Comparison of Unsatisfactory Samples from Conventional Smear versus Liquid-Based Cytology in Uterine Cervical Cancer Screening Test

BACKGROUND: Cervical cytology for uterine cervical cancer screening has transitioned from conventional smear (CS) to liquid-based cytology (LBC), which has many advantages. The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of unsatisfactory specimens from CS versus LBC at multiple institutions including general hospitals and commercial laboratories. METHODS: Each participating institution provided a minimum of 500 Papanicolaou (Pap) test results for analysis. Pap tests were classified according to the participating institution (commercial laboratory or general hospital) and the processing method (CS, ThinPrep, SurePath, or CellPrep). The causes of unsatisfactory results were classified as technical problems, scant cellularity, or complete obscuring factors. RESULTS: A total of 38,956 Pap test results from eight general hospitals and three commercial laboratories were analyzed. The mean unsatisfactory rate of LBC was significantly lower than that of CS (1.26% and 3.31%, p = .018). In the LBC method, samples from general hospitals had lower unsatisfactory rates than those from commercial laboratories (0.65% vs 2.89%, p = .006). The reasons for unsatisfactory results were heterogeneous in CS. On the other hand, 66.2% of unsatisfactory results in LBC were due to the scant cellularity. CONCLUSIONS: Unsatisfactory rate of cervical cancer screening test results varies according to the institution and the processing method. LBC has a significantly lower unsatisfactory rate than CS.

A Case of Pure Dysgerminoma with Syncytiotrophoblastic Giant Cell Secreating HCG / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Dysgerminoma is accounting for only 1-3% of all ovarian cancers and about 30-40% of all ovarian germ cell malignant tumors. Elevated serum or urine levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) occurs in about 2% of non-pregnant patients with dysgerminoma, and usually result in hormonal manifestations, mimicking an ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. We experienced one case of dysgerminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cell and report this case with a brief review of literatures.

Prevalence and Clinicopathologic Features of Mucinous Cystic Tumor and Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumor of Pancreas in Korea

BACKGROUND: Mucin producing cystic neoplasms, such as mucinous cystic tumor (MCT) and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas, are uncommon but become increasing in their incidences. The pathologic classification and biologic potential of these neoplasmsremain the subject of controversy. METHODS: The Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics of 85 casesof MCT and 72 cases of IPMT and examined the expression patterns of p53, CEA and MUC1. RESULTS: IPMT was located largely in the head, and showed connection with the main pancreatic duct (MPD, 68.1%), no ovarian-like stroma (0/72), and presence of intervening intratumoralnormal or atrophic parenchyma. On the other hand, MCT was located largely in thetail (73%), and showed common ovarian-like stroma (66/80), rare connection with the MPD(7/85) and no intervening pancreatic parenchyma. CEA and p53 immunoexpressions weresignificantly increased from adenoma through borderline to carcinoma, but MUC 1 was expressedonly in the invasive carcinoma among cases of MCT and IPMT. CONCLUSIONS: The tumorlocation, ovarian-like stroma, connection with the MPD and intratumoral intervening nonneoplastictissue were helpful in the differential diagnosis between IPMT and MCT. CEA and p53expressions can be indicators of malignancy, while MUC 1 expression can indicate invasion.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Microvessel Density and Prognosis in Epithelial Ovarian Tumors / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: It is still unclear whether angiogenic potential, which is believed to be a prerequisite for tumor development, is an important prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma. The current study was designed to examine the relationship among Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, angiogenesis in ovarian neoplasms and clinicopathological prognostic variables. METHODS: A according to the WHO classification and FIGO staging epithelial ovarian carcinoma was classified. Microvessel density and VEGF status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 77 epithelial ovarian carcinomas. RESULTS: Positive immunostaining for VEGF was observed in 92.6% (50 out of 54) of ovarian carcinomas, which was significantly higher than that of low malignant potential (LMP) tumors (12 out of 23; 52.2%) (p<0.001). In ovarian carcinomas, positive VEGF immunostaining was also observed more frequently, even though not significantly, in tumor of elder age group (more than 60 years) (p=0.05) and less differentiated (p=0.05). CD34 immunostaining revealed increased microvessel density in ovarian carcinomas larger than 10 cm in size (p=0.029) and in mucinous type tumors (p=0.025). Microvessel counts of epithelial ovarian carcinomas examined were not correlated with VEGF expression. Histologic type (p=0.0428), differentiation (p=0.0083) and FIGO stage (p=0.0004) also influenced overall survival of ovarian carcinomas in univariate analysis. But multivariate analysis revealed that disease stage was the only significant and independent prognostic factor of ovarian carcinomas (p=0.001). In advanced ovarian tumors (stage III/IV), microvessel density was the only significant prognostic factor (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the expression of VEGF could be used as an adjuvant indicator of differing borderline tumor from ovarian carcinoma. And microvessel density of advanced ovarian carcinoma may enhance the predictability of patient at high risk for tumor progression who are potential candidate for further aggressive therapy.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Associated with Mixed Lobular and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Case Report

