-
Current Ophthalmology Reports Dec 2023To provide an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options for conjunctival nevi (CN).
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To provide an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options for conjunctival nevi (CN).
RECENT FINDINGS
Around 17.2%-42% of all conjunctival tumors have been found to be CN, which most frequently present in White individuals between the first to early third decade of life, with equal distribution between males and females. CN commonly occur in the interpalpebral bulbar conjunctiva with pigmentation ranging from amelanotic to dark. Diagnosis is typically made through slit lamp examination, visualized by a well circumscribed, variably elevated, variably pigmented, solitary lesion with clear cysts distributed throughout the pigment. In ambiguous cases, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can highlight the presence of sub-clinical cysts, whose presence points to a diagnosis of nevus. However, excisional biopsy with histopathology examination is the gold standard for identifying CN.
SUMMARY
CN are benign, variably pigmented lesions. They are the most common of the conjunctival melanocytic tumors. Due to the extremely low risk of transformation to malignant melanoma (MM), CN are usually managed with routine observation and photo documentation.
PubMed: 38390435
DOI: 10.1007/s40135-023-00315-w -
Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.) Sep 2023Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest form of skin neoplasm and its high mortality rates could be averted by early accurate detection. While the detection of melanoma is...
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest form of skin neoplasm and its high mortality rates could be averted by early accurate detection. While the detection of melanoma is currently reliant upon melanin visualisation, research into melanosome biogenesis, as a key driver of pathogenesis, has not yielded technology that can reliably distinguish between atypical benign, amelanotic and melanotic lesions. The endosomal-lysosomal system has important regulatory roles in cancer cell biology, including a specific functional role in melanosome biogenesis. Herein, the involvement of the endosomal-lysosomal system in melanoma was examined by pooled secondary analysis of existing gene expression datasets. A set of differentially expressed endosomal-lysosomal genes was identified in melanoma, which were interconnected by biological function. To illustrate the protein expression of the dysregulated genes, immunohistochemistry was performed on samples from patients with cutaneous melanoma to reveal candidate markers. This study demonstrated the dysregulation of Syntenin-1, Sortilin and Rab25 may provide a differentiating feature between cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while IGF2R may indicate malignant propensity in these skin cancers.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Lysosomes; rab GTP-Binding Proteins; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37562257
DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100924 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Feb 2024Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) correlations between morphologic groups of melanoma have not yet been described.
BACKGROUND
Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) correlations between morphologic groups of melanoma have not yet been described.
OBJECTIVE
Describe and compare dermoscopic and RCM features of cutaneous melanomas with histopathological confirmation.
METHODS
Single center, retrospective analysis of consecutive melanomas evaluated with RCM (2015-2019). Lesions were clinically classified as typical, nevus-like, amelanotic/nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC)-like, seborrheic keratosis (SK)-like and lentigo/lentigo maligna (LM)-like. Presence or absence of common facial and nonfacial melanoma dermoscopic and RCM patterns were recorded. Clusters were compared with typical lesions by multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
Among 583 melanoma lesions, significant differences between clusters were evident (compared to typical lesions). Observation of dermoscopic features (>50% of lesions) in amelanotic/NMSC-like lesions consistently displayed 3 patterns (atypical network, atypical vascular pattern + regression structures), and nevus-like and SK-like lesions and lentigo/LM-like lesions consistently displayed 2 patterns (atypical network + regression structures, and nonevident follicles + heavy pigmentation intensity). Differences were less evident with RCM, as almost all lesions were consistent with melanoma diagnosis.
LIMITATIONS
Small SK-like lesions sample, single RCM analyses (no reproduction of outcome).
