Glycogen Rich Clear Cell Carcinoma (GRCC) of the breast may not have a poor prognosis

IntroductionGlycogen Rich Clear Cell Carcinoma (GRCC) is a rare variant of breast carcinomas and believed to be linked with a poor prognosis.Case summaryWe are presenting a 60-year-old Saudi lady with a 2 cm GRCC carcinoma associated with clear cell ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and no axillary lymph node involvement. The tumor was Estrogen and Progesterone receptors (ER & PR) positive and HER 2-neu negative. She underwent mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by hormonal therapy. She is alive and free of disease for 35 months.ConclusionThe prognosis of GRCC may not be different from other types of invasive breast cancer.     

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast in a male patient: Report of a case

INTRODUCTIONWe report a rare case of invasive micropapillary carcinoma in the male breast.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 63-year-old man was referred to our hospital for investigation of a left breast tumor, which could be palpated in the upper lateral quadrant of the left nipple-areola complex. The tumor invaded the areola skin. Ultrasonography showed a 14.8 × 15.0 × 12.4 mm low echoic mass, with an irregular lobulated border. Core needle biopsy indicated invasive ductal carcinoma, but the subtype could not be accurately determined. Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was performed. Pathological examination indicated invasive micropapillary carcinoma, no lymph node metastasis, and a nuclear grade of 2. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive staining for estrogen and progesterone receptors, but negative staining for HER2. The Ki67 index was 5%. Tamoxifen was administered, and recurrence has not been noted for 1 year.DISCUSSIONWomen's IMPC generally shows a high HER2 positivity rate. However, HER2 positivity was noted in only 1 male patient with IMPC (14%) according to our literature review. Furthermore, in all cases of the mixed type that were reviewed, IMPC was associated with papillotubular carcinoma. These findings may be specific to IMPC in male patients.CONCLUSIONIMPC is associated with a high rate of lymph node metastasis or recurrence and advanced vessel invasion, aggressive adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection should be selected for patients with IMPC.     

Marginal zone lymphoma of the breast—A diminished role for surgery

IntroductionPrimary breast lymphoma by definition is localized to one or both the breasts with or without involvement of regional lymph nodes with no other extra mammary site involvement. Role of surgery in the treatment armamentarium is less well defined.Presentation of caseA 62 year old post-menopausal lady was found to have 1.2 × 1.2 × 0.6 cm mass in the left breast on diagnostic mammography. Core needle biopsy reveals marginal zone lymphoma. Complete staging work-up was performed which was negative for regional spread and metastatic foci. She was diagnosed to have a localized stage IE extra nodal low grade marginal zone lymphoma of the MALT type involving breast. She received radiotherapy to the breast and is in remission at follow up after one year.DiscussionAccurate diagnosis requires adequate tissue biopsy either by a core needle or a surgical biopsy for histopathologic evaluation and immunophenotyping. Immunohistochemically the tumors are positive for pan B-cell markers (CD 19, CD 20, CD22, and CD 79a) and lack T cell markers. For stage IE Marginal zone lymphoma radiotherapy alone and for stage IIE combined chemo-radiation offers the best possible control of the disease. Progression free survival for MZL is better than diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.ConclusionAt present the best evidence support radiotherapy in localized disease and combined chemo-radiation in advanced disease. Role of surgery is minimal and is seen in case of diagnostic dilemma. Rarity of the diagnosis precludes large scale prospective studies making therapeutic decisions difficult and challenging.     

Predicting the status of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer: A multiparameter approach including axillary ultrasound scanning

In a prospective study, we attempted to predict axillary metastases in 135 breast cancer patients by a preoperative multiparameter evaluation including axillary ultrasound scanning (US). After surgery, factors associated with lymph node metastases by univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. By multivariate analysis, the stronger independent predictors of lymph node metastases were suspicious axillary US (p < 0.001), tumor location in the outer quadrants (p = 0.001) and high Ki-67 index (>10%) (p = 0.002). A predictive model based on these variables, identified a high-risk group (20.0%) represented by women with suspicious axillary US, tumor in the outer quadrants and high Ki-67 index, with axillary metastases in 100%, whereas all patients with opposite features (8.1%) had uninvolved axillary lymph nodes. This multiparameter evaluation including axillary US may be used to optimize the selection of breast cancer patients candidate to sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. The accuracy of this predictive model still requires prospective validation in a larger sample of women.     

Thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma involving lymph nodes

INTRODUCTIONThymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma involving lymph nodes is quite rare with only 13 previous cases reported in the literature.PRESENTATION OF CASEThe 33-years-old female was referred to our department for the investigation of abnormalities on computed tomographic (CT) scans. CT scans showed a 9-cm × 3-cm mass composed of a mixture of soft tissue and fat at the anterior mediastinum with lymphadenopathy in the neck, axillary and mediastinal regions. She was underwent complete surgical resection of the mass with regional lymph node dissection through a median sternotomy. Histological examination of the surgical specimens confirmed the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma arising in the thymus with nodal metastasis. She achieved complete remission after postoperative rituximab combined chemotherapy.DISCUSSIONThymic MALT lymphoma occurs most frequently in Asian female aged 40–60 years and commonly appears anterior mediastinal masses on CT scans. The excised tissue is necessary to confirm the accurate histological diagnosis. The disease usually remains localized for a long time, making local surgical resection highly effective. However, when the lymph nodes are involved, effective treatment approaches of the disease is still undefined.CONCLUSIONWe report a case of thymic MALT lymphoma involving lymph nodes, in which the patient was successfully treated with primary site resection with regional lymph node dissection followed by rituximab combined chemotherapy. Surgery provided not only a useful approach for collecting tissue for an accurate histological diagnosis, but also an effective local treatment, even in the case of advanced-stage thymic MALT lymphoma.     

Minimally invasive resection of synchronous triple primary tumors of the esophagus,lung, and thymus: A case report

IntroductionReports of synchronous multiple primary tumors are very rare. We report a case of synchronous esophagus and lung cancer combined with thymoma treated with a minimally invasive approach.Presentation of caseIn a 63-year-old patient, cT2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was found. Chest computed tomography revealed a lesion in the right upper lobe combined with an antero-superior mediastinal mass. She was treated with one-stage bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic + laparoscopic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection and lobectomy with complete lymphadenectomy followed by thymomectomy and demonstrated a favorable response at early follow-up, without severe adverse surgical complications and evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. But the long-term follow-up is still needed for the evaluation of therapeutic effects of surgery.DiscussionIn the diagnostic procedure we excluded the probability of esophageal carcinoma metastasizing to the lung. Considering the patient's physical condition permit, we performed a minimally invasive surgery for three tumors. Besides, suitable operative incisions are important for the success of surgery.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first case report in which simultaneous minimally invasive resection of esophagus and lung cancer combined with thymoma.     

Factors predicting the non-sentinel lymph node involvement in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node metastases

ObjectiveIn a significant proportion of patients, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the only involved axillary node. The goal of the present study was to identify predictive factors associated with a positive SLN and with a positive non-SLN in patients in whom axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed.MethodsData was reviewed for patients with T1–2 invasive breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy with or without axillary dissection in a single institution between July 2000 and May 2010. The SLNs were examined by serial sectioning and H&;E staining, and by cytokeratin immunostaining in suspicious cases.ResultsOf 332 patients with SLNB, 134 had SLN positivity, and 116 of them further underwent completion axillary dissection. Patients with T2 tumors (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.74–5.58), or tumors with lymphovascular invasion (OR = 8.0; 95% CI, 4.44–14.27), or invasive ductal cancer (OR = 2.92; 95% CI, 1.1–8.0) were more likely to have a positive SLN. In patients with ALND, the non-SLN involvement rates were 10%, 11.5% and 50% in patients with isolated tumor cells (ITC), micrometastasis and macrometastasis, respectively. Finding of ITC or micrometastasis in SLNs (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08–0.99) or presence of extracapsular invasion (ECI) in SLN (OR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.09–0.67) were the predictive factors of not having a non-SLN metastasis in logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsThese findings suggest further axillary surgery can be best omitted in patients with micrometastasis while validation of nomograms including factors such as ECI are still needed to be studied in patients with macrometastasis.     

Lymphatic mapping after previous breast surgery

BackgroundTo assess the feasibility of lymphatic mapping and determine the lymphatic drainage pathways in patients previously treated with breast conserving therapy (BCT).MethodsWe included patients without current breast cancer that previously received BCT with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for primary breast cancer. The study population consisted of 44 patients and was divided into two groups according to previous surgical treatment of the axilla: 22 patients after previous SNB and 22 patients after previous ALND. Standard lymphatic mapping was performed and the lymphatic drainage pattern was registered. Drainage located outside the ipsilateral axilla was recorded as aberrant.ResultsLymphoscintigraphy revealed a drainage pattern in 17 of 44 patients (39%). The identification rate in the SNB-group was 41% and 36% in the ALND-group (P = 0.760). 8 patients (18%) showed aberrant drainage, which tended to be more frequent in the ALND-group than in the SNB-group (27% versus 9%, P = 0.122). Lymphatic drainage to the contralateral axilla was observed in 2 patients, both previously treated with ALND.ConclusionsLymphatic mapping seems feasible after previous BCT with axillary treatment, in spite of a relatively low identification rate. Aberrant drainage tends to be more frequent after previous treatment with ALND.     