Mixed lobular and ductal carcinoma in situ is very rare. We recently experienced a case of invasive lobular carcinoma associated with mixed lobular and ductal carcinoma in situ in a 50-year-old female. The infiltrating portions of lobular carcinoma revealed thread-like strands of tumor cells. Lobular carcinoma in situ with pagetoid spread into the ducts and ductal carcinoma in situ of the predominantly papillary type were also noted in the same mass.

Recurrent Malignant Phyllodes Tumor with Liposarcoma

Phyllodes tumors are an uncommon mammary tumors composed of benign epithelial elements and cellular, spindle cell stroma. Adipose differentiation is an uncommon stromal alteration in phyllodes tumors. Herein, a case of recurrent phyllodes tumors with liposarcomatous stroma is described. A 30-year-old female presented with a left breast mass. Histologic examination showed a phyllodes tumor with low-grade malignant potential exhibiting a few mitoses and moderate cellularity. It also contained mature adipose tissue as well as a well-differentiated liposarcomatous area. This tumor recurred 43 months later. The recurrent tumor had a higher cellular density and more mitoses than the primary tumor.

Mucocele-Like Tumor of the Breast Associated with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Mucinous Carcinoma : A Case Report

Mucocele-like tumor (MLT) of the breast is a rare neoplasm. Although this lesion was considered benign when first described, the concept of a pathologic continuum with mucinous carcinoma was evident in subsequent reports. Only a few cases of MLT have been reported in Korea. We describe a case of MLT associated with ductal carcinoma in situ and mucinous carcinoma in a 34-yr-old female. Histological examination showed multiple mucus-filled cysts of varying size. Extravasated mucin was present in the surrounding stroma. The lining of the cysts in most areas were of flat or cuboidal epithelium and devoid of cellular atypia. The lining epithelium showed proliferative change ranging from atypical ductal hyperplasia to ductal carcinoma in situ, micropapillary type. A microscopic focus of mucinous carcinoma within MLT was also noted. None of the lesions exhibited epithelial reactivity for p53 protein. The patient is alive and well without evidence of disease 54 months after initial treatment. This case supports the concept that MLT encompasses a spectrum of pathologic lesions including benign tumor, atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, and mucinous carcinoma.

Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Correlation to Apoptosis Related Genes and Cell Proliferation, and Its Prognostic Significance / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic role of apoptosis and to evaluate the relationship between apoptosis and apoptosis-related genes, as well as cell proliferation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptosis was detected by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique in 67 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded RCC specimens. Immunohistochemical stainings for p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were also conducted simultaneously. RESULTS: The apoptotic index (AI) varied from 0.2% to 25.5%. The PCNA index (PI) ranged from 2.1% to 70.3%. The expression of p53 protein was found in 31 of 67 (46.3%) cases. Abnormal expression of Rb was seen in 23 of 67 (34.3%) cases. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between AI and increasingnuclear grade (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between AI and PI (r=0.329, p<0.01). When comparing the AI with the expression of p53 and Rb proteins, there was no significant difference. In univariate survival analysis, nuclear grade, TNM stage, PI, expression of Rb and AI were significantly associated with shortened survival. However, TNM stage was the only independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that apoptosis in RCC is closely associated with cell proliferation, but not with the expression of p53 and Rb proteins. In multivariate analysis, the AI does not carry an independent prognostic significance.

