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The pathophysiology of melanoma involves malignant transformation of melanocytes. These can arise de novo or result from malignant transformation of a pre-existing nevus. This case report presents a patient with a new pigmented lesion, arising from a pre-existing neurofibroma, on her left scapula and no personal or family history of systemic neurofibromatosis. Biopsy confirmed the lesion to be malignant melanoma and, after excision, postoperative pathology showed a pre-existing neurofibroma. A review of the literature suggests there may be a link between the pathogenesis of neurofibroma and malignant melanoma, because NF1 mutations are observed in both neurofibromatosis and malignant melanoma. We hypothesize that the pre-existing neurofibroma created a proliferative environment that gave rise to the adjacent neoplasm. Further research is required to understand the shared pathway, because this may lead to novel forms of surveillance and treatment.

Background Botulinum-derived neurotoxins have become a substantial tool in dermatologists' armamentarium for facial/neck rejuvenation. Current literature discusses anatomical "danger zones" to avoid during neurotoxin injection to prevent brow ptosis, blepharoptosis, and lower facial ptosis. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether lidocaine 1% local anesthetic can be used to predict botulinum toxin treatment outcomes and prevent adverse effects of unwanted paralysis. Materials and methods One percent lidocaine was drawn up using BD ultra-fine 31 G (5/16″), 0.5-mL insulin syringes in the same quantity that would be drawn up for neurotoxin placement. The patient's face was cleansed and mapped; 0.1 mL of 1% lidocaine was injected × 5 sites in the glabella; and 3 sites were injected with 0.05 mL in the frontalis. The patient was assessed after 10 minutes. Results Improvement in frontalis and glabellar rhytides was appreciated, with noted "spocking" of the lateral brows. This technique allowed the authors to visualize the need for placement of toxin more laterally with eventual successful predictive placement for neurotoxin. Conclusion This technique of using local 1% lidocaine allows the practitioner to devise a neurotoxin distribution map tailored for each patient to limit unwanted paralysis from improper neurotoxin placement.

Background The American Council of Graduate Medical Education, which oversees much of postgraduate medical education in the United States, has championed the concept of "milestones," standard levels of achievement keyed to particular time points, to assess trainee performance during residency. Objective To develop a milestones document for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery (CDS) fellowship program. Methods An ad hoc milestone drafting committee was convened that included members of the ASDS Accreditation Work Group and program directors of ASDS-approved Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery (CDC) fellowship training programs. Draft milestones were circulated through email in multiple rounds until consensus was achieved. Results Thirteen milestones were developed in the 6 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competency areas, with 8 of these being patient-care milestones. Additional instructions for milestone administration more specific to the CDS fellowship than general ACGME instructions were also approved. Implementation of semiannual milestones was scheduled for the fellowship class entering in July 2018. Conclusion Milestones are now available for CDS fellowship directors to implement in combination with other tools for fellow evaluation.

BACKGROUND Cutaneous biopsy sites are often difficult to discern or are frequently misidentified when patients present for the treatment of skin cancers. This frustrating situation can lead to delays in treatment and wrong site surgeries. Current methods aiming to prevent this situation are not perfect. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to determine the efficacy of ultraviolet-fluorescent tattoos in facilitating the correct identification of suspected nonmelanoma skin cancer biopsy sites. METHODS In this prospective cohort, 51 shave biopsy sites were tattooed with ultraviolet-fluorescent ink in a series of 31 patients suspected of having a cutaneous malignancy. At the time of follow-up, the ability of the patient and the physician to identify the correct site with and without ultraviolet illumination of the tattoo was recorded. Visibility of the tattoo was graded before and after treatment. RESULTS Patients could not positively identify their biopsy site in 35% of cases. In 7% of cases, physicians could not confidently identify the site without the aid of ultraviolet illumination. In conjunction with tattoo illumination, physicians confidently identified the site in 100% of the cases. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Ultraviolet-fluorescent tattoos offer a safe and reliable means of accurately marking cutaneous biopsy sites.

The nail unit can be a challenging anatomic location for surgical removal of neoplasms. Although uncommon, malignancies do affect this specialized epithelial structure. In particular, Bowen's disease and more invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common neoplasm's to affect the nail unit and surrounding structures. Other neoplasm's such as basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma can also affect the nail unit, but less frequently, and will not be discussed in the scope of this review. Mohs micrographic surgery continues to be the treatment of choice because of the procedure's tissue-sparing qualities. A clear understanding of the anatomy and the histology of the nail unit, a review of the technique of Moh's surgery of the nail anatomy, as well as a review of the literature are presented.

objective. To emphasize the wisdom of small test areas when treating cosmetic tattoos and the need for multiple laser systems. methods. A 48-year-old woman requested removal of permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) of her eyebrows and around her lips. Physical examination revealed a brown tattoo of both eyebrows and dark red lip liner around both lips. A test area was performed on the red tattoo of the lips. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 2.0 J/cm2, 2 mm spot size) was used for the lip area, while the same laser at 1064 nm, 3.9 J cm2, 2 mm spot size was utilized for the eyebrows. The lip area immediately turned black. The patient returned for follow-up 1 month later; the black ink on the lip was treated with the same laser at 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2, with satisfactory resolution in two monthly treatments. Both brown eyebrow turned bright orange and were treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 3.0 J/cm2. One month later the eyebrows were a mixture of yellow ink and dark green. The yellow area was treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 2.3 J/cm2, while the dark green was treated with the 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2. One month later little improvement was noted, so Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 6 mm spot size, 16 J/cm2 was utilized. An additional four monthly treatments were given utilizing a combination of both ruby and 532 nm ND:YAG lasers for green and yellow pigment, respectively. results. Significant but incomplete resolution of the tattoo ink was achieved. conclusion. Multiple laser systems are needed to remove cosmetic tattoos. Test areas must be done before treatment.