This is the largest series of BCCs in the literature, and shows striking differences in anatomical distribution, sex and mean age according to histological type. The results suggest that the tumours of the trunk, and not only those of the superficial type, could represent a particular subtype of BCC. The analysis also suggests that the hypothesis of chronic vs. intermittent sun exposure cannot be simply extrapolated to BCC. Other causal factors, such as a genetic predisposition, could be involved in the development of carcinomas located on the trunk.

No abstract

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is rarely associated with other skin diseases, especially cutaneous neoplasms. Such associations are exceptional and of unknown frequency. The aim of this study was to record the histologic variants and frequency of associated lesions in a large series of consecutive MC cases. We reviewed 578 MC cases from the Laboratory of Dermatopathology of the University Hospitals of Strasbourg, France (1959-1999). The locations of MC were as follows: head and neck (34.7%), trunk (27.1%), lower limbs (20.7%), upper limbs (8.7%), and genitalia (3.8%). Molluscum contagiosum occurred more often in female patients (56.7%). The age range of patients included in this study was 0 to 19 years (34.9%), 20 to 39 years (31.1%), 40 to 59 years (22.8%), and over 60 years (6.5%). Histologic variants of MC were noted in 46 cases (31 pseudocystic, 8 giant, and 7 pedunculated). An underlying abscess was present in 65 cases. Of the 578 cases, 22 were associated with other lesions (3.8%). There were 9 cases of epidermal cysts, 4 of nevocellular nevi, 3 of metaplastic ossifications, 2 of true epidermal nevi, 2 of sebaceous hyperplasias, 2 of soft fibromas, and 1 of Kaposi sarcoma. Except in immunocompromised patients, such associations are likely to be coincidental. The clinical diagnosis was correct in 42.3% of the cases. Clinical accuracy varied according to the age, localization, and histologic pattern of MC. Pseudocystic MC, giant MC, and MC associated with other lesions were responsible for frequent clinical misdiagnosis.

No abstract

Striated muscle hamartoma is a rare entity which was described only recently. It is a congenital malformation characterized by the presence of striated, mature muscle fibers in the reticular dermis and hypodermis. We describe a striated muscle hamartoma of the perianal region in a female infant associated with an hemangioma in the same area that regressed completely. Including the present patient, only 14 cases of striated muscle hamartomas have been reported, but this association with an hemangioma is unique. The lesion was polypoid and histopathologic examination showed numerous striated muscle fibers located within the dermis.