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Introduction: In international comparison, Hungary is in the forefront of cancer incidence and mortality statistics. Based on paper-based death certificates, mortality statistics are compiled by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, while population-based measures of cancer incidences are performed by the Hungarian National Cancer Registry. Objective: Linking the records of these two independent databases can highlight their weaknesses and provide an opportunity to reconcile and verify collected data, which may emphasize the need to expand current data exchange protocols. Method: Based on the Hungarian unique health care insurance ID, the mortality database of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office between 2012 and 2020 was compared with the data of the Hungarian National Cancer Registry from 2001 to 2020. Deaths in 2018, in particular those related to lung cancer, were examined in more depth to demonstrate the biases resulting from erroneous data collection. Results: The mortality database of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office contained 32 586 cases with an underlying cause of death of malignant neoplasm for 2018, of which 29 970 were identified in the Hungarian National Cancer Registry. Out of the 8716 deaths coded to lung cancer, 7957 corresponding individuals were also found in the Registry. From the matches, 7381 cases were marked with lung cancer in the Hungarian National Cancer Registry. For the remaining 576 cases, the Registry recorded different types of cancers, of which in 69 cases with lung metastasis. Discussion: The differences between the two databases may be caused by methodological differences in data collection, incomplete, inaccurate reporting and differences in processing algorithms. Nevertheless, the majority of the data in the examined databases were found to be appropriate for epidemiological studies. Conclusion: Based on the outcomes of the present analysis, a revision of the data transfer between the two institutions is in order. The introduction of electronic Death certificate recording and validity checks are expected to improve the reliability of ID numbers and may shorten data processing times.

Introduction: Persistent infection of human papillomavirus is known to cause cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer in the cervix uteri and other HPV-associated cancers in different localization. Based on epidemiological and biological data, principally the high risk HPV is responsible for development of cervical these cancers. However, we have no information about the frequently distribution of different HPV types and what is the correlation between the HPV types and cytological diagnosis in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)., Aim: In this paper, we are going to present new data involving incidence and mortality of HPV-associated cancers during the period of 2009-2015 in Hungary. We are also going to investigate the correlation of cervical cytological diagnosis and HPV typing, and the preventive effect of HPV vaccination., Method: The epidemiological data spring from the National Cancer Registry. HPV typing was performed by Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test. Simultaneous cytological diagnosis and HPV typing was carried out on 2048 cytological samples collected in period of 2009-2016., Results: According to the epidemiologic data, the most frequently occurring HPV-associated cancer is the laryngeal carcinoma in man, and the cervical cancer in woman in Hungary. During the 2009-2015 time intervals, the frequency distribution of head and neck cancers was not changed in man, but the incidence of tongue root squamous cell carcinomas was gradually increasing in woman. We have defined the clinical significance of single and simultaneously multiple HPV infection and have investigated the correlation of the HPV frequency distribution and cytological diagnosis in CIN. It was found that in the cytological negativity of probably/possibly carcinogen pHR-HPV group classified by IACR was much more frequent as in HR-HPV group (56% versus 47%). The presence of simultaneous multiplex HPV infection betokens an increased cancer risk. According to the international publications, the ratio of HPV16 just twice as big as in cervical cancer, what we found in CIN (60% versus 30%). The frequency order of the HPV18 is 2nd in cancer, and 9th in CIN. Comparing the frequency distribution of HR/pHR-HPVs in cervical cancer and CIN, the HR-HPV35 is very rarely occurring in CIN, the pHR-HPV56, 66, and 73 is more frequently seen in CIN as in carcinoma. Appreciated the preventive value of anti-HPV vaccines, we have found a significant differences in group with 1 HPV/sample and in group with more than 1 HPV/sample., Conclusion: The frequency distribution of tongue root squamous cell carcinoma and cervical cancer was gradually increasing in woman. The overall preventive effect of 9-valent vaccine is 80.3%. This preventive value should be higher because of the transformation ability of the different HPV types is not same. Out of consideration for HPV incidence in cancer, the preventive effect of 9-valent or 4-valent vaccines might reach to 93% or 73%. However, the pHR-HPVs are biologically active, it is not sufficient for the inclusion of these HPV types into population-wide HPV-DNA based cervical screening programs. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(31): 1213-1221.

In a previous issue of this journal the authors presented and summarized the basic objectives and tasks of the Hungarian National Cancer Registry positioned in an international environment. The recent publication is a continuation of the previous one. Based on the presentation and analysis of current statistical data, the public health background with the possible risk factors is examined. Considering changes in recent years, the mortality data are relatively stable, although slightly wavering. The trends are promising in some cancers (for example lip and oral cavity, breast, prostate cancers) however. Contrary to the barely changing nature of the total cancer deaths the number of annually reported new cases has increased significantly, which indicates a more effective role in both diagnostics and therapy. In light of the above, it is confirmed that the restructure of the national oncology care system and the European conformation is inevitable. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(3), 84-89.

Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction provides oncological safety, requires longer operation time. It does not influence the initiation of adjuvant therapy and radiological control, and results in favourable cosmetic outcome., Aim: Assessing the Hungarian data of immediate postmastectomy breast reconstructions, and comparing them to international findings., Method: Between May, 2011 and September, 2014 121 therapeutic and prophylactic, postmastectomy immediate breast reconstructions were performed in 100 patients. The clinico-pathological findings were assessed retrospectively, and surgical, oncological and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated statistically., Results: The mean age of patients was 42.6 years, the follow up time was 29.4 months, and the duration of operation was 132 minutes. Skin-sparing mastectomy was performed most commonly (64%) with submuscular tissue expander placement (70%). Early postoperative complication was identified in 18 patients, and loco-regional recurrence in 1 patient. Most patients (89%) were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. The average initiation time of adjuvant therapy was 4.8 weeks., Conclusions: Immediate breast reconstruction is a safe and effective option in line with international findings. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(46), 1830-1838.

