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Background: Tirbanibulin 1% ointment is approved for the field treatment of Olsen grade I actinic keratoses (AKs) of the face and scalp., Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study involving 15 dermatologic units in Italy to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of tirbanibulin in a real-life setting. 250 patients were enrolled. Tirbanibulin, 1% ointment, was applied daily for five consecutive days. The efficacy of treatment was measured with modifications of the Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index (AKASI). A satisfactory response was defined by complete (100% reduction in the number of lesions) or partial clearance (75-99%) of treated AKs., Results: Overall, the AKASI score was significantly reduced in the studied population (mean, from 4.1 ± 2.7 to 1.4 ± 1.5; P < 0.001). A satisfactory response was observed in 222 (88.8%) cases. The proportion of satisfactory responses was higher when follow-up was performed after 8 weeks (34/35, 97.1%). The reduction in AKASI was significant in patients with Olsen grade II or III lesions (from 5.3 ± 2.8 to 1.6 ± 1.6; P < 0.001). A satisfactory response was observed in 91/104 (87.5%) cases. AKASI reduction was also significant in patients with trunk or limb AKs (from 7.0 ± 1.3 to 2.0 ± 1.6; P = 0.018) since a satisfactory response was observed in 7/8 (87.5%) cases. Tirbanibulin was well tolerated; all adverse events (AEs) included transient local reactions at the site of treatment. Overall, 231 patients had at least one AE. Only 7 (2.8%) grade 4 AEs were recorded., Conclusion: Our retrospective study confirmed that tirbanibulin 1% ointment is effective and well tolerated in a real-life setting and is also promising for Olsen grade II and grade III AKs and AKs localized on difficult-to-treat areas., (© 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the International Society of Dermatology.)

Background: Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is commonly used for field treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). In standard natural daylight PDT (n-DL-PDT) the first step, after the application of chemical solar filter, is removal of crusts and scales by curettage, followed by the application of MAL cream. Some patients experience intense pain during curettage and stinging after application of the photosensitizer to just curettaged skin., Objectives: To evaluate whether n-DL-PDT without curettage, but preceded by application of keratolytics, would maintain a similar efficacy, based on clinical, dermoscopic, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) assessments, safety and patient satisfaction as standard n-DL-PDT with curettage., Methods: Forty patients with multiple AKs on the face and/or scalp were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups of treatment as follows: (i) MAL n-DL-PDT without previous curettage, preceded by skin preparation at home with keratolytics (30% urea cream, twice a day for 7 days; -Cur group) and (ii) MAL n-DL-PDT preceded by skin preparation at the hospital with curettage (+Cur group)., Results: Thirty-nine participants completed the study. Four hundred and twenty-one AKs in -Cur group and 337 AKs in +Cur group were treated. The mean reduction in the number of AK lesions 3 months after the treatment was 10.7 (-54.7%) in the -Cur and 10.4 (-58.7%) in the +Cur group. We found that the differences in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction comparing the two treatment regimens were not statistically significant. The pain score reported during and after daylight exposure was similar and low in both groups. Moreover, no unexpected adverse events occurred during the trial period., Conclusions: According to our results, curettage is not necessary to obtain the full treatment effect of n-DL-PDT. We experienced in a real-life setting that n-DL-PDT protocol could be changed by replacing curettage with keratolytics., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common inflammatory skin condition that significantly impacts the quality of life. From work-related disabilities to social embarrassment, pain, and financial costs, the burden on society is substantial. Managing this condition presents challenges such as long-term treatment, poor patient compliance, therapy side effects, and economic feasibility. As a result, significant efforts have been made in this field in recent years. Specifically, the broader understanding of CHE pathogenesis has led to the development of new drugs, both topical and systemic. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current available data on hand eczema pathophysiology and explore the resulting developments in drugs for its treatment. A comprehensive search on PubMed and the other main scientific databases was conducted using keywords related to CHE and its pathogenesis. The most relevant pathways targeted by therapies include the JAK-STAT cascade, IL-4, and IL-13 axis, phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme, and chemo-attractant cytokines. In the near future, physicians will have a plethora of therapeutic alternatives. Consequently, they should be well-trained not only in how to use these alternatives but also how to combine these treatments to address the ongoing challenges related to efficacy, tolerability, and safety.

