Skin Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dermatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 4383

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Interests: dermatopathological cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin diseases represent an important field of medicine with different entities such as neoplasms (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer), but also inflammatory dermatitis, lymphoproliferative disorders, and so on. For any beginning of a patient care journey, the clinical and histological diagnosis constitutes the cornerstone on which to build the rest of the subsequent actions, and diagnostic accuracy is of significant importance. In recent years, the continuous advancement of molecular biology techniques has allowed a further understanding of the processes underlying many skin cancers, among which melanoma has certainly played an important role. Furthermore, cutaneous lymphomas have also been strongly affected by new knowledge acquired, which has been the basis of a molecular reclassification of the different entities. Last but not least, dermatitis has also seen renewed interest in the attempt to overcome the limitations of histopathological classification, integrating clinical and histological information with genetic mutational data. In this Special Issue, we invite our colleagues to present their contributions that discuss skin pathologies as their main topic.

Dr. Anna Colagrande
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • skin
  • melanoma
  • NMSC
  • CTCL
  • mesenchymal

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

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11 pages, 1041 KiB  
Review
Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) of the Soft Tissue: An Update Narrative Review with Emphasis on the Utility of PRAME in Differential Diagnosis
by Gerardo Cazzato, Francesco Piscazzi, Alessandra Filosa, Anna Colagrande, Paolo Del Fiore, Francesca Ambrogio, Chiara Battilotti, Andrea Danese, Serena Federico and Fortunato Cassalia
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041233 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) of soft tissue is a rare and highly malignant neoplasm primarily affecting young adults, often presenting in the deep soft tissues of the extremities. Despite morphological and immunophenotypic similarities to melanoma, CCS arises from connective tissues and is characterized [...] Read more.
Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) of soft tissue is a rare and highly malignant neoplasm primarily affecting young adults, often presenting in the deep soft tissues of the extremities. Despite morphological and immunophenotypic similarities to melanoma, CCS arises from connective tissues and is characterized by a distinct genetic hallmark: the EWSR1-ATF1 fusion resulting from t(12;22)(q13;q12) translocation. This genetic signature is absent in melanoma, making molecular diagnosis essential for accurate differentiation. Additionally, recent evidence highlights the utility of PRAME as an immunohistochemical marker to distinguish CCS from melanoma and other neoplasms. Clinically, CCS commonly involves tendons and aponeuroses, with metastatic potential leading to poor prognoses despite optimal local disease management. Histologically, CCS features lobular growth, spindle-to-epithelioid cells with clear cytoplasm, and low mitotic activity, often necessitating a multimodal diagnostic approach incorporating histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing. Therapeutically, wide surgical excision remains the cornerstone for localized disease, with sentinel lymph node biopsy aiding in staging. Adjuvant radiotherapy is considered in select cases, while chemotherapy has limited efficacy in metastatic settings. Emerging treatments, including targeted therapies focusing on EWSR1-ATF1-driven pathways and immune checkpoint inhibitors, offer hope for improved outcomes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on CCS, emphasizing diagnostic challenges, the role of PRAME, and advancements in therapeutic strategies to enhance patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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21 pages, 814 KiB  
Systematic Review
Photodynamic Therapy in Primary Cutaneous Skin Lymphoma—Systematic Review
by Adam Zalewski, Witold Musiał and Alina Jankowska-Konsur
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2956; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092956 - 24 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a group of skin-limited lymphoproliferative disorders, including cutaneous T-cell (CTCLs) and B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive, light-activated treatment, has gained attention as a skin-directed therapy for early-stage CLs due to its selectivity and favorable [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a group of skin-limited lymphoproliferative disorders, including cutaneous T-cell (CTCLs) and B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive, light-activated treatment, has gained attention as a skin-directed therapy for early-stage CLs due to its selectivity and favorable safety profile. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence on the clinical use of PDT in managing CLs. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase through 1 September 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included “primary cutaneous skin lymphoma”, “CTCL”, “CBCL”, “mycosis fungoides”, “lymphomatoid papulosis”, and “photodynamic therapy”. After screening 1033 records, 30 studies were included. Data were extracted and categorized by lymphoma subtype and clinical outcomes. Results: Of the included studies, 23 focused on mycosis fungoides (MF), 5 on lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), and 2 on CBCL. PDT demonstrated notable clinical efficacy in early-stage and localized disease, particularly MF, using methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) or 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as photosensitizers. Adjunctive techniques like microneedling and laser-assisted delivery improved treatment outcomes. PDT was generally well tolerated, with mild, transient side effects; rare complications such as localized neuropathy were reported. Conclusions: PDT is a promising, non-invasive treatment for early-stage CLs, especially MF and indolent CBCL variants. While current evidence supports its safety and effectiveness, further comparative and prospective studies are needed to refine protocols, evaluate long-term efficacy, and compare different photosensitizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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6 pages, 636 KiB  
