Benign Skin Tumors Research Articles

Early diagnosis of skin oncologic diseases using artificial intelligence technologies

The last decade has seen significant progress in computer-aided image analysis and recognition, with modern computer-aided diagnostic algorithms not only catching up with, but in many aspects surpassing human abilities. At the heart of this breakthrough is the development of deep convolutional neural networks, which have given a new impetus to medical diagnosis, particularly of skin cancers. In this paper, we analyzed photo-based skin disease classification systems developed using algorithms based on deep learning convolutional neural networks. Such methods have been variously reported to enable automated diagnosis of skin neoplasms with high sensitivity and specificity. A disease that requires more detailed analysis of graphic images — skin melanoma — was chosen as the main object of study. Early diagnosis of melanoma is of great socio-economic importance, as in this case the prognosis of patients is significantly improved. The aim of this work is to analyze the results of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in dermatology, especially in the context of early detection of skin melanoma. Scientific articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus and eLIBRARY databases using the keywords “convolutional neural networks”, “skin cancer” and “artificial intelligence”. The depth of the search was 10 years. The final analysis included 38 sources where the results of our own research were presented. The advantages of artificial intelligence methods for dermatologists were analyzed. Artificial intelligence can significantly assist dermatologists in developing visual neoplasm diagnosis skills and improve diagnostic accuracy. The use of AI to process dermatoscopic data in conjunction with the analysis of anamnestic and clinical information from medical records will reduce the burden on the healthcare system through correctly diagnosed benign skin tumors. All of this promises to have a significant impact on the future development of dermatovenerology.

Case report and literature review of epithelial sheath neuroma: uncommon benign skin tumour

Case report and literature review of epithelial sheath neuroma: uncommon benign skin tumour

Effects of extracellular vesicles from adipose-derived stem cells on human keloid fibroblasts via the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Keloid represents a benign skin tumor with many cancer-like features. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) play a role in cell migration of multiple diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hADSC-EVs on human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs). hADSCs were cultured to the 3rd generation, and subsequently assessed for their osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiative abilities using flow cytometry, alizarin red, oil red O, and alcian blue staining techniques. hADSC-EVs were isolated through ultracentrifugation and subsequently identified. HKFs at the 3rd generation were subjected to treatment with hADSC-EVs to observe their endocytosis of EVs by immunofluorescence. CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed to test HKF proliferation and migration. The levels of autophagy proteins, collagens, and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined through Western blot analysis. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. hADSC-EVs were successfully isolated from hADSCs. PKH67-labeled hADSC-EVs were observed to be endocytosed by HKFs, resulting the inhibition of HKF proliferation, migration, as well as a reduction in collagen deposition. hADSC-EVs carried SOCS1 into HKFs to suppress HKF autophagy. SOCS1 downregulation in hADSC-EVs partially nullified the inhibitory effect of hADSC-EVs on HKFs. hADSC-EV-carried SOCS1 inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation partially abrogated the suppression of hADSC-EVs on the proliferation, migration, and collagen deposition of HKF. hADSC-EVs carried SOCS1 into HKFs and suppressed HKF autophagy, proliferation, migration, and collagen deposition by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Histopathological Pattern and Audit of Skin Tumors Seen in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-East Nigeria: A 10-year Retrospective Study

Abstract Background: Skin tumors consist of neoplastic lesions that affect the integumentary system which includes skin, hair, nails, and related muscles and glands. Diagnosis of these lesions can be a dilemma for both physicians and pathologists. Tumors of the skin are more heterogeneous than those of any other organ in the body, and this is a result of varying types of cells which can give rise to both benign and malignant skin lesions. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this is to audit the histopathological patterns of skin tumors seen in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: All cases of skin tumors diagnosed in the center within the study period of January 2013 to December 2022 were retrieved from the archives of the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory, NAUTH. Histology slides of the cases that met the inclusion criteria were carefully reviewed. Then, tissue blocks for those diagnosed as malignant skin tumors, were sent for immunohistochemistry. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: There were a total of 206 cases that met the inclusion criteria, 103 males (50.0%) and 103 females (50.0%). The most common tumor as seen in the study is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (19%), with the least common being cylindroma, sebaceoma, and trichoepithelioma (1% each). The peak age incidence is in the third decade. The anatomic site most affected by the tumors is the head-and-neck region (78%) followed by the lower-limb region (66%) and the least affected is the anogenital region (25%). Immunohistochemistry showed a 100% correlation for the malignant skin tumors. Conclusion: The overall most common skin tumor is SCC followed by hemangioma, whereas trichoepithelioma, sebaceoma, and cylindroma are the least common. The most common benign tumor is hemangioma, whereas the least common benign tumors are trichoepithelioma and cylindroma. The most common and least common malignant tumors are SCC and Paget’s disease respectively. This study served to generate baseline data for the histopathologic pattern of both benign and malignant skin tumors in NAUTH, Nnewi.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians Toward Dermatologic Surgery.

