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Background Sporotrichosis is the most common and least severe of deep mycoses. This disease has varied clinic presentation as well as several differential diagnosis. Methods A cross-sectional and retrospective, individually based, observational study, based on records from the dermatopathology service of a university hospital in Brazil. A total of 175 patients were identified with clinical suspicion of sporotrichosis, from 2009 to 2017. Statistical analysis using prevalence ratios was conducted to characterize the clinicopathologic and epidemiological aspects. Results The disease was suspected in 175 patients given the clinical presentation. Of these, 86 cases (49.14%) were sporotrichosis, 39 (22.29%) chronic granulomatous inflammatory processes of unidentified etiology, and 5 squamous cell carcinomas (2.86%). The majority of cases (52 or 60.46%) occurred in the upper limbs. A total of 40 samples presented a suppurative chronic granulomatous inflammatory process (46.51%). Only 5 samples (12.50%) showed positive staining (periodic-Schiff acid or GROCOTT). Conclusions The sporotrichosis cases underwent both cumulative and linear growth, especially in the group above 60 years. Squamous cell carcinomas appeared several times as a misdiagnosis of sporotrichosis by dermatologists, so it should be considered as an important differential diagnose due to the current context of skin cancers.

Patient: Male, 58-year-old Final Diagnosis: Syriongoid eccrine carcinoma Symptoms: Burning sensation Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Surgical excision Specialty: Surgery Objective: Rare disease Background: Syringoid eccrine carcinoma (SEC) is an extremely rare malignant adnexal neoplasm derived from eccrine sweat glands, of unknown pathogenesis. We report a case of this rare entity presenting in the abdomen, which is the only one reported in this area and the only case of SEC in a patient with so many comorbidities. Case Report: A 58-year-old black male from Brazil reported a nodular lesion in the abdomen with a progressive increase in size and pain and local burning sensation. The histopathological examination showed a syringoid eccrine carcinoma. Conclusions: We present a rare case of SEC and did an extensive literature review in order to describe the clinical characteristics, histopathological findings, immunohistochemical profile, treatments, and difficulties found in the diagnosis of this tumor. To avoid misdiagnosis, we gave special attention to biopsy quality.

O prazer por desvendar o novo, compartilhar conhecimento e experiências já adquiridos e, especialmente, o amor genuíno pela docência serviram de combustível na criação desta obra, a qual, mais do que proporcionar informação médica atual e de excelência, visa trazer a experiência de grandes nomes da tricologia dos cenários nacional e internacional, para que o aprendizado seja suave, duradouro e pautado em um misto de evidências científicas e prática diária.

Background Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) has similar efficacy to conventional photodynamic therapy in treating actinic keratosis (AKs). Good clinical outcomes have been reported when associated with physical methods such as microneedles, but a comparison of different methods and histologic studies is lacking. Objectives To evaluate clinical and histologic modifications induced by standard DL-PDT and compare with DL-PDT associated with physical methods in treating skin field cancerization of the face. Methods Forty patients with photodamaged skin and at least one AK lesion on the face were randomly distributed into four groups, ten patients in each (I: Standard DL-PDT; II: DL-PDT + microneedles; III: DL-PDT + CO2 laser; IV: DL-PDT + microdermabrasion) and underwent two DL-PDT sessions with methyl aminolevulinate cream and 2-hour daylight exposure. Skin biopsies were performed on all patients before and 3 months after. All fragments were stained using the hematoxylin-eosin, orcein, and picrosirius. Results All 40 patients completed the study. Group III had a higher AK-clearance after 1 (p = 0,002) and 3 (p = 0,034) months, but it was similar in every group at 6 months (p = 0,441). Group III and IV had better clinical global improvement on texture, pigmentation and fine lines. In the groups associated with physical methods, the improvement of the keratinocytes' atypia and solar elastosis were remarkable. Only group III showed a significant reduction in solar elastosis (p = 0.034) and increased collagen type I (p = 0.028) after treatment. Conclusion DL-PDT-associated with physical methods had better clinical and histologic results. AK-clearance were significantly higher after 1 and 3 months with pretreatment-CO2 laser. Photorejuvenation were more evident with pretreatment-CO2 laser and microdermabrasion. Pretreatment-CO2 laser showed a significant reduction in solar elastosis and increase of collagen type 1. These results pointed to the pretreatment with laser as a potentially better option for skin field cancerization of the face.

The pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) is a benign condition. It is a reactive histological pattern characterized by hyperplasia of the epidermis and adnexal epithelium. Therefore, it can be found in several clinically heterogeneous diseases: Infections, neoplasms, dermatoses with inflammation/chronic irritation, and miscellaneous processes. Among the infections group, deep mycoses stand out, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for the neoplasm. As these two lesions can be observed in the same body regions and present visually similar features, it is also natural that they can be mistaken, as seen in previous works. Thus, we propose an individually based, cross-sectional retrospective review of patients with confirmed sporotrichosis (from a total of 86 cutaneous sporotrichosis cases) in which squamous cell carcinoma was also suspected as a clinical hypothesis. Considering the small sample, a qualitative analysis of the results was made. This paper presents an explanation with a microscopic basis for this diagnostic error. We also recommend examining several histological sections, detailed clinical information, and the use of special stains to avoid misdiagnosis. La hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa (PEH) es una afección benigna. Es un patrón histológico reactivo caracterizado por hiperplasia de la epidermis y el epitelio anexial. Por tanto, se puede encontrar en varias enfermedades clínicamente heterogéneas: Infecciones, neoplasias, dermatosis con inflamación / irritación crónica y procesos misceláneos. Dentro del grupo de infecciones destacan las micosis profundas y el carcinoma epidermoide (CEC) para la neoplasia. Como estas dos lesiones se pueden observar en las mismas regiones corporales y presentan características visualmente similares, también es natural que se puedan confundir, como se vio en trabajos anteriores. Por lo tanto, proponemos una revisión retrospectiva transversal de base individual de pacientes con esporotricosis confirmada (de un total de 86 casos de esporotricosis cutánea) en los que también se sospechaba como hipótesis clínica el carcinoma de células escamosas. Considerando la pequeña muestra, se realizó un análisis cualitativo de los resultados. Este artículo presenta una explicación con una base microscópica de este error diagnóstico. También recomendamos examinar varias secciones histológicas, información clínica detallada y el uso de tinciones especiales para evitar diagnósticos erróneos. A hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa (HPE) é uma condição benigna. É um padrão histológico reativo caracterizado por hiperplasia da epiderme e epitélio anexial. Portanto, pode ser encontrada em várias doenças clinicamente heterogêneas: infecções, neoplasias, dermatoses com inflamação / irritação crônica e processos diversos. Dentre o grupo de infecções, destacam-se as micoses profundas e o carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) para a neoplasia. Como essas duas lesões podem ser observadas nas mesmas regiões do corpo e apresentam características visualmente semelhantes, também é natural que possam ser confundidas, como visto em trabalhos anteriores. Assim, propomos uma revisão retrospectiva transversal de base individual de pacientes com esporotricose confirmada (de um total de 86 casos de esporotricose cutânea) em que o carcinoma de células escamosas também foi suspeitado como uma hipótese clínica. Considerando a pequena amostra, foi feita uma análise qualitativa dos resultados. Este artigo apresenta uma explicação com base microscópica para esse erro diagnóstico. Também recomendamos examinar várias seções histológicas, informações clínicas detalhadas e o uso de colorações especiais para evitar diagnósticos incorretos.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis is a recessive autosomal hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal growth of hyalinized fibrous tissue. Its clinical presentation is marked by tumors of the skin, bone lesions, joint contractures, and gingival hyperplasia. We report a localized form of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis, a rare disease with several cases reported in the worldwide literature. A 23-year-old man presented with multiple tumors, joint contractures, and osteolytic bone lesions, but without gingival hyperplasia in one year of follow-up. Although, the onset of this condition is commonly in early childhood with progression, his unusual clinical presentation began at eight years of age with late progression in adolescence.

