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Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) localized in the H-zone, the region of fusion of embryonic masses, has been associated with a higher risk of deeper invasion and more frequent recurrence. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare dermoscopic features of BCC in H and non-H zone that may most appropriately characterize those two locations. Methods: Dermoscopy images of histopathologically confirmed BCCs from 120 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Dermoscopy features of BCC in H- and non-H zone were described and a comparative study of the dermoscopic pattern of BCC between the two locations was performed. Results: Of 120 BCC cases included in this study, 41 (34.2%) were located in the H-zone. The most frequent histological type was nodular (51.3% in H- zone and 61.6 % in non-H-zone) followed by superficial (5.1% and 19.8 % in H and non-H-zone respectively). In dermoscopy, there was a higher prevalence of ulceration (73.2% versus 43.6%, P < 0.001) in H-zone and a lower prevalence of brown globules (26.8% versus 53.2%; P = 0.01), when compared with the non-H-zone. Conclusions: Our results show that dermoscopic features of BCC on the face fulfill a typical pattern regardless of the region, except for the prevalence of the ulceration which is significantly more frequent in H-zone and the brown globules present significantly more often in the non-H-zone It can be hypothesized that H-zone might predispose to more aggressive course of BCC complicated by ulceration and consequently deeper tissue destruction.

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

According. to the instructions for Authors, the Image Letter should not have an abstract

Piloleiomyomas occur rarely and the literature regarding their dermoscopy is scarce. These tumours most commonly present as multiple nodules located on the trunk or the head. The diagnostic difficulties may be caused by their solitary appearance. Therefore, dermoscopy can serve as a non-invasive and accessible diagnostic modality to distinguish leiomyomas from other solitary tumours. This report presents the dermoscopy image of a piloleiomyoma developing on the trunk in a 35-year-old man. A yellowish homogenous background with the presence of delicate network and arborizing telangiectasias on the periphery were present, along with hypopigmented areas. The dermoscopy image of the lesion was characteristic for piloleiomyoma. Unusuall was the abundance of vessels, what is infrequent in this type of tumours.

Abstract Melanoma in childhood is rare and its diagnosis is more difficult than in adults, as it often presents histologic features overlapping with the Spitz nevus. The authors report the case of a 17-year old boy who was first diagnosed with Spitz nevus, however, the final diagnosis made after the excision of the tumor arising in the scar was changed to melanoma. The case in this present study emphasizes the importance of the differential diagnosis of skin tumors in young patients.

Langerhans cells (LCs) are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) that represent 2-3% of the entire cell population of the human skin, known to have an ability to present antigens to T lymphocytes. Moreover, there is evidence that LCs are probably capable of inducing the local cytotoxic type T-cell-mediated response against the tumour-associated antigens. In the past two decades, a dramatic increase has been noted in the incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The purpose of this study was to critically assess the results of available studies quantitatively assessing the LCs in nonmelanoma skin cancers and try to establish a conclusion of its possible impact on their future treatment. The PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science databases were searched, which returned 948 citations. After a thorough analysis of full article texts, 30 studies have been chosen, including 11 of the BCC, 12 of the SCC specimens, and 7 analysing both tumour types. There was an overall trend towards slightly higher numbers of LCs in BCC than in SCC; however, these tendencies were discrepant between the studies. We presume that such differences could be caused by various staining techniques with a broad spectrum of specificity, including anti-S100, anti-CD1a, and ATPase activity staining used for LCs identification. We hypothesise that as there is a high inconsistency between the results of the studies, as far as the densities of LCs observed in the specimens are concerned, it seems that the mechanism of the influence of LCs on the antitumoural immune response is complicated. Finally, as at present, there is a paucity of available risk scores for the recurrence or progression of BCC or SCC, the creation of classification stratifying that risk including the density of LCs could bring additional information both for the physician and the patient.