CONCLUSION
RCM has the potential to augment our ability to consistently and accurately diagnose melanoma independently of clinical and dermoscopic features.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Dermoscopy; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle; Keratosis, Seborrheic; Nevus; Nevus, Pigmented; Lentigo; Microscopy, Confocal; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 37988042
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.09.084 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine May 2024Acral amelanotic melanomas (AAMs), a rare subset of melanomas located on acral sites such as the palms, soles, and subungual areas, are diagnostically challenging due to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acral amelanotic melanomas (AAMs), a rare subset of melanomas located on acral sites such as the palms, soles, and subungual areas, are diagnostically challenging due to their lack of typical pigmentation and often benign clinical appearance. Misdiagnosis is common, leading to delays in treatment and potentially worse outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on cases of AAM initially misdiagnosed as other conditions, to better understand their clinical and epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic pitfalls, and management strategies.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was conducted up to March 2024. Case reports and small case series of AAMs initially misdiagnosed as other conditions were included. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and diagnostic methods were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
Of the 152 records identified, 26 cases from 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. A demographic analysis revealed that the gender distribution appears to be perfectly balanced, with an age range of 38 to 91 years. Misdiagnoses included non-healing ulcers or traumatic lesions (37.5%), benign proliferative lesions (29.2%) and infectious lesions (20.8%). The foot was the most affected site (53.8%). Notably, a histological evaluation was performed in 50% of cases involving the upper extremities, in contrast to only 7.1% of cases involving the foot and 0% of cases of the heel. This discrepancy suggests a reluctance to perform biopsies in the lower extremities, which may contribute to a higher misdiagnosis rate in these areas.
CONCLUSIONS
The underutilization of biopsy in the diagnosis of lower extremity lesions contributes significantly to the misdiagnosis and delay in treatment of AAMs. Especially when the clinical assessment and dermoscopy are inconclusive, biopsies of suspicious lesions are essential. Immunohistochemistry and markers such as PRAME are critical in differentiating melanoma from other malignancies such as clear cell sarcoma. This review highlights the need for increased vigilance and a proactive diagnostic approach to increase early detection rates and improve prognostic outcomes.
PubMed: 38793100
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050518 -
Cureus Jul 2023Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) is a skin cancer that arises from mutated melanocytes that lack pigmentation. AMM represents 2-8% of all malignant melanomas. This...
Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) is a skin cancer that arises from mutated melanocytes that lack pigmentation. AMM represents 2-8% of all malignant melanomas. This rare subtype is difficult to diagnose clinically as it mimics other benign skin lesions. AMM can occur in any part of the body with various presentations and has a predilection for male gender and fair skin tones. We present a case report of a 62-year-old Caucasian male with AMM of the right lower extremity. The patient presented with a painless nodule on his right lower extremity that rapidly increased in size for seven months with no signs of malignancy, such as fever, night sweats, fatigue, bruising, weight loss, or headache. Simultaneously, the patient presented with right inguinal lymphadenopathy and pitting edema of the right lower extremity. The patient had a previous medical history of basal and squamous cell carcinoma and psoriasis with no personal or family history of melanoma. The mass was excised and sent to a pathologist along with a right inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy. The final pathology report revealed an ulcerated AMM on the right lower extremity and a positive node for melanoma with a metastatic deposit. The patient underwent adjuvant immunotherapy resulting in the clearance of the cancer cells. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical management, and adjuvant therapy to improve the prognosis of this rare melanoma subtype.
PubMed: 37575793
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41665 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Aug 2023Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to inhibit the development of induced neoplasms. Our previous research demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of...
BACKGROUND
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to inhibit the development of induced neoplasms. Our previous research demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of sulindac against melanoma cells is comparable to dacarbazine, the drug used in chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of sulindac cytotoxicity on COLO 829 and C32 cell lines.
METHODS
The influence of sundilac on the activity of selected enzymes of the antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and the content of hydrogen peroxide as well as the level of proteins initiating (p53, Bax) and inhibiting (Bcl-2) apoptosis were measured in melanoma cells.
RESULTS
In melanotic melanoma cells, sulindac increased the activity of SOD and the content of HO but decreased the activity of CAT and GPx. The level of p53 and Bax proteins rose but the content of Bcl-2 protein was lowered. Similar results were observed for dacarbazine. In amelanotic melanoma cells, sulindac did not cause an increase in the activity of measured enzymes or any significant changes in the level of apoptotic proteins.
CONCLUSION
The cytotoxic effect of sulindac in the COLO 829 cell line is connected to disturbed redox homeostasis by changing the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, and level of HO. Sulindac also induces apoptosis by changing the ratio of the pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic protein. The presented studies indicate the possibility of developing target therapy against melanotic melanoma using sulindac.
Topics: Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Melanoma; Sulindac; Homeostasis; Oxidation-Reduction; Humans; Cell Line, Tumor; Antioxidants; Superoxide Dismutase; Glutathione Peroxidase; Catalase; Hydrogen Peroxide; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37195561
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00493-1 -
Cells Jun 2023High mortality, aggressiveness, and the relatively low effectiveness of therapy make melanoma the most dangerous of skin cancers. Previously published studies presented...