Dermatologic surgery is a well-established subspecialty in dermatology that involves various therapeutic and esthetic procedures. To date, perceptions of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding dermatologic surgery are poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the perception and attitude of PCPs toward dermatologic surgery and explore the factors that might affect their perception and attitude toward it. This cross-sectional study used an online survey. The survey was distributed among PCPs working in various regions of Saudi Arabia and contained questions about demographics, medical training information, participants' awareness of dermatologic surgery, and a list of 10 cutaneous procedures to select the most qualified physician performing these procedures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 440 PCPs participated in this study. Overall, 70% of the PCPs had heard about dermatologic surgery, whereas 30% had never heard about it. PCPs reported that dermatologic surgeons were the most qualified physicians to perform laser procedures (60.5%), hair transplantation (60.5%), excision of small benign and malignant skin tumors (46.1%), excision of small melanocytic nevi (55.7%), filler injection (44.8%), and injection of botulinum toxin (48.9%); 64.5% considered plastic surgeons to be the most qualified for liposuction. Both physicians were equally selected for performing cyst excision, procedures involving the fingernails and toenails, and scar correction. Multivariate analysis showed that female physicians had heard significantly more about dermatologic surgery (P=0.047, OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.006-2.45) and reported that dermatologic surgeons were the most qualified physicians (P=0.042, OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.016-2.25) than male physicians. PCPs working at secondary and tertiary health care hospitals heard more about dermatologic surgery (P=0.015, OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.18-4.71) than those working at primary health care centers. Most PCPs were aware of dermatologic surgery and recognized dermatologic surgeons as the most qualified physicians to perform most cutaneous procedures.

SF method for removing small skin melanocytic nevus.

The most prevalent benign skin tumor is a melanocytic nevus, which can potentially turn cancerous and frequently impair a patient's appearance. To find a standardized surgical procedure for the removal of tiny skin pigmented nevis and to look into the effectiveness of the SF technique for doing so. A retrospective study was conducted on 723 patients with small-sized pigmented nevi between June 2022 and June 2023. The nevi were removed using the SF method, and the patients' overall health and the duration of the procedure were recorded. Three months following the procedure, the patients completed a questionnaire to assess the effectiveness, recurrence, complications, and degree of satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Compared with the normal method, SF method had shorter operation time, higher effective rate, no recurrence and other postoperative complications after 6 months, less scar hyperplasia, and good evaluation satisfaction of all patients. No patient was rated as average or poor. No recurrence. The standardized surgical approaches for the small-size excision of melanocytic nevuses may be easily mastered by primary practitioners using the SF method, making it a valuable tool for practical use.

Incidence and Morphological Variations of Skin Tumors in Benghazi

Skin is the largest, most complicated organ in the body and it covers the body's entire external surface, that’s why skin diseases are one of the most difficult ailments to adjust to because of its ugliness and related problems. 10-20% of patients seeking medical guidance have skin diseases or complaints, skin conditions are prevalent across all parts of the world. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of different skin histopathological benign tumors and their variations according to age, sex, clinical presentation, and site, and make comparisons with other studies. This retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 until February 2020, and this study included all cases with histological diagnosis of various skin tumors. Approval to handle all specimens for scientific research has been assured by the high graduate and university ethics committee. Out of 124 cases, the prevalence of benign tumors was the most common skin disease (79.83%), while malignant skin tumors were the least common skin diseases in this study (20.16%). However, the peak age group in benign skin tumors is 41-60 years, and in malignant skin tumors peak age is 61-80 years. We concluded that there was a significant relation between age, gender, clinical presentation, and site with different types of skin tumors, so histopathology is the most valuable means of diagnosis of skin diseases and a good guide for proper management.

