Dermatology最新文献

{"title":"Survey-Based Research: When Artificial Intelligence and Dermatologists Disagree, What Do Patients Choose?","authors":"Inês Tribolet de Abreu, Filipe Silva Monteiro, Gustavo Almeida Silva, Inês Pereira Amaral, Ivânia Soares, Miguel Duarte Reis","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag015","DOIUrl":"10.1159/drm/ackag015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) shows significant promise in dermatology, particularly in image-based diagnostics. However, patient perceptions and trust in AI compared to dermatologists remain poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among adult patients attending the dermatology department of two hospitals in Lisbon between October 2024 and May 2025. The survey included 12 questions assessing technological literacy, attitudes toward AI, and responses to two hypothetical clinical scenarios involving conflicting recommendations from AI and dermatologists.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 196 patients participated. Most respondents were technologically literate, though 78.6% were unfamiliar with AI applications in dermatology. While 61.3% believed AI could improve diagnostic accuracy, only 7.2% of participants agreed that it could replace dermatologists. In clinical scenarios with conflicting recommendations, most patients preferred seeking a second opinion from another dermatologist rather than following AI advice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients view AI as a potentially valuable supportive tool in dermatology but place greater trust in human expertise. These findings highlight the importance of framing AI as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, dermatologists in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148873326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pseudodidymosis aplasticosebacea: phenotype expansion of a mosaic RASopathy 25 years after its identification.","authors":"Daniele Torchia","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/drm/ackag014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The co-occurrence of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and nevus sebaceus (NS) was originally framed by Happle and König as \"didymosis aplasticosebacea\" (now correctly renamed \"pseudodidymosis aplasticosebacea\" [PAS]).</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A search of the worldwide literature up to April 2026 was carried out on the topic. In addition to the already recognized cases, this review yielded the retrospective identification of an additional 25, all diagnosed otherwise, bringing the total to at least 39. Among the cutaneous and extracutaneous associations of pseudodidymosis aplasticosebacea, the latter being reported in all but five cases, ocular and central nervous system abnormalities appeared to be the most prominent ones. A mosaic KRAS mutation was identified in eight individuals.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>PAS represents a nonrandom association of lesions, but is still largely unrecognized in the medical-scientific community. Ocular abnormalities, particularly dermoids and colobomas, are by far the most frequent extracutaneous manifestations encountered in PAS. Other peculiar anomalies appear to occur relatively frequently, namely central nervous system lipomas and lymphatic malformations. It is conceivable to definitively include PAS within the realm of mosaic RASopathies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148873270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating Atherosclerosis through Ultrasonographic Assessment of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Shahin Hamzelou, Faezeh Khorasanizadeh, Maryam Daneshpazhooh, Zeinab Aryanian, Safoura Shakoei, Fatemeh Hosseini, Reza Omid, Sama Heidari, Masoud Homayouni","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag011","DOIUrl":"10.1159/drm/ackag011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering dermatosis affecting both sexes. Previous studies suggest an increased cardiovascular risk in PV patients, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This case-control study evaluated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) via ultrasonography as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in PV. Seventy patients were categorized based on disease duration (<1 year and 1-4 years) and compared to 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Data on demographics, Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), and total rituximab (RTX) dosage were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age was significantly correlated with CIMT in all groups. Although left and right plaque presence was significant in controls (p = 0.007), no significant plaque burden was observed in either patient group. CIMT showed a significant positive correlation with waist circumference in the <1-year group and controls (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001, respectively) and with BMI in the <1-year group. PDAI was significantly associated only with left CIMT in patients with 1-4 years of disease (p = 0.035). Additionally, male patients in the 1-4-year group had significantly higher left and right CIMT (p = 0.014 and p = 0.047, respectively). No significant differences in CIMT size or plaque presence were observed between patient and control groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that age, gender, BMI, waist circumference, and disease severity may contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis in PV, with plaque formation potentially linked to persistent inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148839659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference of the Quality of Life Relevance-Acne questionnaire.","authors":"Pavel V Chernyshov, Christos C Zouboulis, Servando E Marron, Michael John Boffa, Nives Pustišek, Liana Manolache, Dimitra Koumaki, Razvigor Darlenski, Petra Magri Gatt, Volodymyr V Kuts, Oleksandr Kaniura, Evgenia Makrantonaki, Hilayda Karakok, Spyridon Kostaras, Lucia Tomas-Aragones","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/drm/ackag012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Simultaneous international validation of the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE questionnaire confirmed its convergent validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. A grading system of the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE questionnaire scores was accepted. The objective of the present study was to confirm the responsiveness and establish the Minimally Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with acne were asked to fill in the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. Global acne severity was assessed independently by both dermatologists and patients. Cohen's d, anchor-based approach and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves method were used for confirmation of responsiveness and determination of MCIDs of the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of 576 acne patients across eight countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Malta, Romania, Spain and Turkey) were analysed. Cohen d was 0.8. Estimated MID was 2.64. The nearest integer above calculated MID is 3. Based on the hypothesis that total scores below MID correspond to no effect on patient's HRQoL, total QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE scores from 0 to 2 correspond to no effect on patient's HRQoL. Correlations coefficient between changes of the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE scores and changes of the acne severity assessed by the dermatologist and by the patient and changes of the DLQI scores were 0.61, 0.59 and 0.70, respectively. AUCs were excellent (above 0.8). Calculated MCIDs were 3.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>All used methods confirmed excellent responsiveness of the QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE questionnaire. The MCID of 3 for QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE was established. Total QOLRELEVANCE-ACNE scores of 0, 1 and 2 correspond to no effect on patients' life.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148825637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-Term Disease Progression in Adult Atopic Dermatitis: A 6-Year Observational Study of Severity and Treatment Patterns.","authors":"Lea Krog Nymand, Mia-Louise Nielsen, David Thein, Simon Francis Thomsen, Jacob P Thyssen, Alexander Egeberg","doi":"10.1159/000553381","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000553381","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and heterogeneous skin condition, often with a fluctuating and unpredictable disease course, which can be influenced by treatment patterns and significantly impact patients' disease burden and mental health. The aim of the study was to characterize disease trajectories stratified by severity and treatment modality, and investigate their association with patient-reported signs, symptoms, and mental health burden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients (≥18 years) with a dermatologist-verified diagnosis of AD were included using data from the Danish Skin Cohort and the Danish National Prescription Registry. Patients were categorized into four groups based on AD severity (mild vs. moderate-to-severe) and treatment modality (non-systemic vs. systemic). Disease trajectories were initially identified through graphical assessment of the four groups over time, and subsequently each patient was assigned to a disease trajectory using the longest common subsequence method resulting in six clusters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 2018 through 2024, 234 patients were followed prospectively. Severity and treatment data were recorded at five time points. The majority of patients had moderate-to-severe AD throughout the study period without receiving systemic treatment or achieving remission, but the proportion receiving systemic treatment increased from 17.1% in 2018 to 29.1% in 2024 irrespective of disease severity. The three clusters with consistent moderate-to-severe AD showed similar baseline itch, body surface area, and flare frequency despite different treatment modalities. Clusters having mild AD at some time points showed comparable baseline profiles despite their different trajectories.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A considerable proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe AD were managed without systemic therapies and experienced substantial burden and mental health impact. These findings highlight the heterogeneity and persistence of AD, including fluctuating disease activity and variability in treatment patterns, which emphasize the importance of incorporating longitudinal disease patterns into clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148817492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thirty Years of Trends in Leprosy Burden and Associated Socioeconomic Status in Asia: Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study.","authors":"Faida Ufaira Prameswari, Annisa Salsabilla Dwi Nugrahani, Cita Rosita Sigit Prakoeswa, Medhi Denisa Alinda","doi":"10.1159/000553406","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000553406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease that imposes a disproportionate caseload burden on Asia. This study analyzed spatiotemporal trends of leprosy incidence and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) in Asia from 1990 to 2021 and assessed their association with socioeconomic status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data (1990-2021), we analyzed temporal trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and DALY rates (ASDR) for leprosy in Asia with Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC). Results were mapped geographically to visualize spatial patterns. Associations with sociodemographic index (SDI) were analyzed using Spearman correlation, followed by multivariable linear regression adjusting for sex and country.