Most primary cutaneous lymphomas consist of T-cell lymphomas or small cell lymphomas; however, the skin may also be affected by lymphomas with large cell morphology, as a primary or secondary localization. A minority of cases consist of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs). PCBCLs are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms with an overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical picture of the different subtypes. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis in the setting of this group of neoplasms is mandatory to identify the correct therapy and prognosis, but it may be challenging since, due to the rarity of these neoplasms, they may not always be familiar to pathologists. Indeed, immunohistochemistry may not be enough to distinguish the different histotypes, which overlap in immunohistochemical features. Furthermore, the ever-increasing knowledge of the molecular features of systemic B-cell lymphomas, such as gene rearrangements with clinical significance, has led in recent years to further investigation into the molecular landscape of PCBCLs with large cell morphology. This work aimed to provide a practical diagnostic guide for pathologists dealing with primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas.

Mycosis fungoides is the most common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, characterized by skin-homing CD4+ T cells derivation, indolent course, and low-grade of malignancy. Mycosis fungoides's classic type typically onsets with cutaneous erythematous patches, plaque, and tumor. In WHO-EORTC classification, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin are recognized as distinct variants of mycosis fungoides, because of their clinical and histological features, behavior, and /or prognosis. Mycosis fungoides often shows diagnostic difficulties, due to its absence of specific features and lesional polymorphism. A patient's treatment requires staging. In about 10% of cases, mycosis fungoides can progress to lymph nodes and internal organs. Prognosis is poor at advanced stage and management needs a multidisciplinary team approach. Advanced stage disease including tumors, erythroderma, and nodal, visceral, or blood involvement needs skin directed therapy associated with systemic drugs. Skin directed therapy includes steroids, nitrogen mustard, bexarotene gel, phototherapy UVB, and photochemiotherapy, i.e., total skin electron radiotherapy. Systemic therapies include retinoids, bexarotene, interferon, histone deacetylase inhibitors, photopheresis, targeted immunotherapy, and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Complexity of mycosis fungoides associated with long-term chronic evolution and multiple therapy based on disease stage need a multidisciplinary team approach to be treated.

Skin, mental health and the central nervous system (CNS) are connected by a deep link. It is not only the aesthetic and sometimes the disfiguring aspects of dermatological conditions that can cause a severe psychological burden; also, different studies have shown how chronic skin-inflammatory diseases may influence the activity of the CNS and vice versa. Moreover, the skin and brain share a common embryogenic origin. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the hair follicles of the apocrine regions. The main clinical features are nodules, abscesses, cysts, fistulae and disfiguring scars. Pain and stinking discharge from fistulae are often present. It is not surprising that the psychological burden associated with HS is frequently a challenge in dermatologists' daily routines. Patients often suffer from depression and anxiety, but also from substance abuse, psychotic and bipolar disorders and an increased suicide risk. The aim of this article is to review the main psychiatric disorders associated with HS and their pathophysiology. Research on Pubmed was conducted with the key words Hidradenitis suppurativa, psychiatric, depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, abuse, suicidal. A high incidence of psychiatric disorders has been described in HS compared to controls. Hidradenitis suppurativa is not a rare disease, and acknowledging the HS psychological burden, psychiatric-associated diseases and associated biomolecular pathways will help dermatologists to better care for their patients.

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment modality frequently used in dermatology to treat superficial skin cancers but also some inflammatory or infectious dermatoses. PDT appears a more and more promising therapeutic option also for cutaneous lymphomas, either of T- or B-cell origin. It is a well-tolerated treatment and has excellent cosmetic outcomes, less side effects compared to other therapies (steroids, surgery, radiotherapy, and so on), no particular contraindications, and is easily repeatable in case of relapses. However, how PDT works in the treatment of cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases is poorly understood and the literature data are still controversial. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials involving a greater number of patients and centers with a long follow-up are necessary to assess the efficacy of PDT and establish a unique standardized treatment protocol in relation to the lymphomatous disease and the type, thickness, and location of the lesions.

