Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy of the jaws: an analysis of diagnostic features and treatment

The purpose of this study was to integrate the available published data on melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI) of the jaws into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical/radiological features, with emphasis on the predictive factors associated with recurrence. Eligibility criteria included publications with sufficient clinical/radiological/histological information to confirm the diagnosis. A total of 288 publications reporting 429 MNTI cases were included. MNTIs were slightly more prevalent in males and markedly more prevalent in the maxilla. Most of the lesions were asymptomatic, presenting cortical bone perforation and tooth displacement. Nine lesions were malignant, with metastasis in five cases. Enucleation was the predominant treatment (67.2%), followed by marginal (18.4%) and segmental resection (6.1%). Eighty-one of 356 lesions (22.8%) recurred. Recurrence rates were 61.5% for curettage, 25.3% for enucleation alone, 16.2% for enucleation + curettage, 20.0% for enucleation + peripheral osteotomy, 11.3% for marginal resection, 10.0% for segmental resection, 30.0% for chemotherapy, and 33.3% for radiotherapy. Enucleation and resection presented significantly lower recurrence rates in comparison to curettage. Curettage appears not to be the best form of treatment, due to its high recurrence rate. As resection (either marginal or segmental) is associated with higher morbidity, enucleation with or without complementary treatment (curettage or peripheral osteotomy) would appear to be the most indicated therapy.     

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.     

Surgical techniques in breast cancer: an overview

Despite significant advances in the medical treatment and chemo-manipulation of breast cancer, surgery with curative intent retains a fundamental mainstay of treatment, with surgeons continuing to play a central and key role within the multidisciplinary team setting.