Lobectomy and Prophylactic Central Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Do Involved Lymph Nodes Mandate Completion Thyroidectomy?

Background

The present study was designed to investigate the necessity of completion thyroidectomy for patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) that was later pathologically diagnosed as central lymph node (CLN) metastasis.

Methods

Between 1986 and 2001, we assessed 551 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with prophylactic ipsilateral central compartment neck dissection, and 409 patients were followed-up completely. Thyroid lobectomy were performed in 281 and 128 patients, respectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to CLN metastasis. Clinicopathological profiles and follow-up details were investigated by retrospective chart review.

Results

The CLN-positive and -negative groups were comprised of 43 (15.2 %) and 238 patients (84.8 %), respectively. The mean ages of the two groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The mean tumor size of the CLN-positive group (6.8 mm) was significantly larger than that of the CLN-negative group (5.6 mm; p < 0.05). Microscopic capsular invasion was significantly higher in the CLN-positive group (51.2 vs. 23.9 %; p < 0.05). Overall, 21 patients (7.4 %, 21/281) experienced recurrence. Among these, 2 (4.7 %, 2/43) and 19 (8.0 %, 19/238) were in the CLN-positive and -negative groups, respectively. There was no significant correlation between CLN metastasis and tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

Postoperative recurrence was lower in the CLN-positive group, and there was no significant correlation between CLN metastasis and tumor recurrence. Our results suggest that it is not necessary to perform completion thyroidectomy for PTMC patients who have undergone thyroid lobectomy and who have been pathologically diagnosed with CLN metastasis.     

Impact of Combined Prophylactic Unilateral Central Neck Dissection and Hemithyroidectomy in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Background  

Lymph node metastases occur frequently in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and the central compartment of the neck is the most frequently involved site. Some authors advocate prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) during total thyroidectomy. However, little is known about the effects of prophylactic unilateral CND in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients who undergo hemithyroidectomy. This study was designed to investigate the impact of prophylactic unilateral CND in this population.     

Variations in locoregional therapy in postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer treated in different countries

Background:

The Tamoxifen and Exemestane Adjuvant Multinational (TEAM) trial is an international randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of exemestane, alone or following tamoxifen. The large number of patients already recruited offered the opportunity to explore locoregional treatment practices between countries.

Methods:

Patients were enrolled in Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. The core protocol had minor differences in eligibility criteria between countries, reflecting variations in national guidelines and practice regarding adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Results:

Between 2001 and 2006, 9779 patients of mean(s.d.) age 64(9) years were randomized. Some 58·4 per cent had T1 tumours (range between countries 36·8–75·9 per cent; P < 0·001) and 47·3 per cent were axillary node positive (range 25·9–84·6 per cent; P < 0·001). Independent factors for type of breast surgery were country, age, tumour status and calendar year of surgery. After breast‐conserving surgery, radiotherapy was given to 93·2 per cent of patients, 86·0 per cent in the USA and 100 per cent in France. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 82·0 (range 74·6–99·1) per cent.

Conclusion:

Despite international consensus guidelines, wide global variations were observed in treatment practices of early breast cancer. There should be further efforts to optimize locoregional treatment for breast cancer worldwide. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computed tomography evaluation of regional lymph node metastases in patients with biliary cancer

Background:

Identification of lymph node metastases in biliary cancer is important for determining prognosis and surgical planning, but the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing node metastases of the hepatoduodenal ligament (peribiliary and retroportal nodes) or around the common hepatic artery is unknown.

Methods:

CT scans and pathological results from 146 patients who had undergone regional lymphadenectomy for biliary carcinoma were reviewed. To evaluate the regional lymph nodes, long‐ and short‐axis diameters of lymph nodes were measured and axial ratios calculated (short‐axis diameter/long‐axis diameter). Nodes were considered round if the axial ratio exceeded 0·7. Internal lymph node structures were also evaluated.

Results:

The presence of a round node with a short‐axis diameter exceeding 16 mm had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 56 per cent for the presence of metastatic foci, and node heterogeneity had a PPV of 64 per cent. The highest PPV (67 per cent) was obtained for round nodes greater than 18 mm in short‐axis diameter, but nodes of this size and character were rare.

