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We report the case of an otherwise healthy 67-year-old woman who presented with bilateral breast masses and calcifications. Bilateral mammary biopsies showed infiltration by monoclonal neoplastic plasma cells and diffuse osseous metaplasia. Congo red stains and immunohistochemistry showed amyloid deposits. This case illustrates why multiple myeloma should be kept in mind in the diagnosis of mammary calcifications.

Tubular carcinoma (TC) is a distinctive type of grade I (G1) ductal carcinoma with particularly favourable outcome and low rate of axillary metastases. To the best of our knowledge, few data are available in the literature concerning the expression of molecules mediating intercellular and cell-matrix interactions in TC. We examined with immunohistochemical methods the expression of galectin 3 and cathepsin D in 17 TC and in 33, 31 and 28 ductal carcinomas of G1, grade II (G2) and grade III (G3), respectively. Results were compared using Chi-square test. Galectin 3 expression was higher in TC than in G1 carcinomas (p<0.05). The pattern of immunostaining was also different with a focal cytoplasmic apical reinforcement in TC. However, cathepsin D stromal and epithelial expression was similar in TC and G1 cases (p>0.05), and lower than in G2 and G3 patients at a stromal level. The higher expression of galectin 3 in TC and its focal staining (apical) pattern suggests that within the group of G1 carcinomas, galectin 3 expression varies according to histological type, and may correlate with prognosis and metastatic potential. We also suggest that cathepsin D could not be involved in neoplastic progression and metastasis in low-grade (G1) ductal breast carcinomas.

With the introduction of mammographic screening, columnar cell lesions (CCLs) are observed more and more frequently because they are often associated with microcalcifications. Until now, the proliferative activity of these lesions has not been previously evaluated. Ki67 index was performed by immunohistochemistry in CCLs without atypia [columnar cell change (CCC) n = 20 and columnar cell hyperplasia without atypia (CCH without atypia) n = 20], flat epithelial atypia (FEA DIN1A n = 20), low-grade intraductal carcinoma (DIN1C n = 20), high-grade intraductal carcinoma (DIN 2-3 n = 20). Adjacent terminal duct-lobular unit (TDLU) of normal breast tissue served as control. Ki-67 index is extremely low and close in CCLs without atypia (CCC mean 0.1% and CCH mean 0.76%) and paradoxically is lower than in normal TDLU (mean 2.4%) (p < 0.001). In the FEA, in comparison with normal TDLU and CCLs without atypia, the Ki67 is higher (mean 8.2%) (p < 0.001) but extremely close to those of DIN1C (mean 8.9%) (p = 0.6 NS). Lastly, the Ki67 index is higher in DIN 2-3 (mean 25.4%) than in CCLs without atypia and FEA (p < 0.001). CCLs are disparate lesions having in common cells with columnar configuration but different proliferative characteristics. These data represent findings of biological interest which could help us to better understand these controversial lesions.

Tubular carcinoma (TC) of the breast is an uncommon variant of ductal carcinoma, which has an extremely low metastatic potential and an excellent prognosis. Studies concerning the vascular and lymph vessel status in TC are not numerous and hampered by a lack of specific markers. We immunohistochemically analysed the expression of CD31 and D2-40 antibodies in 15 TC measuring less than 2cm in diameter. We compared the results with those observed in 30 low-grade ductal breast carcinomas (LGDC) of no specific type with similar dimensions. Neither microvascular density (MVD) nor lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was statistically different in the groups: MVD was 26.5+/-28.2 and 32.1+/-17.9 vessels/mm(2) in TC and LGDC, respectively (P=0.08). LVD, low in both tumour types, was 0.5+/-0.3 and 0.6+/-0.4 vessels/mm(2), respectively (P>0.1). These data suggest that the favourable prognosis and the low rate of lymph node metastases in TC are not explained by lymphangiogenetic and angiogenetic potential and are supported by recent analyses in the literature.

Background: To analyze the expression of laminin-5 gamma 2 chain, a protein which plays a major role in keratinocyte migration, in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and invasive cervical carcinoma associated with high-risk oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs)., Material and Methods: The expression of laminin-5 gamma 2 chain protein has been analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 17 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL-CIN1), 35 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL-CIN2/3), 18 microinvasive or invasive carcinomas, and three metastatic lymph nodes. All these lesions have been proved to contain HR-HPVs and were also positive for p16 protein which classically is overexpressed at all stages of cervical neoplasia and dysplasia linked with HR-HPVs. 20 cases of normal cervix served as controls., Results: The expression of laminin-5 gamma 2 chain protein was observed in 100% of invasive or microinvasive carcinoma and in their related lymph node metastasis with an immunoreactivity located preferentially at the invasive front of the lesions. All the HSILs (100%) associated with invasive carcinoma were also positive. In contrast, in HSILs without associated invasive component, the expression of the protein has been found in only 34% of cases. In positive HSILs, laminin-5 gamma 2 protein was expressed in basal layers. In LSILs and normal epithelium, no expression of the protein was noted., Conclusions: We conclude the following: (i) the expression of laminin-5 gamma 2 is a late event in cervical carcinogenesis increasing with the grade of dysplastic lesions; (ii) laminin-5 gamma 2 expression facilitates the identification of invasive and microinvasive lesions which could be difficult to diagnose on the basis of routine stains; (iii) laminin-5 gamma 2 expression in HSILs could potentially identify those lesions with a more increased risk of tumor progression.

