Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), as certain forms of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or keratinocyte carcinoma, are the most common forms of malignant neoplasms worldwide (Sharp et al., 2024). BCC and cSCC have been identified as two major components of NMSC, comprising one-third of all malignancies (Burton et al., 2016). Generally speaking, patients with NMSC tend to have relatively favorable survival outcomes, while different histopathological subtypes of NMSC exhibit distinct biological behaviors (Stătescu et al., 2023). Keratinocyte carcinoma, although not considered as deadly as melanoma, tends to metastasize if left untreated (Civantos et al., 2023; Nanz et al., 2024). cSCC can evolve locally, then aggressively metastasize, invade, and even lead to fatal consequences in a subset of patients (Winge et al., 2023). A solid, pigmented, smooth plaque or a hyperkeratotic papule with or without central ulceration and hemorrhage appears to be characteristic of cSCC (Thompson et al., 2016; Zhou et al., 2023). Of note, a rare type of intraepidermal cSCC in situ often appears as a velvety, demarcated, slightly raised erythematous plaque on the genitalia of men (Yamaguchi et al., 2016). Accounting for approximately 16.0% of scalp tumors and with a rising incidence, cSCC is now the second most common NMSC in humans (Verdaguer-Faja et al., 2024). According to the latest statistics, up to 2%‒5% of cSCCs in situ may gradually progress into invasive cSCCs in the final step (Rentroia-Pacheco et al., 2023). Several risk factors for the carcinogenesis and development of cSCC have been identified, including age, accumulative exposure to ultraviolet light radiation A and B, human papillomavirus infection, arsenic ingestion, chronic scarring, xeroderma pigmentosa, a relevant history of ionizing radiation, androgenetic alopecia in males, and immunosuppression therapy (Martinez and Otley, 2001; Welsch et al., 2012; Mortaja and Demehri, 2023).
Humans ; Aminolevulinic Acid/therapeutic use* ; Skin Neoplasms/pathology* ; Photochemotherapy/methods* ; Female ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use* ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell/drug therapy*

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare syndrome characterized by memory impairment, symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction, and seizures. It commonly precedes the diagnosis of cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is the neoplasm that is most frequently reported as the etiology underlying PLE. CASE REPORT: This report describes a male patient who presented with neurologic symptoms consistent with anterograde amnesia, apathy, and disorientation. MRI revealed diffuse hyperintensities located predominantly in the medial bitemporal lobes, basal ganglia, frontal lobes, and leptomeninges on fluid attenuated inversion recovery images, suggesting PLE. Study of the primary tumor revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which resulted in his neurologic symptoms gradually improving. CONCLUSIONS: PLE might be a rare debut of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Treatment of the primary tumor may improve the neurologic symptoms.
Amnesia, Anterograde ; Apathy ; Basal Ganglia ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Frontal Lobe ; Humans ; Limbic Encephalitis* ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes ; Seizures

Hedgehog was first described in Drosophila melanogaster by the Nobel laureates Eric Wieschaus and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a major regulator of cell differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell maintenance, and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through studies of a rare familial disease, Gorlin syndrome, in 1996. Follow-up studies revealed activation of this pathway in basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma and, leukemia as well as in gastrointestinal, lung, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer. Targeted inhibition of Hh signaling is now believed to be effective in the treatment and prevention of human cancer. The discovery and synthesis of specific inhibitors for this pathway are even more exciting. In this review, we summarize major advances in the understanding of Hh signaling pathway activation in human cancer, mouse models for studying Hh-mediated carcinogenesis, the roles of Hh signaling in tumor development and metastasis, antagonists for Hh signaling and their clinical implications.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cerebellar Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Hedgehog Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Humans ; Medulloblastoma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Models, Animal ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Patched Receptors ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Skin Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepidermal adenocarcinoma. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the standard treatment. Other treatment modalities such as surgical excision, radiotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy are associated with varying degrees of effectiveness, and possible loss of tissue function and disease recurrence are seen. The search for an effective, safe treatment with minimal side effects proves to be challenging. Imiquimod is the first representative of a new class of immunomodulating drugs demonstrating potent antiviral and antitumor activity, and has been approved by the FDA for treating anogenital warts, actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. Recent research has demonstrated its effective usage as a 5% cream in the management of EMPD. We report a case of EMPD of the scrotum successfully treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream. This has never been published in the Korea dermatologic literature.
Adenocarcinoma ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Drug Therapy ; Keratosis, Actinic ; Korea ; Mohs Surgery ; Paget Disease, Extramammary* ; Photochemotherapy ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Scrotum ; Warts