Conclusion:

CT is not useful for predicting regional lymph nodal metastases in biliary carcinoma. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Central Cervical Nodal Metastasis from Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Pattern and Factors Predictive of Nodal Metastasis

Background  Although several factors are thought to predict the occurrence of lymph node metastases from papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), the pattern of nodal metastasis has been rarely studied. We evaluated the pattern and factors predictive of central cervical metastasis from PTMC. Methods  Seventy-two patients with PTMC underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, including three who underwent therapeutic modified radical neck dissection. Lymph node involvement was analyzed by neck subsite, and clinicopathologic variables predictive of nodal metastasis were determined. Results  Central and lateral nodal metastases were found in 29 (40.3%) and 3 (4.2%) patients, respectively, and ipsilateral paratracheal, pretracheal, superior mediastinal, and contralateral paratracheal lymph node metastases in 27 (37.5%), 8 (11.1%), 4 (5.6%), and 1 (1.4%), respectively. Sex, age, tumor size, multifocality, bilaterality, extracapsular invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and MACIS (metastases, age, completeness of resection, invasion, size) for central node metastasis were not predictive of metastasis (P > .1). Temporary and permanent hypocalcemia was observed in 17 (23.6%) and 1 (1.4%) patients, respectively, and transient vocal fold paralysis in 1 (1.4%). Conclusion  Despite the absence of palpable neck nodes, PTMC is associated with a high rate of central lymph node metastasis to ipsilateral and pretracheal subsites. No clinicopathologic factor predicted nodal metastasis. In patients with PTMC involving one lobe and positive nodes, neck dissection may exclude the contralateral side.     

Can intraoperative frozen section influence the extension of central neck dissection in cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma?

Purpose

Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection has been proposed to reduce the morbidity of prophylactic bilateral central compartment node dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but it carries the risk of contralateral metastases being overlooked in approximately 25 % of patients. We aimed to verify if frozen section examination (FSE) can identify patients who could benefit from bilateral central compartment node dissection.

Methods

All the consenting patients with clinically unifocal PTC, without any preoperative evidence of lymph node involvement, observed between September 2010 and September 2011 underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central compartment node dissection. Ipsilateral central compartment nodes were sent for FSE.

Results

Forty-eight patients were included. Mean number of removed nodes was 13.2?±?6.8. Final histology showed lymph node metastases in 21 patients: ipsilateral in 15, bilateral in 6. FSE accurately predicted lymph node status in 43 patients (27 node negative, 16 node positive). Five node metastases were not detected at FSE: three were micrometastases (≤2 mm). Sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of FSE in definition of N status status were 80.7, 100, and 90 %, respectively.

Conclusions

FSE is accurate in predicting node metastases in clinically unifocal node negative PTC and can be useful in determining the extension of central compartment node dissection. False-negative results are reported mainly in case of micrometastases, which usually have limited clinical implications.     

Peritoneal lavage cytology in patients with oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma

Background:

The aim of the study was to determine the value of performing peritoneal lavage cytology during laparoscopy in the management of oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

Laparoscopy combined with peritoneal cytology was performed in patients with potentially resectable oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Macroscopic peritoneal findings at laparoscopy and the presence of free peritoneal tumour cells were recorded. All patients were followed to death or the census point. Patients with overt peritoneal disease or positive cytology were offered palliative chemotherapy, subject to performance status.

Results:

Forty‐eight (18·8 per cent) of 255 patients had overt peritoneal metastases at staging laparoscopy. Fifteen (7·2 per cent) of the remaining 207 patients had positive cytology; these patients had a median (95 per cent confidence interval) survival of 13 (3·1 to 22·9) months, versus 9 (7·4 to 10·6) months for those with overt peritoneal metastases (P = 0·517). Of patients receiving chemotherapy, those without overt metastases had a slight survival advantage over patients with metastases (median 15 (10·8 to 19·2) versus 9 (7·4 to 10·7) months; P = 0·045).

Conclusion:

Positive peritoneal cytology in the absence of overt peritoneal metastases is not uncommon in oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. It is a marker of poor prognosis even in the absence of overt peritoneal metastases. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Is Thymectomy Worthwhile in Central Lymph Node Dissection for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?

Background

Clinical guidelines edited in 2006 by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and stated in the European Thyroid Association Consensus (ETA) recommend routine central lymph node dissection (level VI neck dissection) in addition to thyroidectomy for the surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. This central dissection increases the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, which is related to the resection or devascularization of the inferior parathyroids together with bilateral thymectomy. Some authors perform unilateral thymectomy in order to minimize this complication. Our aim was to study the benefit/risk (incidence of thymic lymph node metastases versus postoperative hypocalcemia) of both procedures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 138 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central neck lymph node dissection for differentiated thyroid cancer between 2004 and 2007. Bilateral thymectomy was performed in 45 patients (group 1, 15 males and 30 females) and unilateral thymectomy was performed in 93 patients (group 2, 27 males and 66 females). Forty-two papillary and 3 medullary cancers were found in group 1, and 75 papillary, 2 follicular, and 17 medullary cancers were found in group 2. The presence of thymic metastases at pathology and the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia were reviewed.

