Prognosis of undifferentiated carcinoma and lymphoma of the thyroid

The experience with 126 patients with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma or lymphoma treated at the Lahey Clinic between 1931 and 1970 was reviewed. Undifferentiated thyroid tumors predominate in women and present late in life. While no giant cell tumors were found in patients less than forty years of age, small cell carcinoma and especially lymphoma can be seen earlier in life. Giant cell tumors were the most frequently found undifferentiated tumors in men while small cell types were commonest in women. These tumors involve extraglandular structures early; complete surgical removal is possible in only one third of the patients. Clinical course, survival, and biological behavior are closely related to the histologic type of the tumor. While patients who died of giant cell carcinoma had a median survival of three months and a five year survival of 8 per cent, patients with small cell carcinoma and lymphoma have a far better prognosis with a five year survival of 33 and 29 per cent, respectively. Differentiation of small cell carcinoma from lymphoma is often difficult but may be of no clinical significance at present.In view of our results we recommend: (1) total excision of tumor whenever possible, including limited neck dissection when this is required; (2) “debulking” procedures when feasible to aid in tracheostomy placement and use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; (3) tracheostomy placement in the presence of any airway obstruction; (4) high dose external radiotherapy after operation or used as palliation in patients with nonresectable disease; (5) aggressive combination chemotherapy utilizing either adriamycin or actinomycin when palliation cannot be achieved by surgery and radiotherapy; and (6) thyroid hormone to avoid hypothyroidism, as the thyroid gland is usually functionally destroyed by the effects of invasive tumor and radiotherapy.     

原发性甲状腺恶性淋巴瘤诊治分析

目的提高原发性甲状腺恶性淋巴瘤的诊断与治疗水平。方法回顾性分析1990—2005年收治的14例原发性甲状腺恶性淋巴瘤患者的临床资料。结果12例患者以颈部肿块就诊,2例以声音嘶哑就诊,病程2周至4年。9例行患侧甲状腺全切及对侧大部分切除术,3例行双侧甲状腺全切除术,2例行患侧甲状腺及峡部切除术。术后病理诊断为弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤9例;滤泡性淋巴瘤4例;淋巴母细胞性淋巴瘤1例。术后联合放、化疗7例,4例行单纯局部放疗,另外3例未行辅助治疗。随访13例(92.8%),1例淋巴母细胞性淋巴瘤术后10个月死亡,2例术后未行任何治疗的患者分别于术后18,31个月死于肿瘤转移,其余10例随访6-122个月,平均43.2个月,均健在。结论原发性甲状腺恶性淋巴瘤临床及病理易误诊。手术是首选治疗方法,其预后与病理类型、综合治疗方案密切相关,术后辅助化疗对本病的治疗甚为重要。     

Co-occurrence of papillary thyroid cancer and MALT lymphoma of the thyroid with severe airway obstruction: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Co-occurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma resulting in severe airway obstruction is very rare.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 58-year-old woman visited our department because of enlargement of a neck mass. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography showed 2 discrete hypoechoic nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed thyroid lymphoma in the left lobe and PTC in the right lobe. After 1 week, she returned to the emergency room at our hospital with shortness of breath and difficultly in swallowing. CT revealed enlargement of the left lobe, which was severely compressing the trachea. We performed emergency total thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without any symptoms.

DISCUSSION

The most common treatment for PTC is surgery; however, the treatment for thyroid lymphoma remains controversial. We propose that surgery be performed in the cases of symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing.

CONCLUSION

We performed emergency total thyroidectomy to relieve obstruction of the trachea and to remove the two malignant tumors. We suggest total thyroidectomy for a case of co-occurrence of two malignant tumors, causing severe airway obstruction.     