Case Report
Successful Treatment of MEK Inhibitor-Induced Paronychia in Neurofibromatosis with Photodynamic Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Therapeutic Options
by Francesca Ambrogio, Teresa Perillo, Domenico Bonamonte, Aurora De Marco, Benedetta Tirone, Carmelo Laface, Gerardo Cazzato, Caterina Foti and Edoardo Mortato
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041104 - 9 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, is commonly used for treating neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and is associated with cutaneous side effects such as paronychia and periungual granulomas. These complications can be painful and difficult to manage, often leading to the discontinuation of treatment. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, is commonly used for treating neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and is associated with cutaneous side effects such as paronychia and periungual granulomas. These complications can be painful and difficult to manage, often leading to the discontinuation of treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a novel treatment for MEKi-induced paronychia in a patient with NF1. Methods: We present a case report of an 18-year-old patient with NF1 who developed painful periungual granulomas on the toenails after 12 months of Selumetinib therapy. PDT was administered using methyl aminolevulinate (METVIX®) as the photosensitizing agent, followed by treatment with a red LED light source (630 nm, 37 J/cm2 for 8 min and 30 s). The patient was followed up for two months post-treatment and then at two years. Results: After a single PDT session, the patient exhibited complete clinical remission of the periungual granulomas and associated pain. No recurrence of the lesions was noted during the two-year follow-up. The patient tolerated the procedure well, reporting only mild discomfort during treatment. Conclusions: PDT appears to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for Selumetinib-induced paronychia and periungual granulomas. This case demonstrates that PDT can provide a complete resolution of symptoms with a single treatment session, offering an alternative to more invasive procedures. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to establish PDT as a standard treatment option for this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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15 pages, 3122 KiB  
Systematic Review
Clinical Efficacy of Cysteamine Application for Melasma: A Meta-Analysis
by Bing-Qi Wu, Yen-Jen Wang, Chang-Cheng Chang, Tzong-Yuan Juang, Yung-Hsueh Huang and Ying-Chuan Hsu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7483; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237483 - 9 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Background: Melasma is a challenging, acquired hyperpigmentary disorder. The gold standard treatment is Kligman’s formulation, which contains hydroquinone, tretinoin, and dexamethasone, but its long-term use is limited by the risk of exogenous ochronosis. Cysteamine, a tyrosinase inhibitor, reduces melanocyte activity and melanin production, [...] Read more.
Background: Melasma is a challenging, acquired hyperpigmentary disorder. The gold standard treatment is Kligman’s formulation, which contains hydroquinone, tretinoin, and dexamethasone, but its long-term use is limited by the risk of exogenous ochronosis. Cysteamine, a tyrosinase inhibitor, reduces melanocyte activity and melanin production, showing strong depigmenting effects in patients resistant to Kligman’s formulation. Nonetheless, clinical studies have yielded inconsistent efficacy results. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of cysteamine in treating melasma and to identify potential factors that may impact its therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL, from the earliest record until August 2024, was conducted. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized design studies related to topical cysteamine on melasma patients were included. The primary outcome was MASI or mMASI assessment after treatments. The current meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed based on baseline MASI, disease duration of melasma, patient age, and sample size of the included studies. Funnel plots and Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill method were adopted to assess the publication bias. Results: Eight studies were included for quantitative analysis. The analysis of MASI after topical cysteamine demonstrated a significant decrease compared to the placebo (p = 0.002). Compared to other melasma treatments, cysteamine did not show superior efficacy in mMASI (p = 0.277). The treatment efficacy of hydroquinone, modified Kligman’s formula, and tranexamic acid mesotherapy for melasma was not statistically different when compared to cysteamine (p = 0.434). Further analyses showed no benefit when allowing extended cysteamine application time (p < 0.0001). The meta-regression revealed the efficacy of cysteamine decreased as the duration of melasma increased (coefficient = 0.38, p = 0.0001, R2 = 0.99). The funnel plot displayed some asymmetry. The trim and fill method suggested the adjusted effect size was 0.607 (95% CI = −0.720 to 1.935). Conclusions: Cysteamine exhibited efficacy in treating melasma patients; however, its depigmentation effect was comparable to hydroquinone-based regimens, tranexamic acid mesotherapy, and modified Kligman’s formula. Using cysteamine in patients with a short duration of melasma may result in better efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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