This histopathological study analyzes placentas of babies congenitally infected with T. cruzi (M+B+), or babies not infected but born from infected- (M+B-), or non infected-mothers (M-B-). Placentas M+B+ showed lesions of chorionitis, chorioamnionitis and cord edema with lymphocyte infiltration, whereas such lesions were infiltrated only with polymorphonuclear cells in M+B- and M-B- placentas. Parasites were found in M+B+ placentas, in fibroblasts and macrophages of chorion, membranes, chorionic plate, mainly in the area of membrane insertion, as well as in cells of Wharton jelly and myocytes of umbilical cord vessels. These results suggest that the materno-fetal transmission of parasites occurs mainly through the marginal sinus, spreading into the chorionic plate infecting fibroblasts and macrophages so far as to found a fetal vessel, inducing a fetal infection by hematogenous route.

Aims: To study and compare the expression of p63 protein and smooth muscle actin in breast tubular carcinoma (TC) and its main differential diagnoses, radial scar (RS)/complex sclerosing lesion (CSL)., Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry techniques were used to search for p63 protein and smooth muscle actin antibodies in 10 patients with TC and fifteen with RS/CSL., Results: Myoepythelial cells were diffusely positive for both actin and p63 protein with a cytoplasmic (actin) or nuclear (p63) pattern in all patients with RS/CSL. Inversely, all TC were negative for p63. Actin antibodies failed to label myoepithelial cells in TC, but both vessels and stromal myoblasts were actin-positive, creating difficult interpretation situations. By contrast, p63 was consistently negative in these structures., Conclusion: For the differential diagnosis between TG and CR/LSC, smooth muscle actin and p63 protein demonstrate equivalent sensitivity for the detection of myoepithelial cells. However, the nuclear pattern of p63 labeling gives a "cleaner" stain. In addition, p63 enables distinction between myoepithelial cells and myofibroblasts/vascular smooth muscle cells, offering increased specificity.

Hamartoma is a rare, non-neoplastic tumor characterized by an abnormal mixture of tissues, which are indigenous to the region. They are rare in the nasal cavity. We report a 79-year-old woman with an adenomatoid hamartoma in the left nasal cavity associated with nasal polyposis. This association supports the hypothesis that inflammation is one of the factors that induce the development of a hamartoma. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to completely remove it, and this lesion was found to have arisen from the lateral nasal wall. It is an unusual localization because the most common site in the nasal cavity is the nasal septum, particularly the posterior aspect. Limited but complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Although adenomatoid hamartoma arising from the sinonasal tract is very rare, head and neck surgeons should be aware of this pathological entity as a differential diagnosis for inverted papilloma and adenocarcinoma. Misinterpretation of these lesions as a true neoplasm may result in unnecessarily aggressive surgery for this benign lesion.

Mucormycosis is a rare disorder with a potentially lethal course caused by an opportunistic fungus of the Phycomycetes family. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is an acute fulminant form of invasive fungal sinusitis occurring principally in individuals who are immunologically or metabolically compromised. This form originates from one of the paranasal sinuses and may spread to the orbit or the intracranial space either by direct extension or using the unique capability of spreading along vascular walls, leaving the bony structure intact. Carotid artery occlusion is a complication of RCM. Because of the rapidity with which this disease progresses, prompt and aggressive therapy is essential. The morbidity and mortality of this disease are directly related to the length of time before diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is difficult because invasive mucormycosis may be present with no mucosal changes and a normal sinus CT scan. It is a histological diagnosis. Treatment of RCM includes early diagnosis, correction of underlying conditions, early and radical surgical debridement, and lipid formulation of amphotericin B. Multiple surgeries are often necessary for adequate debridement. We report a case of carotid artery occlusion due to RCM and discuss the literature on its early signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatment options.

This paper describes the case of a young man who presented with a mass in the left side of his neck. Surgical excision revealed an ectopic thymic cyst. Thymic cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in children. The authors review the embryology, diagnosis, and management of this pathology., (Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.))