Search

Background: Bladder carcinoma (BC) ranks second among the genitourinary cancers worldwide. Influence of androgens and expression of androgen receptors in neoplasms are recent findings which were implicated in the development of BC. We aimed to study androgen receptor (AR) expression in bladder urothelial neoplasms and correlate its expression with grade and stage of the tumor. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on samples collected in a tertiary care hospital over one year consisting of 71 urothelial BC and 20 non-neoplastic urothelial conditions. Two pathologists graded the IHC and nuclear staining was considered as positive expression. Results: AR was expressed in 23.9% (17/71) of bladder urothelial neoplasms. AR was expressed in 25.7% and 22.3% of high and low-grade tumors and 25% and 22.3% of non muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive BC. AR expression had no significant correlation with gender, age (> 50 years), muscle invasion or grade. AR expression was significantly absent in non-neoplastic conditions (p = 0.018). Conclusions: AR has varied expression in BC and it is relatively lower in this study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as an indicator of heightened systemic inflammatory response, predicts increased disease burden and poor oncological outcomes in urothelial carcinoma (UC). The study was undertaken with an aim to evaluate the association of NLR with clinicopathological variables and survival outcomes. A total of 80 patients of UC were enrolled in the current retrospective study. Pre-operative NLR (within one month prior to the procedure), patient age, sex, tumour grade, pathological stage, recurrence free survival (RFS), progression free survival (PFS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) were recorded. We chose a cut-off value of 2.7 for NLR and patients were divide into two groups (NLR <2.7 and ≥2.7). NLR ≥2.7 was significantly associated with advanced tumour stage (p=0.001), but not with tumour grade (p=0.116). Progression (p=0.032) and death rates (p=0.026) were high in patients with NLR ≥2.7. Mean RFS (p=0.03), PFS (p=0.04) and CSS (p=0.04) were reduced in patients with NLR ≥2.7. On univariate analysis, NLR ≥2.7 predicted worse RFS (HR=2.928, p=0.007), PFS (HR=3.180, p=0.006) and CSS (HR=3.109, p=0.016). However, it was not an independent predictor of outcomes on multivariate analysis. Tumour stage and grade are the only independent predictors of RFS, PFS and CSS. High NLR at a cut-off value of ≥2.7 is associated with advanced pathological stage, but does not have an independent predictive value for RFS, PFS and CSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ewing sarcoma is one of the rare, highly malignant neuroectodermal tumors frequently involving bones. Primary orbital Ewing sarcoma is extremely uncommon. We report a rare case of a 5-year-old boy who presented to us with a painless, slow-growing mass above the medial canthus of the left eye, the clinical appearance of which was masquerading as an internal angular dermoid. The child was subsequently diagnosed to have primary orbital Ewing sarcoma. Primary orbital Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor with poor prognosis, poses diagnostic challenges, and demands a high index of clinical suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign and malignant bone tumors arise in small bones of the hands and feet. Nevertheless, secondary deposits at these sites are extremely rare. We report a peculiar case of an adult man who presented with thumb swelling, which was later discovered to be a metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. Such cases have a sinister prognosis with a survival rate of 6-12 months from the time of diagnosis. We intend to discuss the diagnostic dilemma and treatment of acrometastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies affecting women in developing countries. Molecular studies in breast carcinoma have classified the tumour based on the immunohistochemical staining into 4 subtypes, such as Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2/neu Positive and Triple Negative Breast Carcinoma (TNBC). TNBCs have shown to have aggressive behaviour and wide metastasis, leading to selective treatment outcomes. Aim: The aim was to study the clinicopathological features such as age, site, tumour size, histopathological type, histologic grade, lymph node status, stage and treatment outcomes of triple negative breast carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 108 cases of breast carcinoma received during the period of 2 years. The tumour was classified based on immunohistochemical staining into four subtypes. The clinicopathological details, histomorphological and immunohistochemical features of TNBC were studied. Results: Of the 108 patients, 34 patients were diagnosed as TNBC. The average age at presentation was 48 years. Most of the cases showed Nottingham Modification of Scarff Bloom-Richardson (NMBR) grade 3 (55.9%) and stage II (67.6%). Lymph node metastasis was seen in 50% of cases. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (not otherwise specified) type (91.2%) was the most common histological type. Among the other subtypes, Luminal A carcinoma was the most common (36.1%), followed by TNBC (31.5%) and HER2/neu positive carcinomas (28.7%). Compared to the other types of tumours, TNBC showed the most frequent distant lymph node metastasis (50%) when compared to luminal A (38.5%), luminal B (25%), HER2/neu positive (48.4%). Unlike the other types of tumours, TNBC were mostly high-grade. Conclusion: TNBC have shown to have aggressive behaviour compared to other subtypes with higher NMBR grade, nuclear pleomorphism, high mitotic rate and lymph node metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear cell breast carcinomas are one of the rare types of invasive carcinoma of the breast. Among them, lipid-rich variant is still rare comprising <1%. The tumor derives its name from the intracytoplasmic neutral lipid that gives the cytoplasm a vacuolated and foamy appearance. These tumors are usually hormone receptors negative and Her-2 Neu positive. Here, we report a case of lipid-rich breast carcinoma which showed hormone receptor positivity and Her-2 Neu negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are challenging injuries with multiple fixation options. Minimal invasive plating for distal tibia fracture is becoming more popular with documented good outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the functional and radiological results of fixation of distal tibia fractures with locking plates with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Materials and Methods: Fifty fractures of distal tibia without Intra-articular extension were operated with locking compression plating with MIPO technique. They were