Differential expression of PIWIL2 in papillary thyroid cancers.

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy and a leading cause of death among endocrine organ-related cancers. Similar to other types of cancers, early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is important to increase the survival and treatment of this disease. Several immunohistochemical markers are used in the differential diagnosis of thyroid papillary carcinoma. Also, increasing evidence indicates that P-element induced wimpy testis like 2 (PIWIL2) is an RNA-binding protein involved in the induction and progression of numerous types of human malignancies such as lung, breast, colon, prostate and cervix cancers. However, the role of PIWIL2 was poorly investigated in thyroid cancers. Accordingly, aim of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between PIWIL2 and thyroid cancers. The expression level of PIWIL2 was determined by analyzing both protein and mRNA levels in papillary and micropapillary carcinoma tissues by using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR methods, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis of HBME-1, galectin-3 and CK-19 was also performed. Similar to other immune markers of HBME-1, galectin-3 and CK-19, protein expression levels of PIWIL2 was significantly up-regulated in both papillary and micropapillary thyroid cancers (p < 0.01). Moreover, consistent with protein expression levels, mRNA expression levels of PIWIL2 was elevated in both papillary and micropapillary thyroid cancer tissues. Yet, mRNA expression changes were statistically insignificant. In conclusion, results of the current study suggest that PIWIL2 can be involved in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis and can be used as a novel predictive biomarker and/or therapeutic target.

Sphincter-Sparing Excision and Reconstruction Using Facial Artery Perforator Flaps for Lower Lip Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This article discusses the results of orbicularis oris muscle-sparing surgery and reconstruction of defects through the use of facial artery perforator flaps and mucosal advancement flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with lower lip carcinoma were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who underwent reconstruction with facial artery perforator flaps and mucosal advancement flaps with clear surgical margins and no muscle invasion were included in this study. Frozen section examinations were performed intraoperatively. Patients with muscle invasion were excluded. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2015, 42 patients were treated by the described method. Supraomohyoid lymph node dissections were performed in patients whose ultrasonography had detected suspicious lymph nodes (n = 4). No metastases were identified on pathologic examination of the lymph nodes, and no local or distant recurrences were seen during a mean follow-up time of 58.4 months (range, 16 to 82 months). CONCLUSIONS: The value of resecting the orbicularis oris muscle in cases in which there has been no muscle invasion is an ongoing subject of debate among surgeons. Preserving the muscle means preserving the function, and this is the main purpose of reconstruction. Using facial artery perforator flaps for reconstruction ensures good esthetic results while also maintaining the maximum oral opening. Sphincter-sparing excision and reconstruction with facial artery perforator flaps comprise a safe and reliable treatment method for selected cases involving lower lip carcinomas.

Storiform-pleomorphic type of multifocal malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND: We present the extremely rare case of a 67-year-old male with malignant fibrous histiocytoma, arising in the lumbar spine, demonstrated with radiological and pathological studies. CASE REPORT: The patient and his relatives refused open surgical approach and we performed transpedicular vertebral corpus biopsy and vertebroplasty under spinal anesthesia. His pathological result was malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The spine is a very uncommon site for malignant fibrous histiocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: The management of malignant fibrous histiocytoma relies on the combination of maximum decompression surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Total removal is unrealistic and diagnosis is difficult. The prognosis in terms of continuing neurological deficit after surgery appears to be poor.