Introduction: The European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists has created quality indicators for breast units to establish minimum standards and to ensure specialist multimodality care with the conscious aim of improving outcomes and decreasing breast cancer mortality., Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the breast cancer care in the National Institute of Oncology according to the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists requirements and in a large number of cases in order to present representative clinico-pathological data on the incidence of breast cancer in Hungary., Method: According to the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists uniformed criteria clinico-pathological data of multimodality treated breast cancer cases were retrospectively analysed between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012., Results: During the period of interest 906 patients underwent breast surgery for malignant or benign lesions. According to the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists quality indicators the breast cancer care of the National Institute of Oncology is eligible., Conclusions: The diagnostic modalities and multimodality care of breast cancer of the National Institute of Oncology breast unit meets the critical mass and minimum standards of the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists criteria. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(42), 1674-1682.

Introduction: The methods available for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules include physical examination, imaging, laboratory and fine-needle aspiration cytology tests., Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the quality assurance of fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules., Method: Cytology results were rated to 6 categories according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (2008) (I. nondiagnostic; II. benign; III. atypia of undetermined significance; IV. follicular neoplasia; V. suspicious for malignancy; VI. malignant). All cytology reports were compared with the final histology diagnosis., Results: A total of 1384 patient with thyroid nodule underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology. Smears were classified I. inadequate in 214 (15.9%); II. benign 986; III. atypical 56; IV. follicular neoplasm 41; V. suspicious for malignancy 18; VI. malignant 33 cases. Two hundred and twenty seven (16.8%) of the cases were operated and histologically verified. The positive predictive value in the benign category was 98.25% and in the malignant 88.46%. The sensitivity of the follicular neoplasm was 66.67%., Conclusion: The results suggest that fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has a high diagnostic accuracy. The auditing values of the results meet the proposed threshold values.

The authors summarize the basic objectives and scope of the Hungarian Cancer Registry. They review more than 100-year history of the national cancer database and its effects on current cancer data collection activities, which is outstanding in Europe. The compilation deals with the development of information technology, covers points of principle and practical issues such as parallel display and evaluation of mortality and morbidity statistics and their national and international importance concerning public health. The authors underline that reliable data collection and services of the National Cancer Registry are important for the society because they are public health issues with a critical importance for a better understanding of risk factors, prevention and patient care. Restructuring and European harmonization of the Hungarian cancer system are inevitable using a reliable information exchange and service, taking into account national specificities and international requirements.

Due to the development in medical science and industrial technology, minimally invasive procedures have appeared in the surgery of benign and malignant breast diseases. In general , such interventions result in significantly reduced breast and chest wall scars, shorter hospitalization and less pain, but they require specific, expensive devices, longer surgical time compared to open surgery. Furthermore, indications or oncological safety have not been established yet. It is quite likely, that minimally invasive surgical procedures with high-tech devices - similar to other surgical subspecialties -, will gradually become popular and it may form part of routine breast surgery even. Vacuum-assisted core biopsy with a therapeutic indication is suitable for the removal of benign fibroadenomas leaving behind an almost invisible scar, while endoscopically assisted skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy, axillary staging and reconstruction with latissimus dorsi muscle flap are all feasible through the same short axillary incision. Endoscopic techniques are also suitable for the diagnostics and treatment of intracapsular complications of implant-based breast reconstructions (intracapsular fluid, implant rupture, capsular contracture) and for the biopsy of intracapsular lesions with uncertain pathology. Perception of the role of radiofrequency ablation of breast tumors requires further hands-on experience, but it is likely that it can serve as a replacement of surgical removal in a portion of primary tumors in the future due to the development in functional imaging and anticancer drugs. With the reduction of the price of ductoscopes routine examination of the ductal branch system, guided microdochectomy and targeted surgical removal of terminal ducto-lobular units or a "sick lobe" as an anatomical unit may become feasible. The paper presents the experience of the authors and provides a literature review, for the first time in Hungarian language on the subject. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(5), 162-169.

Skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies made immediate breast reconstruction possible on a systemic level within breast cancer surgery. Mass reconstruction needs brought by the most common malignancy in women can only be met by the use of implant-based techniques, providing excellent cosmetic results and high patient satisfaction. For these postmastectomy reconstructions the replacement of the skin is no longer a challenge, but the well vascularized, good quality soft tissue coverage of the implant. Oncoplastic breast surgery today is able to conduct oncologically radical complete removal of the glandular tissue through an incision of 6-10 cm made in the armpit, with the nearly scarless retention of the natural skin envelope of the breast, and in the same time adequate axillary staging (sentinel node biopsy/axillary lymphadenectomy) is performed, then using the same incision, the implementation of one-step or multi-step breast reconstruction is possible. During these complex interventions, the latissimus dorsi flap formed by endoscopic technique (leaving no scar on the back), rotated to the anterior chest wall can be used for total autologous reconstruction of low-volume breasts as complete coverage of implants placed under the spared skin-envelope or for revitalization of thin or radiation damaged breast skin. This paper presents 4 cases of breast reconstruction with endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi muscle flap, and the authors demonstrate the surgical technique in detail and conduct a literature review, for the first time in Hungarian.