Results

Two cases of papillary thymic metastases were found in group 1. These were lymph node micrometastases localized in the ipsilateral side of the primary tumor in both cases. Transient hypocalcemia was significantly more frequent (P < 0.001) in group 1 than in group 2: 16 patients (35.5%) versus 10 (10.7%). There was one case of permanent hypocalcemia in group 1 after the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Bilateral thymectomy risk outweighs any likely carcinologic benefit. We do not recommend routine bilateral thymectomy during central neck dissection for differentiated thyroid cancer.     

Repeat dynamic sentinel node biopsy in locally recurrent penile carcinoma

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series)
Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of repeat dynamic sentinel‐node biopsy (SNB) in clinically node‐negative patients with locally recurrent penile carcinoma after previous penile surgery and SNB.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1994 and 2008, 12 patients (4% of the 304 in our prospectively maintained dynamic sentinel node database) with clinically node‐negative groins had a repeat SNB for locally recurrent penile carcinoma after previous penile surgery and SNB. Five of these patients had previously had a unilateral inguinal node dissection for groin metastases. The median disease‐free interval was 18 months. The protocol and technique of primary dynamic SNB and the repeat procedure were similar, including preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and blue‐dye injection. Completion inguinal node dissection was only done if there was an involved sentinel node.

RESULTS

No sentinel nodes were seen on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in the five groins that had previously been dissected. A sentinel node was visualized on lymphoscintigraphy in the remaining 19 undissected groins. In 15 of these groins (79%) the sentinel node was identified during surgery. Histopathological analysis showed involved sentinel nodes in four groins of three patients. Additional metastatic nodes were found in one completion inguinal lymph node dissection specimen. During a median follow‐up of 32 months after the repeat SNB, one patient developed a groin recurrence 14 months after a tumour‐negative sentinel node procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat dynamic SNB is feasible in clinically node‐negative patients with locally recurrent penile carcinoma despite previous SNB.     

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy for germ cell tumours: is a full bilateral template always necessary?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long‐term oncological outcome in selected patients treated for nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) with a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy (pcRPLND) and not using the full bilateral template.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1988 to 2005, 102 patients with retroperitoneal stage II NSGCT, who at initial presentation had metastases in the primary retroperitoneal site only, had pcRPLND within a restricted template, whether computed tomography showed complete or incomplete remission. In all, 78 patients had a unilateral template dissection and 24 an open modified template dissection.

RESULTS

Of the 102 patients, 30 had stage IIC, 63 IIB, and nine tumour marker‐positive stage IIA disease. Active tumour was found in two RPLND specimens; mature teratoma in 46 of the 102 patients, and necrosis/fibrosis in 54. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in all 78 patients who had unilateral RPLND and in 18 of 24 who had a modified RPLND (overall antegrade ejaculation rate 94%). During a median follow‐up of 102 months there were only three recurrences, two outside the retroperitoneum and one in the retroperitoneum. Only the latter was retrocaval, above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery within the boundaries of a full bilateral RPLND. This patient had had left unilateral template dissection after chemotherapy for IIC disease which was restricted to the para‐aortic nodes.

CONCLUSION

In a selected group of patients with stage II NSGCT, pcRPLND within the modified template might be oncologically efficient and allow ejaculation to be preserved.     

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of interferon after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with viral hepatitis

Background:

A combined antiviral and tumoricidal effect of interferon (IFN) is assumed to occur after resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

An electronic search of the Medline, Embase and Central databases from January 1998 to October 2007 was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating adjuvant effects of IFN after curative treatment of HCC. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the effects of IFN on 2‐year outcome.

Results:

Seven trials enrolling a total of 620 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Adjuvant treatment with IFN significantly reduced the 2‐year mortality rate after curative treatment of HCC, with a pooled risk ratio of 0·65 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·52 to 0·80); P < 0·001) in absence of any significant heterogeneity (I² = 0 per cent, P = 0·823 for χ²). The effect on reduction of tumour recurrence was less pronounced but still significant (pooled risk ratio 0·86 (95 per cent c.i. 0·76 to 0·97); P = 0·013). IFN had to be discontinued in 8–20 per cent of patients.