Fibroadenoma with Formation of Epidermal Cyst: A case report

Epidermal cyst in the fibroadenoma of the breast is very rare. A 29-year-old woman presented with a lump in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Clinically it was a fibroadenoma and the excisional specimen showed an encapsulated, firm lobulated lesion with a cystic area on cut surface. The cystic area showed squamous metaplasia of the ductal epithelium and keratinous cyst formation in the fibroadenoma. We report this unusual case with review of literatures.

Pseudosarcomatous Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast with Extensive Cystic Change: A case report

Metaplastic carcinomas (carcinomas with metaplasia) of the breast are difficult to accurately diagnose and classify because of their rarity and varied histologic patterns. Cystic change can be encountered in mammary carcinoma, especially in carcinoma with squamous metaplasia, but are rare in pseudosarcomatous metaplastic carcinoma. We recently experienced a case of pseduosarcomatous metaplastic carcinoma in a 69-year-old female who had an extensive cystic change in radiologic and histopathologic findings. The precise cell type that gives rise to metaplastic carcinomas remains uncertain. Immunohistochemical findings raised the possibility of the myoepithelial nature of the tumor.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression and Cell Proliferation in Renal Cell Carcinoma

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein whose expression is a possible cause of increased tumor cell proliferation and has recently been proposed as a prognostic parameter in some tumors. Expression of EGFR was studied immunohistochemically in 62 cases of human renal cell carcinomas to evaluate their possible prognostic roles. We also examined the correlation between EGFR expression and cell proliferation by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Fifty-six cases (90.3%) expressed EGFR, with staining largely confined to the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Staining intensity of EGFR was directly correlated with nuclear grade (p=0.000) and TNM stage (p=0.015). PCNA index was significantly higher in EGFR-positive tumors than in EGFR- negative tumors. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between PCNA index and increasing staining intensity of EGFR (p=0.000). In univariate survival analysis, EGFR expression was significantly associated with shortened survival. However, EGFR expression was not an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that EGFR expression may be an important cause of tumor cell proliferation in renal cell carcinoma and further studies are needed to evaluate whether EGFR expression analysis provides independent prognostic information.

Detection of Mycobactrium tuberculosis by in situ hybridization / 결핵

BACKGROUND: A presumptive histopathologic diagnosis of tuberculosis is commonly based on the finding of acid- fast bacilli upon microscopic examination of a diagnostic specimens. Although this traditional histochemical staining methodis satisfactory, it is time-consuming and not species-specific. For more specific assessment, in situ hybridization assay with oligonucleotide probes is introduced. METHODS: The human surgical specimens were obtained from tuberculosis patients(,)and experimental specimens were made by injecting fresh rat liver with cultured M. tuberculosis organisms into fresh rat liver. Oligonucleotide probes complementary to ribosomal RNA portion were synthesized and labeled with multiple biotin molecules. For a rapid detection, all procedures were carried out using manual capillary action technology on the Microprobe staining system. RESULTS: The in situ hybridization assay produced a positive reaction in experimental specimens (80-90% sensitivity) after pepsin- HCl pre-treatment for a good permeabilization of probes, but reliable result was not obtained from human surgical specimens. CONCLUSION: It is, therefore, suggested that biotin- labeled oligonucleotide probes have considerable potential for identification and in situ detection of M. tuberculosis but, there are some barriers to overcome for the diagnostic use of this method.