Transcriptome network analysis of inflammation and fibrosis in keloids

BackgroundKeloid (KL) is a common benign skin tumor. KL is typically characterized by significant fibrosis and an intensive inflammatory response. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between cellular inflammation and fibrotic cells is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving the progression of KL and to develop therapeutics. ObjectiveInvestigate the transcriptome landscape of inflammation and fibrosis in keloid scars. MethodsIn this paper, we performed transcriptome sequencing and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing on unselected live cells from six human keloid tissues and normal skin tissues to elucidate a comprehensive transcriptome landscape. In addition, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to analyze intercellular communication networks and enrich fibroblast populations in two additional keloid and normal skin samples to study fibroblast diversity. ResultsBy RNA sequencing and a miRNA-mRNA-PPI network analysis, we identified miR-615–5p and miR-122b-3p as possible miRNAs associated with keloids, as they differed most significantly in keloids. Similarly, COL3A1, COL1A2, THBS2, TNC, IGTA, THBS4, TGFB3 as genes with significant differences in keloid may be associated with keloid development. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from 24,086 cells collected from normal or keloid, we report reconstructed intercellular signaling network analysis and aggregation to modules associated with specific cell subpopulations at the cellular level for keloid alterations. ConclusionsOur multitranscriptomic dataset delineates inflammatory and fibro heterogeneity of human keloids, underlining the importance of intercellular crosstalk between inflammatory cells and fibro cells and revealing potential therapeutic targets.

The HEDGEHOG-GLI1 pathway is important for fibroproliferative properties in keloids and as a candidate therapeutic target

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors caused by aberrant wound healing that can negatively impact patient quality of life. The lack of animal models has limited research on pathogenesis or developing effective treatments, and the etiology of keloids remains unknown. Here, we found that the characteristics of stem-like cells from keloid lesions and the surrounding dermis differ from those of normal skin. Furthermore, the HEDGEHOG (HH) signal and its downstream transcription factor GLI1 were upregulated in keloid patient–derived stem-like cells. Inhibition of the HH-GLI1 pathway reduced the expression of genes involved in keloids and fibrosis-inducing cytokines, including osteopontin. Moreover, the HH signal inhibitor vismodegib reduced keloid reconstituted tumor size and keloid-related gene expression in nude mice and the collagen bundle and expression of cytokines characteristic for keloids in ex vivo culture of keloid tissues. These results implicate the HH-GLI1 pathway in keloid pathogenesis and suggest therapeutic targets of keloids.

Benign and malignant (melanocytic and non-melanocytic) skin neoplasms: classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment tactics (analysis of modern specialized literature and own clinical observations and diagnostic researches)

Objective — to analyze the currently existing classifications, possible causes, localization, clinical pattern and course of a number of benign and malignant skin neoplasms, as well as to determine the informative value of modern diagnostic methods (dermatoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound) in order to choose rational treatment tactics.
 Materials and methods. Based on the analysis of the literature and the results of own clinical observations, dermatoscopic and high-frequency ultrasound diagnostic examinations, the clinical manifestations and morphological signs of a number of benign and malignant skin neoplasms are systematized.
 Results and discussion. At the current stage, imaging methods of diagnosis occupy a leading place in the diagnosis of benign and malignant neoplasms of the skin. Relevant diagnostic methods include dermatoscopy and digital dermatoscopy with using artificial intelligence, high-frequency ultrasound, confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography. Particular attention is paid to the diagnostic significance of high-frequency ultrasound, which allows non-invasive, real-time determination of the size and depth of invasion and assessment of the boundaries of benign and malignant skin tumors. The results of our own clinical observations and dermoscopic and high-frequency ultrasound examinations of a number of benign and malignant skin tumors are also presented, with a discussion of the received data. 
 Conclusions. Considering a rather large number of nosologies of benign and malignant skin tumors and their clinical variations, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis in a timely manner. Currently, imaging methods for diagnosing benign and malignant skin tumors, in particular, dermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound, confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography, are being actively introduced in dermatological practice. High-frequency ultrasound diagnostics of skin neoplasms is a sufficiently informative method that allows non-invasive, real-time determination of the size and depth of invasion, as well as the stage of proliferation of benign and malignant skin neoplasms. The combined use of dermatoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound diagnostics is important for the preliminary differentiation of benign and malignant skin neoplasms. This allows choosing a rational individual treatment tactic, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of the therapy.

