High-Grade Breast Epithelioid Angiosarcoma Secondary to Radiotherapy Metastasizing to the Contralateral Lymph Node: Unusual Presentation and Potential Pitfall

BACKGROUND: Breast angiosarcoma is a rare disease occurring as primary tumour or secondary to lymphoedema or radiotherapy. The more frequent use of breast-conserving therapy and radiotherapy for breast carcinoma explains the increasing diagnosis of these tumours. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a breast epithelioid angiosarcoma which metastasized to the contralateral axillary lymph node, occurring 4 years after breast-conserving therapy with axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy. The patient presented skin lesions and an axillary lump (clinically diagnosed as carcinoma relapse and lymph node metastasis). Fine-needle cytology on both lesions and a core needle biopsy of the axillary lump were carried out. Differential diagnosis included carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and angiosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Breast angiosarcoma is a challenge - clinically, radiologically and pathologically - and requires a high index of suspicion in susceptible patients.     

Central Lymph Node Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Background There has been renewed interest in extensive lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and a number of reports have been published concerning compartment-oriented dissection of regional lymph nodes in PTC. A comprehensive review of this body of literature using evidence-based methodology is pending. Methods Systematic review of the literature using evidence-based criteria. Results Issue 1: Systematic compartment-oriented central lymph node dissection (CLND) may decrease recurrence of PTC (Levels IV and V data, no recommendation) and likely improves disease-specific survival (grade C recommendation). Limited level III data suggest survival benefit with the addition of prophylactic dissection to thyroidectomy (grade C recommendation). The addition of CLND to total thyroidectomy can significantly reduce levels of serum thyroglobulin and increase rates of athyroglobulinemia (level IV data, no recommendation). Issue 2: There may be a higher rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism and unintentional permanent nerve injury when CLND is performed with total thyroidectomy than for total thyroidectomy alone (grade C recommendation). Issue 3: Reoperation in the central neck compartment for recurrent PTC may increase the risk of hypoparathyroidism and unintentional nerve injury when compared with total thyroidectomy with or without CLND (grade C recommendation), supporting a more aggressive initial operation. Conclusion Evidence-based recommendations support CLND for PTC in patients under the care of experienced endocrine surgeons.     

E-Cadherin Expression in the Primary Tumors and Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Poorly Differentiated Types of Rectal Cancer

Purpose. Dysfunction of E-cadherin, a cell–cell adhesion molecule, correlates with the grade of dedifferentiation and/or invasiveness of rectal cancer. However, the relationship between E-cadherin expression in the primary tumor and the potential for metastasis has never been reported. Methods. E-cadherin expression in 43 primary rectal cancer, including 10 poorly differentiated type, and their associated metastatic lymph nodes (LN mets.) were immunohisto-chemically evaluated. Results. Heterogeneous immunostaining, suggestive of damage to the E-cadherin-mediated cell–cell adhesion system, was seen in 13 of the 28 LN mets positive primary lesions, but in 0 of the 15 LN mets negative primaries. Furthermore, the incidence of heterogeneous immunostaining differed significantly between poorly differentiated and differentiated cancers, being seen in 8 of 10 cases and 5 of 33 cases, respectively (P = 0.0003 by Fisher's exact test). Interestingly, most of the LN mets. foci (25 of 28 cases) showed homogeneous staining regardless of the E-cadherin staining pattern of the primary lesion. Conclusion. Heterogeneous immunostaining of E-cadherin in poorly differentiated rectal cancer was associated with lymph node metastasis. Its staining pattern in metastatic lymph nodes were, however, generally homogenous. Received: April 2, 2001 / Accepted: September 11, 2001     

Radio-guided Surgery for Lymph Node Recurrences of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

The objectives of this study were to assess the reliability of radioiodine (¹³¹I) and a gamma probe for radio-guided surgery (RGS) to detect and then radically dissect lymph node recurrences (LNRs) in 10 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The major inclusion criterion was the presence of an iodine-positive LNR after previous total thyroidectomy and at least two ineffective ¹³¹I treatments. The protocol was designed as follows. Day 0: all patients were hospitalized and received 3.7 GBq of ¹³¹I in the hypothyroid condition. Day 3: presurgery whole-body scan with a therapeutic dose (TxWBS). Day 5: neck surgery using a gamma probe (Navigator GPS, AutoSuture, Italy), recording the absolute counts and the lesion/background (L/B) counts ratio. Day 7: post-surgery TxWBS performed using the remaining radioactivity. The presurgery TxWBS was positive in all patients, and the post-surgery TxWBS showed a negative pattern in 7 of 10 patients, suggesting the efficacy of the surgical procedure in most of the patients. After RGS the mean decrease in the absolute counts and the L/B counts ratio were 77.6% (52.7% minimum, 94.6% maximum) and 77.4% (52.3% minimum, 94.8% maximum), respectively. After operation the surgeon judged the procedure to be decisive in two patients, favorable in six, and irrelevant in two. The final histologic examination showed the presence of 78 lymph node metastases (mean of 8 per patient). There were 33 neoplastic lesions found by both TxWBS and gamma probe evaluations; 41 were shown only by gamma probe, and 4 were negative by both TxWBS and gamma probe evaluations. This protocol permitted us to look for neoplastic foci with high sensitivity and specificity, and we were able to remove lymph node metastases resistant to radioiodine therapy at a single session. The protocol also allowed detection of some additional tumoral foci in sclerotic areas or behind vascular structures that are difficult to identify and were not seen at the presurgery TxWBS evaluation. However, because of the possible false-negative results, complete excision must be undertaken in high risk patients with a local recurrence to eradicate the largest number of lymph nodes, independent of the counts measured by the gamma probe.     