伴有呼吸道梗阻的晚期甲状腺恶性肿瘤的多学科协同处理

目的探讨多学科协同诊疗模式（MDT）在伴有呼吸道梗阻的局部晚期甲状腺恶性肿瘤治疗中的应用。 方法回顾性分析四川省肿瘤医院2015年10月至2017年7月收治的31例局部晚期甲状腺恶性肿瘤患者临床资料,其中伴有明显呼吸道梗阻症状（Shin分级Ⅳ级）13例。术前支气管镜及CT检查均明确诊断为肿瘤压迫或侵犯气管伴严重狭窄,所有患者术前经MDT讨论制定治疗方案,后期9例手术治疗,4例非手术治疗。 结果乳头状癌7例,乳头状癌合并鳞癌1例,低分化癌3例,未分化癌1例,淋巴瘤1例。根据2017年AJCC第8版临床肿瘤分期：Ⅲ期4例,Ⅳa期7例,Ⅳb期1例,淋巴瘤为Ⅳ期。患者呼吸困难症状均在急症气管支架置入后明显改善,9例限期完成手术,其中8例行甲状腺癌联合根治术及气管袖状切除一期气管重建,1例行甲状腺癌联合根治术及全喉、颈段及部分胸段气管切除、气管-胸骨柄低位造瘘。除1例患者术后第7天死于心肺功能衰竭外,7例气管切除端-端吻合重建者均一期愈合,无气管瘘发生。气管-胸骨柄低位造瘘者术后19 d出院。所有患者术后予以¹³¹I治疗和TSH抑制治疗。随访时间4~22个月,均无瘤生存。4例未手术治疗者中2例后期行局部放射治疗,生存期分别为1年及9个月;1例甲状腺淋巴瘤行化疗;1例未分化癌仅姑息对症治疗,生存期3个月。 结论晚期甲状腺恶性肿瘤侵犯气管导致的气道梗阻直接危及患者生命,MDT并拟定个体化诊疗方案具有显著优势。对于需要手术的患者,MDT模式的开展能显著减低围术期风险,提高生存率;对于无手术指征的患者,MDT可详细评估病情,制定对应的合理治疗方案,为患者姑息治疗提供机会,延长患者生命。     

Surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction in recurrent pancreatic cancer

IntroductionMalignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is harrowing complication of gastrointestinal cancers. Only a few studies have reported on the surgical roles of bowel obstruction from recurrent pancreatic cancer. We report successfully management for malignant bowel obstruction by palliative surgery for relief of symptoms.Presentation of caseA 43 year old man was diagnosed with pancreatic tail cancer. After distal pancreatectomy, he underwent six cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. 10 months later, he had suffered from small bowel obstruction by seeding metastases. We performed segmental small bowel resection. This patient had good recovery and continued to receive palliative chemotherapy. A 78 year old man was diagnosed with unresectable, huge pancreatic cancer. He had recurrent obstructive symptoms and periumbilical pain. We decided palliative surgery of wide excision of umbilical abdominal mass for pain control. 3 weeks later, he presented with recurrent symptoms in previous op site. We planned 2nd operation for relief of symptoms. He underwent surgery to resect abdominal wall mass and small bowel due to 2 cm sized mass in terminal ileum. After 2nd surgery, he received consistently palliative chemotherapy with good clinical condition.Discussion and conclusionPalliative surgery improves quality of life in recurrent pancreatic cancer patients and can continue patient’s palliative management. In selected patients, palliative surgery may effective management for progress of survival and quality of life.     

Objective evaluation of the quality of palliation in patients with oesophageal cancer comparing surgery, radiotherapy and intubation.

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of palliation of 103 patients presenting to a joint oesophageal cancer clinic while recording the outcome in terms of treatment, morbidity, mortality and long-term survival. Twenty-five patients underwent surgical resection (S), 22 radical radiotherapy (RR), 30 palliative radiotherapy (PR), 13 intubation (I) and 13 had no treatment (NT). The quality of palliation was quantified by plotting a score out of 100 on a graph at each visit for Karnofsky performance, severity of pain and swallowing ability, then calculating the area under each curve created using an algorithm, Simpson's discrete approximation. Efficiency of palliation was estimated by comparing the area calculated to the maximum that could be achieved during the time frame being studied. The incidence of stricture (benign and malignant) was 16% after surgery and 50% after radical radiotherapy. Treatment mortality was as follows: RR, 0; S, 1 (4%); PR, 3 (7%); and I, 0. The median survival was 26 months after surgery and 16 months after radical radiotherapy. It was 6 months for palliative radiotherapy, 4 months for intubation and 4 months for no treatment. The difference in swallowing was the only statistical difference in the quality of palliation of patients having surgery and radical radiotherapy, there being no differences in patients having palliative measures.     

OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF PALLIATION IN PATIENTS WITH OESOPHAGEAL CANCER COMPARING SURGERY,RADIOTHERAPY AND INTUBATION

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of palliation of 103 patients presenting to a joint oesophageal cancer clinic while recording the outcome in terms of treatment, morbidity, mortality and long-term survival. Twenty-five patients underwent surgical resection (S), 22 radical radiotherapy (RR), 30 palliative radiotherapy (PR), 13 intubation (I) and 13 had no treatment (NT). The quality of palliation was quantified by plotting a score out of 100 on a graph at each visit for Karnofsky performance, severity of pain and swallowing ability, then calculating the area under each curve created using an algorithm, Simpson's discrete approximation. Efficiency of palliation was estimated by comparing the area calculated to the maximum that could be achieved during the time frame being studied. The incidence of stricture (benign and malignant) was 16% after surgery and 50% after radical radiotherapy. Treatment mortality was as follows: RR, 0; S. I (4%); PR, 3 (7%); and I, 0. The median survival was 26 months after surgery and 16 months after radical radiotherapy. It was 6 months for palliative radiotherapy. 4 months for intubation and 4 months for no treatment. The difference in swallowing was the only statistical difference in the quality of palliation of patients having surgery and radical radiotherapy, there being no differences in patients having palliative measures.     

A current analysis of primary lymphoma of the thyroid

Over a 9-year period ending in May 1990, 27 patients with histologically proved thyroid lymphoma were assessed and treated. There were 24 female and three male patients with a median age of 67 years at the time of diagnosis (age range, 39 to 85 years). The usual presentation was that of a rapidly enlarging neck mass. Incisional biopsy was the diagnostic procedure of choice; however, nine of 27 patients underwent diagnostic partial or total thyroidectomy based on a preoperative impression of thyroid carcinoma. All 27 patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of intermediate (77%) or high (23%) grade. Detailed staging was carried out in 25 patients; seven patients (28%) had disease confined to the thyroid gland (stage I), while 18 (73%) had accompanying disease in cervical lymph nodes or the mediastinum (stage II). Combined multiagent chemotherapy and irradiation was given to 19 of 25 staged patients (76%). Actuarial, overall 5-year survival for all patients was 70% with 48 months being the median follow-up for living patients (follow-up range, 3 to 102 months). Of a number of factors evaluated using log-rank survival tests, only the absence of dysphagia at the time of hospital admission, a primary tumor mass not greater than 10 cm, restriction of disease to the thyroid gland, and the absence of mediastinal lymph node involvement were statistically significant predictors of improved survival. Surgery should usually be restricted to diagnostic biopsy, as there is infrequently a role for resection in the management of thyroid lymphoma, given the effectiveness of combined multiagent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.     

A comparison of two methods of palliation of large bowel obstruction due to irremovable colon cancer