O granuloma anular (GA) é uma doença inflamatória granulomatosa, considerada benigna, mas de etiologia incerta. O GA está associado a várias condições, como diabetes mellitus, malignidade, além de outras condições e medicamentos. O presente artigo é um estudo transversal, observacional e retrospectivo cujo objetivo foi analisar a associação entre os tipos de GA e os medicamentos anti-hipertensivos usados pelos pacientes antes do surgimento dessa lesão. Ainda, propomos averiguar as associações com determinadas comorbidades (hipertensão, diabetes, dislipidemia, hanseníase e malignidade), bem como mapear as áreas do corpo mais acometidas. O principal resultado foi a associação estatisticamente significante entre a utilização do atenolol e o tipo clínico disseminado (p=0,024) e a associação do tipo clínico localizado com a losartana (p=0,0604). Apesar dos resultados intrigantes, são necessários estudos mais robustos sobre essas associações, a fim de estabelecer conclusões definitivas.

Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a neutrophilic scarring alopecia with peripheral spreading alopecic patches with pustules, crusting and tufted hair. Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a lymphocyte-mediated primary cicatricial alopecia that affects frontal hairline and eyebrows. We report a 27-year-old black male presenting scarring alopecia with symmetrical retreat of the frontal and temporal borders of the hair implantation and eyebrow thinning. Skin biopsy revealed compact orthokeratosis, corneal plugs, regular acanthosis, superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal inflammatory infiltrate, that was compatible with FD. We present a case of FD with retreat of hair line implantation and thinning of the eyebrows, as it is seen in FFA.

Background: Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare non-melanoma skin cancer, considered to be a subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BSC often produces distant metastases with a higher risk of recurrence than that of BCC which is not commonly found in the lip. Case Report: A 57-year-old white female patient presented an ulcer on her lower lip that had an ongoing development for over six months. Physical examination, photo documentation, videoroscopy, scraped cytology, toluidine blue test, and biopsy of the ulcer were carried out. Results: Upon physical examination we observed an actinic cheilitis associated with the ulcer. Videoroscopy revealed the presence of fissures and erosion that had not been seen by oroscopy. Toluidine blue test was only positive for the region of the ulcer. Cytological analysis revealed rare nests compatible with carcinoma. Histopathology of the biopsy revealed a carcinoma with nests lined by basal cells associated with areas of squamous differentiation. The patient was then referred to surgery for the removal of the BCC. Analysis of the specimen showed free surgical margins and the immunohistochemical panel did not confirm the initial diagnosis of BCC, indicating a subtype of BSC. After surgery, the patient has been followed by periodic consultations. She is well and without further complications. Coments: BSC is considered to be an aggressive and rare tumor affecting mainly upper face and primarily affects men over 60 years of age. Since our patient is a woman presenting the lesion in the lower lip, this highlights the unusual and interesting presentation of this case report.

Lichen aureus is a subtype of a chronic benign pigmented purpuric dermatosis of unknown etiology. It shows predilection for lower limbs and generally affects young adults and, less often, children. We report a case of lichen aureus with a unilateral presentation in a child.

O líquen aureus é um subtipo de dermatose purpúrica pigmentada benigna, de curso crônico, de etiologia desconhecida. Apresenta predileção pelos membros inferiores e, em geral, afeta adultos jovens e, menos frequentemente, crianças. Relatamos um caso de líquen aureus de apresentação unilateral em criança.

Background: Striae distensae (SD) treatment still remains a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists. Ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency (RF) enhance skin-drug permeability for SD treatment. Objective: To clinically evaluate the efficacy and safety as well as patient’s satisfaction in relation to a method using ablative fractional RF associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream and an acoustic pressure wave ultrasound (US) in patients with alba-type SD on the breast. Methods and Materials: Eight patients with alba-type SD on the breast were treated with three step procedure: (1) fractional ablative RF for skin perforation; (2) topical application of retinoic acid 0.05% on the perforated skin; and (3) US was applied to enhance the retinoic acid penetration into the skin. Other eight patients with alba-type SD on the abdominal area were submitted to RF treatment isolated without retinoic acid or US. Three of them were submitted to skin biopsies. Results: Three patients with SD on the breast area improved from ‘‘severe’’ to ‘‘moderate;’’ two patients improved from ‘‘severe’’ to ‘‘mild;’’ two patients from ‘‘moderate’’ to ‘‘mild;’’ one patient from ‘‘marked’’ to ‘‘mild.’’ Clinical assessment demonstrated significant improvement in the appearance of SD in all patients treated with RF associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream and US (P ¼ 0.008), with low incidence of side effects and high level of patient’s satisfaction. Among the patients treated only with RF, two patients improved from ‘‘severe’’ to ‘‘marked;’’ one patient from ‘‘marked’’ to ‘‘moderate;’’ and one patient improved from ‘‘marked’’ to ‘‘mild.’’ Four patients did not show any sort of improvement. Clinical assessment demonstrated no significant improvement in the appearance of SD treated with RF isolated with low incidence of side effects, but low-level of patient’s satisfaction. Conclusion: Ablative fractional RF and acoustic pressure US associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream is safe and effective for alba-type SD treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

