Correlation between lymphatic vessel density and microvessel density in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm, known for its propensity to early metastatic spread, via lymphatic as well as blood vessels. Tumor progression to an aggressive phenotype is associated with angiogenesis. Tumor lymphangiogenesis may represent a marker for assessing the risk of metastasis in the regional lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the lymphatic vessel density in peritumoral and intratumoral areas compared to overall microvessel density in 12 cases of malignant melanoma of the face. All cases were primary invasive melanomas, with a Clark level of invasion III and IV. Lymphatic vessels were marked with D2-40 murine monoclonal antibody and their density evaluated through hot-spot method by examination on optic microscopy (200×). Overall microvessel density was assessed using the same method, vascular endothelial cells being visualized using CD31 monoclonal antibody. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS 17.0 software package (Pearson correlation test and Student's t-test). RESULTS: The disposition and aspect of the lymphatic vessels were different in peritumoral and intratumoral areas. Thus, in peritumoral areas lymphatics were generally regular, large, dilated vessels whereas intratumoral lymphatic vessels were smaller, with an irregular lumen. Lymphatic vessel density was generally higher in peritumoral areas. Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density was lower, but significantly correlated to overall microvessel density in these areas. Overall microvessels density was increased in thick cutaneous melanoma. Vessels in the peritumoral areas were larger and more numerous compared to those found in normal tissue. In cases with a dense peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate, we found the highest vascular density. Intratumoral angiogenesis was moderate in most cases, with irregular, smaller or collapsed vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the lymphatic vessel density may prove to be useful for the prognostic assessment in malignant melanoma, as it may predict the patients with a risk of developing lymph node metastasis.

T-cell primary cutaneous lymphomas. A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Within the large framework of the lymphoproliferative diseases, the primary cutaneous lymphomas are distinct pathologic conditions, defined by particular morphologic, immunologic, genetic, and clinic criteria. The study aimed to create the first clinicopathological and immunohistochemical profile of primary cutaneous lymphoma for a Romanian region. We investigated a series of 16 cases (diagnosed during a 5-year period) in accordance with the general principles of primary cutaneous lymphoma management. The methods included the clinic and morphologic exams, the latter relying on standard and immunohistochemical staining. The results revealed that all studied cases were T-type lymphomas, in terms of the WHO-EORTC classification. Most of these cases were diagnosed as mycosis fungoides; the group also included cases of Sezary syndrome, as well as rare entities such as: mycosis fungoides associated with follicular mucinosis and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. Our discussions focused on the role of the clinicopathological assessment for the primary cutaneous lymphoma diagnosis and emphasized the importance of the immunohistochemical investigation. Compared with the previous Romanian researches on this topic, presenting only isolated cases, the current study develops a new level of analysis, based on the rigorous monitoring of a relatively large geographical area, for a long time horizon.

[Quantitative histopathological criteria in predicting the giant bone cell tumors's grading]. / Criterii histopatologice cantitative de apreciere a încadrarii tumorilor osoase cu celule gigante.

The giant bone cell tumour is a benign osteolitical tumour of spongious tissue. The evolving characters claimed the identification of the high-risk tumours for improving the prognostics. There were used samples of primitive tumours from 69 patients, paraffin included and coloured H&E and then examined with interactive digital video software. The quantitative standard measurements of giant cells (aria, perimeter and diameter), stereology (percentual volumes of cells, blood vessels and stroma) and proliferative activity assessment were made on the representative sections. The dimensions of the giant cells are higher in the Grade I and are lower in Grade II and III, with a dimensional variability. Bone giant cell tumours with mitotic rate less 1/mm2 were exclusively nonaggressive. Quantitative studies reveal the morphopathological changing specific for the grading and evolving forms of giant bone cell tumours. The stereology and mitotic activity index are essential predictive indicators and may be used in early detection of agressiveness and malignancy.