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Biomedical subjects

J S Comaish

Publications and source records attributed to J S Comaish.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Woody hands in a patient with pancreatic carcinoma: a variant of cancer-associated fasciitis--panniculitis syndrome.

We report an elderly woman with rapidly progressive painless, woody induration of the hands. Mild diabetes mellitus was demonstrated. Skin biopsy features included broad fibrous bands extending deeply into subcutaneous fat, a mild mononuclear cell infiltrate, and post-thrombotic recanalization of a deep vessel in one specimen. The patient developed uncontrolled haematemesis and was demonstrated at laparotomy to have disseminated pancreatic carcinoma. The unusual clinical features and temporal relationship between the skin changes and the tumour suggest a paraneoplastic eruption. Which appears best classified as an example of cancer-associated fasciitis-panniculitis syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Nail surgery: an assessment of indications and outcome.

To examine the merits of nail surgery, we studied the surgical investigation, treatment and the outcome of 78 consecutive patients with nail pathology in the context of their complaint. A diagnosis was reached in 74/78 patients. Thirty-six out of seventy-eight (46%) of patients had tumours, 17/78 (22%) had a dermatosis, 21/78 (27%) had infection or trauma and 4/78 (5%) remained undiagnosed. The presenting complaint was treated with substantial or complete resolution in 66/78 (87%) patients. Ninety-seven per cent (35/36) of those with tumours were cured, including all 5/36 with malignant and dysplastic tumours. Post-operative splitting of the nail was seen in only one patient due to secondary infection of a longitudinal nail unit biopsy. Information from this study demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic value of nail surgery within dermatology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Nail is produced by the normal nail bed: a controversy resolved.

Nail thickness and mass (dry weight/unit surface area) of 21 toenails, removed from 19 patients after accidental injury, were measured over the mid point of the lunula, at the nail plate immediately distal to the lunula and at the distal end of the nail bed. Nail thickness increased from 43% of the final thickness over the mid-point of the lunula to 81% at its distal margin, the remaining increase in thickness being formed by the nail bed. The changes in nail mass were comparable. We conclude that ventral nail produced by the nail bed comprises about one-fifth of the terminal nail thickness and mass.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Excision of skin tumours without wound closure.

Sixty-two patients with 67 large or poorly defined skin tumours predominantly on the head and neck (58 basal cell carcinomas) were treated by excision of the lesion and allowing the defect created to heal by second intention. Histological control of the adequacy of excision was monitored using routine vertical sections of formalin-fixed tissue. Further re-excisions were performed in 17 patients in whom tumour extended up to or within 1 high power field (approximately 0.44 mm) of the excision margin. The formalin-fixed specimens ranged from 6-60 (mean 21) mm in diameter and 2-12 (mean 5) mm in depth. After one excision the time to complete re-epithelialization was directly proportional to the surface area (r = 0.73) and ranged from 13 to 60 days (mean 33 days). Measurements of the movements of fixed reference points tattooed at the wound edges in six patients showed that movement of surrounding tissue into the defect accounted for 39-62% (mean 45%) of the reduction in surface area of the defect during healing. Post-operative complications were rare and the cosmetic results were considered good or excellent in 48 patients, fair in nine and poor, i.e. requiring corrective surgery, in three patients. Poor results were due to distortions of free margins, e.g. lower eyelid and nasal margin. The major benefit of this technique is the ease with which further excisions can be performed when histologically indicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Three cases of eccrine porocarcinoma.

We report three cases of eccrine poroma, present for many years, in which features were seen suggesting transformation from a benign to a malignant tumour. These changes ranged from in situ Bowenoid dysplasia to frankly invasive squamous carcinoma. The most helpful diagnostic feature in distinguishing the origin of the tumours was the presence of strong cytoplasmic staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in cells surrounding, and giving rise to, neoplastic ducts and clefts. Dermatopathologists examining eccrine poromata should examine the lesions carefully for any evidence of malignant change.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗
PubMed1977

Psoriasis: current concepts in management.

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing dermatosis characterised by scaling, erythema, and less commonly pustulation. Although the clinical spectrum is broad and the nature of the underlying defect responsible for the production of psoriasis uncertain, all currently available effective remedies are capable of inhibiting epidermal mitosis and this remains the most widely accepted concept in the management of psoriasis.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1977

Increased succinate dehydrogenase activity of lymphocytes in eczema.

Succinate dehydrogenase activity has been studied in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from controls and patients with a variety of skin and other diseases. Increased activity has been found in eczematous dermatitis and dermographism, and also in one patient with chronic lymphatic leukemia. Normal levels were found in psoriasis. The enzyme activity is broadly correlated with the extent and activity of the disease process.

Eczema↗