The Assessment of Anti-Melanoma Potential of Tigecycline-Cellular and Molecular Studies of Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Autophagy on Amelanotic and Melanotic Melanoma Cells.
High mortality, aggressiveness, and the relatively low effectiveness of therapy make melanoma the most dangerous of skin cancers. Previously published studies presented the promising therapeutic potential of minocycline, doxycycline, and chlortetracycline on melanoma cells. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of tigecycline, a third-generation tetracycline, on melanotic (COLO 829) and amelanotic (A375) melanoma cell lines. The obtained results showed that tigecycline, proportionally to the concentration and incubation time, efficiently inhibited proliferation of both types of melanoma cells. The effect was accompanied by the dysregulation of the cell cycle, the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and a decrease in the reduced thiols and the levels of MITF and p44/42 MAPK. However, the ability to induce apoptosis was only found in COLO 829 melanoma cells. A375 cells appeared to be more resistant to the treatment with tigecycline. The drug did not induce apoptosis but caused an increase in LC3A/B protein levels-an autophagy marker. The observed differences in drug action on the tested cell lines also involved an increase in p21 and p16 protein levels in melanotic melanoma, which was related to cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. The greater sensitivity of melanotic melanoma cells to the action of tigecycline suggests the possibility of considering the use of the drug in targeted therapy.
Topics: Humans; Tigecycline; Melanoma; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis; Autophagy
PubMed: 37371034
DOI: 10.3390/cells12121564 -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... Apr 2024Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma is a rare vascular hamartoma of the choroid, presenting as a red-orange mass at the posterior pole on fundoscopic examination. Despite... (Review)
Review
Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma is a rare vascular hamartoma of the choroid, presenting as a red-orange mass at the posterior pole on fundoscopic examination. Despite its benign origin, associated complications such as subretinal fluid, serous retinal detachment, retinoschisis and neovascular glaucoma may lead to serious visual impairment in more than half patients. Because of its similarity to amelanotic choroidal melanoma and choroidal metastasis, differential diagnosis is still challenging for specialists. Multimodal imaging such as ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography guides the clinician to the correct diagnosis and the proper follow-up. Treatment is indicated in symptomatic cases in order to resolve exudation and improve visual acuity. Treatment options include photocoagulation, transpupillary thermotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Currently, photodynamic therapy is the treatment of choice due to its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this review is to describe the latest knowledge in the etiopathogenesis of the circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, the most recent multimodal imaging findings, and the available treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Hemangioma; Choroid Neoplasms; Photochemotherapy; Choroid; Fluorescein Angiography; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 37505277
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06179-x -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The survival and prognosis of patients are significantly threatened by cutaneous melanoma (CM), which is a highly aggressive disease. It is therefore crucial to...
BACKGROUND
The survival and prognosis of patients are significantly threatened by cutaneous melanoma (CM), which is a highly aggressive disease. It is therefore crucial to determine the most recent survival rate of CM. This study used population-based cancer registry data to examine the 5-year relative survival rate of CM in the US.
METHODS
Period analysis was used to assess the relative survival rate and trends of patients with CM in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2004-2018. And based on the data stratified by age, gender, race and subtype in the SEER database, a generalized linear model was 12established to predict the 5-year relative survival rate of CM patients from 2019 to 2023.
RESULTS
The 5-year relative survival increased to various degrees for both total CM and CM subtypes during the observation period. The improvement was greatest for amelanotic melanoma, increasing from 69.0% to 81.5%. The 5-year overall relative survival rates of CM were 92.9%, 93.5%, and 95.6% for 2004-2008, 2009-2013, and 2014-2018, respectively. Females had a marginally higher survival rate than males for almost all subtypes, older people had lower survival rates than younger people, white patients had higher survival rates than nonwhite ones, and urban locations had higher rates of survival from CM than rural locations did. The survival rate of CM was significantly lower for distant metastasis.
CONCLUSION
The survival rate of patients with CM gradually improved overall during 2004-2018. With the predicted survival rate of 96.7% for 2019-2023, this trend will still be present. Assessing the changes experienced by patients with CM over the previous 15 years can help in predicting the future course of CM. It also provides a scientific foundation that associated departments can use to develop efficient tumor prevention and control strategies.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Aged; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; SEER Program; Prognosis; Survival Rate
PubMed: 38125787
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1238086