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone has become an acceptable alternative to elective axillary lymph node dissection in patients with clinically node-negative early-stage breast cancer. Approximately 70 percent of the patients undergoing breast surgery develop side effects caused by the axillary lymph node dissection (axillary pain, shoulder stiffness, lymphedema and paresthesias)., Aim: The current standard treatment is to perform completion axillary lymph node dissection in patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. However, randomized clinical trials of axillary dissection versus axillary irradiation failed to show survival differences between the two types of axillary treatment. The National Institute of Oncology, Budapest conducted a single centre randomized clinical study. The OTOASOR (Optimal Treatment of the Axilla - Surgery or Radiotherapy) trial compares completion axillary lymph node dissection to axillary nodal irradiation in patients with sentinel lymph node-positive primary invasive breast cancer., Method: Patients with primary invasive breast cancer (clinically lymph node negative and less than or equal to 3 cm in size) were randomized before surgery for completion axillary lymph node dissection (arm A-standard treatment) or axillary nodal irradiation (arm B-investigational treatment). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed by the radio-guided method. The use of blue-dye was optional. Sentinel lymph nodes were investigated with serial sectioning at 0.5 mm levels by haematoxylin and eosin staining. In the investigational treatment arm patients received 50Gy axillary nodal irradiation instead of completion axillary lymph node dissection. Adjuvant treatment was recommended and patients were followed up according to the actual institutional guidelines., Results: Between August 2002 and June 2009, 2106 patients were randomized for completion axillary lymph node dissection (1054 patients) or axillary nodal irradiation (1052 patients). The two arms were well balanced according to the majority of main prognostic factors. Sentinel lymph node was identified in 2073 patients (98.4%) and was positive in 526 patients (25.4%). Fifty-two sentinel lymph node-positive patients were excluded from the study (protocol violation, patient's preference). Out of the remaining 474 patients, 244 underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection and 230 received axillary nodal irradiation according to randomization. The mean length of follow-up to the first event and the mean total length of follow-up were 41.9 and 43.3 months, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two arms. There was no significant difference in axillary recurrence between the two arms (0.82% in arm A and 1.3% in arm B). There was also no significant difference in terms of overall survival between the arms at the early stage follow-up., Conclusions: The authors conclude that after a mean follow-up of more than 40 months axillary nodal irradiation may control the disease in the axilla as effectively as completion axillary lymph node dissection and there was also no difference in terms of overall survival.

The incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is rising. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the method of choice in clinically node negative cases as the indicated minimally invasive regional staging procedure. Some reports have linked radioisotope and blue dye required for lymphatic mapping to teratogenic effects, the idea of which has become a generalized statement and, until recently, contraindication for these agents was considered during pregnancy. Today, there are many published reports of successful interventions with low-dose 99mTc-labeled human albumin nanocolloid, based on dosimetric modeling demonstrating a negligible radiation exposure of the fetus. These results contributed to the seemingly safe and successful use of sentinel lymph node biopsy during pregnancy, though generally it can not replace axillary lymphadenectomy in the absence of high-quality evidence. The possibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy should be offered to pregnancy-associated early breast cancer patients with clinically negative axilla, and patients should be involved in the decision making following extensive counselling. This paper presents the successful use of sentinel lymph node biopsy with low-dose tracer during two pregnancies (in the first and third trimesters) and, for the first time in Hungarian language, it offers a comprehensive literature review on this topic. Orv. Hetil., 154(50), 1991-1997.

Modern imaging techniques have an important role in the diagnostic procedures of malignancies, and assessing response to therapy. The 18F-FDG PET/CT revolutionized the evaluation of colorectal cancer in terms of preoperative staging and monitoring of recurrence. Conventional imaging techniques have limitations in early assessment of response to therapy. 18F-FDG PET has been shown to allow earlier treatment monitoring, because the metabolic change appears before any anatomic change occurs. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) are widely applied, but they have some limitations. There are new international guidelines for treatment response assessment using PET/CT in solid tumours. The authors review indications and the role of hybrid PET/CT in colorectal cancer.

Introduction: The methods available for the diagnosis of lung cancer include radiologic, cytologic and pathologic procedures., Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the quality assurance of CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology of lung nodules., Methods: Cytology results were rated to 4 categories (positive; suspicious; negative; not representative). All cytology reports were compared with the final histology diagnosis., Results: A total of 128 patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology (63 males; 65 females; mean age 62.8 years). Smears were adequate in 99 cases and inadequate in 29 cases. The average diameter of the nodules was 3.28 cm. Thirty three (25.6%) of the cases were histologically verified and 2 falsely negative and 2 falsely positive cases were detected. The sensitivity and the positive predictive value were 88.8% and 88.8%, respectively. Pneumothorax developed in 7 (5.4%) cases., Conclusion: These results suggest that CT-guided transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology has a high diagnostic accuracy and an acceptable complication rate. The auditing valves of the results meet the proposed threshold values.

By now therapy decision taken by a multi-disciplinary oncology team in cancer care has become a routine method in worldwide. However, multi-disciplinary oncology team has to face more and more difficulties in keeping abreast with the fast development in oncology science, increasing expectations, and financial considerations. Naturally the not properly controlled decision mechanisms, the permanent lack of time and shortage of professionals are also hindering factors. Perhaps it would be a way out if the staff meetings and discussions of physicians in the oncology departments were transformed and provided with administrative, legal and decision credentials corresponding to those of multi-disciplinary oncology team. The new form of the oncotherapy oncoteam might be able to decide the optimal and particular treatment after previous consultation with the patient. The oncotherapy oncoteam is also suitable to carry out training and tasks of a cancer centre and by diminishing the psychological burden of the doctors it contributes to an improved patient care. This study presents the two-level multi-disciplinary and oncotherapy oncology team system at the University of Pécs including the detailed analysis of the considerations above.

Autologous fat transplantation is often used in aesthetic plastic surgery, and is recently becoming increasingly popular in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects following oncological surgery. A still not standardized technique of fat transplantation for breast cancer reconstruction is rapidly getting popular. The procedure is not a passive volume replacement, but transplantation of biologically active tissue bearing endocrine, paracrine, exocrine functions and containing fat-derived stem cells, which in the tumorous environment raises many questions in relation to the oncological safety and diagnostic follow-up. Although long-term results based on prospective, randomized studies are not yet available, published clinical experience is promising and reveals an effective and surgically safe procedure if used with appropriate indications and techniques. The authors conducted a broad review of the literature, presenting indications, technique, molecular interactions, and potential risks of the clinical results of autologous fat transplantation in the breast cancer reconstructive surgery. The authors initiated that breast and plastic surgeons should promote adequate long term follow-up of breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction with autologous fat transplantation by the establishment of national registries.

