Epidermal cyst of the breast: Detection in a screening programme

Two cases of epidermal cyst of the breast, a rare benign condition, were detected during a 3-year period in a mammographic screening programme, from 57 954 screening examinations. It is not uncommon for epidermal cysts to be initially misdiagnosed. The mammographic, ultrasound and histological features are presented. It is recommended that these lesions be resected because they possibly have malignant potential.     

Lactobezoar and cows' milk protein intolerance

A baby girl of an atopic family who developed eczema, asthma, and cows' milk protein intolerance was found to have a gastric lactobezoar at age 9 1/2 months. She responded well to the removal of the bezoar and to the appropriate dietary treatment.     

Lymphomatous superficial lymph nodes: US detection

Superficial adenopathy is the most frequent clinical manifestation of lymphoma, both at initial workup and later when disease recurs. Data obtained by means of physical examination and ultrasonography (US) of the cervicosupraclavicular, axillary, and inguinal regions were compared for 120 patients, 60 at the time of initial staging and 60 during follow-up for a previously treated lymphoma. Twenty-nine in the second group had recurrent disease, as confirmed with histologic examination. For all 120 patients, US revealed clinically impalpable lesions in an average of 10.8% of cases for the cervicosupraclavicular region, 17.9% for the axillary region, and 4.1% for the inguinal region. Eight of the 29 relapses were not detected at physical examination, and three were demonstrated solely with US. These findings emphasize the value of US exploration of the superficial node-bearing regions in patients with lymphoma, during both initial staging and follow-up.     

Performance of colposcopy in five sub-Saharan African countries

Objective  The performance of colposcopy provided in a screening study in five African countries was evaluated.
Design  Cross-sectional study.
Setting  Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Conakry, Mali and Niger.
Population  Women aged 25–59 years.
Methods  A total of 29 294 women participated in a cervical screening study in the five study sites, and newly trained local doctors performed colposcopy and directed biopsies as indicated. Using meta-analytical tools, four measures of colposcopy performance at different thresholds of colposcopic abnormalities were assessed. Sources of heterogeneity were also assessed.
Main outcome measures  Proportions of women receiving biopsies, adequate biopsies and women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Results  Among 28 553 women with satisfactory colposcopy, 3101 had a colposcopic diagnosis of probable low-grade or worse lesions and 1128 probable high-grade or worse lesions. Overall, the measures that reached the set standards were proportion of biopsy taken at colposcopy threshold of probable high-grade or worse lesions (95%, 95% CI 90–100%) and proportion of adequate biopsy samples. The set standards were not met for the proportions of women diagnosed with CIN at different colposcopic abnormality thresholds. Detection of CIN2 or worse lesions increased with increasing colposcopic abnormality.
Conclusions  The performance of colposcopy in some of the African sites studied was comparable to that previously observed in other studies. With appropriate training, monitoring, continuing practice and quality assurance, adequate standards of colposcopy can be attained in sub-Saharan Africa.     

Low-risk large-needle biopsy of chest lesions

There were 210 chest lesions biopsied with large-bore cutting needles (14.5 to 18.0 gauge). The patients ranged in age from 13 to 84 years with a heavy preponderance of males (99 percent). Most of the lesions were pleural based lung masses (133). In the majority (140) only one pass was required for diagnosis. Certain technical considerations were employed which resulted in a low complication rate of 4.8 percent. Pneumothorax occurred in only eight cases (4 percent). There were eight false-negative biopsies and no false-positives. The key advantage of large needle biopsy (LNB) over skinny needle biopsy (SNB) is that a large tissue core is obtained that allows for more specific histologic diagnosis. With proper technique and careful patient and lesion selection, LNB can be performed as safely as thin-needle biopsy.     

Bile duct obstruction: radiologic evaluation of level, cause, and tumor resectability

In a prospective study of 65 patients with bile duct obstruction, various radiologic modalities were compared for their capability to demonstrate the level and cause of obstruction and to indicate accurately tumor resectability. Ultrasound (US) was performed in 65 patients, computed tomography (CT) in 51, direct cholangiography (DC) in 57, and angiography in 35. The level of obstruction was correctly indicated by US in 95% of patients and by CT in 90%, and the cause was correctly indicated by US in 88%, by CT in 63%, and by DC in 89%. In predicting tumor resectability, US was correct in 71% of patients, compared with 42% for CT, 58% for DC, and 25% for angiography. US therefore appears to be the single most useful modality in the evaluation bile duct obstruction.     

Prevention and treatment of lightning injuries

Lightning ranks first among natural disasters in terms of fatalities and property damage each year. If fortunate enough to survive, the victim of a lightning or electrical accident often presents with numerous complicated clinical manifestations. The astute nurse practitioner will be challenged to identify the immediate signs and symptoms of possible system disruption, and to institute the follow-up management necessary to prevent further complications. This article explores the nurse practitioner's role in the physical assessment of the client and the protocol for management and follow-up care. Case studies are presented to illustrate the various multisystem findings of clients struck either directly or indirectly by lightning. Environmental precautions to decrease the likelihood of lightning's harmful effects are also discussed. It is easier to prevent a lightning and/or electrical accident than to treat the victim.