Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. There is unusual presentation of KS in a non-HIV patient, initially diagnosed as small vessel vasculitis. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are important for the patient’s best management.

A 68-year-old male presented with spontaneous bluish-black patches on his extremities, swelling, pain, and bullae on his toes. Initial workup, including negative ANA and ANCA markers, pointed to small vessel vasculitis, with autoimmune, hematologic, and occlusive diseases considered. Peripheral vascular occlusion was ruled out, and a biopsy showed granulomatous vasculitis. Despite corticosteroid treatment, the lesions worsened. Five months later, the patient developed violaceous papules, plaques, and nodules. A second biopsy confirmed Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with positive CD34 and HHV-8 stains. Restaining the initial biopsy also revealed KS. Treatment with Doxorubicin was initiated, but the disease progressed, affecting the gastrointestinal system. The patient’s condition deteriorated, and he died from complications of KS.

This case underscores the importance of considering Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV-negative patients with vascular lesions. The initial diagnosis of vasculitis, confirmed by granulomatous changes, delayed the KS diagnosis. Restaining the first biopsy later confirmed the presence of KS from the onset. The extensive skin and gastrointestinal involvement made management with Doxorubicin difficult, leading to a poor outcome.

This is a case of a 74-year-old female who previously worked as a Metro Manila Aide and presented with a solitary erythematous, well-demarcated mass with hyperkeratosis on the right zygomatic area. It started as a pea-sized erythematous papule three years prior without associated symptoms. The patient self-medicated with Ketoconazole + Clobetasol Propionate cream for five months without improvement. Two months before consultation, the lesion enlarged and developed yellow hyperkeratotic crusts. A biopsy revealed invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Complete excision with adequate margins was recommended. The patient underwent Mohs Micrographic Surgery and reconstruction with a rotational flap repair. Histopathology of the excised tissue confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. No tumor necrosis or lymphovascular invasion was identified, and all resection margins were clear. Post-surgical management included wound care and medications. The case emphasizes early intervention and histopathological evaluation in managing growths especially in cases where patients have not consulted and self medicated instead.

Vulvar syringoma is a rare presentation of a benign eccrine sweat gland tumor that is more commonly found on the face. It typically presents as small, flesh-colored papules on the labia majora. Unlike syringomas elsewhere, the vulvar variant can cause significant pruritus, often worsened by heat, sweating, menses, or pregnancy. While asymptomatic cases may not require treatment, options for pruritus and cosmetic concerns include topical medications and surgical modalities like excision or laser ablation. This case report details the successful management of intractable vulvar pruritus caused by syringoma in a 53-year-old Filipino female using electrodessication. We aim to highlight the importance of considering this often-overlooked condition in the differential diagnosis of vulvar lesions, particularly in cases of persistent pruritus.

Gorlin syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, developmental abnormalities, and a predisposition to various tumors. This case study illustrates the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and multidisciplinary approach of Gorlin syndrome in an adult Filipino patient.

Our case is a 47-year-old Filipino female with a 20-year history of progressive, generalized, numerous hyperpigmented to brownish-black patches and plaques. She is a 4.5-pack-year smoker with a history of intermittent sun exposure for 10-12 hours per week and denied any childhood sunburn and no use of sun protection. Physical examination shows generalized involvement with multiple well-defined dark brown patches and plaques. Dermoscopy findings showed maple leaf-like, spoke wheel structures, blue-grey ovoid nests, and microulceration. Skin punch biopsy was consistent with Basal Cell Carcinoma, Superficial type. There is the presence of skin-colored multiple depressions or pits on palms and soles, with some areas coalescing into a plaque. Gorlin Syndrome is diagnosed clinically and our patient fulfills two major criteria: Multiple Basal Cell carcinomas and palmoplantar pits, confirming the diagnosis. The family was also counseled regarding hereditary transmission. The patient’s daughter also presented with palmar pits, multiple odontogenic keratocysts, and ophthalmologic abnormalities such as hypertelorism, which also confirms the diagnosis of Gorlin syndrome.

Raising awareness and providing easy access to healthcare resources for adult patients with GS are crucial steps for better patient outcomes.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative tumor affecting the blood and lymphatic vessels. The human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is directly implicated in the development of the disease. Non-AIDS kaposi sarcoma is a rare clinical type of KS and must be distinguished from AIDS-associated KS as it differs in clinical presentation, course, prognosis, and management.

A 73-year old male, Filipino, rice farmer, from Quezon Province, Philippines, presented with a progressive 10-year history of violaceous to hyperpigmented plaques and nodules on all extremities, with associated pruritus and difficulty in performing fine motor tasks. Histopathology showed proliferation of vascular channels and immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD31, CD34, and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), consistent with KS. Work-up revealed non-reactive HIV serology with an adequate CD4 count and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and abdomen were unremarkable. The case was classified as non-AIDS KS. He was then referred to oncology for chemotherapy with paclitaxel.

