Adult ; Breast Neoplasms ; secondary ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Melanoma-Specific Antigens ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Sarcoma, Clear Cell ; pathology ; Skin Neoplasms ; pathology

Aged ; Back ; Carcinoma, Medullary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; surgery ; Melanoma-Specific Antigens ; metabolism ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of neutral endopeptidase (CD10) and motility-related protein-1 (CD9) in malignant melanoma and their clinical significance.

METHODSImmunohistochemical study for CD10 and CD9 using Streptavidin-biotin complex technique was carried out in 48 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), 23 cases of metastatic melanoma and 23 cases of benign nevus.

RESULTSThe positivity rate of CD10 was highest in metastatic melanoma and lowest in benign nevus (P < 0.01). In contrast, the positivity rate of CD9 in metastatic melanoma was lower than that in CMM (P < 0.05). The expression of CD9 was inversely correlated with that of CD10 in malignant melanoma (CMM: r = -0.40, P = 0.005; metastatic MM: r = -0.44, P = 0.034). The expression of CD10 and CD9 in CMM also correlated with tumor histology, Clark's level of invasion and presence of nodal metastasis. A similar relationship was also observed for CD10 and CD9 expression in stromal fibroblasts of CMM (r = -0.43, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONSCD10 and CD9 expression correlates with the invasiveness and metastatic potential of malignant melanoma; both factors may demonstrate a counteracting effect. These two markers have potential implications in prognostic assessment of CMM. Stromal fibroblasts may also play an important role in the progression of CMM.

Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neprilysin ; metabolism ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Tetraspanin-29

OBJECTIVETo study the expression and prognostic significance of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in different melanocytic lesions.

METHODSThe expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in 39 cases of benign nevus, 58 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma, 24 cases of primary mucosal melanoma, 69 cases of melanoma with lymph node metastasis and 8 cases of melanoma with distant metastasis were studied by immunohistochemistry and tissue microarray.

RESULTSThe expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 was higher in benign nevi than in melanomas (P < 0.01). The nuclear expression of galectin-3 was higher in primary cutaneous melanomas than in primary mucosal melanomas or melanomas with metastases (P < 0.01, respectively). The expression correlated with age of patients (P < 0.05), necrosis (P < 0.05) and survival time (P < 0.01). Clark's level also correlated with survival time in patients with cutaneous melanomas (P = 0.037). TNM staging was the only independent prognostic factor for melanomas (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 is decreased in melanomas. The decrease in nuclear expression of galectin-3 may represent a poor prognostic factor for melanomas. TNM staging is an independent prognostic factor which influences the survival time.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Female ; Galectin 1 ; metabolism ; Galectin 3 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; secondary ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Staging ; Nevus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare manifestation of metastatic lung cancers and described in advanced diseases or during cytotoxic chemotherapy which is manifested by sudden onset of dyspnea. The cause or mechanism of spontaneous pneumothorax has been unknown, as well as the association with site of metastases or type of cancers or side effect of chemotherapeutic drugs has been reported rarely. A 68-yr-old man underwent excision of angiosarcoma of the scalp. Chest radiography did not show any evidence of possible metastatic lung lesion at that time. Therefore, systemic doxorubicin and dacarbazine were given. After nineteen days of chemotherapy, he developed a bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and palpable cervical lymph nodes. Both parietal and visceral pleura were intact and showed no evidence of metastatic and pathologic lesions on thoracoscopic evaluation. The patient managed with bilateral tube thoracostomy and both lungs were expanded. Lymph nodes became unpalpable during three cycles of the paclitaxel and doxorubicin, however, bilateral lung metastases were developed and progressed despite chemotherapy. The patient died due to respiratory failure after five months. This report underlines that spontaneous pneumothorax can occur as the first manifestation of metastatic angiosarcoma even if imaging studies do not show of a metastatic lesion.
Aged ; Antigens, CD31/metabolism ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Fatal Outcome ; Hemangiosarcoma/complications* ; Hemangiosarcoma/pathology ; Human ; Lung Neoplasms/complications* ; Lung Neoplasms/secondary ; Male ; Pneumothorax/etiology* ; Scalp/pathology* ; Skin Neoplasms/complications* ; Skin Neoplasms/pathology

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic characteristics of cellular fibrous histiocytoma (CFH) with emphasis on diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

METHODSClinical and pathologic features were reviewed in 27 cases of CFH (encountered during the period from 2008 to 2012) along with outcome analysis. Immunophenotyping was performed with EnVision method.

RESULTSThe patients included 13 males and 14 females. The age at presentation ranged from 15 to 61 years (mean, 34 years; median, 32 years). The tumor occurred in the extremities (n = 14), head and neck (n = 7), and trunk (n = 6). Histologically, the tumors were located in the dermis. Some cases showed wedge like extension into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. On high power, they consisted of dense fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Other cell components such as psammoma-like histiocytes, hemosiderin-containing macrophages or touton-type giant cells were rare. The spindled tumor cells were arranged mostly in intersecting fascicles. Focal storiform architecture was not uncommon. In addition, a few cases showed prominent hemangiopericytoma-like pattern. There was no prominent cellular atypia but increased mitotic figures were not difficult to find. Two cases exhibited necrosis. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells showed variable expression of alpha smooth muscle actin. CD34 positive cells were present in some cases, but were distributed mostly in the periphery or bottom of the lesions. They were all negative for desmin, h-caldesmon, S-100 protein and cytokeratin. Follow-up in 19 cases revealed local recurrences in 5 cases and bilateral pulmonary metastases in 1 case after repeated recurrences.

