Idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum is a rare benign local condition, characterized by multiple, painless, hard scrotal nodules, in the absence of any systemic metabolic disorder. We report nine cases of this rare entity diagnosed over a five-year period (2009-2013). The patients' age ranged from 26 to 65 years (Mean 42 years). The majority presented with scrotal swellings (8/9) and were clinically diagnosed as sebaceous cysts (7/9). Two cases also gave history of white chalky discharge from the swelling. Associated features of right inguinal hernia and left hematocele were seen in two cases. Five cases presented with a solitary nodule, with the size ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm (Mean 1.89 cm). The histopathological examination revealed dermal calcified masses with prominent foreign body reaction. All cases underwent surgical excision and showed no recurrence in follow up. This case series attempts to create an awareness of this rare pathology, which has an obscure pathogenesis and is often misdiagnosed.

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Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), which mainly include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are infrequent in the Indian subcontinent, compared with white skinned individuals. Although BCC in most cases arises de novo on sun-exposed sites, it may rarely develop in photoprotected areas and in the setting of certain risk factors. In contrast to BCC, SCC in dark skin has a tendency to develop in nonhealing ulcers, chronic scars, and inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. Histopathology is the gold standard in confirming the diagnosis and determining the prognosis. As the existing literature on NMSCs in India is limited mostly to case reports and few reviews only, this article is an attempt to create an awareness regarding the premalignant potential of an expanding list of cutaneous lesions, which would help in timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of NMSCs.

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Dermatopathology is one of the key aspects in dermatological diagnosis and is of immense value to the practicing dermatologist as well as residents pursuing dermatology as a career. It is a visual medium of understanding the subject, and is therefore ideal to be tested similarly. Dermatopathology quiz has become a part and parcel of most scientific deliberations, and is therefore an essential requirement of the postgraduate curriculum. Preparing for a dermatopathology quiz is tougher than preparing for a normal clinical quiz because of the lesser importance given for it in the syllabus of postgraduation and also due to the lack of resources either in getting microscopic sessions arranged or due to lack of flair of the subject compared to cosmetology or dermatosurgery. This review was done with the purpose of educating both the students and quizmasters as to how to prepare for a dermatopathology quiz. It is a unique proposal and, therefore, is gathered from more of personal experience, experience gained from watching quizzes conducted by experienced quizmasters, and also from the advice gained from masters of the subject in relation to the quiz.

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Background: Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) through dermal roller breaks old collagen strands, promotes removal of damaged collagen and induces more collagen formation. Collagen fibers can be assessed by traditional stains or by polarized light assessment of Picrosirius red stain. Objective: The purpose of the current study is the clinical and histopathological evaluation of percutaneous collagen formation in atrophic acne scars after dermal roller application. Patients and Methods: Total study duration was 26 weeks in which 12 patients received seven sessions of PCI at 3-weeks interval, 3 mm punch biopsy specimens of scars were obtained before and after treatment (at 18 and 26 weeks). Microscopic examination of pre and post operative biopsies were done, using routine stains and Picrosirius red stain. Results: PCI induced notable improvement in the appearance of acne scars with significant reduction in the score from 123.3 ± 24.5 to 74.16 ± 16.49 (P = 0.00) after 26 weeks. Polarized light assessment of Picrosirius red stain clarified the gradual replacement of old thick orange-red birefringent collagen fibers by newly synthesized thin green-yellow birefringent ones postoperatively. Conclusion: Skin needling is a simple and minimally invasive procedure. The polarized light assessment of Picrosirius red stain clarified the change of the optical properties of collagen fibers according to the maturation process.

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Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma (SEDC) is a rare primary cutaneous tumor that exhibits both squamous and adnexal ductal differentiation. We report a case of SEDC presenting as multiple nodules on the scalp of a 58-year-old man. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed a tumor in the dermis composed of duct-like structures that represented the eccrine component and squamoid cells in nests and in an infiltrating pattern. Immunohistochemical (IHC) positivity for cytokeratin 5/6, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and p63 confirmed the squamoid, ductal, and primary cutaneous nature, respectively, and differentiated it from eccrine poroma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and porocarcinoma with squamous differentiation. With a demonstrated invasive potential, recurrent nature, and ambiguous metastatic potential, Mohs micrographic surgery, an established and successful, yet tissue-sparing surgical modality with lower recurrence rate, is the recommended treatment of choice and a close follow-up of these patients is suggested for further experiences of this tumor.

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Lobulated intradermal nevus is a rare entity characterized clinically by a yellowish lobulated growth and histologically by fat cell infiltration amidst nests of nevus cells in dermis with evidence of dermal fibrosis. This condition can be confused with a regressing intradermal nevus showing fatty changes, which are typically encountered in elderly individuals. We hereby present a case of lobulated intradermal nevus in a 30-year-old female patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind to be reported from India.

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Hodgkin's disease with skin involvement is a rare entity with a reported incidence of 0.5-3.5%. Various routes of skin involvement may include retrograde lymphatic spread, direct extension from underlying nodes, or hematogenous spread. Prognosis is usually determined by the degree of visceral involvement and the stage of disease. We report our experience with four cases of Hodgkin's disease with varying presentations, mimicking other malignant or inflammatory conditions.

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Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+ LBCL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is characterized by plasmacytic differentiation and cytoplasmic ALK positivity. Immunophenotype of ALK+ LBCL defines the terminally differentiated B-lineage cell characterized by the absence of B-cell antigens and expression of antigen associated with plasma cell differentiation. It is characterized by an aggressive behavior and poor response to standard chemotherapy. Advanced clinical stage and extranodal disease are associated with worse survival. We present a very rare case of ALK+ LBCL in a young immunocompetent lady who presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules and discuss the role of flow cytometry for prompt and accurate confirmation of the diagnosis.

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