This case highlights that KS can occur in non-endemic areas and in immunocompetent individuals. Non-AIDS KS must be differentiated from other types of KS since non-AIDS KS is less aggressive, limited to the skin, and is highly responsive to therapy. It is therefore crucial to correlate clinical and histopathologic findings, utilizing immunohistochemical stains, as histology of KS can mimic benign vascular tumors, and it is crucial to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis. There are currently no treatment guidelines for KS and management aims to decrease morbidity and improve a patient’s quality of life.

For diagnosis of rare conditions, consistent follow-up on the part of the patient as well as a high index of suspicion on the part of the physician is needed. Evaluation of the management should be done in the event that patients do not respond to treatment.

This is a case of a 33 year old female who fifteen months prior, noticed erythematous scaly plaques on her cheeks with mild pruritus. She was treated for psoriasis with Halobetasol ointment and Petroleum Jelly, which had partial resolution. Twelve months prior, she was prescribed Methotrexate, again achieving partial resolution. Biopsy was done suggestive of Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides. Methotrexate was increased, and additional medications were prescribed, leading to lesion resolution. However, she was lost to follow-up and experienced worsening symptoms. One month prior, biopsy was repeated and again showed Diffuse Lymphocytic Dermatitis positive for CD3+, CD4+, CD5+, CD8-, CD20-, CD30-, and loss of staining for Pan-T cell markers, CD2- and CD7. She is currently managed with regular sessions of Narrowband UVB.

These rare cases are few but more often than not, they are easily missed and when caught are usually progressed and already difficult to treat. Physicians must be vigilant in treating patients, even if they initially diagnose it to be a commonly seen and easily managed disease. Skin Directed therapy is done with PUVA and NBUVB with complete response in 30-70%3. For prognosis, early stages are favorable with a 94% 5 year survival rate, decreasing to 69% after tumor development.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (LE). Characteristic lesions cause disfigurement impacting quality of life, with 5% of progress into systemic LE (SLE). Prompt diagnosis avoids sequelae such as scarring, recurrence, and malignancy. Local therapy includes sun protection, steroids, and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Antimalarials and surgical or cosmetic interventions are other options.

Dyshidrotic eczema (DE) and palmoplantar psoriasis (ppPSO) are both conditions presenting with vesicopustules on the palms and soles. While they have differences, distinguishing them can be a challenge in cases complicated with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

A 24-year-old male clerk, presented with a one-year history of vesicopustules on the palms and soles, associated with onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis. He admits to frequent hand washing and using rubbing alcohol as well as wearing a new pair of rubber shoes. Patch testing (International Standard series) showed +++ Potassium dichromate 0.5%, Carba Mix 3.0%, Thuiram mix 1.0%, Textile dye 6.6% and ++ Formaldehyde 2%. Gram stain was negative and KOH from plantar area showed spores and long-septate hyphae. Dermoscopy showed a bright pink background with erosions, patchy dotted vessels atop with yellow crust, and scales. Histopathology revealed psoriasiform-spongiotic dermatitis with macrovesiculation and eosinophilic spongiosis which was consistent with subacute eczema. He was managed as a case of recalcitrant DE with secondary dermatophytosis and ACD to textile dye and rubber, but still keeping in mind the possibility of eczematized ppPSO. The patient was managed accordingly, with particular emphasis on avoiding allergens. The condition improved, and nail changes resolved with topical medications and a short course of oral corticosteroid and oral anti-fungal thus favoring our initial impression of recalcitrant DE complicated by dermatophytosis and ACD.

This highlights the diagnostic challenge in distinguishing between severe DE and ppPSO in the setting of concomitant ACD, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive evaluation.

Alopecia areata with ophiasis has a worldwide prevalence of only 0.02%. In the last ten years, only 10 cases have been reported in the Philippines. This variant is often resistant to treatment. Novel therapeutic options are being explored, although these are frequently limited to case reports due to the rarity of the disease. Newer therapies, such as JAKSTAT inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, show promise as effective options for ophiasis-type alopecia areata.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder characterized by tense vesicles and bullae, primarily affecting the elderly. It results from autoantibodies targeting hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230, leading to subepidermal blistering. BP often presents with widespread pruritic plaques and blisters on flexural surfaces, and mucosal involvement is rare. While BP typically occurs spontaneously, certain medications, such as linagliptin, have been implicated as triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment with systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents can significantly reduce morbidity.