followed up at regular intervals. Functional and radiological results were evaluated at the end on one year. Results: The fractures united in 48 (96%) patients with 2 (4%) cases of delayed union which took 30 weeks of time. Postoperatively, 2 patients developed superficial skin infection, 2 patients developed deep infection and 3 patients developed ankle stiffness due to loss of postoperative protocol and 4 patients had implant failure in form of screw breakage. Good amount of range of mobility of ankle joint was present in almost all patients. Conclusion: MIPO with locking plates for distal tibia fractures is associated with good functional outcomes and is an effective treatment for distal tibia fractures. Although, a larger sample of patients and longer follow up are required to fully evaluate this method of treatment, we strongly encourage its consideration in the treatment of such complex fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of salivary glands is one of the most commonly done first line investigations in the head and neck region. Objectives: To study the cytological features of various salivary gland lesions and to correlate with histopathological diagnosis wherever possible. Materials and Methods: All the FNAC slides of salivary gland lesions received at cytology lab of a tertiary hospital for a period of 3 years that is, from January 2011 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Histopathological correlation was done for cases wherever available. Results: During the study period salivary gland FNAC was done for 100 cases. Among them, 51 (51%) were reported as nonneoplastic and 49 as neoplastic (49%). Histopathological correlation was available in 18 cases (18%). The accuracy of salivary gland cytology is 77.7% (14/18 cases). The mean age of presentation of all the salivary gland lesions ranged from 12 years to 92 years with the mean age being 47.7 years. The male:female ratio was 1.5:1. Parotid gland was involved in 74 cases and submandibular gland in 26 cases. Bilateral involvement was noted in 1 case (1%). Conclusion: Being a minimally invasive procedure, FNA of salivary glands continues to be an important diagnostic tool in the preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland lesions in spite of few pitfalls in diagnosing due to cytomorphological overlapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate functional and radiological results of internal fixation of displaced talar neck fractures. Materials and methods Twenty patients with displaced talar neck fractures who underwent surgery and fixation by cancellous screws were evaluated. Patients were evaluated by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score which is based on pain (40 points), function (50 points) and alignment (10 points) with excellent (90–100 points), good (75–89 points), fair (60–74 points) and poor scores (<60 points) and radiographically for assessment of union, osteonecrosis and osteoarthritic changes in the subtalar and ankle joint. Results Among the 20 cases, 13 cases had closed injuries and 7 had open fractures. The most common etiology of injury was road traffic accidents. The average follow up time was 28 months. Osteonecrosis was evident on follow up X-rays in 7 cases of which 2 progressed to talar dome collapse. Post traumatic arthritis was observed in 11 cases. Based on American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores, excellent result was obtained in 4 cases, good 7 cases, fair 5 cases and poor 4 cases. Conclusion Talar neck fractures are associated with high rates of morbidity and complications. Post traumatic arthritis is more common complication than osteonecrosis following surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythroderma is characterized by diffuse erythema and scaling of the skin involving more than 90% of the total body skin surface area. Drug-induced erythroderma has rarely been reported with hydroxychloroquine. We report a case of a 50-year-old female patient, with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed itchy lesions all over the body 1 month after starting treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Drug-induced erythroderma was suspected. Hydroxychloroquine was withdrawn and the patient was treated with emollients, mid-potency corticosteroids, and oral antihistamines. A biopsy was done which confirmed the diagnosis of erythroderma. She recovered with treatment and was discharged. A careful history and clinical examination to search for potential causative factors will help prevent disabling sequelae in erythroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report highlights the utility of the reticulin stain in a completely infarcted chorangioma that facilitated the diagnosis. The patient had normal spontaneous delivery with good neonatal outcome in spite of the large size of the chorangioma and the presence of hydramnios in the antenatal period which may perhaps be due to the complete infarction of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphangioma is a congenital benign tumor caused by developmental malformations of the lymphatic system. These lesions are generally recognized at birth or in early childhood. The most common location is the head and neck region. Lymphangioma of the epididymis is very unusual as its occurrence in the adult age group. The correct diagnosis is essential for proper management. We report an unusual case of epididymal lymphangioma in a 46-year-old male presenting as a painful retrotesticular mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm that is characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cell in the bone marrow along with M-protein in the serum and/or urine. Pancytopenia as a initial presentation of multiple myeloma is quite unusual. We are presenting a case series having pancytopenia as the presenting complaint. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for a period of 30 months, wherein all the cases of multiple myeloma presenting with pancytopenia were included. The complete blood picture, peripheral smear examination, bone marrow aspirate & protein electrophoresis of all the cases were reviewed & analysed. Results: During the study period, 10 cases presented with pancytopenia with a mean age of 66.3 years (range: 59-72 years) at presentation with male: female ratio being 8:2. Fatigue and weakness was the most common symptom (100%) & average ESR was 104 mm/hour. High-resolution serum electrophoresis, showed a dense, sharp to wide M band in the gamma globulin region. Bone marrow plasma cell percentage was increased with an average of 63.1%. Bone marrow biopsy correlation was obtained in 100% cases. Conclusion: Diagnosing multiple myeloma, presenting as pancytopenia requires a high degree of suspicion to avoid delay in initiation of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]