Cancer du pénis: A propos de 6 cas avec Revue de la littérature

ObjectiveTo report the state of the penile cancer in the urology department at the University Hospital of Rabat and evaluate long-term results of surgical treatment of this cancer.Patients and methodsBetween 1989 and 2009; six patients were treated for penile cancer. The six cases were reviewed retrospectively and the following data were recorded: mode of presentation, site, staging, TNM stage, treatment, evolution and survival.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 60.5 years (48-81 years). All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.Three patients had a partial amputation of the penis, and two patients underwent total amputation. The median size of the lesion was 4.4 cm (1.5-8 cm). All tumors had a distal location (glans, corona), 5 were localized and non-invasive (PT1 - PT2) and one had infiltrated the urethra (PT3).Two patients had a nodal involvement (N2 and N1).A single bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection was performed and was positive on one side, with a lymph node ≤ 3 cm, and the absence of capsular extension.Two patients were referred for chemotherapy, one referred on a neo-adjuvant-basis (Bleomycin - Methotrexate, Cisplatin) and the other in a palliative goal.The median follow-up was 33 months (6-72 months). Two patients died, one of which was presented immediately with a metastatic mode and the other due to cardiovascular decompensation. Four patients were alive at last count without local recurrence or lymph node.ConclusionCancer of the penis appears to be rare in Morocco considering the small number managed in our hospital. Oncological and functional prognosis (sexual and urinary) depends on the timeliness of treatment. The surgical resection with lymphadenectomy remains the standard treatment.     

Malign cylindroma of the scalp with multiple cervical lymph node metastasis—A case report

INTRODUCTIONCylindromas are usually benign tumors as small, solitary, slow-growing nodules of the scalp, face and trunk. Multiple cylindromas may form a “turban tumors” in the autosomal dominant Brooke–Spiegler syndrome. Malignant dermal cylindromas are very rare. There are few cases of malignant transformation of dermal cylindromas in the literature. We present an unusual case of malign cylindroma of the scalp with multiple metastasis to cervical lymph nodules and also this case is the only case that has the most lymph node metastasis.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 52-year-old man initially presented to our clinic with hyperemic plaque located on his scalp. Measures of the plaque was 20 cm × 10 cm with bilateral, multiple palpable submandibulary lymph nodes. Entire scalp was removed reaching in depth the periostal level and bilateral modified radical neck dissection was performed. The histopathological examination of the scalp specimen was malignant skin ecrine tumor, cylindroma and on the neck dissection specimen, 55 lymph nodes were reported as metastatic out of 79. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during a 5 year follow-up period.DISCUSSIONMalign cylindroma of the scalp rarely presents with multiple cervical lymph node metastasis, however it is important to be aware of this possibility.CONCLUSIONThe case reported below is outstanding in literature for being the only case that has the most lymph node metastasis. Although malign transformation of dermal cylindromas is rare, aggressive surgery should be considered with locoregional metastasis of the tumor.     

Efeito do bloqueio paravertebral torácico na redução de seroma em cirurgia de mama – estudo randomizado controlado

BackgroundIncreasing number of patients are being operated because of breast cancer. Seroma is the most common problem that occurs after surgery that increases morbidity. For postoperative pain management, Thoracic Paravertebral Block (TPVB) has long been considered the gold standard technique. With performing TPVB, sympathetic nerves are also blocked.ObjectiveWith this study, we aimed to search the effect of TPVB on seroma reduction in patients who undergo mastectomy and axillary node dissection surgery.MethodsForty ASA I–II female patients aged 18–65, who were scheduled to go under elective unilateral mastectomy and axillary lymph node resection were included to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups as TPVB and control group. Ultrasound guided TPVB with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine was performed at T1 level preoperatively to the TPVB group patients. All patients were provided with i.v. patient‐controlled analgesia device. Seroma formation amounts, morphine consumptions and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain were recorded 24^th hour postoperatively.Results and conclusionsMean seroma formation at postoperative 24^th hour was 112.5 ± 53.3 mL in the control group and 74.5 ± 47.4 mL in the TPVB group (p = 0.022). NRS scores were similar between two groups (p = 0.367) at postoperative 24^th hour but mean morphine consumption at postoperative 24^th hour was 5.6 ± 4 mg in the TPBV group, and 16.6 ± 6.9 mg in the control group (p < 0.001). TPVB reduces the amount of seroma formation while providing effective analgesia in patients who undergo mastectomy and axillary lymph node removal surgery.     