Modelling of Whale Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning for Skin Cancer Diagnosis on Dermoscopic Images

Skin cancer diagnoses through the analysis of dermoscopy images have undergone a revolutionary change with the incorporation of advanced Machine Learning (ML) approaches. By using contemporary models such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Deep Learning (DL) structures, this technique allows automated and accurate detection of malignant and benign skin tumours. This model learns intricate patterns and features directly from the image, which allows them to distinguish between different types of skin tumours based on colour, texture, and structural characteristics. This manuscript presents the Whale Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning for Skin Cancer Diagnoses on Dermoscopy Images (WOADL-SCDDI) technique. The objective of the WOADL-SCDDI method is to analyze the Dermoscopic images for classifying and recognizing skin tumours. In the proposed WOADL-SCDDI technique, median filtering-based preprocessing and SegNet-based segmentation are involved. In addition, the WOADL-SCDDI technique offers a ResNet50 model for feature extraction with WOA-based hyperparameter tuning. Finally, Quasi Recurrent Neural Network (QRNN) model can be applied for skin tumour recognition and classification process. A comprehensive set of simulations have been conducted to highlight the better efficiency of the WOADL-SCDDI technique. The accomplished outcomes portrayed the improvements of the WOADL-SCDDI method compared to existing DL models.

Dermatoscopic shiny white structures in benign cutaneous tumours.

The dermatoscopic characteristics of shiny white structures (SWS) in malignant skin tumours are well described, but data on benign skin neoplasms are scarce. To evaluate the dermatoscopic features of SWS in common benign tumours, we reviewed our database for histopathologically confirmed cases. Dermatoscopic images were evaluated for the presence of any type of SWS. Images with SWS were further analysed for their quantity, distribution and shape. Of 2420 evaluated benign tumours, 357 (14.8%) displayed SWS. The highest frequencies were observed in pyogenic granuloma (n = 62/100; 62%), angioma (n = 63/113; 55.8%) and adnexal tumours (n = 42/84; 50%). The lowest frequency was found in common naevi (n = 16/1032; 1.6%) and solar lentigo (n = 0). The presence of SWS was not associated with sex or anatomical location. SWS were usually diffuse and multiple. SWS may be present in a broad spectrum of benign tumours and therefore they should not be considered as de facto indicators of malignancy.

Childhood pilomatrixoma: Case series with a comprehensive literature review

Pilomatrixoma is a benign skin tumor that develops from the hair follicle matrix cells. It represents around 0.1% of all skin tumors. Although pilomatrixomas are well-recognized lesions, clinically they are frequently misdiagnosed primarily due to a lack of awareness by clinicians. We have retrospectively reviewed medical records of six children with a histologically diagnosed pilomatrixoma between January 2018 and April 2023. There were four boys and two girls with median age at presentation of 8 (range 4 to 12) years. The common complaint was of a painless swelling that was immobile and fixed to the overlying skin. All but one patient had solitary lesions and most of them were in the head and neck region. The size of the lesions ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 cm. All the patients had their lesions excised completely and sent for histopathological examination which confirmed the diagnosis of a pilomatrixoma. After a median follow-up of 16 (range 12 to 47) months, none of our patients developed any recurrence or malignancy. Pilomatrixoma is an uncommon benign skin tumor, sometimes with atypical forms, with no tumor-specific diagnostic feature except for a careful histopathological examination. It is easily excisable and recurrence is rare.

