Diagnostic Histopathology RSS feed: Current Issue. This monthly review journal aims to provide the practising diagnostic pathologist and trainee pathologist with up-to-date reviews on histopathology and cytology and related technical advances. Each issue contains invited articles on a variety of topics from experts in the field and includes a mini-symposium exploring one subject in greater depth. Articles consist of system-based, disease-based reviews and illustrated case reports. They update the readers on day-to-day diagnostic work and keep them informed of important new developments. The journal aims to cover the main breadth of hsitopathology in a three yearly cycle. Both the contributors and readership are seen as being International. The trend toward continuing education/accreditation has a strong influence in the shaping of the journal's content and is reflected in the inclusion of a self-assessment section. http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Diagnostic Histopathology1756-2317169September 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710001325/abstract?rss=yesEditorial board10.1016/S1756-2317(10)00132-5Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-09-01Diagnostic Histopathology2010-09-01169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3iihttp://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710000952/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm that usually presents as a rapidly-growing nodule in sun-exposed sites in elderly patients. Despite its highly atypical histological appearance it is almost always associated with innocuous clinical behaviour. AFX is now generally regarded as the superficial counterpart of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (so-called malignant fibrous histiocytoma [MFH]). The former lesion is associated with an excellent prognosis in view of its small size, superficial location, and amenability to complete excision. Because a distinction between AFX and MFH requires assessment of the depth of invasion, a definitive diagnosis of AFX cannot be made on the basis of shallow biopsies. Other cutaneous tumours, including sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and spindle-cell melanoma, may have a histologic appearance that is indistinguishable from AFX on haematoxylin–eosin stained slides; immunochemical stains are therefore mandatory in the pathologic evaluation of such cases. There are no currently-known specific immunohistochemical markers (including CD10) which are diagnostic of AFX, and it remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of other markers, such as high molecular-weight keratins (e.g., CK5/6, 34BE12, and MNF116) and p63 in the diagnosis of sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma; that tumour may fail to label for other keratin proteins. Recently, uncommon variants of AFX have been described that broaden its histological differential diagnosis.Atypical fibroxanthoma: differential diagnosis from other sarcomatoid skin lesionsRichard A. Scolyer, Rajmohan Murali, Stanley W. McCarthy, John F. Thompson10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.06.007Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-07-12Diagnostic Histopathology2010-07-12169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Mini-Symposium: Pathology of Non-Melanocytic Skin Tumours401408http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710001179/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Pathology laboratories routinely encounter cutaneous neoplasms in which the differential diagnosis includes primary tumors as well as metastatic carcinomas. This distinction is important since metastatic lesions portend a poor prognosis and, in rare cases, they can be the first sign of internal malignancy. In most cases analysis of histologic features and correlation with clinical information allow one to establish the correct diagnosis. However, occasionally, and especially in the case of adenocarcinomas, the morphologic features may be very similar in both primary cutaneous tumors (especially those of sweat gland origin) and metastatic lesions. This article reviews the use of immunohistochemistry as an adjunctive tool in the analysis of primary and metastatic carcinomas involving the skin. It also provides an algorithm including selected markers that can be used in this context.The use of immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of primary cutaneous adnexal neoplasms and metastatic adenocarcinomas to the skinVictor G. Prieto, Doina Ivan10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.08.001Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-09-01Diagnostic Histopathology2010-09-01169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Mini-Symposium: Pathology of Non-Melanocytic Skin Tumours409416http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710000964/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The distinction of cutaneous lymphomas from inflammatory dermatoses is considered to be one of the most vexing problems in diagnostic dermatopathology. Identification of “clonal dermatoses” which, in some instances, evolve into overt lymphomas, has prompted the suggestion that cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia may represent a continuum with lymphomatous potential. Some of the difficulties that we encounter in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphomas are, however, conceptual. That is because diagnostic criteria for the earliest stages of malignant tumours impinge on the “grey zone” between what is clearly benign and what is obviously malignant. On the other hand, a pragmatic approach to the management of patients with “borderline” lymphoproliferative disorders seems to be the most appropriate. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be mindful of patients’ best interests, avoiding unnecessarily aggressive treatment of cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates. That approach is valid regardless of personal opinion over whether such lesions are “premalignant” or “early malignant”.Cutaneous lymphoid proliferations: a clinicopathological continuum?Lorenzo Cerroni10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.06.008Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-07-05Diagnostic Histopathology2010-07-05169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Mini-Symposium: Pathology of Non-Melanocytic Skin Tumours417424http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710000976/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: This review discusses unusual and rare microscopic images that may be observed in cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms, including labyrinthine–sinusoidal, ‘rippled’ and carcinoid-like growth patterns. Other unusual features that may be diagnostically problematic are considered, along with ectopic sebaceous lesions and cutaneous-type sebaceous neoplasms arising outside the skin.Unusual patterns of cutaneous sebaceous neoplasmsDmitry V. Kazakov, Dominic V. Spagnolo, Denisa Kacerovska, Michal Michal10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.06.009Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-07-15Diagnostic Histopathology2010-07-15169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Mini-Symposium: Pathology of Non-Melanocytic Skin Tumours425431http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS1756231710000988/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The objective of staging is to group malignancies with similar prognosis and therapeutical approach, to be able to compare clinicopathologic data from different institutions, and to perform clinical trials or research studies on a homogeneous population of patients.Accurate pathology staging for prostate cancer is critical to determine treatment of individual patients and it reflects ultimate expected clinical outcome. Radical prostatectomy Gleason score, pathologic T stage, lymph node and surgical margin status are independent predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival.The TNM staging system is the most widely used system for prostate cancer staging, assessing the extent of primary tumor, the absence or presence of regional lymph node involvement, and the absence or presence of distant metastases. This system is in constant evolution and several modifications have been made over time in an attempt to improve the uniformity of patient evaluation, and to maintain a clinically relevant classification system.Staging prostate cancer and its relationship to prognosisSara M. Falzarano, Cristina Magi-Galluzzi10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.06.010Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-07-05Diagnostic Histopathology2010-07-05169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Review432438http://www.diagnostichistopathology.co.uk/article/PIIS175623171000099X/abstract?rss=yesProstate pathologyMurali Varma10.1016/j.mpdhp.2010.06.011Diagnostic Histopathology 16, 9 (2010)2010-07-09Diagnostic Histopathology2010-07-09169S1756-2317(10)X0009-3Self-Assessment439444