Equilibrium of sexual steroids and metabolic processes has close correlations. Insulin is a potent regulator of human sexual steroid hormone production and modulates their signals at receptor level. Insulin resistance and excessive insulin production provoke hyperandrogenism and estrogen deficiency in women resulting not only in anovulatory dysfunction but also a high risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Physiologic functions of all female organs have higher estrogen demand as compared with men. In healthy women estrogen predominance against androgens is a favor in their reproductive period, which means a strong defense against insulin resistance and its complications. However, in postmenopausal cases the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes associated with estrogen deficiency and androgen excess, result in a gender specific higher risk for precancerous lesions and cancer as compared with men. Estrogen has beneficial effect on the energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis and on the lipid metabolism of liver and of peripheral tissues as well. A moderate or severe decrease in serum estrogen level enhances the prevalence of insulin resistant states. In premenopausal women long or irregular menstrual cycles are predictors for the risk of insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. Moreover, in postmenopausal estrogen deficient cases elevated fasting glucose, increased body weight and abdominal fat deposition are often observed progressively with age in correlation with an impaired glucose tolerance. In the rare cases of estrogen deficient men severe type-2 diabetes seems to be a characteristic complication. Upon becoming familiar with the cancer risk of insulin resistance and estrogen deficiency, there would be plenty of possibilities for primary cancer prevention. In patients with cancer the treatment of hormonal and metabolic disturbances may become effective adjuvant therapy.

Healthy lifestyle, population-based screening mammography and modern medical-oncological treatment in specialized breast cancer centers are the basic elements of the fight against breast cancer mortality. Treatment plan for the individual patient should be recommended by multidisciplinary oncoteam before initiating definitive therapy. Strategy of the medical-oncological therapy of breast cancer is determined by the biological features and stage of the tumor. The most important biological features are endocrine sensitivity, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 status and proliferative capability of the tumor. In this review the strategy of medical-oncological treatment (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted biological therapy) of breast cancer is presented, based on receptor status and proliferative capability of the tumor in various stages of the disease.

Early diagnosis and prevention have the most significant effect on overall disease specific outcome; 90% of all breast cancer cases could be cured if diagnosed early and treated accurately. As for all diagnostic methods the most important requirement for diagnostic imaging is to detect breast cancer in its early stage, and to determine accurate tumor staging, in order to select the appropriate therapy. Its role is to monitor the effectiveness of therapy, to follow up patients reliably for early detection of recurrent disease. The spectrum of radiological imaging methods in breast cancer became broader in the past two decades; imaging that provides functional or metabolic data and whole body information such as CT, MRI and PET-CT are now available besides common X-ray and ultrasound mammography. The MRI is getting more and more important for the detection and characterization of breast cancer. Multimodal imaging techniques provide more accurate analysis, which is confirmed by increasing statistics authentically, but none of the imaging methods was specific enough to provide histological diagnosis. However, imaging-guided biopsies enable precise histological or cytological confirmation.

The authors discuss the role of nuclear medicine techniques in the modern diagnostics of breast cancer, including the methods currently used in Hungary and the future possibilities.

Today, as a result of the complex and coordinated medical treatment of breast malignancies the long-term survival rate reaches 80%. Modern breast surgery plays a prominent role in the multidisciplinary treatment of breast tumors. Breast surgery in the 21st century simultaneously performs medical and aesthetic procedures on the same organ. Modern day breast surgery is founded on a complex view of breast malignancies, multidisciplinary cooperation, oncoplastic practice, and selecting the optimal surgery techniques, based on state of the art tools and a detailed treatment plan. Authors present the evolution of modern breast surgery; discuss the procedures such as mastectomy, breast conservation surgery, axillary lymph node removal, prophylactic mastectomy, as well as possible versions of immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Breast augmentation surgery involving the use of implants has been one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures for decades. As the multi-million female population who received breast implants ages, the risk of cancer is increasing rapidly, therefore the incidence of malignant disease in association with breast implants will increase as well. Although there is no relationship between tumor development and implants, these cases require special considerations in diagnostics, therapy and follow-up methods. Appropriate multidisciplinary treatment of tumors in augmented breasts corresponding with modern oncoplastic principles can only be accomplished based on adequate oncological, breast and plastic surgical knowledge. Supposing a possible increase of this condition in Hungary, too, authors provide a wide review of the literature on the special oncological and esthetic considerations, for the first time in Hungarian language.

Mammary ductoscopy is a modern, minimally invasive procedure that enables direct, in vivo observation of the mammary ductal system, primarily by nipple discharge. The rapidly developing device is suitable for aimed biopsy for further cytological or molecular examinations. High-tech equipments facilitate polypectomy or laser vaporization of certain intraluminal lesions, and play an important role in the direct surgical excision of the duct or the so-called terminal duct-lobular unit. The above listed facilitate the early diagnosis of malignancies even before imaging could detect them, and the control of high risk patients. Ductoscopy can foster surgical removal of ductal in situ tumors as anatomical units, thus enabling the optimization of radicality of breast conserving surgeries. Authors give a detailed description of the surgical techniques, and provide a wide review of the literature, for the first time in the Hungarian language. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1284-1293.