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1990 to 2021, the estimated incidence of leprosy in Asia declined by 50.01%. Both estimated ASIR and ASDR of leprosy in Asia also decreased (EAPC of ASIR -3.62, EAPC of ASDR -3.16). ASIR decreased from 2.23 (1990) to 0.63 per 100,000 persons (2021) and ASDR decreased from 0.78 (1990) to 0.28 per 100,000 persons (2021). However, the estimated burden varies across observed countries. Strong negative correlations were observed between SDI and both estimated ASIR (ρ = -0.74) and ASDR (ρ = -0.85) (both p < 0.001). Multivariable regression demonstrated that SDI was independently associated with both ASIR (β = -7.61) and ASDR (β = -3.05) (both p < 0.001) after adjusting for sex and country. Sex and country were also significant predictors (p < 0.001). Higher estimated burdens were observed in males.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Socioeconomic development, measured through SDI, was the primary driver of leprosy reduction. Significant sex and country factors, as well as persistent cases, indicate the need for targeted, context-specific interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148812130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Burden of Fungal Skin Diseases 1990-2023: Prevalence Trends, Regional Disparities, and Future Projections.","authors":"Ye Wang, Shao-Jie Chen","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag010","DOIUrl":"10.1159/drm/ackag010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fungal skin diseases are common worldwide, yet a systematic global burden assessment has been lacking. This study aimed to analyze the global, regional, and national burden of fungal skin diseases and their trends from 1990 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data on prevalent cases, age-standardized prevalence rates (ASRs), and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were extracted for 204 countries and territories, grouped by Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). Projected trends for age-standardized DALY rates from 2024 to 2035 were also analyzed using the GBD forecasting framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Global prevalent cases increased from 266.5 million in 1990 to 351.8 million in 2023 (+32%), while the global ASR remained stable (EAPC = 0.03). However, projections indicate that the age-standardized DALY rate will rise from 25.79 per 100,000 in 2023 to 26.96 per 100,000 in 2035, signaling a potential turning point. Low SDI regions had the highest case growth (+77%) and prevalence (8,060.14/100,000). High SDI regions saw a 4% case decrease and the largest ASR decline (EAPC = -0.77). The Caribbean was the only region with a significant ASR increase (EAPC = 0.79). Sub-Saharan Africa and the Persian Gulf showed rising cases but declining ASRs, suggesting population growth and migration as primary drivers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The global increase in fungal skin disease cases is driven primarily by population growth and aging rather than rising prevalence. Significant health inequalities exist, with low SDI regions and the Caribbean requiring priority attention. Projected increases in DALY rates warrant enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions in high-burden areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148812155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitochondrial Dysfunction promotes Keloid progress through Metabolic Reprogramming: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Lianbo Zhang, Mingxi Li, Guang Zhang, Zichao Wang, Haiyan Qin","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag007","DOIUrl":"10.1159/drm/ackag007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Keloids are a refractory fibroproliferative disorder characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and invasive growth beyond the original wound boundaries, severely impairing patients' quality of life. Accumulating evidence highlights that metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction are important in keloid pathogenesis, particularly in regulating the biological behavior of keloid fibroblasts (KFBs). This narrative review synthesizes current research on the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities in keloids. Mitochondrial structural and functional impairments directly trigger metabolic reprogramming in KFBs, shifting energy metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis and disrupting lipid and amino acid metabolism. Conversely, metabolic abnormalities exacerbate mitochondrial damage, forming a pathological feedback loop. This reciprocal interaction collectively shapes the pathological features of KFBs: excessive proliferation driven by energy metabolic adaptation, abnormal ECM deposition mediated by pro-fibrotic signaling