Desmoid tumor: a case of mistaken identity

Desmoid tumors are rare tumors accounting for only 0.03% of all neoplasms. Mainly occurring in the fourth and fifth decades of life, these tumors originate in musculoaponeurotic tissues of the limbs, neck, trunk, abdominal wall, and mesentery. We present a rare case of a chest wall desmoid tumor that was mistaken for breast cancer on both physical examination and mammography, which highlights the unique risk these tumors present for confusion with other malignant processes. Although past literature contains numerous reports of other misdiagnoses, this case is unique in reporting the potential for misdiagnosis between chest wall desmoid tumors and breast cancer. In cases where suspicious breast findings do not correlate to usual diagnostic measures, such as fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy, the possibility of another pathology such as a chest wall desmoid tumor mimicking breast cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Prospective study of robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cancer in Japan: Comparison with a historical control undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy compared with those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumors in Japanese centers.

Methods

Patients with a T1 renal tumor who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy were eligible for inclusion in the present study. The primary end‐point consisted of three components: a negative surgical margin, no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery and a warm ischemia time ≤25 min. We compared data from these patients with the data from a retrospective study of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy carried out in Japan.

Results

A total of 108 patients were registered in the present study; 105 underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. The proportion of patients who met the primary end‐point was 91.3% (95% confidence interval 84.1–95.9%), which was significantly higher than 23.3% in the historical data. Major complications were seen in 19 patients (18.1%). The mean change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the operated kidney, 180 days postoperatively, was ?10.8 mL/min/1.73 m² (95% confidence interval ?12.3–9.4%).

Conclusions

Robotic partial nephrectomy for patients with a T1 renal tumor is a safe, feasible and more effective operative method compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. It can be anticipated that robotic partial nephrectomy will become more widely used in Japan in the future.

     

Abductor pollicis longus: a case of mistaken identity.

Abductor pollicis longus, long regarded as a motor for the thumb, is anatomically and functionally a radial deviator of the wrist and should be so named. The abductor carpi is proposed. If the other radial deviators of the wrist are acting this tendon can be selectively utilized as a transfer without loss of function. Reflex spasm of this muscle probably plays an important role in the radial deviation deformity seen in the rheumatoid hand.     

Oophorectomy in McCune-Albright syndrome: a case of mistaken identity

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of oophorectomy in girls presenting with precocious puberty and vaginal bleeding who are subsequently diagnosed with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS).

Study Design

Medical records of girls diagnosed with MAS between 1988 and 2005 were reviewed. Variables analyzed included presenting features, presence of café au lait macules, presence of fibrous dysplasia, radiographic studies, estradiol levels, tumor markers, surgery, and pathology reports.

Results

Nine girls with MAS were identified. Average age at initial presentation was 3.2 ± 2.1 years (range, 0.6-7 years). All patients presented with sudden onset of vaginal bleeding. Eight (88%) also had breast development and 2 (22%) had associated pubic hair. Four (44%) girls underwent salpingo-oophorectomy before the diagnosis of MAS was made. Of these, 3 had café au lait macules on initial presentation, and 3 were later diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia. Surgical pathology revealed benign ovarian cysts in all 4 patients.

Conclusion

Unnecessary oophorectomy is common in girls with MAS who are taken to the operating room for a presumed ovarian tumor. This highlights the need for increased awareness of MAS among pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and emergency room physicians. Distinguishing features, which can be helpful in differentiating these 2 conditions, are often present.     

Coccygeal glomus tumors: a case of mistaken identity?

We undertook an anatomical and histological study to differentiate glomus-cell tumors of the pericoccygeal tissues from the normal coccygeal body. Removal of the coccyx was performed on five consecutive autopsy specimens from patients with no history of coccygeal symptoms. In each specimen, the coccygeal body (glomus coccygeum) was identified grossly and histologically. The histological appearance was indistinguishable from that of photomicrographs published in case reports of patients with glomus tumors of the coccyx. It is likely that the so-called tumors reported previously were in actuality normal glomus bodies.     

Robotic ultrasound probe for tumor identification in robotic partial nephrectomy: Initial series and outcomes

Objectives: Accurate tumor identification during partial nephrectomy is essential for successful tumor control. Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography is useful for tumor localization, but the ultrasound probe is controlled by the assistant rather than the surgeon. We evaluated our initial experience using a robotic ultrasound probe that is controlled by the console surgeon. Methods: Partial nephrectomy was carried out in 22 consecutive patients between November 2010 and March 2011. A robotic ultrasound probe under console surgeon control was used in all the cases. All patients had at least 1 year follow up. Results: Mean patient age was 59 years and mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. There were six hilar tumors (27%) and 21 (95%) endophytic tumors. Mean R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 6.9 (range 6–9). Mean operative time was 205.7 min and mean warm ischemia time was 17.9 min (range 6–28 min). All patients had negative tumor margins and were free of disease recurrence at a mean follow up of 13 months. Conclusion: The use of a robotic ultrasound probe during partial nephrectomy allows the surgeon to optimize tumor identification with maximal autonomy, and to benefit from the precision and articulation of the robotic instrument during this key step of the partial nephrectomy procedure.