Linfadenectomía inguinal izquierda endoscópica modificada

IntroductionEndoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy is an evolution of laparoscopic surgery thanks to background in these techniques. This is a new technique and the indications in the field of penile tumors today are expanding. The technique aims at reducing the morbidity of the procedure without compromising the cancer control or reducing the template of the dissection.Material and methodsWe present the modified endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy in a 70 years-old male patient with penile melanoma and positive sentinel lymph node in left inguinal limb. Intraoperative data, pathology, post operatory evolution and oncological follow-up is describedResultsOperative time was 120 minutes. Nine lymph nodes were retrieved and none of then showed positivity at pathology. There were no complications. The drain was kept for five days. After 12 months of follow up, no signs of disease progression were noted.ConclusionThe endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is feasible in clinical practice. New studies with a greater number of patients and long-term follow-up may confirm the oncological efficacy and possible lower morbidity of these new approach.     

High-resolution ultrasonographic features of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer

To determine ultrasound (US) features that most accurately predict the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis, we retrospectively analysed the results of preoperative US breast examinations of axillary lymph nodes in 425 consecutive patients who subsequently underwent surgery for invasive breast cancer. We compared the US findings with pathologic results for axillary lymph node metastasis. US features included length of the longest (L) and shortest (S) axes, L/S ratio, cortical thickness, presence of hilum and shape. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that cortical thickness greater than 3 mm was the most accurate indicator, with 4.14 times increased risk of the presence of an axillary lymph node metastasis as compared to cortical thickness less than 3 mm. The absence of a hilum showed the highest specificity for axillary lymph node metastasis (94.6%), but low sensitivity.     

Are males with early breast cancer treated differently from females with early breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand?

Breast cancer in males is much rare than in females so in practice, male breast cancer treatment is likely to follow the guidelines developed for female breast cancer patients. The objective of this study is to compare the characteristics and treatment pattern of male breast cancer patients with comparable subgroups of female breast cancer patients using data submitted to the National Breast Cancer Audit.This is a retrospective analysis of 151 male breast cancers diagnosed and treated between 2000 and 2008. Most of the male early breast cancer cases in this group were symptomatic ones in men aged > 50 years with one invasive tumour. There was a similar proportion of lymph node positive cancer among males and females, although male breast cancer was more likely to be unifocal (P = 0.007) and oestrogen receptor positive (P = 0.001). Male breast cancer patients almost always underwent mastectomy and a significant proportion of them (11%) received no surgical treatment. There were no differences in axillary surgery although males were more likely to undergo a level 2 axillary surgery and less likely to have sentinel node biopsy. Male patients were significantly less likely to undergo radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for oestrogen receptor positive tumours.Conclusion: While the female oriented treatment guidelines are available, male patients with early breast cancer received different surgical and adjuvant treatment from comparable females.     

Factores de riesgo de metástasis ganglionares en el microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides

IntroductionPapillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) usually has an indolent course, but some have worse prognostic factors, such as the presence of central (6.9%-51.5%) and lateral (3%-49.6%) lymph node metastases. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors associated with PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes and its long-term prognosis.MethodsRetrospective study whose study population consists of patients with PTMC (size ≤ 1 cm). Patients with previous thyroid surgery, other synchronous malignancies and ectopic location of the PTMC were excluded. Two groups were compared: PTMC without metastatic lymph nodes (group 1) and PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes (group 2). A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test were performed.ResultsOut of the 161 selected patients, 9.3% (n = 15) had metastatic lymph nodes. Multifocality (OR 5.284, 95%CI 1.056-26.443; P = .043) and extrathyroidal extension (OR 7.687, 95%CI 1.405-42.050; P = .019) were associated with the presence of metastatic lymph nodes. In PTMC with metastatic lymph nodes, more aggressive treatments were performed: lymphadenectomy (4.8% vs. 100%; P < .001) and radioactive iodine (24.7% vs. 100%; P < .001). During a mean follow-up of 119.8 ± 65 months, one recurrence was detected in group 2 (0% vs. 6.7%; P = .093). No patients died due to the disease.ConclusionsMultifocality and extrathyroidal extension of PTMC were associated with the presence of metastatic lymph nodes. Metastatic PTMC, with more aggressive treatments, presents an excellent long-term prognosis.     