Recently an increasing number of reports of clinical experience have been published on nipple-sparing mastectomy. By the preservation of uninvolved skin and the nipple areola complex, this surgical technique greatly facilitates immediate reconstruction and optimal aesthetic outcome. However, the procedure raises serious oncologic concerns regarding the risk of an occult or a newly formed primary tumor due to parenchyma left behind in the nipple and the retroareola. Despite the ever increasing popularity of the method, there is still no evidence based confirmation to it. According to data from scientific literature on nipple-sparing mastectomy, there is no straightforward consequence to be drawn on oncologic safety; therefore the procedure is not generally considered to be alternative to standard mastectomy. In the indication of risk reduction, justification of the intervention seems to be well supported, and is expected to foster a greater rate of acceptance of surgical prophylaxis in patients with higher risk diseases. The procedure should be carried out possibly in the framework of clinical trials, in well selected patients with suitable preoperative and postoperative examinations, applying precise techniques and adequate patient education, according to international guidelines. Further long-term results are needed to form a substantive expert opinion. Authors give a detailed description of the surgical techniques, and provide a wide review of the literature, for the first time in Hungarian language.

Unlabelled: The National Cancer Registry, which has been running since 1999 in Hungary, supplies more and more precise data about the growing incidence of malignant melanoma although nationwide melanoma database currently does not exist. As in the National Institute of Oncology a notable percentage of patients (20-25%) were treated with newly diagnosed melanoma, conclusions may be drawn for the efficacy of primary prevention for the whole country., Methods: The recent study compares the data of patients presented in the Institute with cutaneous malignant melanoma in 1998 and ten years later, in 2008. The histology parameters of tumors were also analyzed. The two groups were compared according to age, gender, localization and histology parameters (histological types Breslow and Clark numbers). In case of continuous variables the Mann-Whitney test were used to determine significant differences. Categorical variables were checked by χ2 test., Results: 149 and 377 cutaneous melanomas were diagnosed in 1998 and in 2008, respectively, which accounts for 153% increase in ten years. The mean age of patients was 56.3 and 57.2 years in 1998 and in 2008, respectively. The per cent of males was 43% in 1998 and 49% in 2008. Trunk was the most frequent localization in both years: 39% and 46%, then lower limbs (28% and 22%), upper limbs (21% and 18%) and the head and neck region (12% and 14%). Superficial melanoma was found the most frequent histological type (52 and 54%) followed by nodular melanoma (31% and 23%). Rate of in situ melanoma changed from 10% to 15%. The mean of Breslow numbers was 2.2 mm in 1998 and 1.6 mm in 2008, the difference was highly significant (p = 0.0002). Clark numbers were also decreasing, although the difference was not significant (p = 0.08). The majority of patients were presented with Clark III depth melanoma in both years (38% and 32%)., Conclusions: It seems that forces emphasizing the importance of early recognition in medical education and in media are not futile considering that principally the early diagnosis can improve the melanoma's prognosis - which is represented mainly by Breslow tumor depth.

Regional lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the standard method of axillary staging in early breast cancer patients with clinically negative nodes. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy might support refining biopsy findings by determining the number and location of sentinel lymph nodes. In aged or overweight patients, in the presence of atypical or extra-axillary lymphatic drainage, non-visualized lymph nodes, or sentinel lymph nodes close to the isotope injection site, detection could be aided by a new, hybrid imaging tool: the single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (3D SPECT/CT). For the first time in Hungarian language, authors overview the literature: all 14 English-language articles on the implementation of 3D SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer are included. It is concluded that 3D SPECT/CT increases the success rate and quality of preoperative sentinel node identification, and is capable of providing a more accurate staging of breast cancer patients in routine clinical practice.

Unlabelled: The National Public Health Program has established the organized mammography screening in Hungary. The aim of this study was to conduct an audit of "gray zone" smears of the organized mammography screening in comparison with histopathological diagnoses., Methods: Cytology results were rated to C3 atypia probably benign and C4 suspicious of malignancy., Results: 1361 women had aspiration cytology performed from a total of 47,718 mammography non-negative lesions. 105 (7.8%) were diagnosed as C3, whereas 78 (5.7) as C4. Of the 105 patients with C3 diagnosis 61 (58%) patients underwent surgical biopsy. Histology proved malignancy in 20 (32.8%) cases, and benign lesion in 41 (67.2%) cases. All (100%) of the 78 patients with C4 diagnosis had open biopsies; 69 (88.4%) cases were histologically malignant and 9 (11.6%) cases were benign lesions., Conclusion: The auditing results of fine needle aspiration cytology of "gray zone" in organized mammography screening meet the proposed threshold values. Authors conclude that the "gray zone" category in breast cytology is useful and of value if used judiciously.

Chest wall desmoids are rare, borderline tumors. Radical surgical excision is considered to be the primary treatment. Tendency of desmoids to infiltrate the chest wall, the shoulder girdle, lung parenchyma, brachial plexus and vital components of the mediastinum provides a difficult surgical challenge in the efforts of achieving microscopically negative margins. Implantation of synthetic meshes and reconstructive plastic surgical techniques might be necessary to perform in order to preserve stability of the thorax, and to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results. Multidisciplinary surgeries may result in a high rate of morbidity even in specialized centers. Within the framework of a retrospective multicenter review, authors assessed surgical techniques implemented in the case of patients who underwent surgical management for sporadically appearing chest-wall and intra-thoracic desmoids, and reviewed the relevant literature.

Central breast neoplasms account for 5 to 20% of breast cancer cases. For decades, they have been traditionally treated with mastectomy. The high incidence of involvement associated with these tumors necessitates nipple and areola resection. Oncoplastic surgical techniques, in well selected cases, enable the achievement of adequate cosmetic results following a radical central quadrantectomy along with the Nipple-Areola Complex. The present paper summarizes the indications, techniques and results of breast conserving surgeries of central breast tumors.

