Advances in Diagnosis of Skin and Superficial Tissues Disorders—“Old and Emerging” Diagnostic Tools—2nd Edition

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1619

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
2. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Interests: skin pathology; skin tumors; melanoma; melanocytic pathology; Merkel cell carcinoma; adnexal tumors; new diagnostic methodologies in skin pathology; immunohistochemistry; molecular pathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin and superficial tissue disorders include an incredibly wide range of pleomorphic pathologic conditions, and their diagnosis often requires the integration of several professional practitioners and knowledge of “old and emerging” diagnostic tools. This Special Issue is focused on the most recent advancements concerning the diagnosis of skin (inflammatory conditions and/or tumors: melanocytic tumors, keratinocytic tumors, Merkel cell carcinoma, soft tissues tumors, and lymphomas) and superficial soft tissue (hypodermis, fascial elements, etc.) disorders, applying both “old” diagnostic tools such as immunohistochemistry (PRAME, etc.) and molecular techniques (FISH, next-generation sequencing, etc.) and “new” diagnostic tools (ultrasound assessment with high-frequency ultrasound probes and high-level ultrasound machines, line-field confocal optical coherence tomography, etc.). Notably, this Special Issue invites authors to contribute original articles (providing personal experiences applied to the diagnosis of specific pathologic conditions), reviews (providing a summary to clarify the state of the art in a specific topic), and technical articles (providing elements for the adoption of these techniques).

Dr. Costantino Ricci
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • melanoma
  • melanocytic pathology
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • adnexal tumors
  • anatomy of the skin
  • histology of the skin
  • molecular pathology
  • next-generation sequencing
  • immunohistochemistry
  • histology-sonography correlation
  • high-frequency ultrasound probes and high-level ultrasound machines
  • line-field confocal optical coherence tomography

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

27 pages, 1372 KB  
Article
Cardiometabolic Comorbidities of Lichen Planus—A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
by Mihaela Paula Toader, Oana Mihaela Condurache Hrițcu, Cristina Colac Boțoc, Antonia Elena Huțanu, Cătălina Anca Munteanu, Roxana Paraschiva Ciobanu, Ștefan Vasile Toader, Alin Gabriel Colac, Elena Porumb Andrese and Daciana Elena Brănișteanu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162039 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with several well-established risk factors. Among dermatological conditions, psoriasis is a well-known contributor to cardiometabolic risk, while lichen planus (LP) remains an underexplored chronic inflammatory disorder in this context. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with several well-established risk factors. Among dermatological conditions, psoriasis is a well-known contributor to cardiometabolic risk, while lichen planus (LP) remains an underexplored chronic inflammatory disorder in this context. This study aimed to comparatively assess the prevalence and clinical patterns of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with LP versus psoriasis and healthy controls, focusing on the intrinsic inflammatory burden in patients not receiving systemic therapy. We also examined whether specific clinical subtypes of LP carry distinct metabolic profiles. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study at a tertiary dermatology center between January 2020 and December 2024. A total of 236 adult patients were included: 78 with LP, 79 with psoriasis, and 79 controls with minor dermatological conditions. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. LP subtypes (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, reticular oral, erosive oral) were evaluated using the Lichen Planus Activity Index (LPAI) and Oral Lichen Planus Clinical Index (OLP-CI); psoriasis severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Cardiometabolic comorbidities were assessed according to established guidelines. Results: LP patients showed significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (OR 1.94, p = 0.044) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 3.09, p = 0.015) compared to controls. Compared to psoriasis, LP was associated with a higher prevalence of mixed dyslipidemia (OR 3.41, p = 0.033), while psoriasis showed more abdominal obesity (OR 0.35, p = 0.003). Mucosal LP subtypes, especially erosive and reticular oral LP, were linked to elevated cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: LP, particularly its oral subtypes, is associated with a distinct cardiometabolic risk profile comparable to or exceeding that of psoriasis. These findings support the need for systematic metabolic screening in LP patients as part of comprehensive care. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 11770 KB  
Review
Advancements in Diagnosis of Neoplastic and Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Old and Emerging Approaches
by Serena Federico, Fortunato Cassalia, Marcodomenico Mazza, Paolo Del Fiore, Nuria Ferrera, Josep Malvehy, Irma Trilli, Ana Claudia Rivas, Gerardo Cazzato, Giuseppe Ingravallo, Marco Ardigò and Francesco Piscazzi
Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162100 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Background: In recent decades, dermatological diagnostics have undergone a profound transformation, driven by the integration of new technologies alongside traditional methods. Classic techniques such as the Tzanck smear, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and Wood’s lamp examination remain fundamental in everyday clinical practice due [...] Read more.
Background: In recent decades, dermatological diagnostics have undergone a profound transformation, driven by the integration of new technologies alongside traditional methods. Classic techniques such as the Tzanck smear, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and Wood’s lamp examination remain fundamental in everyday clinical practice due to their simplicity, speed, and accessibility. At the same time, the development of non-invasive imaging technologies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) have opened new frontiers in the early detection and monitoring of both neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases. Methods: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how conventional and emerging diagnostic tools can be integrated into dermatologic practice. Results: We examined a broad spectrum of diagnostic methods currently used in dermatology, ranging from traditional techniques to advanced approaches such as digital dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), line-field confocal OCT (LC-OCT), 3D total body imaging systems with AI integration, mobile applications, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and multispectral imaging. Each method is discussed in terms of diagnostic accuracy, clinical applications, and potential limitations. While traditional methods continue to play a crucial role—especially in resource-limited settings or for immediate bedside decision-making—modern tools significantly enhance diagnostic precision. Dermoscopy and its digital evolution have improved the accuracy of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma detection. RCM and LC-OCT allow near-histological visualization of skin structures, reducing the need for invasive procedures. AI-powered platforms support lesion tracking and risk stratification, though their routine implementation requires further clinical validation and regulatory oversight. Tools like EIS and multispectral imaging may offer additional value in diagnostically challenging cases. An effective diagnostic approach in dermatology should rely on a thoughtful combination of methods, selected based on clinical suspicion and guided by Bayesian reasoning. Conclusions: Rather than replacing traditional tools, advanced technologies should complement them—optimizing diagnostic accuracy, improving patient outcomes, and supporting more individualized, evidence-based care. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop