Gian Marco Tomassini

The single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography: a new procedure to perform the sentinel node biopsy in patients with head and neck melanoma.

The aim of this study was to define and validate a new technique to detect the sentinel node (SN) in patients treated for head and neck melanoma. In a small series of 23 head and neck melanoma patients, lymphatic mapping was followed by SN biopsy, using in 12 patients a new diagnostic imaging technique, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. The procedure is described and the major problems encountered are discussed. The preliminary data show that identification of SN using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography never failed in 12 patients, and biopsies performed, compared with those in a standard group, took significantly less time (Mann–Whitney test P=0.006). In conclusion, the authors underline the possibility of a wide use for this technique.

Prognostic role of sentinel node biopsy in patients with thick melanoma: a meta-analysis.

Objectives  Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a prognostic tool for patients with intermediate‐thickness melanomas. However, controversies exist regarding its role in patients with thick melanomas (tumour thickness greater than 4.0 mm). We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the prognostic role of SLN in thick melanoma in terms of disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Topical cidofovir for severe warts in a patient affected by AIDS and Hodgkin's lymphoma

We describe a 42-year-old man with AIDS and Hodgkins lymphoma whose severe and recalcitrant cutaneous warts resolved following treatment with local 1% cidofovir. Clinically significant improvements were observed in a two-week period of therapy. In advanced HIV disease complicated by additional haematological malignancy, cutaneous warts may be difficult to treat and present a challenge for the attending physicians. In similar clinical condition topical anti-human papillomavirus therapy may prove to be safe and curative.

Human Papilloma Virus–Associated Lips Verrucous Carcinoma in HIV-Infected Male

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, widely known as the necessary cause of cervical cancer, has been established as a major etiologic factor for head and neck cancer (HNC). HIV-infected individuals are at higher risk of HPV-associated cancers than the general population. We describe a 45-year-old man with HIV and HPV coinfection, who presented progressively enlarging verrucous neoformations of the lips. The final diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma was delayed. Early detection of HPV lesions in oral mucosa and HPV screening activities could be important in improving the diagnostic sensitivity for the HIV-infected patients with oral cancer.

Epitrochlear Lymph Node Dissection and Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy. An Unusual Clinical Presentation in a Patient with Forearm Melanoma

When primary melanomas of the forearm or hand metastasize to a lymph node, they usually affect axillary nodes, but in a small minority of patients epitrochlear node involvement can occur. The relationship between tumordraining axillary and epitrochlear nodes is still unclear, the latter being commonly considered as interval node or node located in a minor node field. The possible involvement of epitrochlear nodes demands anyway a detailed preoperative lymphoscintigraphy as well as a meticulous intraoperative search, even if the finding of positive SLN in the basin is infrequent. We present a case of a forearm melanoma with clinical involvement to epitrochlear nodes and metastasized to an axillary sentinel lymph node, with remaining axillary nodes uninvolved; the video illustrates the features of the case and highlights some technical details associated with epitrochlear lymph node dissection. REFERENCES