Unlabelled: The National Public Health Program has established the organized mammography screening in Hungary., Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the quality assurance of breast aspiration cytology., Method: Cytology results were rated to 5 categories (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5). All cytology reports were compared with the final histology diagnosis., Results: 1361 women had aspiration cytology diagnosis performed from a total of 47718 mammography non-negative lesions. There were 805 (59.1%) benign and 187 (13.7%) malignant alterations. Sensitivity was 91%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 96.6% and negative predictive value turned to be 71% (p<0.001)., Conclusion: The auditing values of fine needle aspiration cytology in our laboratory meet, or in certain aspects exceed the proposed minimum threshold values.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, with annually more than one million new patients diagnosed worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer has increased steadily in the developed countries over the past few decades, but the mortality caused by breast cancer has decreased in recent years, partly because of improved screening techniques, surgical and radiotherapy interventions, understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, and utilization of traditional chemotherapies in a more efficacious manner. One of the most exciting areas of improvement in the treatment of breast cancer is the entrance of novel therapies into the oncology practice, especially the rapidly progressing area of targeted and biological therapies. In early-stage (0/I/II) breast cancer the primary tumor is removed by surgery, and adjuvant treatments are used to eradicate locoregional and distant micro-deposits of the tumor. To estimate the risk of relapse, prognostic factors are used. The selection of optimal adjuvant therapy is based on established predictive factors. This article reviews the current status of treatment for early-stage breast cancer, including breast conserving therapy, post-mastectomy radiotherapy, adjuvant hormone therapy, chemotherapy, as well as trastuzumab therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive tumors.

Unlabelled: Authors presented data of treatment results and course of disease in 487 ovarian cancer patients treated by primary surgery and paclitaxel-carboplatin combination chemotherapy between July 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003., Patients: Most of our patients (87.8%) belonged to the age-group between 40-70 years. Distribution of their histological diagnosis was as 69.6% serous, 10.7% mucinous, 5.1% endometrial and 4.7% undifferentiated carcinoma. The grade distribution was found as 8.4% grade 1, 40.9% grade 2 and 35.9% grade 3., Results: The primary surgery was evaluated as optimal in 41.7%, suboptimal in 37.3% and exploration was performed in 21.1%. Most patients started chemotherapy 20 days after surgery and 74.2% of them got six courses. During the evaluation period 61 intervallum laparotomies were performed, and resulted on 55.7% optimal debulking. Complete remission was found in 58.9%, and partial remission in 14.7% of patients. This treatment resulted on a complete remission in 40.9% at the follow-up of 12 months.

The cancer mortality and morbidity data over the period of 1999-2003 in Hungary has been analyzed. The attempts for the harmonization of cancer care's organization between European Cancer Centers and Hungarian Cancer Centers will also be reviewed. Total cancer mortality of Hungary was found to be 33 530 persons in 2003. According to the cancer mortality data of 36 European countries the highest mortality rate were in Hungary for male in 1999. Hungary had the second place in the female cancer mortality in Europe. It has also been found that the Hungarian men had the highest rate tobacco related cancers (lung, oral cancers) in Europe. The trends of the cancer mortality for women is changed during the period 1999-2003. In 1999 breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer's death for women followed by colorectal and lung cancers. The lung cancer rates have been rising in Hungarian women and became the main cause of cancer death in 2002. The unfavorable cancer mortality trends in Hungary might be attributed to the high consumption of tobacco and alcohol, moreover the unsatisfactory care of cancer patients. The cancer mortality in Hungary could be reduced by the improvement of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. The European accreditation of the cancer control activities should be based on the network of Cancer Centers in Hungary. This accreditation of the Hungarian Cancer Centers is indispensable for the high quality of the care of cancer patients.

Background: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy represents an improvement in the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Radiotherapy is also suggested for many of them to prevent local relapse. However, irradiation increases the risk of complications require surgical procedures., Purpose: This study was undertaken to analyse the compatibility of breast reconstruction and irradiation in the treatment of breast cancer., Methods: Computerised searches for publications debating this issue were done of MEDLINE data. Studies were grouped according to the techniques and types of reconstruction: reconstruction with silicone implant or autogenous skin-muscle flap, timing of reconstruction (immediate or delayed), and sequencing of treatments (pre- or post-reconstruction irradiation). The results of studies were assessed and compared in respect to reconstruction related chronic complications., Results: The incidence of complications was significant even in the absence of irradiation, but radiotherapy increased the risk of complications to less or more extent. When reconstruction was done with implant, the most common type of complication was Grade III-IV capsular contracture. In patients subjected to immediate reconstruction, the complication rates with or without radiotherapy were from 0% to 64% and from 0% to 12%, respectively. In women who underwent delayed reconstruction, the incidence of complications with or without irradiation was from 22% to 55%, and from 17% to 34%, respectively. The negative effect of radiotherapy was more significant with immediate than with delayed reconstruction. In patients who underwent reconstruction with skin-muscle flaps, the most common type of complication was skin necrosis. The incidence of complications with or without radiotherapy was from 12% to 39% and from 5% to 25%, respectively. Cancer, developing after cosmetic augmentation mammaplasty in the breast, can be treated with lumpectomy and radiotherapy without removal of the implant. In series with this method of treatment the incidence of complications (mainly capsular contracture) was from 0% to 65%. The use of moderate dose (45-50 Gy), wedge filters, and no use of bolus application decreased the risk of complications., Conclusions: Radiotherapy and breast reconstruction are not incompatible, but careful consideration of their relative timing and technique is important. Plastic surgeons should counsel patients before starting their cancer disease treatment, and those who choose to have reconstruction need to be informed about risks for specific complications associated with the procedure. Results of the studies debating this issue are controversial. Longer follow-up time, larger patient material and better specified parameters are needed to validate results.