There have been reports of the use of silicone oils in injectable form for cosmetic purposes since the 1940s. With the popularization of the use of this technique in the mid-60s, there have been a wide range of adverse effects reported. We report a 32-year-old woman, who had intramuscular injections of an unknown substance, which led to serious complications.

Fordyce angiokeratoma is a benign skin neoplasm, characterized by erythematous-violet keratotic papules with mamillated surface, which follows a chronic and minimally symptomatic course. However, symptoms can be related such as itching, burning, bleeding, dyspareunia; aesthetic and social concerns may prompt request for treatment. The condition mainly affects men and usually occurs in the scrotum, but rarely may occur in women. A 30-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension is described. Over a period of two years she developed multiple angiokeratomas of the vulva, complicated by frequent bleeding. Histopathologic analysis of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of angiokeratoma and all lesions were surgically removed. The results of the treatment were very satisfactory, with no relapses or complications. Angioqueratoma de Fordyce é uma dermatose incomum que compõe o grupo das neoplasias cutâneas benignas, caracterizando-se pelo aparecimento de lesões papuloceratósicas, eritemato-violáceas de superfície mamilonada, que apresentam curso crônico e oligossintomático. No entanto, outros sintomas podem estar associados, como prurido, ardência, sangramento e dispareunia, além de problemas estéticos e de ordem social. Afeta principalmente homens, acometendo a região escrotal, sendo raro seu surgimento em mulheres. Relata-se caso de uma paciente com 30 anos de idade, portadora de cirrose hepática e hipertensão portal evoluindo há 2 anos com múltiplos angioqueratomas na vulva de sangramento frequente. A análise histopatológica confirmou o diagnóstico de angioqueratoma e a paciente foi submetida à exérese cirúrgica das lesões. Os resultados terapêuticos foram satisfatórios, sem recidivas ou complicações.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor that can occur in normal skin, but commonly evolves from precursor lesions. SCC arising in ulcers is a rare and often aggressive cutaneous malignancy that arises from chronic wounds or old scars and is the most common histological tumor type found in Marjolin ulcer. Most frequently occurs in patients of low socioeconomic status, with limited access to health services, as a result of burns and other neglected injuries. Herein, we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma originating from a longstanding decubitus ulcer in a 56-year-old paraplegic man.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor that can occur in normal skin, but commonly evolves from precursor lesions. SCC arising in ulcers is a rare and often aggressive cutaneous malignancy that arises from chronic wounds or old scars and is the most common histological tumor type found in Marjolin ulcer. Most frequently occurs in patients of low socioeconomic status, with limited access to health services, as a result of burns and other neglected injuries. Herein, we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma originating from a longstanding decubitus ulcer in a 56-year-old paraplegic man.