activation, and persistent chronic inflammation induced by mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and metabolic byproducts. By clarifying this synergistic mechanism, this review provides insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function and metabolic pathways to mitigate keloid progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alopecia Areata as a Sentinel Condition for Systemic Autoimmunity: A Global Bidirectional Cohort Study.","authors":"Mateusz Łysek, Justyna Putek, Beata Jastrząb-Miśkiewicz, Jacek C Szepietowski, David Saceda Corralo, Piotr K Krajewski","doi":"10.1159/drm/ackag005","DOIUrl":"10.1159/drm/ackag005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, non-scarring hair loss disorder increasingly recognized as a systemic immune-mediated condition. Previous studies examining AA-associated autoimmune diseases were limited by narrow disease scope, single-country cohorts, or lack of bidirectional and sex-stratified analyses. This study comprehensively evaluated over 50 autoimmune conditions in AA patients, performed bidirectional analyses exploring temporal relationships, and conducted sex-stratified assessments to identify gender-specific risk patterns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Global Health Research Network, incorporating de-identified electronic health records from over 120 million patients worldwide. Adults with AA were 1:1 propensity score-matched with controls (n = 69,259) based on demographics and comorbidities. Over 50 autoimmune and inflammatory disorders were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Reverse analyses and sex-stratified cohorts were performed. Sensitivity analyses tested robustness through temporal restrictions, recent data periods, and stricter diagnostic criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AA was strongly associated with endocrine, rheumatologic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, neurologic, and systemic autoimmune diseases. Highest hazard ratios included cutaneous lupus erythematosus (HR = 9.843), systemic lupus erythematosus (HR = 5.807), vitiligo (HR = 3.844), lichen planus (HR = 3.627), and Addison's disease (HR = 3.847). Reverse analyses demonstrated that lichen planus (HR = 6.205), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (HR = 5.579), and vitiligo (HR = 4.505) markedly increased AA risk. Females with AA had higher risks of thyroid, rheumatologic, and cutaneous autoimmune disorders, while males showed higher vitiligo risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AA was associated with increased risk of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in both directions. These findings support considering AA as a clinically visible marker of increased autoimmune susceptibility and may justify targeted evaluation for thyroid and connective tissue disorders, particularly in females with AA, as well as clinical awareness of AA risk in patients with autoimmune skin diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148757538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Clinically Oriented Mini-Review for Dermatologists.","authors":"Mehdi Boostani, Maya Androus, Avery Williams, Alicia Goldenberg, Gabriella Emri, Norbert M Wikonkál, Norbert Kiss, Michael K Wong, Gyorgy Paragh","doi":"10.1159/000552053","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000552053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with mortality rates exceeding melanoma at comparable stages. Its incidence is increasing worldwide, particularly among elderly, immunosuppressed, and fair-skinned individuals. Clinically, MCC often presents as a rapidly enlarging, asymptomatic nodule on sun-exposed skin, although atypical locations and morphologic variants may delay recognition.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This clinically oriented mini-review summarizes current evidence most relevant to dermatologists regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, histopathology, immunohistochemical diagnosis, staging, imaging, prognostic factors, circulating biomarkers, and treatment of MCC. Diagnosis relies on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, with cytokeratin 20 and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-related markers playing important roles in distinguishing MCC from other small round blue cell tumors. Imaging modalities, particularly 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, are essential for accurate staging and surveillance. Prognosis is influenced by tumor size, stage, immune status, age, and viral status. Emerging biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA and MCPyV oncoprotein antibody titers are increasingly relevant for disease monitoring. Management is stage-specific and multidisciplinary, involving surgical excision, radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors such as avelumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and retifanlimab, which have improved outcomes in advanced disease.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>MCC is an uncommon but highly lethal skin cancer that requires early recognition, accurate staging, and multidisciplinary management. Dermatologists should be aware of both classic and atypical presentations to avoid delayed diagnosis. Recent advances in imaging, biomarkers, and immunotherapy have improved disease monitoring and treatment, but important global disparities remain in access to diagnostic tools and modern therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11185,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148758483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}