THU533 Cowden Syndrome: A Rare Disease With A Lasting Impact

Abstract Disclosure: C.S. Hastings: None. S.A. Patrick: None. D. James: None. Introduction: Cowden Syndrome (CS) is a genetic condition caused by an autosomal dominant mutation in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene. The prevalence of CS is approximately one in 200,000 and onset is typically in the second decade of life. It is characterized by multiple benign or malignant skin tumors, non-medullary thyroid cancer, breast carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, gastrointestinal hamartomas, renal cell carcinoma, and/or developmental delay. CS is typically underdiagnosed due to the variety of phenotypic presentations. Case Description: We present a case series of Cowden Syndrome. The first patient was a 51-year-old male with follicular thyroid cancer status post radiation and thyroidectomy, multiple gastrointestinal polyps, trichilemmomas, and an extensive family history of cancer. These factors led to an increased suspicion for CS. The patient underwent genetic testing for PTEN mutations in 2022 and was heterozygous for the c.723dupT pathogenic PTEN mutation as well as p.S598L mutation. The second patient was an 18-year-old female with developmental delay, autoimmune hypothyroidism, multinodular goiter who presented with an increasing number of thyroid nodules on annual thyroid ultrasounds. Her thyroid nodule biopsy revealed follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma requiring total thyroidectomy. Her mother had a known history of CS. Genetic testing revealed she was heterozygous for the p.S1701 pathogenic mutation in the PTEN gene. Diagnosis of CS involves a combination of family history, presence of mucocutaneous lesions, and either thyroid, breast, or endometrial carcinoma. Given the higher likelihood of cancers in these patients, routine screening for thyroid, breast, kidney, and colon cancers should begin at an earlier age. Treatment includes topical agents such as fluorouracil or excision surgery for skin lesions. Treatment of malignancy is similar to sporadic counterparts and involves systemic immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, or surgery. Conclusion: Cowden Syndrome is a rare genetic condition resulting in tumors in a variety of organ systems, placing patients at a higher risk of malignancy. A strong family history of malignancy, as well as skin, breast, GI, or thyroid findings should prompt further investigation. Collaboration between dermatology, oncology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and neurology is essential for successful treatment. Routine screening for these patients includes thyroid studies every 3-4 months, thyroid ultrasound yearly, colonoscopy every two years, and renal CT or MRI yearly. Early diagnosis of the condition is pivotal for close cancer surveillance and management. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Dermoscopy of Cutaneous Neoplasms in Skin of Color - A Systematic review by the International Dermoscopy Society "Imaging in Skin of Color" Task Force.

Over the last few decades, dermoscopy has been showed to facilitate the non-invasive diagnosis of both benign and malignant skin tumors, yet literature data mainly comes from studies on light photo-types. However, there is growing evidence that skin neoplasms may benefit from dermoscopic assessment even for skin of color. This systematic literature review evaluated published data in dark-skinned patients (dermoscopic features, used setting, pathological correlation, and level of evidence of studies), also providing a standardized and homogeneous terminology for reported dermoscopic findings. A total of 20 articles describing 46 different tumors (four melanocytic neoplasms, eight keratinocytic tumors, 15 adnexal cutaneous neoplasms, seven vascular tumors, four connective tissue tumors, and eight cystic neoplasms/others) for a total of 1724 instances were included in the analysis. Most of them showed a level of evidence of V (12 single case reports and six case series), with only two studies featuring a level of evidence of IV (case-control analysis). Additionally, this review also underlined that some neoplasms and phototypes are underrepresented in published analyses as they included only small samples and mainly certain tones of "dark skin" spectrum (especially phototype IV). Therefore, further studies considering such limitations are required for a better characterization.

Intraoral Nevi of Gingiva - A Case Report

Intraoral nevus is a benign skin and mucosal tumour characterised by the presence of melanin-producing, neuroectodermal derived cells that can range in colour from light to dark brown, reddish brown, blue, or red. It comes in a variety of shapes, from oval to spherical. Oral melanotic nevi, which causes localised pigmentation, are a rare oral lesion. In a major survey, they were found in only 0.1 % of the population. Nevi can be acquired over time or be present from birth. Congenital nevi are hamartomas, but acquired nevi are benign neoplasms. They are most typically found on the palate, but they can also be found on the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and lips. A case report of an intramucosal nevus of gingiva in a 25-year-old woman and its surgical excision is presented in this article.