FUNDAMENTOS: A síndrome de Sweet corresponde a um conjunto de alterações cutâneas, sistêmicas e histopatológicas como resposta a diversos estímulos, semelhantes ao eritema nodoso, ao eritema multiforme e à vasculite leucocitoclásica. São descritas condições associadas como infecção, gravidez, uso de drogas e malignidades. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as alterações clínicas e histopatológicas da síndrome, relacionando-a a outras condições. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 73 casos com avaliação microscópica de lesões cutâneas, dados clínicos e laboratoriais. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de mulheres (83,0%), brancas (49,2%), entre a quarta e a sexta décadas de vida (73,8%). Placas eritematosas (76,9%), pápulas (43,0%), pseudovesiculação (PV) (38,4%) e lesões em alvo (18,5%) foram as principais alterações. Entre as condições associadas, infecções de vias aéreas (15,4%) e uso de drogas (10,8%) foram as mais frequentes. Outras associações, representadas por um caso cada, foram: linfoma de Hodgkin, gravidez, colite ulcerativa, policitemia vera e lúpus eritematoso em paciente com Aids. Neutrófilos com leucocitoclasia (98,6%), degeneração do colágeno (87,7%), edema (74,0%) e PV (38,4%) foram os principais achados microscópicos. Eosinófilos estiveram presentes (41,1%) de raros a abundantes e, em geral, não relacionados ao uso de drogas. O infiltrado inflamatório atingiu a derme profunda em 47,9% das vezes e encontrou-se paniculite em 80,0% dos casos nos quais a hipoderme estava representada (10 casos). CONCLUSÕES: Os achados, de modo geral, coincidem com os da literatura, destacando-se: frequente participação de eosinófilos sem correlação com a ingestão de medicamentos, paniculite e rara associação com linfoma de Hodgkin, sendo este o quinto relato de tal ocorrência, segundo o conhecimento dos autores. BACKGROUND: Sweet's syndrome refers to a set of cutaneous, systemic and histopathological alterations that occur in response to different stimuli, in a similar way to that occurring in erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The syndrome has been described in association with conditions such as infections, pregnancy, the use of certain medications and malignancy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological alterations occurring in this syndrome and to assess the association between these alterations and other conditions. METHODS: A retrospective study of 73 cases was conducted, evaluating data on the microscopic examination of skin lesions, as well as clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (83.0%), white (49.2%) and between 30 and 60 years of age (73.8%). The principal alterations found were: erythymatous plaques (76.9%), papules (43.0%), pseudo-vesiculation (PV) (38.4%) and target lesions (18.5%). With respect to the associated conditions, upper respiratory tract infections (15.4%) and the use of medication (10.8%) were the most common. Other associations, albeit represented by only one case each, were: Hodgkin's lymphoma, pregnancy, ulcerative colitis, polycythemia vera and lupus erythematosus in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The principal microscopic findings were: neutrophils with leukocytoclasia (98.6%), collagen degeneration (87.7%), edema (74.0%) and PV (38.4%). The presence of eosinophils (41.1%) ranged from rare to abundant and was usually unrelated to the use of medication. Inflammatory infiltrate reached the deep epidermal layer in 47.9% of cases and panniculitis was found in 80.0% of cases in which the hypodermis was affected (10 cases). CONCLUSIONS: In general, these findings are in agreement with results published in the literature, emphasizing the frequent finding of eosinophils unrelated to drug use, panniculitis and the rare association with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is the fifth report of an association between Sweet's syndrome and Hodgkin's disease.

