Association between the increase in incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Crete and exposure to radioactive agents.

The mean gamma-ray distribution in Crete during the years after the nuclear accident at Chernobyl and its correlation with the Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) distribution was identified. A total of 4285 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in our centre between 1990 and 2012. Data of gamma-ray (nSv/h) distribution were selected from the Greek Statistical Authorisation. A geo-spatial statistical model was used to estimate the expected number of patients with PTC and Kriging interpolation prediction model to estimate their distribution. Geographical weighted regression was performed to estimate the risk of PTC in relation to gamma ray distribution. All factors that were examined were found to be statistically significant for PTC distribution in Crete. Gamma-ray was determined as a significant risk factor (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.682-4.989; p value = 0.03). There is a significant correlation between gamma-ray exposure and the increased prevalence of the PTC suggesting that the former may have been a significant risk factor.

Treating medullary thyroid carcinoma in a tertiary center. Current trends and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: We present the clinical outcome and long-term survival in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma treated in a tertiary center. A thorough review of published series and current therapeutic approaches is also addressed. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. SETTING: An Academic Tertiary center. SUBJECTS/METHODS: An analysis of oncologic outcomes from 25 patients treated in our department for medullary thyroid carcinoma is performed, together with a comparison of relevant studies over the literature. RESULTS: The incidence of patients alive free of disease and the 5-year survival rate has been noticed to be slightly higher than the rate reported in most series. CONCLUSIONS: Total thyroidectomy and neck dissection remains the gold standard in the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment lead to lower rates of recurrence and invasiveness. Tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, especially vantetanib, appears to be a promising target for treatment.

Rhabdomyoma of the pyriform sinus: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Adult rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumour that arises from skeletal muscle. It is mostly found in the head and neck region, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of benign lesions. METHODS: A 62-year-old man presented with dysphagia, and flexible endoscopy revealed a submucosal mass obliterating the right pyriform sinus. Computed tomography imaging revealed that the mass was hyperattenuated and extended from the right pyriform sinus to the true vocal cord. The mass was excised transorally under general anesthesia with a carbon dioxide laser. Microscopically, the tumour demonstrated features of adult-type rhabdomyoma. RESULTS: One year after surgery, the patient had no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Rhabdomyoma is a rare neoplasm of the pyriform sinus. This entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumours in this region.

Studying the effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the central nervous system: a review of the literature and future directions.

The wide spread of mobile communication since the late 1980 s raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the human body. Most studies have focused on the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Low-energy EMFs seem to cause structural and functional changes in the cell membrane of different cell types, leading to abnormal cell response. Such changes within the central nervous system (CNS) and auditory system, which directly receive EMR during mobile phone use, are of particular interest. Various studies suggest that EMR directly affects neurons by reducing the neuronal reactivity, increasing the neural membrane conductivity and prolonging their refractory period. Furthermore, although it has been suggested that EMR is related with increased incidence of specific tumors and can interact with known carcinogenic agents, no conclusive evidence exists supporting its role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, no safe conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential harmful effects of mobile phone use. Experiments are underway by our laboratory to investigate possible effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the CNS. These along with other studies are expected to further clarify whether mobile phone use truly presents a health hazard.