Expression of Neuron Specific Enolase, Chromogranin, and Synaptophysin in Peripheral Neuroblastic Tumors

The presence and distribution of pan-neuroendocrine markers such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin (CG), and synaptophysin (SYP) were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 15 cases of neuroblastic tumors, including four cases of neuroblastomas, six cases of ganglioneuroblastomas, and five cases of ganglioneuromas. Three cases of normal sympathetic ganglion were used for the normal control group. NSE was observed in all cases and both in ganglion cells and in neuropils. NSE was detected not only in the majority of the neuroblasts showing signs of differentiation, but also in some poorly differentiated neuroblasts. All cases of neuroblastic tumors were positive for CG, however, some variability of staining intensity and distribution patterns were noted. CG was found mainly in differentiated neuroblasts with enlarged cytoplasm and nuclei along the periphery of the perikaria, and was also found in the perinuclear regions of some undifferentiated cells. SYP was positive in 9 of 11 cases. In all of the 9 cases, SYP was detected in some differentiating neuroblasts and differentiated neuroblasts, as well as the mature ganglion cells. However, it has scarcely stained in dot or granular pattern. Two CG-negative tumors were also negative for SYP. Our data indicate that antibodies against NSE and CG are helpful as a diagnostic aid for neuroblastic tumors.

Tumor Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth of solid tumors. Microvessel counts, which represent a measure of tumor angiogenesis, have been correlated with the overall survival of patients with a variety of malignancies. However, the significance of angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma remains controversial. To determine whether angiogenesis correlates with prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma, we counted the microvessels within the primary tumors and compared their numbers with patients' prognosis. Tumor specimens from 42 patients were investigated. Microvessels were stained with anti-CD34 and anti-factor VIII-related antigen monoclonal antibodies. Significant correlation between microvessel counts for two antibodies was observed (r=0.875, p<0.01), although microvessel counts for CD34 were approximately two times higher. Microvessel counts were higher in clear cell than in non-clear cell carcinoma (p<0.05). These results suggest that immunostaining with anti-CD34 antibody may provide a more sensitive and accurate measure of tumor angiogenesis. There was no correlation between microvessel counts and nuclear grade, or TNM stage. In univariate analyses, nuclear grade and TNM stage were significantly associated with patient survival (p<0.01). But further studies on tumor angiogenesis of renal cell carcinoma are needed before it can be adopted as a prognostic marker.

Tumor Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth of solid tumors. Microvessel counts, which represent a measure of tumor angiogenesis, have been correlated with the overall survival of patients with a variety of malignancies. However, the significance of angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma remains controversial. To determine whether angiogenesis correlates with prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma, we counted the microvessels within the primary tumors and compared their numbers with patients' prognosis. Tumor specimens from 42 patients were investigated. Microvessels were stained with anti-CD34 and anti-factor VIII-related antigen monoclonal antibodies. Significant correlation between microvessel counts for two antibodies was observed (r=0.875, p<0.01), although microvessel counts for CD34 were approximately two times higher. Microvessel counts were higher in clear cell than in non-clear cell carcinoma (p<0.05). These results suggest that immunostaining with anti-CD34 antibody may provide a more sensitive and accurate measure of tumor angiogenesis. There was no correlation between microvessel counts and nuclear grade, or TNM stage. In univariate analyses, nuclear grade and TNM stage were significantly associated with patient survival (p<0.01). But further studies on tumor angiogenesis of renal cell carcinoma are needed before it can be adopted as a prognostic marker.

A Case of a Solid and Papillary Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas with Local Invasion into the Duodenum / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas is a very rare and low-grade type of malignancy, although an increasing number of cases have been reported in recent years. Patients with a solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas have a good prognosis and may be cured if the disease is diagnosed before metastasis and diffuse local invasion. A 23-year-old female who had a 4-year history of recurrent abdominal pain, was admitted due to lower abdominal pain. Incidentally a calcified, 6 4 cm sized ovoid mass was found in the right upper quadrant, from a simple abdominal X-ray. An ERCP, abdominal sonography, and CT were performed, as well as a pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Gross pathologic examination revealed a well encapsulated mass with cystic degeneration and hemorrhagic necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor had papillary fronds with a fibrovascular connective tissue core. There was focal infiltration of tumor cells into the duodenal wall and heterotropic pancreatic tissue in the submucosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for neuron-specific enolase. The patient maintained a healthy status for one year since the operation.