Sweet's syndrome refers to a set of cutaneous, systemic and histopathological alterations that occur in response to different stimuli, in a similar way to that occurring in erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The syndrome has been described in association with conditions such as infections, pregnancy, the use of certain medications and malignancy.To evaluate the clinical and histopathological alterations occurring in this syndrome and to assess the association between these alterations and other conditions.A retrospective study of 73 cases was conducted, evaluating data on the microscopic examination of skin lesions, as well as clinical and laboratory data.The majority of the patients were female (83.0%), white (49.2%) and between 30 and 60 years of age (73.8%). The principal alterations found were: erythymatous plaques (76.9%), papules (43.0%), pseudo-vesiculation (PV) (38.4%) and target lesions (18.5%). With respect to the associated conditions, upper respiratory tract infections (15.4%) and the use of medication (10.8%) were the most common. Other associations, albeit represented by only one case each, were: Hodgkin's lymphoma, pregnancy, ulcerative colitis, polycythemia vera and lupus erythematosus in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The principal microscopic findings were: neutrophils with leukocytoclasia (98.6%), collagen degeneration (87.7%), edema (74.0%) and PV (38.4%). The presence of eosinophils (41.1%) ranged from rare to abundant and was usually unrelated to the use of medication. Inflammatory infiltrate reached the deep epidermal layer in 47.9% of cases and panniculitis was found in 80.0% of cases in which the hypodermis was affected (10 cases).In general, these findings are in agreement with results published in the literature, emphasizing the frequent finding of eosinophils unrelated to drug use, panniculitis and the rare association with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is the fifth report of an association between Sweet's syndrome and Hodgkin's disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico de melanomas cutâneos finos (MCF) é cada vez mais freqüente. Essas lesões, inicialmente associadas a excelente prognóstico, têm apresentado recidiva ou metástases e, às vezes, óbito. Muitas variáveis têm sido estudadas e, embora nenhuma delas tenha esclarecido tal comportamento, a regressão e seu possível impacto negativo têm merecido atenção. A regressão tardia é referida pelos autores como de maior relevância no prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a espessura máxima da área de regressão dos MCFs com o tempo de sobrevida livre de doença. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 84 casos de MCF. Foram utilizados os critérios de Kang et al.(18) para identificação e classificação evolutiva (recente, intermediária e tardia) da regressão. RESULTADOS: Nos 84 MCFs estudados, regressão (em qualquer fase) foi observada em 70 (83,3%), sendo 30 casos (35,7%) com regressão tardia. A medida máxima da regressão variou entre 0,16 e 1,53 mm. O tempo de sobrevida livre de doença variou entre 17 dias e 108 meses. Cinco casos (5,9%) evoluíram de forma desfavorável, dos quais três eram melanomas in situ (MIS). Não houve correlação entre as variáveis estudadas (p > 0,05). DISCUSSÃO: O significado da regressão sobre o comportamento de MCF é controverso, provavelmente devido a diferentes metodologias utilizadas nos poucos estudos realizados sobre o tema e à grande variabilidade no tamanho e na composição das amostras. Não há consenso na literatura sobre um sistema padronizado de medição da regressão, o que explica, em parte, os resultados controversos obtidos até o momento. CONCLUSÃO: Não ficou demonstrada relação entre a espessura da regressão nos melanomas finos e o tempo de sobrevida livre de doença. Estudos futuros, com amostra maior, poderão contribuir para a elucidação da natureza deste fenômeno. BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of thin cutaneous malignant melanomas has been increasingly more frequent. These lesions, initially associated with excellent prognosis, have presented recurrence or metastases and sometimes have been fatal. Many variables have been studied and, although none of them has explained this behaviour, regression and its possible negative impact have been focused on recently. According to some authors, late regression bears major relevance in the prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the maximum regression thickness of thin cutaneous malignant melanomas with disease-free survival time. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of 84 cases of thin cutaneous malignant melanomas. The criteria of Kang et al. (1993) for identification and evolutionary classification (early, intermediate and late) of the regression were applied. RESULTS: Regression (in any phase) was observed in 70 out of 84 thin cutaneous malignant melanomas (83.3%), and 30 cases (35.7%) showed late regression. The maximum regression thickness measurement ranged from 0.16 to 1.53 mm. Disease-free survival time ranged from 17 days to 108 months. Five cases (5.9%) had an unfavorable outcome, from which three were in situ melanomas. There was no correlation between the studied variables (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: The meaning of regression in thin cutaneous malignant melanomas is controversial, probably due to the different methods applied in the few studies carried out about the subject and the wide variety of size and composition of the samples. There is no medical consensus as to a standardized regression measurement system, which partially explains the controversial results obtained to date. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical correlation between regression thickness in thick cutaneous melanomas and disease-free survival time (p > 0.05). Future studies with wider samples may contribute to a better understanding of this phenomenon.

BACKGROUND Alpha-v-beta3 integrin (alphavbeta3) is a vitronectin ligand and plays an important role in melanoma progression. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to evaluate the expression of alphavbeta3 in superficial spreading cutaneous melanoma, in both conventional and tissue microarray (TMA) paraffin-embedded-tissue specimens, and correlate with histopathological variables and patient survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 159 tissue samples from compound nevi (n = 19), in situ melanoma (n = 5), thin melanoma (n = 34), thick melanoma (n = 72) and metastatic melanoma (n = 29) were studied. RESULTS Compound nevus epithelioid cells had a mild expression of alphavbeta3. In situ melanoma cells had the highest expression among all specimens, when compared to nevi (p = 0.0000) and to invasive melanoma (p = 0.0003). Expression of alphavbeta3 did not differ according to depth of invasion or did it increase in metastatic cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that alphavbeta3 integrin might have no impact on melanoma behavior. However, high levels of alphavbeta3-integrin expression for in situ melanoma may be related to pre-invasive phenotype with marked potential to invade.