BACKGROUND: The CO2 laser is a common surgical modality in dermatology. To clarify conflicting reports on the histological healing properties of CO2 laser on incisional or ablative wounds, we have applied it in a miniature hairless porcine skin model at power settings similar to those used in clinical practice.

METHODS: Histological parameters of wound healing in skin incisions using the CO2 laser were compared with those using scalpel, hot scalpel, and electrosection, and in dermal ...

The distinction between the keratoacanthoma (KA) and the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can sometimes be difficult on the basis of histologic and clinical criteria. The possible diagnostic significance of DNA ploidy initiated the present study evaluating the DNA ploidy in paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 7 KA and 15 SCC, and fresh frozen tissue touch preparations of 15 of the same cases using the CAS 200 Image Analyzer. In paraffin-embedded tissue sections the main peak DNA index was ...

The average age of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is over 60 years, and fewer than 5% of patients with this tumor are under 30 years of age. A comparison of younger (15 to 30 years) and older (56 to 70 years) patients with BCC was conducted to identify specific tumor or host features associated with BCC occurring early in life. According to data collected over an 11-year period, 54 of 2728 (2%) BCCs occurred "de novo" in younger patients. In contrast to the predominantly male ...

Three patients underwent cranial irradiation as part of treatment for childhood malignancy. Two of these patients had acute lymphocytic leukemia and one had an astrocytoma. All had longlasting remissions from their childhood malignancy but 8-15 years later developed a basal cell carcinoma of the scalp within previous radiation portals. The basal cell carcinomas were all treated successfully using Mohs micrographic surgery. Follow-up of patients receiving irradiation for childhood ...

Sixteen of 70 patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from the skin had evidence of clinical immunosuppression. In addition to patients with lymphoproliferative disorders or renal failure, those with cicatricial pemphigoid and those undergoing chronic oral corticosteroid therapy were identified as being at high risk. Host immune surveillance appears to play a major role in determining the metastatic potential of cutaneous SCC.

Of 365 consecutive squamous cell carcinomas treated by Mohs surgery, 27 (7.4%) later metastasized. Tumors of the temple, the dorsa of the hands, and the lips were more likely to metastasize than tumors located elsewhere. None of the metastatic lesions developed in antecedent inflammatory or degenerative conditions. No single factor was useful in predicting metastasis, but metastatic lesions, on average, were significantly larger and deeper than nonmetastatic lesions. It was much more ...

Wound healing proceeds more efficiently and quickly in well-nourished individuals who are in good general health at the time that they have to undergo surgery. Per contra, individuals who are malnourished and chronically ill heal less well and are in general at greater risk of complications during and after surgery. For the latter, elective surgery may be deferred until nutritional improvement is attained, but for emergency or urgent operations, institution of measures promoting good ...

1774 basal cell carcinoma lesions treated by Mohs surgery between 1979 and 1986 were evaluated for previous trauma histories. These traumas include burns, sharp trauma, chicken pox scars, blunt trauma, and vaccinations. 129 (7.3%) had a previous history of trauma. Analysis revealed that patients with trauma-related tumors were slightly younger and more likely to be male. Their lesions were larger pre- and post-op, and more often required five or more Mohs surgery stages, indicating these ...

&NA The self‐repairing capability of the skin may be studied experimentally in both humans and small animals. A great deal of work has been done with animal models and the findings therefrom are important to dermatologic surgeons. In this paper some aspects of the biology of wound healing are reviewed and in subsequent papers several other aspects of the phenomenon of wound healing will be reviewed in the same way.

In recent decades, cutaneous surgeons have contributed to the development of a number of implantable materials useful in the management of facial lines and wrinkles. Among these, the most effective are injectable liquid silicone, bovine collagen implant (Zyderm/Zyplast, Collagen Corporation, Palo Alto, CA) and gelatin matrix implant (Fibrel, Mentor Corporation, Goleta, CA). Each of these treatments carries its own balance of efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Clinicians are encouraged to ...

BACKGROUND: Since the first published description in 1959, hair transplantation has progressed tremendously.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of hair transplantation and a discussion of selected controversies in hair transplantation.

METHODS: A review of the literature was undertaken to identify current controversies.

RESULTS: Hair transplantation has been refined considerably since it was first performed. As new methods are described, controversies arise. In hair ...

Acne keloidalis is a chronic scarring folliculitis located on the posterior neck of young black men. It is manifest clinically by follicular papules that coalesce into firm plaques and nodules. Examination of early lesions shows that inflammation begins at the deep infundibular and isthmic levels of the hair follicle and is accompanied by absence of sebaceous glands. The etiology of acne keloidalis is uncertain, but centers around anatomic, infectious, and autoimmune theories. Successful ...

Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma is a distinct histologic subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Criteria for its diagnosis are presented and its nonsclerotic nature emphasized. Analysis of 174 consecutive BCCs referred for Mohs micrographic surgery showed the infiltrative subtype (29 tumors) to be significantly more destructive and difficult to treat than the more common nodular BCC.

The role of estrogens in the development of skin cancer is controversial. Sex steroids have a profound effect on the epidermis and epidermal appendages. Estradiol in pharmacologic doses has been reported to stimulate basal cell carcinoma in an animal model. Sex hormones act by means of a specific protein receptor. In this study we used a specific, highly sensitive monoclonal antibody to evaluate sex steroid receptors in human basal cell carcinoma. No estrogen or progesterone receptor ...