INTRODUCTION: Untreated malignant large bowel obstruction is rapidly fatal. Short-term palliation of symptoms can be achieved by formation of a stoma in those patients for whom resection surgery is inappropriate. In the final months of life, a stoma represents a significant burden for both patients and carers. Palliative endoluminal stenting may therefore be an attractive alternative option for this poor prognostic group. PATIENTS: Thirty-six patients were studied of whom 18 had obstructing left-sided colon cancer relieved by placement of endoluminal stents. These were compared with 18 historical controls with similar clinicopathological features that were treated more conventionally with palliative stoma formation in the same hospital. RESULTS: Patients in the two groups had similar sex distribution (P = 0.5); however, patients undergoing palliative stoma formation were significantly younger than patients being stented (P = 0.0065). As well as being older, there was a trend towards greater co-morbidities, stent patients having higher ASA grades (P = 0.01). Both groups of patients gained relief of obstructive symptoms. There were no differences in survival (P = 0.5) or in hospital mortality (2 in each group). The median length of palliation is 92 days (42-infinity days) for stenting and 121 days (89-281 days) for palliative stoma formation. Formation of a stoma required a significantly longer stay in ITU (P = 0.003) but total hospital stay was similar. CONCLUSIONS: As an alternative to palliative surgery, selected patients benefit from colonic endoluminal stenting with relief of obstructive symptoms and no adverse effect on survival. They may be spared the potential problems associated with palliative stoma formation and the morbidity of surgery. Stenting can be offered to the very frail patient who would otherwise be managed conservatively.     

原发性甲状腺淋巴瘤10例诊治体会

目的讨论原发性甲状腺淋巴瘤的诊断及治疗原则。方法回顾分析10例原发性甲状腺淋巴瘤的临床、病理特点和治疗、预后情况。结果病理诊断为黏膜相关淋巴组织B细胞淋巴瘤（MALT型）3例,黏膜相关淋巴组织B细胞淋巴瘤伴大细胞转化型（MALT伴大细胞转化型）3例,弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL型）4例。ⅠE期4例,ⅡE期2例,ⅢE期2例,ⅣE期2例。本组2例行手术切取活检术,8例行甲状腺腺体切除术,1例同时行气管切开造口术。8例术后明确行CHOP方案化疗等治疗。10例平均随诊30个月,10例平均存活36个月。结论对于原发性甲状腺淋巴瘤,手术主要起明确诊断的作用,放、化疗是其主要的治疗手段,MALT型、Ⅰ-Ⅱ期病例预后较好。     

Clinical outcome of simultaneous self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction

Background: Previous studies have shown that self-expanding metal stents are an effective method for palliation of malignant biliary or duodenal obstruction. We present our experience with the use of simultaneous self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing simultaneous biliary and duodenal self-expandable metal stent placement between November 98 and May 2001. All the patients had documented evidence of biliary obstruction and symptomatic duodenal obstruction. The patients received endoscopic biliary stenting with biliary Ultraflex or Wallstents, and endoscopic duodenal stenting using enteral Wallstents. They were followed until their death. Results: We identified 18 patients (11 men and 7 women) whose mean age was 65 years, (range, 46–85 years). Malignancies included pancreatic 14 (78%), biliary 2 (11%), lymphoma 1 (5%), and metastatic 1 (5%) disorders. Ten patients previously had plastic biliary stents placed for past malignant biliary obstruction (4 patients had recurrent biliary obstruction). All the patients had evidence of duodenal obstruction. Combined metal stenting was successful in 17 patients. One procedure failed due to a tortuous duodenal stricture. All the patients had effective palliation of biliary obstruction, as evidenced by a decrease in the level of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Of the 17 patients with successful duodenal stenting, 16 had a good clinical outcome, with relief of obstructive symptoms. No immediate stent-related complications were noted. During the follow-up period, 12 patients died of progression of the underlying malignancy. None of the deaths were stent related. Median survival time was 78 days. Two patients had recurrent biliary obstruction from tumor ingrowth at 45 and 68 days, respectively. Both underwent restenting: one by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and the other by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). Two other patients had recurrent duodenal obstruction, respectively, 36 and 45 days after the initial stenting. One obstruction was secondary to tumor ingrowth, and the other was caused by distal stent migration. Both patients had successful duodenal restenting. Conclusion: Combined self-expandable metal stenting for simultaneous palliation of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction may provide a safe and less invasive alternative to surgical palliation with an acceptable clinical outcome. Simultaneous self-expandable metal stents should be considered as a treatment option for patients who are poor candidates for surgery.     

