Metastatic Thymic Carcinoid: Does Surgeon Have a Primary Role.

Thymic carcinoids are rare mediastinal tumours. These are aggressive tumours that often present late and have poor prognosis. Primary surgical treatment is recommended even in metastatic tumours since the role of adjuvant therapy is not well established. We present a case of metastatic thymic carcinoid managed with surgical excision.

Adenocarcinoma (somatic-type malignancy) in mature teratoma of anterior mediastinum.

Mature teratoma is a common anterior mediastinal tumour. However, occurrence of transformed malignant component within it is very rare. We report a case of a 32-year-old female presenting with dry cough and chest pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a large thin-walled cystic lesion measuring 11.4cmx10.6cmx10.0cm in the anterior mediastinum. Right postero-lateral thoracotomy was performed and the tumour was completely excised. Histopathological examination of the excised specimen was suggestive of mature teratoma with transformed malignant component, adenocarcinoma (somatic-type malignancy).

FNAC in Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Experience from a teritiary level referral centre.

Background: In developing countries like India, tuberculous lymphadenitis is one of the most common causes of lymphadenopathy. However, anti-tubercular treatment cannot be given only on clinical suspicion. Cytomorphology with acid fast staining proves to be a valuable tool in diagnosing these cases. Aims: To study the utility, limitations of fine needle aspiration cytology and various cytomorphological presentations in reference to Ziehl-Neelsen staining in tuberculous lymphadenitis. Material and Methods: In a study period of July to October 2010, three hundred and eighteen consecutive superficial lymph nodes, clinically suspected to be tuberculous were subjected to cytological evaluation with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Giemsa and Ziehl-Neelsen stained smears. In addition, demographic profile of these patients with clinical presentation was also studied. Results: Incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis was 55%. Overall AFB positivity was 71.0%. Only Necrosis without epithelioid cell granulomas was the most common cytological picture and that showed highest AFB positivity also. Threefourth of the patients presented in second to fourth decade of life. Cervical region was the most common site of involvement with solitary lymphadenopathy as the most common presentation in contrast to matted lymph nodes as reported by others. Conclusions: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, cheap procedure requiring minimal instrumentation and is highly sensitive to diagnose tuberculous lymphadenitis. The sensitivity can be further increased by complementing cytomorphology with acid fast staining. In acid fast staining negative cases, yield of acid fast bacilli positivity can be increased by doing Ziehl-Neelsen staining on second smear or decolourized smear revealing necrosis or by repeat aspiration. Microbiological assessment should also be done in such cases.

Pulmonary malakoplakia: A report of two cases.

Malakoplakia of lung is an unusual condition that has been reported to occur in association with immunocompromised state, particularly in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We present two cases of pulmonary malakoplakia in immunocompetent individuals. The diagnosis was made on histopathological examination of surgically resected specimen.

A case of Hodgkin's disease presenting as lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis.

Lymphoproliferative disorders of lung have a broad clinical and pathologic spectrum. The clinical and radiographic features are non-specific. Accurate diagnosis is required to initiate appropriate therapeutic intervention. We report a case of Hodgkin's disease mimicking lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis in a 21-year-young male.