Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non-melanocytic skin malignancy arising from basal cells of epidermis or follicular structures. Etiology of BCC is a multifactorial combination of genotype, phenotype, and environmental factors. There are several clinical variants of BCC including nodular, cystic, superficial, morphoeic, keratotic, pigmented and micronodular. Aim: The aim of our study was to analyze the recent clinical trends of basal cell carcinoma by reviewing a single institution's experience. Methods: Total number of 422 patients clinically diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma were included in the study. Data on age, gender, skin type, personal and family history, duration of disease, localization of lesions, clinical type of lesions, and recurrence rate were collected and analyzed. The data were statistically evaluated. Results: More than 80% of all BCC's were located on sun-exposed skin areas (p<0.05).The male /female ratio was 1:0.92. The nodular BCC was the most frequent type (59.2%), followed by the superficial (16.1%), pigmented (15.2%) and morphoeic (9.5%) types. The nodular and pigmented types were predominant located on the head and neck, whereas the trunk was the most common location for the superficial type (p<0.05). The tumor is commonly found in concomitance with skin lesion related to chronic sun exposure, such as actinic keratoses, solar lentigines and facial telangiectasia. During this study period, 41 cases showed recurrence of the cancer as the overall recurrence rate was 9.7%. There were no cases with metastasis or fatal outcome. Conclusions: The factors related to the development of BCC were older age and exposure to ultraviolet rays both in recreational and in occupational form. The prevention of BCC is based on the knowledge of risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in susceptible populations.

Background. Vitiligo is a common skin disorder characterized by macular depigmentation of the skin. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, but there is evidence that autoimmunity and endocrine disfunction may be involved. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether vitiligo is statistically associated with thyroid autoimmunity. Method. In a prospective case-control study, we compared the frequency of thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin antibody, anti-Tg and thyroid peroxidase antibody, and anti-TPO) in 33 patients with vitiligo and in 33 healthy volunteers. Thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in all subjects. Results. Thyroid functional abnormalities were found in 6 (18.18%) patients. Anti-Tg and anti-TPO were positive in 9 (27.27%) and 8 (24.24%) patients, respectively. In control group, only one subject (3.03%) had abnormalities in thyroid hormonal status, and two subjects had positive thyroid autoantibodies. Compared with the control group, the frequency of both anti-Tg and anti-TPO was significantly higher in those with vitiligo (P < .05). Conclusion. This study shows a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmunity, and that tests to detect thyroid autoantibodies are relevant in patients with vitiligo.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a disease characterized by focally, nonscarring hair loss on the scalp or any hair-bearing surface. The etiology is unknown, although the evidence suggests that AA is an immunologically mediated disease. In the pathogenesis of AA, Th1 immune response is predominant. A special cytokine profile is created by Th1 cells, which disturbs the natural balance of the cytokine networks and leads to inflammatory reaction and follicle damage. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum concentrations of IL-2 in patients with AA and healthy subjects. We also examined a possible association between serum levels of IL-2, disease severity, and duration of AA. Methods: Sixty patients with AA and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of IL-2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. Results: Comparison of mean values of IL-2 has showed that serum concentrations of this cytokine are significantly higher in serum samples of AA patients in relation to the control group (22.2 ± 1.19 vs. 21.1 ± 2.68 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.0142). No correlations were found between clinical type, duration of the disease, and serum levels of IL-2. Conclusion: Our findings support the evidence that elevation of serum IL-2 is associated with AA. The exact role of serum IL-2 in AA should be additionally investigated in future studies.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects about 2% of general population. Clinically, disease can present with cutaneous and nails lesions. Nail abnormalities can be seen in up to two-thirds of patients with psoriasis and both fingernails and toenails may be affected. Objective: The objectives of our study were to evaluate the frequency and clinical presentations of nail abnormalities in patients with psoriasis. Also, we aimed to find correlation between nail changes and some clinical parameters. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with psoriasis were included in this study. A detailed history and examination was recorded for all study subjects, including the age and gender of the patients, type of psoriasis, duration, and extent of disease. Finger and toe nails were clinically examined and nail changes were noted. In the case of clinically suspected of fungal infection, further mycological investigations were performed. Results: Nail abnormalities were present in 67 patients (60.9%) with psoriasis. Nail pitting was the most common lesion observed on fingernails, followed by discoloration of nail plate. Subungual hyperkeratosis of nail plates were significantly more frequent on the toenails. Positive mycological culture was in 14 (20.8%) psoriatic patients with nail involvement. Also, positive correlation between nail abnormalities and duration of psoriasis was found. Conclusions: Nail involvement is common in patients with psoriasis and accompanies skin lesions on the body surface. Pitting and subungual hyperkeratosis are the most frequent nail abnormality in psoriatic patients.

Our findings show a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmunity, and that tests to detect anti-TPO are useful markers in patients with vitiligo. In contrary, ANA seems to have limited diagnostic relevance in routine clinical practice. Additional studies of a wider sample are warranted to confirm these findings and allow a detailed analysis.