Endoscopic biliary endoprosthesis in the palliation of malignant obstruction of the distal common bile duct: a randomized trial

A total of 52 jaundiced elderly patients who had malignant obstruction of the distal common bile duct and who required palliative biliary decompression were randomized to receive either an endoscopically placed biliary endoprosthesis (10 French gauge) or conventional surgical bypass. Patients within the two treatment groups were well matched and 51 were followed until their death. Patients treated with endoprosthesis had a significantly shorter initial hospital stay than those treated surgically. In the long term, overall survival in the two groups was similar and jaundice was relieved in over 90 per cent of patients. Despite more re-admissions to hospital for those patients treated endoscopically, the total time spent in hospital still remained significantly shorter in this treatment group compared with those subjected to surgery. The endoscopically placed biliary endoprosthesis is a valuable alternative to conventional surgical bypass in the palliation of extrahepatic biliary obstruction.     

Airway stenting for malignant and benign tracheobronchial stenosis

BACKGROUND: Patients with benign and malignant central airway obstruction suffer from disabling dyspnea, obstructive pneumonia, and impending suffocation. Therapeutic bronchoscopy provides immediate and gratifying palliation. Airway stenting is the principal modality used to manage intrinsic tracheobronchial pathology and extrinsic airway compression. This report provides the details of the indications, techniques, and results of airway stenting in our practice. METHODS: University of Washington patients undergoing bronchoscopy with stent placement or revision from May 1992 through December 2001 were extracted from a prospective patient database. Details of the stent procedure were obtained from the medical records and office charts. Early outcomes were assessed by patient symptoms and signs, and late outcomes were assessed by patient follow-up visits, follow-up bronchoscopy, or discussions, or a combination of these with the patient, patient's family, or referring physician. RESULTS: One hundred forty-three patients underwent 309 stent procedures of which 67% were for malignant disease. Eighty-two percent required urgent or emergent intervention, and 77% had compromise of more than three fourths of the airway lumen. Eighty-seven percent of stents placed were silicone rubber and 15% of patients required multiple stents to achieve airway palliation. Significant improvement was achieved in 94% of patients but required multiple endoscopies to maintain improvement in 41%. There was no stent-related mortality and only one major complication required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Airway stenting provides prompt and durable palliation in unresectable patients with central airway obstruction. Frequently multiple stents and multiple procedures will be necessary to maintain a satisfactory airway.     

Total thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with Graves' disease and a thyroid nodule.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the indications and outcomes of total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease in a North American cohort. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective database of 297 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care center identified 49 patients with Graves'. RESULTS: There were 37 women and 12 men (mean age, 37.9 years). Common indications for surgery were: refusal of radioactive iodine (20%), thyroid storm (18%), a thyroid nodule (16%), failure of I131(14%), and ophthalmopathy (14%). Complications included: symptomatic hypocalcemia (14%), permanent hypoparathyroidism (0%), and symptoms of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0%). Graves' patients had more bleeding (117 mL versus 48 mL, P<0.05). Clinical nodules were malignant in 38%. Papillary thyroid carcinoma occurred in 10% of patients, with 60% multifocal, and 60% lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy for Graves' has minimal morbidity. Patients with Graves' and a thyroid nodule are at an increased risk for malignancy and should be treated with a total thyroidectomy.     

Management of malignant tracheobronchial obstruction

Malignant airway obstruction produces symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and stridor with a significant impact on quality of life. With progressive airway narrowing, a critical stenosis is life threatening, due to impending suffocation. Bronchoscopy provides the mainstay of establishing the diagnosis as well as defining the extent and degree of airway obstruction. Therapeutic bronchoscopy provides the ability to achieve prompt airway stabilization while completing a patient evaluation and workup. Patients may have malignant airway obstruction from primary tracheobronchial tumors, adjacent primary tumors with airway invasion, or metastatic disease to the airway. Surgical resection is the preferred definitive therapy for primary airway tumors. A subset of lung or thyroid malignancies that invade the airway may also be amenable to primary surgical resection, as long as a complete resection of tumor can be obtained along with primary airway reconstruction. The majority of patients with malignant airway obstruction will be unresectable due to locally advanced disease, metastatic disease, or contraindicating comorbidity. In these patients, therapeutic bronchoscopy provides a prompt and reliable palliation of the airway obstruction. The simplest and most immediately reliable strategy for endoluminal tumor is mechanical core-out of the tumor. Laser vaporization, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and endobronchial brachytherapy all are adjuncts to the coring out of endoluminal tumor that may prolong the period of palliation achieved. Airway stenting is the only endoluminal therapy available for the management of malignant obstruction from extrinsic disease, and is also a useful adjunct to providing coverage of endoluminal tumor. Flexible and creative application of these techniques provides the best chance for successful airway palliation. Although the long-term outlook in these patients is often dismal, relief of airway obstruction results in a marked improvement in quality and length of life.     

