Expression of p63 and its Isoform, deltaNp63, in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been conducted on the role of the p63 gene family in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the role of these genes in the development and progression of NSCLC remains controversial. This study was designed to examine the expression and clinicopathologic significance of the p63 family in NSCLC. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 92 cases of NSCLC (47 squamous cell carcinomas [SqCCs] and 45 adenocarcinomas [ACs]) using tissue microarray blocks. The results were analyzed and correlated with clinicopathologic data. RESULTS: The expression of delta Np63 (Delta Np63) was elevated in SqCC (39/47), but not in AC (2/45; p<0.01). Both p63 and Delta Np63 had high expression in 39 SqCCs; p63 and Delta Np63 also had a similar geomorphologic distribution in most positive tumors. The expression of Delta Np63 was correlated with histologic type, gender, pT stage, p53 expression, and p63 expression. pT and pN stages were independent factors in survival (p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The major p63 isoform in NSCLC, Delta Np63, had a strong correlation with p53 and p63, and was exclusively expressed in SqCC. However, our findings suggest that Delta Np63 was not an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Palpable Lymph Nodes: A Single Institutional Experience of 1,346 Cases / 대한세포병리학회지

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the assessment of palpable enlarged lymph nodes. The authors reviewed the results of 1,346 FNACs of palpable enlarged lymph nodes performed at Pusan National University Hospital from 1998 to 2004. Of the 1,346 cases, 1,265 (94.0%) were satisfactory and 81 (6.0%) unsatisfactory. Cytologic diagnoses were judged in 488 cases, based on subsequent histologic diagnoses, clinical follow up, or both. Global results for all malignancies (lymphoid and non-lymphoid neoplasms) based on cases with final diagnoses, showed a sensitivity of 87.4% and a specificity of 98.7%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93.2%, and the false negative rate reduced from 12.6% to 7.3% when lymphomatous cases were excluded. The annual data for this period showed that the number of diagnostic lymph node biopsies and the rate of inadequately sampled material markedly decreased. Gene rearrangement studies for IgH and TCR gamma were helful in 30 cases. FNAC is a useful initial diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of palpable enlarged lymph nodes. However, the technique should be assisted by the appropriate ancillary studies and by proper interpretation by a cytopathologist.

A Case of Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of Pelvic cavity / 대한산부인과학회지

Chondrosarcoma is an extremely rare cause of pelvic mass mimicking ovarian carcinoma. Imaging techniques, even CT and MRI, failed to define the exact origin of the tumor. These findings as well as the elevated CA-125 level naturally resulted in a preoperative diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Surgical removal is the most important treatment of choice for chondrosarcoma. We experienced a case of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of pelvic cavity in a 45-year-old patient, who presented with abdominal distension and lower abdominal palpable mass, and reported it with a brief review of literatures.

A Case of Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the Ovary / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ovary is a rare ovarian malignancy. Previous reports of ovarian non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have included both primary and secondary cases, because exactly defined criteria was not available. Ovarian lymphoma has been reported poor prognosis. However, true primary ovarian lymphoma shows a favorable prognosis. We experienced a case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ovary in a 34-year-old patient, who presented with abdominal distension and abdominal pain, and reported it with a brief review of literatures.