BackgroundThe spread and invasion of malignant melanoma cells involve degradation and reorganization of the extracellular matrix by the activation of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study analyzed the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐13 proteins in primary nodular melanoma (NM) and dysplastic nevi (DN) as a significant risk factor for melanoma development. The secondary goal was to analyze the correlation of MMPs protein expression in NM with tumor invasion, BRAF V600 mutation status, and overall survival.MethodsImmunohistochemistry for MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐13 was performed on nodular melanoma (n = 52) and dysplastic nevi (n = 28) on tissue microarray (TMA). BRAF V600 mutation analysis on NM samples was performed by the Sanger sequencing method.ResultsA high level of MMPs expression in NM samples (>30%) compared with DN (<8%) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). BRAF V600 mutations were detected in 15 of 39 (38.5%) NM samples. This study revealed an interesting finding that MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 protein expression in the BRAF V600 mutated melanomas were significantly lower than in the BRAF V600 wild type (P < 0.05).ConclusionCox analysis revealed that Clark categories, Breslow thickness, and MMP‐1 high protein expression are predictive factors for shorter overall survival (P < 0.05).
Metastatic tumors to the oral cavity are uncommon, representing approximately 1% of all cases of oral malignant lesions even when a metastatic disease is present. The 53-year-old female is presented complaining of abdominal pain, weight loss, and a loose stool recurring not more than three times per day. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a retroperitoneal mass expanding along the body of the pancreas. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy with a gastric mucosa biopsy showed a normal result. After laparoscopic surgery, the primary site of adenocarcinoma was not confirmed. The patient was referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic with pain, swelling, and occasional bleeding around the lower right second mollar. Immunohistochemicaly, the tumor cells were positive for Cytokeratin (CK) 19, Cytokeratin (CK) 7, and homebox protein (CDX-2), which are highly sensitive markers of pancreatobiliar cancer. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma. This report describes a rare metastasis of malignant pancreatic tumor to the lower right gingiva and highlights the importance of immunohistochemical examination and how it helped identify both the origin and the nature of gingival neoplasm.
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a neoplasm of endothelial cells. That vascular tumor is
usually limited to the skin, but it may involve mucous membranes, visceral
organs, and lymph nodes. Serological evidence has shown that human herpesvirus 8
infection is required for the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Chronic
lymphocytic leukemia is the most common leukemia all over the world. Increased
skin cancer risk has been reported for patients with chronic lymphocytic
leukemia. The relation between these two pathologies has not yet been clarified.
We report a case of Kaposi’s sarcoma along with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in
a patient who did not receive therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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