Nd:YAG laser resection of lung cancer invading the airway as a bridge to surgery and palliative treatment

BACKGROUND: Thirty percent of patients with lung cancer have airway obstruction requiring palliation. In addition, endoscopic resection may be considered before surgery or induction therapy to improve quality of life and functional status, and to allow better staging. It may also help to prevent infectious complications during induction chemotherapy. METHODS: Since 1993, 351 Nd:YAG laser resections were performed in 273 patients with lung cancer. The tumor involved the trachea in 36 patients, the carina in 28, the main bronchi in 154, the bronchus intermedius in 29, and the distal airway in 26. One hundred eight stents were placed. After the endoscopic treatment 36 patients were operated on (23 after induction chemotherapy) with 8 pneumonectomies (1 tracheal sleeve) and 28 lobectomies (15 bronchial sleeves). Spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis, and quality of life and performance status were recorded before and after laser treatment and after induction chemotherapy. Complications during chemotherapy, surgical morbidity and mortality, and survival were also recorded. RESULTS: Major complications during laser resection were bleeding (7 patients) and hypoxia (5 patients). Three patients died within 24 hours after the procedure. No complications were observed in the group of patients who subsequently underwent induction chemotherapy or surgery. One patient developed pneumonia during induction chemotherapy. The airway caliber improved in 89% of patients undergoing palliation only. In the group of patients undergoing induction chemotherapy and/or surgery, the performance status, quality of life, and functional measurements significantly improved after endoscopic treatment (FEV1 from 1.4 +/- 0.5 L/s to 2.2 +/- 0.6 L/s). Three-year survival after induction chemotherapy and surgery, was 52%. Median survival after palliation alone was 12.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser resection is a safe and effective means of relieving airway obstruction. Before induction chemotherapy or surgery preliminary endoscopic palliation helps to improve evaluation and staging and contributes to reducing morbidity during chemotherapy without increasing surgical complications.     

原发性胃肠道恶性淋巴瘤的诊治

目的:探讨原发性胃肠道恶性淋巴瘤(PGIML)的诊治方法。方法:回顾性分析1995年1月—2010年12月收治的34例原发性胃肠道恶性淋巴瘤患者临床资料。结果:全组男23例,女11例,年龄22～74(平均51.8)岁。均经病理证实为恶性淋巴瘤,原发病灶位于胃24例,肠道10例。24例胃恶性淋巴瘤患者的首发症状为上腹部隐痛不适,8例合并呕血黑便,3例伴有发热;10例肠道淋巴瘤均以腹痛、腹部包块为首发症状,4例伴有黑便,2例有肠梗阻表现,肠穿孔1例。本组24例胃恶性淋巴瘤中,仅5例经术前胃镜病理活检证实;10例肠道恶性淋巴瘤中,仅1例经结肠镜活检确诊,术前确诊率仅17.64%(6/34)。误诊时间2～8(平均4.5)个月。患者均接受手术治疗,其中行根治性肿瘤切除术32例(根治性全胃切除术8例,根治性远端胃大部切除术14例,小肠部分切除术3例,右半结肠切除术6例,根治性直肠切除术1例),姑息性远端胃大部切除术2例。术后31例患者进行了化疗。34例患者免疫组化分型属B淋巴细胞型27例,T淋巴细胞型4例,未分类型3例。全组均获随访,随访时间5～62个月,1,3,5年生存率分别为82.35%,64.71,47.05%。结论:原发性胃肠道恶性淋巴瘤术前确诊率低,胃肠镜及病理活检是术前确诊的主要方法,以手术化疗联合的综合治疗效果良好。     

Anaplastic cancers of the thyroid. Is healing possible?