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Introduction: Actinic keratosis (AK) consists of skin lesions with a milder degree of keratinocytic atypia. It can be also referred to as "field of cancerization," which can potentially evolve to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Several therapeutic options are currently available, but not all are indicated on hyperkeratotic lesions. This study aimed to test the efficacy and tolerability of a medical device containing 2,4,6-octatrienoic acid and urea for the treatment of hyperkeratotic AK lesions., Methods: Seventy male and female subjects with grade III AK were enrolled in this randomized double-blind parallel-group study. The product was applied once daily for three consecutive months. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in the mean number of AK lesions per subject from baseline (T0) to the end of the trial (T1) and 3 months after the end of the treatment period (T2). Therefore, clearance of target AK lesions at the end of the treatment period and local skin reaction score (LSR) versus baseline were evaluated., Results: There was a decrease of mean values from baseline to visit T2 in both treatment groups, but the decrease (versus baseline values) was more evident in the Kerà K2 group than in the placebo group (-42.78, SD 26.53, versus -6.20, SD 31.57), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). For 70 subjects (56.7%) in the Kerà K2 group and 3 (11.54%) in the placebo group, a significant (p < 0.005) partial clearance was evidenced. The product was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported during the duration of the trial. Subject self-assessment of acceptability, local tolerability, and the cosmetic result was good at both T1 and T2 for both groups., Conclusions: The medical device has demonstrated good efficacy in the reduction of visible AKs, encouraging its use., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Obesity has been suggested as a risk factor in the progression of malignancies, including melanoma. Most studies defined obesity using body mass index (BMI), although the index is considered an imperfect measure of body composition., Objective: The aim of this article is to examine whether BMI can impact on the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma, regardless of anti-tumor therapy. The relationship between BMI and specific prognostic factors in melanoma patients has been reviewed., Methods: Literature search was conducted on PubMed using the terms "melanoma" and "body mass index" or "obesity". We selected articles, published up to 30 November 2020, examining the prognostic aspects of melanoma. Articles evaluating the risk and incidence of melanoma were excluded as well as studies regarding morbidity and complications following surgical procedures, or those performed in metastatic melanoma patients treated with anti-tumor therapies., Results: Mixed results have emerged from studies assessing the clinical outcomes in melanoma patients in relation to BMI. More consistent data seem to support the relationship between BMI and Breslow thickness., Conclusions: Studies that focus specifically on the link between obesity and melanoma prognosis are limited; further research is needed to deepen our knowledge on this link., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (©2021 Cassano et al.)

Chest pain following a trans-thoracic biopsy often has multiple etiologies, especially in patients with lymphomas. Pathological neuronal mechanisms integrate with an overproduction of IL-6, TNF-α, IL1-β by macrophages and monocytes, which amplifies inflammation and pain. In consideration of this complex pathogenesis, international guidelines recommend diversified analgesia protocols: thoracic epidural, paravertebral block, and systemic administration of opioids. This study reports an attempt to reduce chest pain and prevent chronic pain in 51 patients undergoing trans-thoracic biopsy for mediastinal lymphoma. The entity of pain, measured 72nd hour after biopsy by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), was compared with that seen at a 6th month checkpoint in 46 patients. The pain decreased in all cases. At the 6th month checkpoint, among 31 opioid-treated patients, none of the 16 patients with NRS < 6 within the 72nd hour post biopsy had developed chronic chest pain, while 8 of the 15 with higher values did ( p < 0.01). Of 10 patients undergoing thoracotomy and treated with opioids, eight had a NRS of no more than 2, of which six had no chronic pain. Of the twenty-one patients who underwent VATS biopsy and were treated with opioids, fifteen had NRS no greater than 2, of which ten had no chronic pain. Subgroups of patients biopsied under mediastinotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and treated with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) or PVB were too small for such analysis.

