SKIN

Skin basal cell carcinoma.

Thompson LD.

Ear Nose Throat J. 2010 Sep;89(9):418-20.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a low-grade malignancy of basal keratinocytes, the cells responsible for epidermis formation. Melanocytes are seen between the keratinocytes, but they are not responsible for this tumor type. The etiology is multifactorial, related to ultraviolet sun exposure, radiation, and immunosuppression, among other factors. This is one of the most common cancers in humans. The tumors will typically present in older adults, although young adults can also develop this tumor. There is a slight male predilection, but this may be due to differences in sun exposure rather than gender variance. Caucasians and light-skinned people have a higher incidence than dark-skinned people.

PMID: 20859866

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Melanoma.

Thompson LD.

Ear Nose Throat J. 2007 Sep;86(9):542, 545.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Melanoma is a malignancy of melanocytes that show a series of molecular events that result in the melanocytes going through a stepwise progression from dysplasia to invasion to metastasis. Melanomas account for approximately 4.4% of all malignancies. Approximately 62,000 new cases of melanoma are reported annually in the United States, and they are responsible for about 7,900 deaths. The incidence of melanoma worldwide has been increasing steadily.

PMID: 17970142

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Molluscum contagiosum.

Nelson BL, Thompson LD.

Ear Nose Throat J.  2003 Aug;82(8):560.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Molluscum contagiosum is a virus-induced epithelial hyperplasia produced by a DNA poxvirus. This common disease can be found on the skin and mucosal surfaces. It is acquired by direct contact with an infected individual or, less commonly, by contact with a fomite (e.g., clothing, towels, and toys); autoinoculation is common. Molluscum contagiosum is usually seen in children and young adults; immunocompromised persons are especially vulnerable to infection. Lesions predominantly arise on the skin of the face, neck, eyelids, trunk, and genitalia, as well as on the mucous membranes of these areas (as applicable). The incubation period averages between 2 and 7 weeks, although it can be much longer.

PMID: 14503090

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Skin keloid.

Thompson LD

Ear Nose Throat J.  2004 Aug;83(8):519.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: A keloid is a form of excessive scar formation that occurs in response to tissue injury. Keloids arise as a result of abnormal wound healing where there is a disruption of the balance between collagen formation and degradation with a shift toward excess synthesis. Even with injuries that are seemingly minor, the resultant scar formation is disproportionately excessive. The etiology is unknown.

PMID: 15487627

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Seborrheic keratosis.

Thompson L.

Ear Nose Throat J. 2006 Feb;85(2):79.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Seborrheic keratosis is a benign proliferation of the epidermis. Many names are applied to this lesion (senile wart, melanoacanthoma), but seborrheic keratosis is the most widely accepted. Considered one of the most common skin lesions, it usually occurs in older patients; there is no predilection for either sex. The lesions appear “stuck on” the skin, usually on sun-exposed skin. They can be tan, brown, or black. Frequent irritation or friction may cause a papule/nodule to become red and scaly and result in a clinical misdiagnosis. Many variants of seborrheic keratosis are recognized clinically and histologically, but they have no management implications.

PMID: 16579189

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Melanocytic nevus.

Thompson L.

Ear Nose Throat J. 2006 Dec;85(12):804.

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Nevus is an umbrella term used to describe a host of benign melanocytic growths. Most nevi are small (<0.6 cm), well demarcated, circumscribed lesions with variable pigmentation. Histologically, they are symmetrical.

PMID: 17240699

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