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid anaplastic carcinoma is associated with a very poor prognosis. The goal of this study was to determine whether an aggressive treatment is worthwhile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 22 thyroid anaplastic carcinomas confirmed with immunohistochemistry, 17 were judged eligible for surgery. Total thyroidectomy was planned in all patients. Frozen section of the lower lateral lymph nodes was routinely performed and in case of involvement (n = 9), a modified radical neck dissection was carried out. Fractionated radiotherapy was started within 5 weeks following surgery: 6,000 cGy was delivered on the thyroid area and all involved areas while 4,500 cGy was delivered on the lymph nodes of the neck and of the superior mediastinum when non involved. RESULTS: The three patients without distant metastasis, with thyroid removal considered as complete, were still free of disease 10, 12 and 13 years later. One of these patients had been initially considered inoperable and was operated later when a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy obtained a decrease of the tumor. All other patients, 13 with incomplete removal and one with pulmonary metastasis died from their cancer; the median of the survival was 7 months. CONCLUSION: When anaplastic carcinoma is suspected on clinical appearance, the diagnosis should be rapidly confirmed with percutaneous biopsy and immunohistochemistry. If a lymphoma is found, surgery is not indicated. Our results demonstrate that except for widely infiltrating tumors or distant metastasis, a complete removal of the tumor should be attempted as soon as possible. Surgery should be followed with hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Multimodal therapy may result in long-term survival. A patient free of disease at 5 years may be considered as definitively cured.     

Long-term results of palliative stenting or surgery for incurable obstructing colon cancer

Objective  Self-expanding metal stents are an effective means of relieving left-sided malignant colonic obstruction, and in the setting of incurable disease may provide palliation while allowing the patients to avoid surgery altogether. With modern chemotherapy regimes, patients may have a long-life expectancy, even in the presence of metastases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term results of palliative stent placement, compared with patients undergoing palliative surgery.
Method  This is a retrospective study of 55 consecutive patients who underwent colonic stenting or palliative surgery for incurable, obstructing adenocarcinoma of the left colon.
Results  Twenty-nine patients underwent colonic stenting, and 26 had surgery during the study period. Survival was similar in the two groups (14 months in the stent group, 11 months in the surgery group). Median hospital stay was shorter in the stent group (4 vs 13.5 days), and fewer patients in the stent group had complications (2 vs 14). Only four patients in the stent group went on to require later surgery. The median time to failure of the stents was 14 months.
Conclusion  Colonic stenting provides effective and durable palliation for patients with incurable, obstructing adenocarcinomas of the left colon. It can be performed with less morbidity than palliative surgery, and offers similar long-term survival.     

SURGICAL BYPASS FOR PALLIATION OF MALIGNANT OESOPHAGEAL OBSTRUCTION

It is possible to achieve satisfactory palliation for most patients with malignant oesophageal obstruction by endoscopic means, surgical resection or radiotherapy. Despite these options, a small group of patients remains for whom another alternative should be considered. Fifteen patients presenting with extensive tumour, a non-dilatable stricture, or a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, not suitable for any of the standard methods of palliation, underwent palliative surgical bypass using stomach or colon. The hospital mortality was 33% and the median survival 6 months. Anastomotic leakage occurred in six patients and the median postoperative stay was 28 days (range 20–42 days). All patients who survived surgery, except one, achieved satisfactory palliation. The nature of these patients is such that whatever is done, mortality will almost inevitably be high. The authors believe that all patients in this series were better off than they would have been if left untreated, and oesophageal bypass should be considered for patients with distressing dysphagia due to disease not amenable to standard palliative methods.