes, particularly the oral mucosa. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is characterized by erosive lesions that can significantly impact the quality of life (QoL) of patients. This study aims to assess the impact of oral erosions on the QoL of patients with OLP, exploring the clinical features, symptom severity, and psychological burden associated with the condition. The increased symptom and disease duration proportionally correlated with higher OHIP-49 questionnaire mean scores. According to the OHIP-49 questionnaire results, the erosions in lichen planus mainly functionally limit patients and produce physical pain and psychological discomfort.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that poses significant therapeutic challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that topical Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors could represent a novel treatment paradigm for OLP. This review explores the pathophysiology of OLP, highlighting the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in its pathogenesis. We discuss the current landscape of topical JAK inhibitors, including their mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile. The review also examines recent clinical trials and observational studies that shed light on the potential of these agents in managing OLP. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future of JAK inhibitors in the context of OLP treatment, considering both their therapeutic potential and the need for further research.

This narrative review highlights the emerging role of salivary markers in the detection of oral cancer. Saliva contains diverse biomolecules that can provide valuable information on physiological and pathological processes in the body, including specific biomarkers that indicate the presence and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Salivary markers have the potential to transform the diagnosis and management of malignant oral lesions by offering a non-invasive approach to screening and monitoring the disease. This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding salivary markers in oral cancer, including their advantages over traditional biopsy-based techniques, limitations, and the need for further research. It concludes by outlining the future prospects of salivary biomarkers in oral cancer detection and management.

Background: The role of angiogenesis in tumoral growth and progression is well documented for a number of solid tumors. The importance of tumoral angiogenesis expressed as microvessel density in cutaneous malignant melanoma is still controversial, and subject of conflicting data reports in the literature. Material and method: 14 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded excision pieces of cutaneous malignant melanoma of the face were examined. All cases were advanced primary cutaneous melanomas, with a Clark level ranging between III to V. 3 μm sections were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. CD31 monoclonal antibody was used to mark out vascular endothelium. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed using hot-spot method in normal tissue, peritumoral and intratumoral areas for each case. Results: Overall microvessel density was increased in thick cutaneous melanoma. Vessels in the peritumoral areas were larger and were found in greater number compared to those found in normal tissue. In cases with a dense peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate we found the highest vascular density. Intratumoral angiogenesis was moderate in most cases, with irregular, smaller or collapsed vessels. In one case of ulcerated, infiltrative melanoma (Clark level V), highly pigmented, with intravascular tumoral emboli (noted in routine haematoxylin and eosin examination) there was an increased intratumoral microvessel density, with an irregular distribution throughout the whole tumoral area. We also found numerous neovessels inside connective septum penetrating the tumor. Conclusions: Increased overall microvessel density in thick cutaneous melanoma suggest a possible relation between tumor thickness – known as an independent prognostic factor in melanoma, and the number of new blood vessels found in peritumoral and intratumoral areas.

Melanoma is a complex and heterogeneous malignant tumor with distinct genetic characteristics and therapeutic challenges in both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM). This review explores the underlying molecular features and genetic alterations in these melanoma subtypes, highlighting the importance of employing specific model systems tailored to their unique profiles for the development of targeted therapies. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in unraveling the molecular and genetic characteristics of CM and UM, leading to notable advancements in treatment options. Genetic mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway drive CM, while UM is characterized by mutations in genes like GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1, EIF1AX, and SF3B1. Chromosomal aberrations, including monosomy 3 in UM and monosomy 10 in CM, play significant roles in tumorigenesis. Immune cell infiltration differs between CM and UM, impacting prognosis. Therapeutic advancements targeting these genetic alterations, including oncolytic viruses and immunotherapies, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies. Oncolytic viruses selectively infect malignant cells, inducing oncolysis and activating antitumor immune responses. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an FDA-approved oncolytic virus for CM treatment, and other oncolytic viruses, such as coxsackieviruses and HF-10, are being investigated. Furthermore, combining oncolytic viruses with immunotherapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, holds great potential. Understanding the intrinsic molecular features of melanoma and their role in shaping novel therapeutic approaches provides insights into targeted interventions and paves the way for more effective treatments for CM and UM.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure that has been used in patients with cutaneous melanoma for nearly 30 years. It is used for both staging and regional disease control with minimum morbidity, as proven by numerous worldwide prospective studies. It has been incorporated in the recommendations of national and professional guidelines. In this article, we provide a summary of the general information on SLNB in the clinical guidelines for the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma (American Association of Dermatology, European Society of Medical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Cancer Council Australia) and review the most relevant literature to provide an update on the existing recommendations for SLNB.