Melanocytes of a melanocytic nevus in a lymph node from a patient with a primary cutaneous melanoma associated with a small congenital nevus

Aggregates of melanocytes within the parenchyma of a supraomohyoid lymph node were found in a lymph node dissection from a 52-year-old woman who had a primary cutaneous melanoma that had arisen in association with a small congenital nevus. The melanocytes in the lymph node were interpreted to be those of a benign melanocytic nevus, and not those of malignant melanoma, based on similarities in morphologic features and immunohistochemical staining between the melanocytes in the node and those in the cutaneous congenital nevus.     

Paraneoplastic pemphigus in a patient with a thymoma

A 76-year-old woman, with a history of thymoma, presented with a painful extensive stomatitis, painful paronychia, lichenoid papules on the hands and superficial erosions on the neck and the trunk. Histological examination showed lichenoid changes, acantholytic blister formation and apoptotic keratinocytes. Direct immunofluorescence was positive for IgG both in the epidermal intercellular spaces and along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence was similarly positive in a pemphigus vulgaris pattern. There was only a partial response to intravenous corticoids. These findings allowed the diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus. The diagnostic characteristics, histopathology and the differential diagnosis of this disease are discussed.     

Histopatología de la uña

The structure of the nail unit is complex and many dermatologists and dermatopathologists have an incomplete understanding of it. Familiarity with the anatomy and histology of this unit, however, is a key factor in improving the diagnostic yield of nail biopsy. Inflammatory or infectious conditions that affect the nail can have a marked impact on a patient's quality of life. A wide-ranging variety of tumors can also develop in this region and they may be life-threatening or require surgery that will result in functional defects. The author reviews the anatomy and histology of the nail unit as well as the basic histopathologic findings in the most common conditions affecting the nails.     

Eyebrow threading: a boon or a bane

Eyebrow threading is a practice of shaping the eyebrows. Many dermatological complications have been briefly mentioned in various publications. There are scant data regarding the appearance of molluscum in the line of eyebrows after a session of threading. We report a series of eight patients both males (3) and females (5) who had lesions of molluscum in the eyebrow region after threading. The earlier reported cases are only among the females. The present study is highlighting the appearance of molluscum in the region of eyebrow after a session of threading from beauty salon. So, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind describing same pathology in males. The rational of reporting this case series is to create awareness among the dermatologists as well as in general population about potential hazards of threading.     

Incorporating a medical spa into a physician-run practice

The age-old spa concept is no less valuable today than it was during the time of Julius Caesar. Over the centuries, there have been many iterations of the concept of the spa. The most recent is the medical spa, which has become the fastest-growing segment of the spa industry. Many physicians including dermatologists wish to incorporate a medical spa into their practices. This article discusses the key elements that should be considered to make this venture successful.