Following the failure of conventional diagnostic procedures, whole-body FDG-PET investigations were carried out in 42 metastatic cancer patients to localize occult primary carcinomas. During the clinical follow-up, the presence of malignant tumor was ruled out in 3 cases, and 2 patients originally believed to have carcinoma were confirmed to be suffering from a malignant hematological disease. These false diagnoses were associated with the use of imaging methods only (2 cases) or cytology only (1 case), lack of double, independent pathological investigations (2 cases) or immunophenotyping (2 cases) and the occurrence of an unrecognized rare tumor in a hospital with a small patient turnover (1 case). The discovered 11 occult primaries (4 lung, 3 breast, 2 hypopharynx and 1 base of the tongue carcinomas and 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma) led to a 28% diagnostic efficacy of PET (11/39 malignant pathological reports). This efficacy is doubled (60%) if PET reveals < or = 5 malignant lesions and the locations of the pathological foci are tumor-specific. We suggest PET investigations in the search for occult primaries following a controlled pathological diagnosis and the failure of conventional diagnostic procedures.

Differentiation between recurrence and post-therapeutic lesions in patients with previously treated head and neck cancer can be a real diagnostic problem. The authors discuss the role of positron emission tomography in restaging of this disease by a retrospective analysis based on 20 scans of 17 patients. PET findings were correct in identifying tumors in 85% of patients (11/13) in the group of positive PET results. All negative PET findings (4/4) were also correct during the follow-up. PET results were validated in 88% (15/17) of the patients. In one case silent distant metastases were also detected. PET is a reliable method in restaging previously treated head and neck cancer patients as it can differentiate post-therapeutic changes from tumor relapse.

In a 2-year period, 136 HPV positive cytological samples of the cervix uteri were analyzed at the Department of Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, Hungary. Comparison with the international data obtained from the literature revealed that the Hungarian epidemiological data bore closest resemblance to the European ones except some differences. The HPV18 is rather seldom encountered in this country. Similarly low occurrence was noted only in Japan. However, the 14.1% occurrence rate of HPV58 in Hungary is by far higher than that in any other country in this analysis except Japan where this virus is of similarly high frequency. In Hungary, the incidence of HPV59 is relatively high just like in Central and South America. HPV33 and HPV66 infections occur in a significantly higher number with Hungary than in any of the countries studied. In our study The European type variant of HPV16 (E-V-350G) occurred in 2/10 CIN II-III cases. The authors also compared the various clinico-pathological grouping of HPV types published, and identified several inconsistencies. Viruses considered to have high risk occurred in intact epithelium, CIN I-II-III and carcinoma alike. The general tendency was, however, that certain viruses correlated with specific clinico-pathological entities. At present there is no reason to include the PCR-based HPV typing in the mass screening of cervical cancers. HPV typing and physical state of the virus can reasonable be determined if the cervical cytology is suspect for HPV infection or even control examination after "loop" conisation. Negative cytology completed with negative HPV-DNA test means the lack of cancer risk even in the case of a previously removed CIN or carcinoma. However, a positive HPV test detected after conisation associated with negative cytology finding indicates a risk of 70% of the development of CIN within 2 years.

Because of unfavourable cancer mortality statistics of Hungary, the search of different biomarkers is one of the most important demands of the national primary cancer prevention programme. The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of bleomycin sensitivity assay elaborated in the USA, and to find whether it serves under our environmental conditions as a biomarker of individual sensitivity and risk for head and neck cancer, beside chromosomal aberration analysis. The test reflecting mutagen sensitivity is based on the mean values of chromatid breaks induced by bleomycin in vitro in a single lymphocyte (break/cell = b/c). Since cancer formation is influenced by environmental mutagens, in contrast to others, their 111 head and neck cancer patients were matched not only with 230 healthy controls (106 nonsmokers and 124 smokers), but also with 44 strong alcoholic and smoking patients with liver diseases whose lifestyle did not differ from that of the cancer patients. According to the results of conventional chromosome analysis, the aberrant cell frequency was the highest in the cancer patients (3.34%), while in the alcoholics (2.73%) and healthy smokers (2.88%) the values were similar. Thus, the genetic instability occurring in the form of elevated rate of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations was mostly expressed in head and neck cancer patients. Mutagen sensitivity measured by the b/c values of bleomycin assay was significantly higher in both the cancer (1.16 b/c) and the alcoholic patients (1.34 b/c) compared with the controls (1.0 b/c). The bleomycin sensitivity assay, therefore, seems to be the biomarker not only of cancer, but also the disease of the same etiology such as alcohol-related liver disease. However the method is not suitable for the assessment of individual cancer risk because of the high variability of b/c values in each group, and their considerable overlapping with the controls. It can also be supported with extremely high mutagen sensitivity of Hungarian controls (63 and 67%), which is three-fold of US values (23%). The bleomycin sensitivity assay is not a selective biomarker if comparing to the controls, probably due to the action of more complex exposures under Hungarian environmental conditions. When estimating cancer risk, the results of conventional chromosome analysis offer more information than bleomycin sensitivity assay.