Conclusion:

IFN has a significant beneficial effect after curative treatment of HCC in terms of both survival and tumour recurrence. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Validation of a nomogram for predicting survival after resection for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Background:

Nomograms are statistical tools providing the overall probability of a specific outcome; they have shown better individual discrimination than the tumour node metastasis staging system in several cancers. The pancreatic nomogram, originally developed in the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in the USA, combines clinicopathological and operative data to predict disease‐specific survival at 1, 2 and 3 years from initial resection.

Methods:

An external patient cohort from a retrospective pancreatic adenocarcinoma database at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam was used to test the validity of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma nomogram. The cohort included 263 consecutive patients who had surgery between January 1985 and December 2004.

Results:

Data for all the necessary variables were available for 256 patients (97·3 per cent). At the last follow‐up, 35 patients were alive, with a median follow‐up of 27 (range 3–114) months. The 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year disease‐specific survival rates were 60·8, 30·4 and 16·0 per cent respectively. The nomogram concordance index was 0·61. The calibration analysis of the model showed that the predicted survival did not significantly deviate from the actual survival.

Conclusion:

The MSKCC pancreatic cancer nomogram provided an accurate survival prediction. It may aid in counselling patients and in stratification of patients for clinical trials. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preoperative Prediction of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Thyroid Papillary Microcarcinoma Using Clinicopathologic and Sonographic Features

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic factors and ultrasound (US) features predictive of central lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

From March 2008 to August 2008, the clinicopathologic features and preoperative US features of 483 patients who were diagnosed with conventional PTMC were included. Medical records, US features, and pathology reports of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinicopathological prognostic factors associated with central LNM. Odds ratios (OR) with relative 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated to determine the relevance of all potential predictors of central LNM.

Results

Among the 483 patients with PTMC, 139 (28.8 %) patients had central LNM. The OR of significant independent factors were 2.055 (95 % CI, 1.137–3.716), 2.075 (95 % CI, 1.27–3.39), 1.71 (95 % CI, 1.073–2.724), and 15.897 (95 % CI, 4.173–60.569), respectively, for bilaterality, larger tumor size (>5 mm), extracapsular invasion, and lateral LNM. No significant association was seen among the US features of PTMC with central LNM.

Conclusions

Central lymph node metastasis in patients with PTMC was significantly associated with various clinicopathological factors, including larger tumor size (>5 mm), bilaterality, extracapsular invasion, and lateral LNM. When these features are detected on preoperative US, selective central compartment dissection may be helpful in patients diagnosed with PTMC.     

Extent of pelvic lymph node dissection in penile cancer may impact survival

Introduction

Current guidelines on management of penile carcinoma (PC) recommend ipsilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with inguinal lymph node metastasis (LNM) who meet specific criteria. The aim of this article was to assess outcomes in patients treated with bilateral PLND in the presence of unilateral metastatic pelvic nodes.

Methods

After IRB approval, four international centers contributed to this study. Men with PC and unilateral inguinal LNM and pelvic node metastases were retrospectively analyzed. Estimates of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival were provided by the Kaplan–Meier method. Comparisons between subgroups were made using the log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis was used to adjust comparisons for covariates of interest.

Results

From 1978 to 2012, fifty-one men with unilateral inguinal LNM and positive pelvic nodes on PLND were identified. Thirty-eight (75 %) had ipsilateral and 13 (25 %) had bilateral PLND. Except the extent of the PLND, patients were comparable with respect to disease and therapeutic interventions. The Kaplan–Meier estimated median OS was significantly longer in the bilateral PLND patients (21.7 vs. 13.1, p = 0.051). On Cox regression analysis, bilateral PLND [HR 0.25, (95 % CI 0.10–0.64)], multiple pelvic node involvement [HR 2.12 (95 % CI 1.02–4.43)], neoadjuvant chemotherapy [HR 0.01, (95 % CI 0.02–0.44)] and adjuvant therapies [HR 0.16, (95 % CI 0.06–0.45)] (compared to no additional therapy) were independent predictors of OS.

Conclusions

Men with PC and pelvic node metastases may benefit from a bilateral PLND. This hypothesis requires further confirmation.

     

Sentinel node biopsy for follicular tumours of the thyroid gland

Background:

It is difficult to differentiate histologically between benign and malignant follicular‐type tumours of the thyroid gland. The present study evaluated whether sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy was helpful in obtaining the correct diagnosis of malignant follicular‐type tumours, as metastasis to the lymph nodes is sufficient evidence for a diagnosis of cancer.

Methods:

SLN biopsy was performed for 37 follicular‐type tumours suspected to be malignant on the basis of preoperative examinations, but for which the diagnosis had not been confirmed.

