[Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the conjunctiva: an unusual location]. / Carcinome lymphoépithélial de la conjonctive : une localisation exceptionnelle.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma is an undifferentiated carcinoma associated with a lymphocytic infiltration and constitutes a rare category of malignant neoplasms that share morphologic features with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Its pathogenic aspects remain unknown and it has been described at several sites, but it is rarely found in the conjunctiva. We report a case in a patient aged 66, revealed by a tumefaction of the internal angle of the left eye. The initial examination found a tumoral lesion in the medial canthus, extending to the medial half of the lower eyelid and a preauricular lymphadenopathy. Facial computed tomography scan showed that the lesion was responsible for an osteolysis of the medial wall of the left orbit. Histologic examination showed a proliferation of undifferentiated tumour cells with an intratumoral lymphocytic infiltrate. Immuno-histochemical evaluation led to a diagnosis of lymphoepithelial carcinoma (cytokeratin 7+, cytokeratin 20+, vimentin-). No Epstein-Barr viral genomic sequences were detected by in situ hybridization. Nasofibroscopy was normal. Treatment was a wide excision with enucleation, followed by 50 Gy external radiotherapy. After a follow-up period of 18 months, the patient was still in a situation of complete remission.

[Chondrosarcoma of the hand. Diagnostic and therapeutic discussion (three case reports)]. / Le chondrosarcome de la main. Discussion diagnostique et thérapeutique (à propos de trois cas).

Chondrosarcoma of the hand is very rare. We report three observations which enable us to make a review of its pathology. There were two men and one woman aged 72, 38 and 63 years respectively. Localisation was phalangeal in two cases and metacarpal in one case. Two cases were central and one peripheral. Radiographs were characterised by the presence of lytic areas with intralesional calcifications and soft tissue extension. Histological diagnosis was made by biopsy in two cases and after amputation of the finger for lesional spread in one case. Treatment consisted of amputation of the finger in two cases. In the case of metacarpal localisation, wide resection of two rays was followed by recurrence after ten months which required amputation of the hand. We agree with other authors who believe that chondrosarcoma in the hand is due to malignant change in a pre-existing chondroma. Conservative treatment is difficult due to the small size of the hand which allows easy spread of the tumour from compartment to compartment.

[Mammary tuberculosis: a series of 14 cases]. / Tuberculose mammaire.

OBJECTIVES: We examined cases of mammary tuberculosis in order to determine the different modes of presentation and analyze diagnostic difficulties. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 14 cases of mammary tuberculosis treated at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca over a 16 year period. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 16 to 65 years. Contact with a contaminated person was recognized in 2 cases. The predominant clinical presentation was a tumor formation (12 cases) which sometimes simulated cancer. Axillary nodes were observed in 10 cases with 1 case of fistulization. Mammography suggested cancer in 3 cases. The diagnosis of mammary tuberculosis was based on pathology findings in 14 cases (2 biopsies, 12 peroperative specimens) and isolation of bacilli from pus in one case. Medical treatment was given. Surgery was associated as needed (abscess drainage, residual lesions). Except for one death due to tuberculous meningoencephalitis, clinical course was favorable with ad integrun breast recovery. DISCUSSION: Mammary tuberculosis is uncommon and often produces a pseudoneoplastic presentation. Pathology confirmation is required for diagnosis.