Isolated Pilomatricoma of the Eyebrow in a Woman

Pilomatricoma, or Malherbe's calcified epithelioma, is a benign adnexal skin tumor, most often seen in children and localized to the upper half of the body. We report a form of pilomatricoma of the eyebrow in a woman. A 56-year-old female patient, with no previous pathological history, presented with a nodular lesion of the right eyebrow that had been evolving for 5 months, indurated, 2 cm long and slow to evolve. This cutaneous tumour is rare in adults, and its diagnosis is often unrecognized preoperatively due to its great clinical polymorphism. Histological examination reveals mummified cells. Treatment is based on complete surgical excision, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

İnfantil Dermatolojik Hastalık ve Tedavilerin Sıklığı: Özel Hastane ve Özel Klinik Analizi

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dermatologic diseases and treatments in pediatric patients between the ages of 0-2 and the relation between skin diseases and age, gender and application year in private healthcare providers. The study was retrospectively analysed and conducted at dermatology department in a private hospital and private dermatology clinics. A total of 482 patients aged 0-2 years of outpatient admissions from January 1, 2015, to December 1, 2022 were included the study. The most common diseases group were eczemas (53.6%), nevus and benign skin tumors (8.3%), viral diseases (6%), pigmentation disorders (5.7%), and parasitic infections (4%). The dermatitis group was statistically significantly higher in 0-1 age group than 1-2 age. Atopic dermatitis was the most common diagnosis. The viral infections, parasitic infections, nail diseases, and dermatoses due to physical factors were higher in 1-2 age group (p<0.05). Benign skin tumors were commonly observed in girls and 0-1 age group (p<0.05). The topical treatment were usually prescribed to the patients. Systemic treatment was commonly prescribed in 1-2 age (p=0.007) and follow-up decision was usually given to girls than boys (p=0.001). Viral and bacterial infections were observed in higher rates after coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (p<0.05). New studies in specific pediatric age groups will help to better understand the frequency of dermatological diseases and treatments and also studies conducted at different levels of health care may contribute better to develop health care policies, designing preventive health services and education programmes.

Incidence and the risk of occurrence of benign and malignant canine skin tumours in Poland - a five-year retrospective study.

The aim of the study was to compile data on the frequency and distribution of canine skin tumours and determine the risk of these being malignant as opposed to benign. This determination proceeded from tumour histogenesis and gave consideration to the dog's breed, sex, age and the anatomical location of tumours. This retrospective five-year epidemiological study included 3,139 canine skin tumours collected in Poland. A univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Microscopic analysis showed a significant predominance of benign tumours (65.02%) as well as mesenchymal and melanocytic tumours (59.57%). The most frequently diagnosed were mast cell tumours, accounting for 13.79% of all skin tumours, and other common tumour types were lipomas (6.40%), haemangiopericytomas (5.96%) and malignant melanomas (4.65%). The risk of malignant versus benign tumours was 1.212 times higher in the female than in the male dogs. A higher risk of development of malignant epithelial tumours was found in boxers (OR 4.091), German shepherds (OR 4.085) and flat-coated retrievers (OR 43.596). A higher risk of development of malignant mesenchymal tumours was found in golden retrievers (OR 4.693), boxers (OR 2.342), bulldogs (OR 3.469) and Maltese (OR 2.757). The results may serve as a reference point for further studies of the complex biology of canine skin tumours.

Acrochordons as a cutaneous sign of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension: A case-control study.

Acrochordons are common and benign skin tumours. A few studies with contradictory results have been reported regarding the abnormalities of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolisms in patients with acrochordons. We aimed to determine if the presence of acrochordons could be a marker of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension by comparing with a control group. A total of 110 patients having two or more acrochordons and age- and gender-matched 110 controls were included in the study. Localization, size and the total number of acrochordons were recorded in the patient group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipids and liver enzyme levels were tested in patient and controls. All participants underwent a standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose intolerance were diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Arterial blood pressures were measured in two groups. A total of 56 patients and 10 controls were diagnosed with overt DM. Thirteen per cent of the patients and 9% of controls had an impaired glucose tolerance test. The difference was statistically significant for the diagnosis of DM and not significant for the impaired glucose tolerance. The mean levels of FPG, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in patients than those in controls. Furthermore, serum levels of HDL were less in patients. Patients with acrochordons had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than controls. The results of our study suggest that acrochordons may represent a cutaneous sign for impaired carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension.