No abstract

This article by the Perineural Invasion (PNI) Registry Group aims to clarify clinical and histopathological ambiguities surrounding PNI in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). PNI is reportedly present in approximately 2-6% of cases of NMSC and is associated with greater rates of morbidity and mortality. The distinction between clinical PNI and incidental PNI is somewhat unclear, especially in regard to management and prognosis. One important objective of the PNI Registry is to develop a standardised method of classifying perineural invasion. Hence, in this article we propose a definition for PNI and for its sub-classification. This article also provides a critical analysis of the current literature on the treatment of incidental PNI by evaluating the key cohort studies that have investigated the use of surgery or radiotherapy in the management of incidental PNI. At present, there are no universal clinical guidelines that specify the acceptable treatment of NMSC exhibiting incidental PNI. Consequently, patients often receive surgery with varying wider margins, or radiotherapy despite the limited evidence substantiating such management options. It is evident from the existing literature that current opinion is divided over the benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy. Certain prognostic factors have been proposed, such as the size and depth of tumour invasion, nerve diameter, the presence of multifocal PNI and the type of tumour. The PNI Registry is a web-based registry that has been developed to assist in attaining further data pertaining to incidental PNI in NMSC. It is envisaged that this information will provide the foundation for identifying and defining best practice in managing incidental PNI.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters

Enhanced knowledge of the genetic and environmental risk factors for multiple primary melanomas can assist clinicians in assessing risk and planning surveillance of patients.

SUMMARYFour cases of vulval basal cell carcinoma were identified in multiparous females aged 46-78 years. Symptoms included discomfort and pruritus ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years in duration. Such symptoms occurred in the context of a pink vulval plaque. The non-specific symptoms, in the context of the particular anatomical site, led to late presentation. Subsequent treatment in all cases involved wide local excision following incisional biopsy. No recurrence has been documented after a minimum follow-up period of 12 months.