Avances en uro-oncología «Oncoforum»: lo mejor de 2011

ObjectiveTo put forth new findings in urologic oncology with impact in the clinical practice, presented in the principal annual meetings (EAU, ESTRO, AUA, ASCO and ASTRO).MethodsThe reporters of the OncoUrology Forum select and classify the summaries on genitourinary cancer based on the impact on present or future practice. This document includes the summaries having the highest scores.ResultsThe OncoUrology Forum committee considered the following messages important. The PIVOT study shows that radical prostatectomy reduces the specific mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) compared to follow-up in observation, in localized high risk PCa or PSA >10 ng/mL. Dissection of the pelvic lymph nodes should be done in all the patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy, regardless of the tumor stage, in accordance with baseline analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data. An analysis of the SEER of patients with renal cancer concluded that the radical nephrectomy is associated to worse cardiovascular and overall survival compared to those treated with partial nephrectomy in localized renal cell carcinoma of ≤ 2 cm. In patients with nonseminomatous germ cells cancer, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection should not be omitted when the residual tumor size is ≤ 1 cm because of the considerably high risk of teratoma and viable cancer.ConclusionsAlthough these studies do not offer a final response for all the oncourological subjects, these results will have an impact on the daily clinical practice.     

Malignant chondroid syringoma in a West African cancer institute: A case report

ObjectiveTo report a case of malignant chondroid syringoma, a rare skin tumor at Joliot Curie Cancer Institute in Dakar.ResultsWe report a case of malignant chondroid syringoma of the deltoid and axilla in a 53 year old patient. Malignant chondroid syringoma is an extremely rare tumor of the sweat glands. It is included in myoepithelial tumors of the skin. It has an epithelial component with eccrin or apocrin differentiation, and myoepithelial component. It preferentially seat at the extremities. We report an unusual case with deltoid presentation and axillary mass masqueriding as metastatic lymph node. Surgery is the main treatment. It has a poor prognosis.     

A large benign phyllodes tumour of the breast: A case report and literature review

IntroductionPhyllodes tumours are uncommon fibroepithelial lesions that typically grow up to 4 cm in size but 10 cm tumours known as giant phyllodes tumours have been described. We present a case report of a 20 cm benign phyllodes tumour and a literature review.Presentation of caseA 54 years old lady with an enlarging left breast mass measuring 20 cm of 6 months duration presented to our outpatient breast clinic. She also had an incidental right parotid lump. Core biopsy of the left breast mass returned as a cellular fibroepithelial lesion. A mastectomy and axillary lymph node sampling were done and skin cover was obtained from a split skin graft from the thigh. Final histology returned as a benign phyllodes tumour. Her post-operative recovery was uneventful.DiscussionPhyllodes tumours are suspected in middle age women with rapidly enlarging painless breast masses. Though there are some suggestive features on ultrasound and MRI, the key to diagnosis is still histopathology. However, a pre-operative diagnosis may not always be possible as the interpretation of stromal cellularity and degree of atypia needed to differentiate cellular fibroadenoma from a phyllodes tumour is subjective. When a phyllodes tumour is suspected, adequate margins should be taken for optimal outcome.ConclusionSuccessful management of phyllodes tumour involves obtaining a pre-operative diagnosis via a core biopsy when possible and planning for adequate margins.     

Efficient reduction of loco-regional recurrences but no effect on mortality twenty years after postmastectomy radiation in premenopausal women with stage II breast cancer – A randomized trial from the South Sweden Breast Cancer Group

PurposeTo study long term loco-regional and distant recurrence rate and survival after post-mastectomy radiotherapy in combination with oral cyclophosphamide in premenopausal women with stage II breast cancer.Study designA three-armed randomized multicenter phase III trial comparing 1) Radiotherapy (RT) 2) RT+ oral cyclophosphamide for one year (RT + C) and 3) Oral cyclophosphamide only (C).Radiotherapy was administered, in 20 fractions, to 48 Gy to the axilla and parasternal lymph nodes, 45 Gy to infra- and supraclavicular fossae and 38 Gy to the chest wall. Cyclophosphamide was prescribed as 12 courses of 130 mg/m² od for14 days every 4 weeks.Patients and methods367 patients from 15 surgical departments in Southern Sweden, representing 80% of all eligible patients, were included in the trial between 1978–1983. Median age was 47 years, median tumour size was 25 mm, and 33% of the patients were lymph node negative. Median follow-up time was 24 years.ResultsRT reduced the risk at twenty years for loco-regional recurrence in C-treated patients at twenty years with 75% (13.9% vs. 3.5%). The risk reduction was highly significant in both N0 and N+ patients. No reduction in systemic disease or mortality was observed.ConclusionPost-mastectomy radiotherapy reduced loco-regional recurrences in this premenopausal population, but no effect was seen on mortality with 20 years follow-up.