CONCLUSIONSCFH is a cellular form of benign fibrous histiocytoma which has a risk for local recurrence after incomplete excision. Distant metastasis can occur in rare examples. However, there were no morphological parameters predicting the risk of recurrence or metastasis. Increased awareness of the clinocopathological features and immunophenotypes of CFH is helpful in avoiding misdiagnosing the disease as malignant tumors, especially dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Actins ; metabolism ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Extremities ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; surgery ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

Skin metastasis from internal carcinoma rarely occurs and it has an incidence of 0.7% to 9%. Although the prognosis of the skin metastases varies considerably depending on the type of the primary malignancy, presence of metastatic skin cancer usually implies a widespread systemic disease and a high mortality. A 50-year-old Korean male patient visited Dankook University Hospital for evaluation of skin rash on his whole abdomen of about 1 month's duration. He had undergone laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy due to early gastric cancer about 3 months ago. He did not complain of any noticeable symptoms like febrile sense or pruritus. Skin biopsy was performed on the periumbilical area at previous port site and around the scar. Microscopic examination revealed multiple malignant cells in lymphatic spaces, consistent with metastatic carcinoma. He was therefore diagnosed with isolated skin metastasis from early gastic cancer. Because of patient's poor liver function, systemic chemotherapy could not be performed and only best supportive care was provided. Herein, we report a rare case of cellulitis-like skin metastasis from early gastric cancer with a brief review of the literature.
Carcinoma/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery ; Exanthema ; Humans ; Keratin-7/metabolism ; Laparoscopy ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Skin Neoplasms/metabolism/pathology/secondary ; Stomach Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical pathological features of fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (FS-DFSP).

METHODSThe clinical history, histopathological features and immunohistochemical characteristics were analyzed in twelve cases of FS-DFSP from January 1997 to February 2011, and related literature were reviewed.

RESULTSAge of the patients (2 females, 10 males) at diagnosis ranged from 41 to 70 years (mean 53 years). Among the 12 cases of FS-DFSP, 9 cases aroused in recurrent ordinary DFSP. Histologically, FS areas in FS-DFSP were characterized by a fascicular and highly cellular histology, frequently showing a characteristic herringbone pattern. FS-DFSP showed diminishment of CD34 staining in FS areas. The labeling index of Ki-67 was much higher in the FS areas (10%-40%) than that in the conventional DFSP areas (2%-5%). All the patients were treated by operation with local excision or wide excision. Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy was administered in two cases respectively. Follow-up information in 9 of 12 patients (9 to 86 months) revealed local recurrence in 6 patients. Distant metastases were seen in two patients. One patient was died in the follow up period.

CONCLUSIONSFS-DFSP is a rare and unique subtype of DFSP and is associated with significant elevated risk of both local and distance metastasis, usually followed by poor outcome. Compared to ordinary DFSP as a borderline neoplasm, FS-DFSP should be considered as a malignant tumor.

Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Fibroma ; pathology ; Fibrosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous ; metabolism ; pathology ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous ; pathology ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; secondary ; surgery ; Anal Canal ; chemistry ; pathology ; surgery ; Anus Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; analysis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratin-20 ; analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucin-1 ; analysis ; Paget Disease, Extramammary ; metabolism ; secretion ; surgery ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secretion ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of myxoid dermafibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).

METHODSThe clinical and pathologic features of 16 cases of myxoid DFSP were reviewed.

RESULTSThere were altogether 15 males and 1 female. The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 73 years (mean = 47 years and median = 48 years). The commonest site of involvement was trunk (number = 11), followed by shoulder (number = 2), head and neck (number = 2), and extremity (number = 1). Similar to conventional DFSP, most patients presented with a slowly enlarging subcutaneous nodule which showed a rapid recent growth in some cases. Amongst the 16 cases studied, 12 occurred de novo and 4 represented local recurrence. The tumors ranged from 2 to 10 cm in greatest dimension (mean = 5 cm and median = 4 cm). Histologically, they were poorly circumscribed and located in the dermis, with focal infiltration into the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Seven cases were purely myxoid and composed of spindly and stellate cells with delicate arborizing vascular meshwork. The remaining 9 cases were predominantly myxoid (> 50%), with 5 cases containing cellular areas resembling conventional DFSP and 4 cases showing fibrosarcomatous transformation. In addition, foci of giant cell fibroblastoma-like areas were noted in 1 case. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumors cells were positive for CD34. The staining was weak in the myxoid areas, as compared with conventional DFSP. Of the 4 recurrent cases, one patient developed lung metastases.

CONCLUSIONSMyxoid DFSP represents a rare variant of DFSP and may pose important diagnostic pitfalls. It is especially so if the tumor purely consists of myxoid element. Familiarity with the histologic features helps to avoid misdiagnosis.

Abdominal Wall ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Child ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Radiography ; Shoulder ; Skin Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult