ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Biopsy is an important tool for accurate diagnosis of disease in histopathology which can be examined at multiple levels during microscopic examination. The initial sections may not be representative of the entire biopsy, which leads to frequent request for deeper sections. This study assessed the frequency and diagnostic utility of deeper sections in noncutaneous small biopsy specimens at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods. All the formalin fixed noncutaneous small biopsy specimens received were processed for grossing followed by tissue processing and embedding. The paraffin-embedded blocks were cut into 3-5 µm sections, fixed in a glass slide, deparaffinised, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain as per the standard protocol. Deeper sections were instructed based on microscopic findings of initial slides. The overall frequency of deeper section, its levels of cutting, tissue survival, and outcome were assessed and interpreted for the final diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 125 cases (26.9%) from 464 samples received were requested for deeper sections. The most frequent deeper sections were from cervix (72 cases) followed by stomach (18 cases) and endometrium (17 cases). The deeper sections were performed most frequently at 4 levels (17.8%) followed by 5 levels (14.8%) and 6 levels (13.3%). Deeper sections revealed nondiagnostic additional features in 28.2%, while 2.2% showed additional diagnostic features. Likewise, 2.2% had tissue segment loss. The overall mean level showing additional features was 6 levels. Tissue survival increased in 13% cases and 1.5% had decreased survival. The most common reason for requesting deeper section was to enhance sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Deeper sections often contribute to final diagnosis. Therefore, deeper sections on biopsies that cannot readily be diagnosed on routine levels are recommended regardless of size of the lesion and there should be uniformity in the practice of deeper sections across the globe.
ABSTRACT
Leiomyosarcoma of inferior venacava is a rare tumor. Female are most commonly affected and middle segment of inferior vena cava is the commonest site. The diagnosis can sometimes be challenging as patients present with non-specific symptoms. We present a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with pain in right hypochondrium and epigastric region since 4 months along with weight loss, anorexia and vomiting. Histopathological examination revealed a capsulated, multilobated tumor arising from muscle layer of inferior venacava with extraluminal growth pattern and tumor cells showing cytoplasmic positivity for immuno-histochemical stain smooth muscle actin. With the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of inferior venacava, excision of tumor was done with tangential excision of 4 cm length of inferior venacava with primary repair. Keywords: inferior venacava; leiomyosarcoma; smooth muscle actin.