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating severely impacting on patient's quality of life (Qol). Several studies have been published about oral oxybutynin, but no studies focused on the achievement of complete clinical and Qol response. The aim of this study was to report our real-life experience with oral oxybutynin in patients with severe hyperhidrosis significantly affecting their Qol. In this cohort retrospective study, we enrolled, in a 3-year period, patients affected by severe hyperhidrosis with poor Qol, continuously treated with oral oxybutynin. Our outcome was the obtainment of complete clinical and Qol improvement. A systematic review of the literature was also performed reporting efficacy and safety of oral oxybutynin for primary hyperhidrosis. We enrolled 62 patients, of which 53 (85.5%) received a mean daily dose of 10 mg and nine (15.5%) of 5 mg. Complete clinical response was achieved in 77.4% (48/62) of cases, while complete Qol improvement occurred in 51.6% (32/62) of cases. Adverse events were only reported as mild, with dry mouth being the most frequently observed (16.1%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis highlighted that both median clinical and Qol complete responses were reached after 1 year of continuous therapy with oral oxybutynin. The main limitation of our study is the small number of patients enrolled. Long-term therapy with oral oxybutynin for severe hyperhidrosis, continuously administered at a mean daily dosage of 5 to 10 mg, allowed the majority of our patients to reach both clinical and Qol complete improvement, without significant adverse events., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: In the practice of dermatology, many tools are available to help the physician measure the patient's quality of life. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) is a novel and simple method to measure personal suffering. The aim of our study was to evaluate, using PRISM, whether the reduction of the ulcers' size positively correlated with an improvement of the patients' suffering., Methods: This was a multicenter national prospective study. 143 patients from five dermatological centers were enrolled in the study. At times T0 and T1 (after 1 month), the size of the ulcers was collected for each patient. At the same time, the PRISM test was also administered, in order to calculate the Self-Illness-Separation (SIS)., Results: First, a substantial decrement of the size of the ulcer seemed to correlate with a significant difference between the SIS score obtained at T0 and T1. On the contrary, the duration of the wound did not seem to influence the SIS value. No relationship between the age of the patient and the SIS value was found either., Conclusions: Our study showed that the decrease in the wound dimension positively affects the patient's suffering. In fact, ulcer's size reduction is correlated with an improvement in the patient's disease perception.

Background: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are benign proliferations of melanocytes usually present at birth. The magnitude of the melanoma risk for CMN is controversial, generating an ongoing debate on the best approach to manage these lesions., Objective: To perform a retrospective, observational study with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of CMN-associated melanomas in tertiary referral centers, as well as the eventual correlation between clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features of CMN-associated melanomas., Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was performed on all clinical and dermoscopic images of histologically confirmed melanomas arising on CMN over a 14-year period (January 2005 to March 2019)., Results: Our database included 2,159 melanomas in the considered period. Of those, 27 (1.3%) were CMN-associated melanomas. The mean age of patients with CMN-associated melanoma was 33 years (range, 11-70 years). The mean diameter of CMN-associated melanoma was 18 mm (range, 6 mm to 20 cm), and 56% were located on the back. Twenty-one (77.8%) of CMN-associated melanomas arose on small CMN (<1.5 cm), 5 (18.5%) on medium-sized CMN (1.5-19.9 cm), and 1 (3.7%) on a large/giant type (≥20 cm). The majority of CMN-associated melanomas (63%) exhibited a globular dermoscopic pattern in their benign part, while a blue-white veil and irregular blotches were the most frequent dermoscopic features in the malignant part. About three quarters of melanomas occupied 10-50% of the nevus surface. Breslow thickness was higher in melanomas involving less than 10% of nevus surface (mean thickness, 1 mm) than in those affecting 10-50 and >50% of the nevus surface (0.8 and 0.7 mm, respectively)., Conclusions: In our series, small CMN was the most frequent type of CMN-associated melanoma. Although the risk of melanoma is increasing by the increasing size of CMN, our finding is definitely related to the much higher prevalence of small CMN in the general population as compared to the prevalence of intermediate-sized and large CMN., Limitations: Small sample size, single-center experience, retrospective design., (© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) comprise a group of extranodal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas B-cell derived, which primarily involve the skin without evidence of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. They include ~25% of all cutaneous lymphomas and are classified in three major subgroups (World Health Organization (WHO) 2017): primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), primary cutaneous follicle-center cell lymphoma (PCFCL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT). This classification also includes some less common entities such as intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. Recently, WHO-EORTC added Epstein-Barr virus positive (EBV+) mucocutaneous ulcer, as a new provisional distinct entity, to cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. PCBCLs are classically characterized by patches, plaques, or nodules showing great variability for color, shape, and location. Diagnosis requires histological examination with immunohistochemical staining. In general, therapeutic options depend on the exact histological and immunohistochemical classification, disease presentation, and risk assessment. PCMZL and PCFCL are considered indolent lymphomas with a good prognosis and are associated with 5-year disease-specific survival ≥ 95%. In contrast, PCDLBCL, LT is considered an aggressive lymphoma with a survival rate in 5 years of lower than 60%. Patients with a solitary lesion or limited lesions in a single anatomical site require different treatments as compared to patients with generalized lesions or refractory disease or extracutaneous involvement. Therapeutic choice includes observation, local, or systemic therapy based on histology and disease extension. Patient management is multidisciplinary, including dermatologists, pathologists, hemato-oncologists, and radiation oncologists., (Copyright © 2020 Vitiello, Sica, Ronchi, Caccavale, Franco and Argenziano.)