Physical examination, cervical ultrasonography (US) and aspiration cytology are the mainstays of the preoperative diagnostics of papillary thyroid carcinoma. For the staging of suspected malignant cases, cervical and mediastinal CT (MRI for inconclusive results) is indicated before any surgery. The end-result of primary treatment is assessed by total-body iodine scintigraphy and the serum human thyroglobulin (hTG) level. For long-term follow-up, physical examination and the serum hTG level are the most reliable tools (6-monthly), supplemented by cervical US and chest X-ray (yearly), and total-body iodine scintigraphy (2-yearly). If these furnish positive results, further examinations may be indicated. In suspected relapses of hTG non-producing and iodine non-accumulating papillary carcinomas, 201thallium chloride or 99mTc-sesta-MIBI (methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile) scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography with 18fluoro-deoxyglucose or 11C-methionine may be of help. For estimation of the prognosis (cause-specific survival) of the patients, the MACIS score system of the Mayo Clinic is widely accepted, the patients being divided into low-risk and intermediate/high-risk categories. The recommended standard surgical intervention is near-total thyroidectomy (2-4 g residual glandular tissue left at the upper pole of the less-involved lobe), with a central cervical lymph node dissection for diagnostic purposes. In cases of lymph node dissemination, dissection (radical, modified radical, selective or microdissection) of any of the involved compartments (central, right or left cervical, or upper mediastinal) is indicated for therapeutic reasons, the method of which is depending on the extent of the metastatic involvement. Following adequate surgical intervention, no adjuvant radioiodine therapy is indicated for low-risk cases with a tumour of less than 1 cm diameter. For other low-risk or intermediate/high-risk patients, radioiodine ablation (R0N0M0) or a therapeutic radioiodine dosage (R2N1M1) is indicated. In cases at high-risk of local/regional relapse and in radioiodine non-accumulating tumorous cases, external radiotherapy may be applied. Thyroid hormone medication in a TSH suppressive dose is indicated during the first 5 postsurgical years: the goal is to achieve a TSH level below 0.1 (determined by a 3rd generation assay). If no relapse occurs or the case is a low-risk one, following the 5 years, it is enough to maintain the TSH level in a subnormal range (0.1-0.3).

A total of 399 positron emission tomography (PET) examinations were carried out with a GE 4096 Plus PET scanner during the past 5 years on patients referred to the National Institute of Oncology in Budapest. The majority (n = 316) of these investigations were performed with the use of [18F]-fluorodezoxyglucose (FDG) to map the glucose metabolism; [11C]-methionine PET was indicated in 79 cases to detect protein transport and metabolism. The perfusion tracer [15O]-butanol was applied in only 4 cases to answer certain oncology-related, differential diagnostic questions. The oncological examinations were related to primary diagnostics, staging/restaging and therapy monitoring. In the staging/restaging and therapy monitoring of known tumours, conclusive results were achieved in 81-82% of the cases by using either FDG or [11C]-methionine as tracer. The concordant numerical data indicated that the PET investigation provides a definite answer to the question of the presence or absence of viable tumour tissue, with similar effectivity in any of the above indications, no matter whether FDG or [11C]-methionine is used. The search for occult primary tumours was the most frequent indication within the primary diagnostics: 10 (37%) primaries were localized by using FDG PET in the 27 investigated cases. This is a remarkably high value, especially in view of the failure of all the conventional diagnostic procedures carried out prior to the PET investigations. Application of PET may be indicated in all cases when the ultimate question is a non-invasive estimation of viable tumorous tissue.

In this study we have tried to find new prognostic markers to extend the therapeutical modalities for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. During evolution the development of the pharyngolaryngeal region differs in males and females, therefore this region can be considered as one of the target organs for sex steroids. Some of the tumours, originating from this area, contain hormone receptors that theoretically makes them susceptible for hormone therapy. Therefore the real concentration of steroid receptors is of great clinical importance. We determined the estradiol, progesterone and testosterone receptor content using biochemical method in tumour tissue of 33 male patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The receptors in the macroscopically intact mucosa in 15 of all tumour cases were also measured. The patients were followed for 18-24 month after operation and postoperative irradiation performed according to the protocol of the Head and Neck Surgery department. There were 26/33 (79%) estradiol receptor positive, 14/33 (42%) progesterone receptor positive and 18/30 (60%) testosterone receptor positive cases among the tumour samples. The healthy mucosa samples were positive in 6/15 (40%), 2/15 (13%) and 3/15 (20%) of cases, respectively. The differences in proportion of positive status between tumour and healthy mucosa was statistically significant. We established that during the control period the highest rate of the tumour-free survival was in the estradiol receptor positive, progesterone receptor negative group. Consequently the steroid receptor status of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas might help in assessing the prognosis of survival, and in possible choice for endocrine treatment, in order to complete the complex tumour therapy.

In 1993, 181 new cases (36 men and 145 women) of thyroid cancer were diagnosed pathologically in Hungary, i.e. a morbidity of 1.8/100,000 for the total population, and of 0.7/100,000 and 2.7/100,000 for men and women, respectively. The distribution of the histological diagnoses: 61% papillary, 25% follicular, 5% medullary and 3% anaplastic carcinomas, and 6% others. In the same year, 125 patients (31 men and 94 women) died from thyroid cancer, i.e. a mortality rate of 1.2/100,000 for the total population, and of 0.6/100,000 and 1.8/100,000 for men and women, respectively. The relatively low morbidity reflects the fact that no new strong aetiological factor is operative in Hungary. The substantial mortality rate, however, is influenced by the geographically determined aggressivity of the disease, the inadequacy of the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic measures, and lack of the active follow-up. The latter facts are especially prominent in centres with a low patient turnover. In the field of health care, various measures must be introduced to prevent an increase in the morbidity and to diminish the mortality. Reduction of the iodine deficiency, rationalization of the medical use of ionizing irradiation, and implementation of the necessary hormonal medication for all patients operated by resection for thyroid diseases are needed for tumour prophylaxis. Before any medical decision-making, the achievement of complete diagnostic information, including the pathological revision of clinically questionable cases, is of paramount importance. The fundamental goals as concerns the treatment modalities are as follows: increased surgical skill and level of performance of external irradiation, the availability of radionuclide therapy, and guidance of all types of thyroxine medication by endocrine experts.

The authors report on a new way of stoma care that to their best knowledge has not been used yet in head and neck surgery patients. Their cases demonstrate the usefulness of this method for the rehabilitation of patients with pharyngeal stoma of any origin.

Authors are the first in Hungary to report on a CO2-laser dermabration performed for the treatment of rhinophyma. They describe the mode and results of the laser intervention justifying the application of the CO2-laser.