Results:

SNs were identified in 32 of 37 procedures. SLN metastases were found in four of 12 patients with a malignant tumour identified by intraoperative frozen‐section analysis. There was one false‐negative but no false‐positive diagnoses. Frozen‐section analysis of the tumour itself identified only one follicular cancer. The accuracies of preoperative imaging methods were lower than that of SLN detection.

Conclusion:

Detection of SLN metastasis was helpful in diagnosing follicular thyroid cancer and thus enabling one‐stage surgery. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surgical management of primary retroperitoneal sarcoma

Background:

Local recurrence after surgical resection is the main cause of disease‐related mortality in patients with primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). This study analysed predictors of local recurrence and disease‐specific survival.

Methods:

A prospective database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent surgery for primary RPS between 1990 and 2009. Patient demographics, operative outcomes and tumour variables were correlated with local recurrence and disease‐specific survival. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for local recurrence and disease‐free survival.

Results:

Macroscopic clearance was achieved in 170 of 200 patients. The median weight of tumours was 4·0 kg and median maximum diameter 27 cm. Resection of adjacent organs was required in 126 patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 3·0 per cent. Seventy‐five patients developed local recurrence during follow‐up. At 5 years the local recurrence‐free survival rate was 54·6 per cent and the disease‐specific survival rate 68·6 per cent. Inability to obtain macroscopic clearance at resection and high‐grade tumours were significant predictors for local recurrence and disease‐specific survival.

Conclusion:

Complete macroscopic excision should be the goal of surgical resection. Ability to resect a RPS completely and tumour grade are the most important predictors of local recurrence and overall survival. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Risk factors for central neck lymph node metastasis of clinically noninvasive,node-negative papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background

To examine predictive factors for subclinical central neck lymph node metastases (LNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

The clinical and pathological findings of 287 patients with clinically noninvasive, node-negative, solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), who had undergone thyroidectomy plus central compartment neck dissection and showed pathologically confirmed nodal metastases, were analyzed. Predictive risk factors for central LNM were quantified.

Results

Pathologic LNM was identified in 63 (32.6%) PTMC patients and 48 (51.0%) PTC patients (tumor size >1 cm; P = .003). Tumor size (>.7 cm; P = .011), multifocality (P = .010), and microscopic extracapsular extension (P = .050) were significant variables predictive of central LNM from PTMC in univariate analysis. Tumor size (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 4.38; P = .014) and multifocality (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 4.93; P = .020) were independent variables predictive of central LNM in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Cervical LNM is highly prevalent in clinically noninvasive, node-negative PTC. Central neck LNM is associated with larger tumor size and multifocality of PTMC.     

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients without cirrhosis

Background:

Data on liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without cirrhosis are sparse. The present study was conducted to evaluate the indications and results of liver resection for HCC with regard to safety and efficacy.

Methods:

Data for patients who had liver resection for HCC without cirrhosis between January 1996 and March 2011 were retrieved retrospectively using a prospective database containing information on all patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC. Patient and tumour characteristics were analysed for influence on overall and disease‐free survival to identify prognostic factors by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results:

The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates after resection with curative intent for HCC without cirrhosis were 84, 66 and 50 per cent respectively. Disease‐free survival rates were 69, 53 and 42 per cent respectively. The 90‐day mortality rate was 4·5 per cent (5 of 110 patients). Surgical radicality and growth pattern of the tumour were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Disease‐free survival after resection with curative intent was independently affected by growth pattern and by the number and size of tumour nodules.

Conclusion:

Liver resection for HCC without cirrhosis carries a low perioperative risk and excellent long‐term outcome if radical resection is achieved. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prognosis of synchronous bilateral breast cancer

Background:

The prognosis of patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) is usually based on the tumour with the worst pathological features. There is little evidence in the literature for this assumption, potentially impairing reasoned decisions on optimal adjuvant therapy.

Methods:

This was a case–control study in which 68 women with SBBC were matched with 128 women with unilateral breast cancer. Both the GuysRisk prognostic model and the Nottingham Prognostic Index were used to determine the bilateral tumour with the poorer prognosis. Controls were matched for age, menopausal status, date of diagnosis, histological type and grade, and oestrogen receptor and axillary node status.

Results:

Both prognostic models indicated the same side tumour with the worst prognosis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves for both disease‐free and overall survival showed no significant difference in outcome between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Prognosis was determined by the tumour with the worst prognosis, with no additional worsening of outcome incurred from the second tumour. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.