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepidermal adenocarcinoma. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the standard treatment. Other treatment modalities such as surgical excision, radiotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy are associated with varying degrees of effectiveness, and possible loss of tissue function and disease recurrence are seen. The search for an effective, safe treatment with minimal side effects proves to be challenging. Imiquimod is the first representative of a new class of immunomodulating drugs demonstrating potent antiviral and antitumor activity, and has been approved by the FDA for treating anogenital warts, actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. Recent research has demonstrated its effective usage as a 5% cream in the management of EMPD. We report a case of EMPD of the scrotum successfully treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream. This has never been published in the Korea dermatologic literature.
Adenocarcinoma ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Drug Therapy ; Keratosis, Actinic ; Korea ; Mohs Surgery ; Paget Disease, Extramammary* ; Photochemotherapy ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Scrotum ; Warts

OBJECTIVETo use partial differential -aminolevulinic acid induced photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) increasingly in treating skin cancers and other diseases in many countries and to explore the efficacy of ALA-PDT for skin cancers in China.

METHODSEighty-eight patients, including 34 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 32 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), two cases of basal-squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), one case of verrucuous carcinoma, nine cases of Bowen disease, two cases Paget disease of the nipple and eight cases of extramammary Paget disease, were treated by the partial differential alpha-aminolevulinic acid induced photodynamic therapy first in China from 1997 to 2000.

RESULTSAll BCC, including 11 cases of superficial lesions and 29 solid lesions, achieved complete reaction (CR) by 1-4 times of the ALA-PDT. Except one patient with adenoid SCC (grade III), all SCC (grade I and grade II) patients achieved complete remission by 3-6 times of ALA-PDT. All Bowen diseases achieved complete reaction by 1-4 times. Although for Paget diseases it could not cure the disease simply by ALA-PDT, it could control the symptoms. The recurrence rates were 11% (4/34) for BCC, and 22% (7/32) for SCC by following up 1-3 years after the therapy. The continuous therapy is still effective.

CONCLUSIONSALA-PDT is an effective, non-traumatic treatment for patients with BCC, SCC, Bowen and Paget diseases. It is especially suitable for older and weaker patients or those who are not tolerable to other therapies. It also has a unique advantage for tumors in specific anatomical areas. It is a new alternative modality for skin cancer therapies.

Adult ; Aged ; Aminolevulinic Acid ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; drug therapy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photochemotherapy ; adverse effects ; Skin Neoplasms ; drug therapy

Primary intracranial germ cell tumors(GCTs) are relatively rare brain tumors that show a diverse range of histologic features from benign to highly malignant conditions. To determine their clinical findings, pathology, treatment and outcome, we analyzed the medical records of 45 patients with primary intracranial GCTs treated at our hospital between June 1989 and December 1996. Thirty-two were males and 13 were females, and their ages ranged from three to 43 years. Fifteen cases were located in the pineal region and 13 in the suprasellar. The remaining locations were the basal ganglia in eight cases, both the pineal and suprasellar region in five, and others in four. In the pineal region, there was a male predominance(13:2), but in the suprasellar region, more cases(ten of 13) involved females. Of the 15 patients with tumors of the pineal region, increased intracranial pressure(IICP) was evident in 12 and six had Parinaud's syndrome. Of the 13 patients with tumors of suprasellar region, nine had diabetes insipidus; seven, visual deficit; and six, hypopituitarism. Germinoma was the most common histologic type. Other types of histology were two teratomas, three embryonal carcinomas, one endodermal sinus tumor, one choriocarcinoma, and five mixed GCTs. All patients except those with a teratoma underwent whole craniospinal irradiation. We performed gross total or subtotal removal in cases of non-germinomatous GCTs(NGGCTs) and mixed tumors, but biopsy or partial removal was preferred for the germinomas. Thirteen of 45 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. All malignant NGGCT and mixed tumor patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as three of 33 germinoma patients. Three of five malignant NGGCT patients and two of five mixed tumor patients died of tumor progression. Two of 33 germinoma patients died not of disease progression but of other causes. Actuarial survival records showed that overall two-year and five-year survival rates were 89.9% and 71.9%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to patient's age, sex, or tumor location. With regard to their histology and surgical extent, malignant NGGCTs and mixed tumors showed statistically significant differences. Five-year surival rates of germinoma and malignant NGGCT patients were 83.1% and 53.3%, respectively. We suppose that the appropriate combination of chemotherapy and surgery, with or without radiation therapy, remains to be defined, and that to determine the appropriate management protocol for malignant NGGCTs and mixed tumors, larger series of patients must be analyzed.
Basal Ganglia ; Biopsy ; Brain Neoplasms ; Carcinoma, Embryonal ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Choriocarcinoma ; Craniospinal Irradiation ; Diabetes Insipidus ; Disease Progression ; Drug Therapy ; Endodermal Sinus Tumor ; Female ; Germ Cells* ; Germinoma ; Humans ; Hypopituitarism ; Male ; Medical Records ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal* ; Ocular Motility Disorders ; Pathology ; Pregnancy ; Survival Rate ; Teratoma

