Wakatoshi Matsunaga

Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma Associated with Systemic Amyloidosis

A large basal cell carcinoma, 39 times 26 cm in size, is presented as second in size only to the largest basal cell carcinoma documented (40 times 30 cm), reported by Beck and co‐workers (1). A 61‐year‐old Japanese male visited our clinic with a huge ulcerating tumor on the back. He had hidden the tumor for the previous 30 years. The tumor was histologically confirmed as basal cell carcinoma. The condition was associated with anemia, hypoproteinemia, and dyspnea, and with systemic amyloidosis in the skin, in the lymph nodes, and in the intestinal canal. On admission, the tumor had metastasized to the regional lymph nodes, and, about two years after the first operation, there were metastases to bone and lung, leading to death due to respiratory failure.

Acquired Coccygeal Nodule Due to Repeated Stimulation by a Bicycle Saddle

Four Japanese male students, aged 14, 16, 18 and 19, were found to have a nodule in their coccygeal regions. The typical lesion was a rugby‐ball‐shaped, normal‐colored or slightly erythematous nodule measuring 5 to 6 cm in its long axis. Histopathologically, it showed hyperplasia of collagen fibers and slight acanthosis. All four students rode to school by bicycle over long distances and long periods; three of them developed the nodule after they started bicycle riding to school. We found that the nodule shape corresponded to the saddle of the bicycle. X‐ray abnormalities included bending or anterior dislocation of the coccyx in all cases and spina bifida in two cases. These nodules may have developed as a result of irritation of this region by the saddle of the bicycle.

Traumatic Neuroma: Multiple Lesions in the Fingers Occurring after Deep Burns

A 6‐year‐old Japanese girl developed five asymptomatic nodules at the amputated edges of her right index, middle, and ring fingers. The amputation had been performed after she suffered deep burns at the age of 3 months. A histological diagnosis of traumatic neuroma was made.

Striae Distensae after Tension‐requiring Skin Sutures

Three cases of striae distensae which developed along suture scars after skin surgery were described. The production of striae should be taken into consideration in surgery of the skin, especially in young woman.