Prognostic Significance of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with High-Grade Appendiceal Cancer

Background  

In treating high-grade appendiceal cancer, appropriate patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is essential. The effect of lymph node (LN) status on survival is not clear. We hypothesize that LN metastases negatively affect long-term survival.     

分化型甲状腺癌颈淋巴结清扫的相关问题

分化型甲状腺癌(differentiated thyroid carcinoma,DTC)大多分化程度较高,预后较好,约占全部甲状腺癌的90％[1].DTC包括乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)及滤泡性癌(follicular thyroid carcinoma,FTC).FTC约占DTC的10％[2],主要经血循环转移,较少经颈淋巴结转移.     

Iliac Lymph Node Metastasis of an Unknown Primary Tumor: Report of a Case

Metastasis to the lymph nodes around the iliac vessels from cancer of an unknown primary (CUP) tumor has not yet been reported in either the English or Japanese literature and it is therefore described herein for the first time. The patient was a 70-year-old woman with persistent right leg edema. Computed tomography (CT) displayed a mass around the iliac vessels while physical, laboratory, and other imaging examination did not show any other tumor. Preoperatively diagnosed as a retroperitoneal tumor, the patient underwent a tumor resection, but a histopathological examination revealed the tumor to be poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Only residual lymph nodes in the pelvis were detected by postoperative fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Neither a primary lesion nor any signs of recurrence were demonstrated for 13 months after radiotherapy for the residual nodes. We herein discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of this less common CUP.     

Heterotopic Epithelium in an Intramammary Lymph Node

Abstract: Heterotopic squamous-lined cysts and ductal epithelium occurring in an intramammary lymph node from a 23-year-old woman are described. The lesion presented as a 3 cm × 2 cm well-circumscribed mass lying anterior to the left anterior axillary line. Careful examination of the breast revealed no other clinically apparent lesions. The nodule was thought to represent a benign neoplasm and excisional biopsy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed a lymph node whose architecture was distorted by multiple squamous-lined cysts. The squamous epithelium demonstrated a prominent granular cell layer. No evidence of nuclear atypia was found within the squamous lining. Only rare cases of epithelial inclusions within axillary lymph nodes have been described. The majority have been unrelated to a breast malignancy and have followed a benign clinical course. Because these inclusions may lead to significant axillary or intramammary lymphadenopathy, they may be mistaken clinically for metastatic carcinoma. Disclosure of intranodal epithelial deposits on pathologic examination may result in an incorrect diagnosis of metastatic disease. However, careful evaluation of the epithelial nests will establish their benign character. Benign epithelial deposits within intramammary and axillary lymph nodes must be added to the list of heterotopic benign epithelial structures found in lymph nodes.     

Lateral Lymph Node Dissection Guided by Preoperative and Intraoperative Findings in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background The lateral compartment frequently demonstrates metastasis from thyroid carcinoma. In contrast to that for central lymph node dissection, the indication for lateral node dissection remains controversial. Methods In this review we evaluate the indication of lateral lymph node dissection in papillary and follicular carcinomas based on the findings of previous reports, including those from our institute. Results Lymph node metastasis and recurrence at the lymph node are common events in papillary carcinoma. In particular, the lymph node recurrence rate in patients with clinically apparent lateral node metastasis (N1b) is high, not only in compartments that have not been dissected but also in those previously dissected, even if therapeutic lateral node dissection is performed. For N0 or N1a papillary carcinomas, male gender, being 55 or more years of age, a tumor larger than 3 cm, and massive extrathyroid extension are independent risk factors of lymph node recurrence, and patients with tumors having two or more of these clinicopathologic features showed high lymph node recurrence rates even if they underwent prophylactic lateral node dissection. In follicular carcinoma, node metastasis and recurrence at the node are rare events but they occasionally can be observed, especially in tumors with massive extrathyroid extension and poor differentiation. Conclusion N1b is an absolute indication for lateral lymph node dissection. Prophylactic lateral node dissection is also recommended in N0 or N1a papillary carcinoma, if the lesion shows two or more of the aggressive characteristics indicated above. For follicular carcinoma, prophylactic node dissection is not mandatory but can be an option for tumors demonstrating aggressive characteristics or histologic types.     