Extensive Condyloma Acuminatum in a NIDDM Patient / 대한피부과학회지

A 20 year old woman with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) developed an extensive warty and focally cauliflower like mass located at anogenital area. Its histopathologic study and in situ DNA hybridization revealed this lesion an ordinary condyloma acuminatum without large bulbous downward proliferation of which HPV type was 6 and/or 11. The mass lesion was successfully treated by excision and electrodesiccation under spinal anesthesia. Intermittent recurrence of several papular condylomata acuminata was observed during a follow up period of 6 months, which were easily cured by podophylline application on each occasion.

A Case of Multicystic Renal Dysplasia with Chromosomal Abnormality / 대한주산의학회잡지

Holoprosencephaly is a rare and complex malformation affecting the cleavage of the developing forebrain and is usually associated with defects of the mid Face. We have experienced a case of holoprosencephaly, diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound examination at 31 weeks of pregnancy in a 31-year-old primigravida woman. This case is characterized by holoprosencephaly, cleft palate, cleft lip, left renal aplasia and right renal hypertrophy. The chromosomal study showed a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 7, 46, XX, del(7)(q32), We report with a terminal deletion of chromosome 7q associated with atypical clinical picture and holoprosencephaly.

Expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and p53 Protein in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

p53 gene mutation is commonly accepted to be associated with loss of negative cell cycle control and progression of tumors. The proliferative activity of tumor cells is considered to be a valuable indicator of tumor aggressiveness. This study is intended to compare p53 protein expression with cell proliferation rates in the ovarian epithelial tumors according to the various clinicopathological parameters. Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal p53 antibody (DO-1) and PCNA antibody (PC10) was applied to 56 cases of ovarian epithelial tumors including 17 cases of borderline tumor. The results were as follows. Both immunohistochemical staining of PCNA and p53 protein showed positive reactions confined to the nuclei of tumor cells. There were significant differences of p53 protein expression rates between borderline malignancies (11.8%) and cystadenocarcinomas (56.4%) of ovary. The expression rate of p53 protein was not significantly different according to the differentiation and the stage, but the cases of strong positive reaction to p53 protein were more frequently noted in the poorly differentiated and advanced staged tumors. The PCNA indices of p53 strong positive cases were higher than those of p53 weak positive cases. In summary, p53 protein and PCNA expression may be used as an adjuvant in differentiating borderline lesions from carcinomas of ovary and predicting their biological behaviors.

A Study on the DNA Ploidy and Expression of c-erbB-2 Oncogen in the Ovarian Carcinomas

To evaluate the relationships among the c-erbB-2 oncogene expression, DNA ploidy and other prognostic factors, an immunohistochemical study of the c-erbB-2 oncogene product and flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy were performed in paraffin sections of 42 cases of ovarian carcinomas. The results were as follows: 1) The positive reaction for c-erbB-2 oncogene product was observed mainly along the cytoplasmic membrane, and occasionally within the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. 2) Overall the positivity of c-erbB-2 oncogene expression was 45.2% of the ovarian carcinomas. By the histological types, the positivity was 35.7% in serous carcinoma, 80.0% in mucinous carcinoma, and 45.2% in endometrioid carcinoma; by the degree of differentiation, 57.1% in well differentiated carcinoma, 40.0% in moderately differentiated, and 27.3% in poorly differentiated; by the nuclear grading, 58.3% in grade I, 52.6% in grade II, and 18.2 % in grade III; and by the clinical staging, 57.1% in stage I, 42.8% in stage II, and 35.0% in stage III. The expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene in the ovarian carcinomas was higher in the tumors of good differentiation, of the lower nuclear grade and of the lower clinical stage. 3) The incidence of DNA aneuploidy in the cases positive for the c-erbB-2 oncogene expression(47.3%) was higher than that in the negative cases(31.4%). From the above results, therefore, it is suggested that the c-erbB-2 oncogene may be involved in the early stage of ovarian carcinogenesis. Also suggested is that ovarian carcinomas positive for the c-erbB-2 oncogene in the early stages may have higher probability of having a DNA aneuploid cell line during the progress of the tumors.