Several types of B-cell lymphomas, including both primary cutaneous lymphomas and systemic lymphomas, may affect the skin, with partially overlapping clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas does not include diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) and considers leg-type DLBCL the only primary cutaneous DLBCL. Here we report the case of a 72-year-old white woman with a primary cutaneous neoplasm comprised of large cells with round nuclei, irregularly clumped chromatin and one or more inconspicuous nucleoli. The immunohistochemistry demonstrated positivity for CD20 and MUM1, with no significant genetic translocations detected by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. After staging, we considered this neoplasm a primary cutaneous DLBCL with a non-germinal center phenotype, not otherwise specified, inconsistent with a leg-type DLBCL. Because of this view, we underscore the need for greater knowledge of the molecular landscape of B-cell lymphomas in order to reconsider the classification of such neoplasms in the skin., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Conflict of interest statement: All the authors of the manuscript declare that they have no conflict of interest in connection with this paper., (© 2020 Antonello Sica et al., published by De Gruyter.)

Background: Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) enlarged in a diameter more than 5 cm. Since GBCCs are a highly infrequent entity and the occurrence rate is approximately 0.5-1% out of all BCC types, only anecdotal cases are reported, and causes and characteristics inducing development of this tumor are not defined., Objectives: Evaluate causative factors and clinico-histological characteristics of GBCCs., Methods: The study is a 6-month, hospital-based case series study performed in 12 Italian dermatologic centers., Results: A total of 59 cases and 458 control BCCs were collected. No significant differences existed between the two groups if we take into account social or cultural factors. The average duration of GBCCs is considerably longer than controls. GBCCs are located on unexposed areas while BCCs are on areas not usually covered by clothes. Superficial histological subtype was more frequent in the BCCs group, while infiltrative in GBCCs. GBCCs showed significantly higher local invasiveness, and greater metastatic capacity. More than half of GBCCs had been previously treated with one or more treatments., Conclusions: Patients with GBCCs appear to belong to two categories: (i) those who present with GBCC due to delay in accessing medical attention, and (ii) those who have BCCs previously treated with inappropriate strategies. Only very few cases can be carried out with intrinsic biological features of tumor aggressiveness. Social and cultural conditions do not appear to be involved in the development of GBCCS. These observations may help clinicians in selecting correct therapeutic strategies in the treatment of BCCs, which give rise to GBCC., (© 2019 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder that targets anagen phase hair follicles. The course is unpredictable and current available treatments have variable efficacy. Nowadays, there is relatively little evidence on treatment of AA from well-designed clinical trials. Moreover, none of the treatments or devices commonly used to treat AA are specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Italian Study Group for Cutaneous Annexial Disease of the Italian Society of dermatology proposes these Italian guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Alopecia Areata deeming useful for the daily management of the disease. This article summarizes evidence-based treatment associated with expert-based recommendations.

Introduction: The use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for imaging the skin non-invasively raised constantly during the last decade. One of the main field of application is skin cancer diagnosis, and in particular melanoma diagnosis. Several studies have investigated the diagnostic accuracy of RCM as compared to dermoscopic examination, and its value in enhancing early diagnosis of dermoscopic difficult melanomas. Areas covered: The purpose of this paper was to review the principles behind RCM image acquisition as well as to describe and discuss key RCM features of melanoma. Moreover, we conducted a literature search in order to highlight the current available evidence about RCM sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of melanoma. Expert commentary: During the last decade, we assisted at the increasing interest in non invasive imaging tools for the diagnosis of skin cancer. RCM is one of the most studied of a series of diagnostic methods that are emerging in the field of melanoma imaging. Most probably in the future, RCM will be more frequently available in tertiary referral centres, thus the knowledge of the pros and contra of the tool and its clinical applicability is of upmost importance in order to allow correct referrals with the final aim of improving diagnostic accuracy.