We studied retrospectively 46 patients of primary malignant eyelid tumors who were histologically diagnosed in Korea Cancer Center Hospital from May, 1987 to December, 1994 and followed for 6 months or longer. 46 patients consist of, 22 cases of basal cell carcinoma(47.8%), 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma(21.7%), 9 cases of sebaceous gland carcinoma(19.6%), and 5 cases of malignant melanoma(10.9%). Our modalities of treatment for eyelid malignancy included excision under frozen-section control, radiotherapy and cryotherapy. In case of regional lymph node metastasis we performed radiation treatment with or without excision of primary tumor and regional lymph node dissection. A case with distant metastasis underwent radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Following initial treatment, 4 cases showed recurrence and 3 cases developed regional or distant metastasis. In this study, we emphasize that suspected eyelid malignancy should be histologically diagnosed with biopsy and treated adequately at an early stage to reduce recurrence or metastasis.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cryotherapy ; Drug Therapy ; Eyelids* ; Humans ; Korea ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Melanoma ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sebaceous Glands

From january 1968 to Septomber 1977(approximately 10 years) the authors clinically observed 105 cases of malignant curaneous tumors that visited the Department of Dermatology at Chon-nam University Hospital. The results obtained can be summarized as follows: 1) The incidence of curaneous malignat tumors versus the total number of outpatients visitiong the Department of Dermatology was 0.33 2) The age of onset was quite varied but the majority of cases, 71 cases(67.62%), were over 50 years old. #) The ratio of men to women was 1.56:1. 4) Among the 105 cases of malignant cutaneous tumors the most frequently observed type was squamous cell carcinoma, 40 cases(40.0%) The next most frequent rypes were basal cell carcinoma, 19 cases (18.10%) and malgnant melanoma, 12cases(11.43%) 5) The most common predilection sites were the head and neck in which 55cases(52.38%) were observed. Among these cases the face was most commonly affected, 40 cases(38.10%). The predilection sites of the basal cell carcinoma cases were the nose(47.37%), cheek(21.04%) and eyelid(15.79%). Those of the squamous cell carcinoma cases were the lower lip(26.90%), cheek(24,43) and penis(14,29%). Finally that of the malignant melanoma was the plantar surface(58.34%) 6) We observed metastasis only in wquamous cell carcinoma, Among the 42 cases of squamous cell carcinoma seen, I1 cases showed metastasis, Among these I1 cases of metastasis, 9 cases were metastajzed into the regional lymphnodes, and in 3 cases methstsis to the lung was demonstracted. 7) We found no relationship between the presence of a particular kind of original skin lesion or injury and the development of a cutaneous malignant tumor. some original lesions related to the curaneous malignant tumors we mentosem, radiation, sporotrichosis, neurofibromatosis, etc. 8) One or more of the four following methods of treatment were used on 19 of the observed cases: 1) Surgical Operation 2) Irradiation Therapy. 3) Electrosugery, 4) Chemotherapy, In seven cases(Basal cell carcinoma 5 cases, Squamous cell carcinoma 2 cases) a complete cure was seen, while in five cases(Kaposi's sarcoma 1, case Squamous cell carcinoms 4 cases) the curaneout maligant tumor recurred No improvement was demonstrated in two (Squamous cell carcinoma 1 case, Malignant melanoma 1 case) of the cases and in four cases(Squamous cell carcinoma 3 cases, Malignant Melanoma 1 case) no prognosis could be made because the patients did nor retum to the clinic to complete treatment.
Age of Onset ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Dermatology ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lung ; Male ; Melanoma ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neurofibromatoses ; Outpatients ; Prognosis ; Sarcoma ; Skin ; Sporotrichosis