Crank-Shaped Sternotomy for Upper Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

We describe our modification of the reversed T-shaped sternotomy. The conventional technique consists of a limited upper sternotomy with transverse division of the sternum. Our modification involves shifting the transverse division lines one costal space between the right and left sides for perfect apposition of the divided upper and lower sternum. This technique can be used for patients with thyroid cancer and mediastinal lymph node metastasis and for those with a mediastinal tumor or certain cardiac disorders.     

Implications of Popliteal Lymph Node Detected by Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

BACKGROUND: Although there is lymphatic flow into the popliteal fossa from a skin tumor located in the lower leg, popliteal metastasis is extremely rare. Recently, sentinel lymph nodes outside traditional nodal basins have been identified. This study investigated the incidence of sentinel nodes in the popliteal region and the indication for biopsy. METHODS: Fourteen patients with various skin cancers involving the lower extremities (nine melanomas, four squamous cell carcinomas, and one sweat gland carcinoma) underwent lymphoscintigraphy and excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy. RESULTS: In all 14 patients, hot spots showed accumulation in the groin region. Five of 14 patients (36%) demonstrated popliteal sentinel nodes in addition to the inguinal nodes. Three of five popliteal sentinel nodes were histologically studied. A patient with acral melanoma demonstrated micrometastasis of melanoma cells in a popliteal node but not in the groin node. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that sentinel lymph nodes located in the popliteal fossa are frequently detected by lymphoscintigraphy and that biopsy should be performed if popliteal nodes are identified.     

Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection in Primary Melanoma Reduces Subsequent Regional Lymph Node Metastasis as Well as Distant Metastasis After Nodal Involvement

Background  

In many countries sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) followed by complete lymphadenectomy if positive is routinely performed treatment for primary cutaneous melanoma. However, the potential survival benefit of SLND is still controversial.     

Primary Breast Cancer Features Can Predict Additional Lymph Node Involvement in Patients with Sentinel Node Micrometastases

Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to identify biological features of primary breast cancer from which to predict the presence of further axillary involvement in patients bearing micrometastases in the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Methods From a starting group of 690 patients, we isolated patients with micrometastases in the SLN. Those patients were classified according to the presence/absence of further metastases in nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs). We examined primary tumor features to identify any relevant difference. Analysis of primary tumors evaluated histology, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, mitotic index (Mib-1), estrogen and progesterone receptor status (ER/PR status), C-erb B-2 (HER-2/neu) expression and amplification, and p53 expression. Chi square analysis for statistical significance was applied. Results Of the original 690 patients, 296 showed some kind of metastases in the SLN; 238 patients had gross metastases in the SLN. After axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), 102 patients (43%) had NSLNs with metastases, and 136 (57%) had negative axillary non-sentinel nodes. Another 58 patients harbored solitary micrometastases in the SLN. After ALND, 8 (14%) patients had further NSLN involvement, and 50 (86%) had negative axillary nodes. Conclusions Analysis of the primary breast lesion in patients with micrometastatic SLN and metastatic NSLNs revealed the presence of lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1 index > 10%, and tumor size > 2 cm. Patients without lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1 < 10% and T size < 2 cm could avoid further ALND.     

临床腋淋巴结阴性乳腺癌前哨淋巴结研究

目的：探讨前哨淋巴结活检术（ｓｅｎｔｉｎｅｌ ｌｙｍｐｈ ｎｏｄｅ ｂｉｏｐｓｙ, ＳＬＮＢ）在乳腺癌治疗中的应用。方法：使用专利蓝和美蓝染色,对１９９９年９月～２００１年４月连续收治的１４５例临床查体腋窝淋巴结阴性乳腺癌病人行前哨淋巴结活检术。结果：ＳＬＮＢ成功率为９６．５％（１４０／１４５）,假阴性率为２３．５％,准确率为９１．４％。病人年龄、肿瘤最大径、肿瘤部位、注射染料类型及是否活检对成功率和假阴性率无影响。结论：ＳＬＮＢ能够准确预测腋窝淋巴结的转移状况,在缩小手术范围、减少术后并发症的同时,提高了腋窝淋巴结分期的准确性;美蓝与专利蓝均可成功确定ＳＬＮ。     

Epitrochlear Lymph Node Dissection

Epitrochlear node involvement occurs in a small minority of patients with forearm or hand melanoma. Although in-transit sentinel lymph nodes are identified infrequently, they contain metastatic disease at nearly the same frequency as sentinel lymph nodes in cervical, axillary, and inguinal nodal basins. Positive in-transit sentinel lymph nodes are likely to be the only site of nodal metastasis. Therefore, detailed preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and meticulous intraoperative search for in-transit nodes should be performed. The recovery of nodes from in-transit nodal areas is low; however, there appears to be an increase in the performance of these dissections since the advent of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy. This streaming video demonstrates the incidence of epitrochlear lymph node involvement and technical considerations associated with epitrochlear lymph node dissection.