The link between anthropometric indices, including height, and cancer risk and/or progression has attracted considerable interest in recent years. Adult height results from the complex interplay between genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and other environmental factors and has been found to contribute to the risk of several selected malignancies, although it has not been implicated as a real cause per se. A number of studies have investigated the height-melanoma relationship, showing controversial results so far. In this review, we summarize the epidemiological data regarding the association between height and melanoma risk and analyze the potential underlying mechanisms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterised by painful, necrotic ulcerations. PG is described as a rare disease: the world-wide incidence is estimated to be around 3 to 10 cases per million population per year. These estimations are based mostly on case reports and retrospective case series; there are no prospective, multicentre studies on the matter. The apparent rarity of PG is in contrast with our clinical perception as dermatologists: in our opinion, PG is not so uncommon. Therefore, we decide to investigate the epidemiology of PG in the Italian population and confirm our clinical suspicions that it is not an orphan disease. We enrolled all patients diagnosed with PG in 8 Italian Dermatological Departments from 1st October 2014 to 1st November 2015, and we recorded their features. Our data, collected from 64 patients, are in accordance with those of the published literature regarding the epidemiology and features of PG. In an Italian population of roughly 8 million inhabitants of 7 provinces, we found an incidence of 5.17 new cases per million population per year. Unlike our predictions before the study, we confirmed the world-wide incidence of PG. To our knowledge, this is the first observational, multicentre study on PG. We hope that it provides a stimulus for further researches on PG and for the creation of an Italian register., (© 2018 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Dermatological paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of cutaneous diseases associated with malignancy, but not directly related to the primary tumor itself or to its metastases. It is of utmost importance for the dermatologist to recognize the major cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes to diagnose the underlying tumors that trigger them as early as possible. In this overview, skin conditions that are highly correlated with malignancy, whose recognition implies a mandatory investigation of internal cancer, are described., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

The prompt identification of cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (CLD) has always been a challenge in dermatological practice, due to the rarity of this group of diseases, the heterogeneity in clinical presentation, and plenty of variants described in the literature so far. The strict cooperation between dermatologist and pathologist is the key element for the correct diagnosis of CLD deriving from the perfect integration of clinical and histopathological features. In this complex context, dermoscopy could play an adjuvant role in the achievement of the diagnosis, as it fits itself as the third diagnostic tool in the paraphernalia of the dermatologist between the clinical and histopathological examination. This review provides the state of art of dermoscopy of CLD., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Several dermoscopic patterns have been described in dermatofibroma (DF), but little is known about morphologic features of DF in different anatomic locations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the dermoscopic pattern of DF and the anatomic location., Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 169 DF that were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns. Patients' age and sex were recorded, while the anatomic location of each lesion was categorized in 2 main groups, namely extremities and trunk. The possible correlation between the dermoscopic pattern and the anatomic site was tested using the χ2 test or the Fisher's exact test, as appropriate., Results: DFs resulted mainly located on extremities as compared to trunk (79.2% and 20.7%, respectively). Frequencies of dermoscopic patterns of DF were the following: atypical (26.6%), network and patch (23.7%), total structureless (17.1%), structureless and patch (9.5%), total network (6.5%), network and structureless (3.5%), double network (2.9%), white network and total structureless (2.9%), white network (2.9%), multifocal patches (2.4%), and total patch (1.8%). A significant association between network and patch pattern and extremities (27.6%) was found (P<0.05). Similarly structureless and patch pattern resulted completely absent on trunk and quite frequent on extremities (11.9%; P<0.05). In contrast, total structureless was the most common pattern on the trunk (31.4%) and less represented on extremities (P<0.05). Total network pattern followed the same trend (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Our study reveals that the dermoscopic pattern of DF is significantly influenced by the anatomic location of the lesion. The "classic" pattern with a white patch surrounded by network dermoscopically characterizes DFs of the extremities, while DFs located on the trunk often exhibit different findings.

Background: The recognition of nodular melanoma is clinically challenging, and the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy and confocal microscopy is lower than for superficial spreading melanoma., Objectives: To test a management strategy consisting in the excision of any nodular lesion that cannot be confidently and precisely classified as a benign tumor after clinical and dermoscopic examination., Methods: Clinical and dermoscopic images of excised nodular lesions were retrospectively collected and evaluated. The evaluators were asked to record the level of diagnostic confidence for each lesion, by declaring if they were confident or doubtful about the given diagnosis. The NNE (number needed to excise) value was used to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method., Results: A total of 1,319 excised nodular lesions formed the study set. The NNE for any malignancy was 3.9 (634/164), while the NNE for melanoma was 13.2 (634/48). NNE for hypo and amelanotic melanoma was 27.3 (327/12)., Conclusions: Excising doubtful nodular lesions seems to be an effective management strategy not to miss nodular melanoma, resulting in an acceptable rate of unnecessary excision of benign lesions., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.