Stromal microenvironment namely angiogenesis, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and matrix metalloproteinase in invasive breast carcinoma: Do they have a prognostic role?

Background: The role of stromal microenvironment in growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of breast carcinoma (BC) is being recognized increasingly, both to predict prognosis and as potential therapeutic targets. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation of angiogenesis, tumor-associated lymphocytes, and stromal CD10 expression with clinicopathologic parameters. Materials and Methods: This study included 100 consecutive cases of invasive BC undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Relevant clinical details, pathological grade, lymph nodal status, and clinical stage were noted. Paraffin-embedded sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for CD34, CD20, CD45RO, and CD10. Microvessel density (MVD), tumor-associated lymphocytes, and stromal CD10 expression were estimated from these sections. Statistical analysis was done using nonparametric tests to correlate the clinic-pathologic features with each of these parameters. Results: MVD was found to be significantly higher in Grade III, node-positive cases, and higher stage breast cancers (P < 0.05). The number of T-lymphocytes was higher in node-positive cases, while B-lymphocytes were lower in number in higher grade tumors. CD10 expression showed a significant positive association with tumor grade, nodal status, and stage (P < 0.05 for each). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that changes in stromal microenvironment of BC such as MVD, tumor-associated lymphocytes, and stromal CD10 expression correlate with the clinicopathological parameters and hence may be exploited as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets, based on further larger studies.

Ovarian fibroma with luteinized thecal cells and minor sex cord element: A rare case report.

Ovarian fibroma with minor sex cord element (MSCE) is a rare tumor. The increased estrogen production due to the presence of MSCE and/or luteinized thecal cells within fibroma can be a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma.

Giant Anterior Neck Lipoma with Bleeding Pressure Ulcer in an Elderly Man: A Rare Entity.

Giant lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors found rarely in the neck and are still rarer in the anterior part of the neck. A 70-year-old male patient was presented with a huge swelling measuring 35 cm in maximum dimension, in the front of the neck, reaching up till the umbilicus. The swelling was painless, slow growing and acquired the huge size in approximately 20 years. Ultrasound and CT scan findings were suggestive of a soft tissue lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology yielded mature adipose tissue fragments. A complete surgical removal of the mass was done which on gross examination, measured 32 cms in longest diameter and weighed 2500 grams. Diagnosis of giant anterior neck lipoma with pressure ulcer was confirmed on histopathology. We described a case of excessively large lipoma of anterior neck, which is the largest anterior neck lipoma with pressure ulcer reported till date.

Primary Pure Keratinising Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Malignancy with Aggressive Behaviour.

Primary well differentiated keratinising Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a rare gall bladder malignancy accounting for 3.3% of all gall bladder carcinomas. Here we present a case of a 70-year-old female with complaints of dyspepsia and right upper quadrant pain for 3 months. Ultrasonography showed gall stones along with thickened and irregular gall bladder wall. Grossly an exophytic growth was noted involving large part of the body of gall bladder. Histological features were of well differentiated SCC with extensive keratinisation involving full thickness of the wall. No glandular component was seen. Metastasis from other primary was ruled out after thorough work-up. SCC of gall bladder has an infiltrative growth pattern and behaves aggressively. Early diagnosis plays the most important role in increasing the survival.

Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa) of the Adrenal Gland: Report of a Rare Case Posing Diagnostic Challenge with the Role of Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis.

Histological diagnosis of adrenal tumors is often challenging as diverse groups of tumors, both primaries and metastatic, may be seen in the adrenal gland with overlapping morphological features. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays the most important role in their diagnosis. Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), a rarely reported tumor in the adrenal gland, shares many features with another rare tumor sarcomatoid adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Extensive immunohistochemical study is required to distinguish this tumor from adrenocortical carcinoma and from other morphologically similar tumors. The unique combination of immunoreactivity for melanocytic markers, such as HMB-45 and Melan A, and myogenic markers, such as smooth muscle actin, is the hallmark of PEComas biological behavior, and prognosis of malignant PEComas is yet to be fully understood. Few cases of malignant PEComa have been reported in the adrenal gland. We report a case of malignant PEComa of the adrenal gland posing diagnostic challenge and compare its morphological and immunohistochemical features with those of sarcomatoid ACC.

Unusual fungal bodies in conventional cervical smears: report of nine cases.

Candida spp have often been reported in cervical cytology, other fungal organisms are very rare in modern literature. We report nine cases of conventional cervical smears showing Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium spp in healthy immunocompetent females. Penicillium spp seen in four out of nine smears, Cladosporium spp alone in three out of nine smears, and Cladosporium spp along with Aspergillus spp in two out of nine smears. A detail of these nine cases is presented with discussion on importance of these structures when observed in conventional cervical smears. Awareness of such contaminants is important to differentiate from true infection for relevant therapeutic implications. A systematic step-wise approach to such structures is also suggested.

Cytodiagnosis of papillary carcinoma of the breast: Report of a case with histological correlation.

Papillary lesions of the breast pose diagnostic challenges on aspiration cytology due to overlapping features of benign and malignant entities. Accurate cytologic diagnosis of papillary breast carcinoma cannot usually be made pre-operatively. We present the case of an adult female who underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a left breast lump. FNA smears were highly cellular showing cohesive clusters, complex papillary fragments and few singly dispersed intact cells. The tumor cells had hyperchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli and mild nuclear pleomorphism. A cytologic impression of papillary lesion, possibly malignant (in view of high cellularity, complex papillae and single intact cells) was rendered. The lesion proved to be a papillary carcinoma with microscopic foci of stromal invasion on histologic examination. Papillary carcinoma, an uncommon subtype of breast carcinoma, should be considered while evaluating a papillary lesion with complex branching papillae containing delicate fibrovascular cores and singly lying intact atypical cells.

Detection of Abnormal Hemoglobin Variants by HPLC Method: Common Problems with Suggested Solutions.

Thalassemia and thalassemic hemoglobinopathies pose serious health problem leading to severe morbidity and mortality in Indian population. Plethora of hemoglobin variants is prevalent in multiethnic Indian population. The aim of the present study was to analyze laboratory aspects, namely, hematological profile and HPLC findings of the hemoglobin variants detected, and to discuss problems that we faced in diagnosis in a routine clinical laboratory. We screened a total of 4800 cases in a hospital based population of North India in a 2-years period of by automated HPLC method using the Variant Hemoglobin Testing System (Variant II Beta Thalassemia Short Program, Bio-Rad Laboratories) under the experimental conditions specified by the manufacturer. Whole blood in EDTA was used and red cell indices were determined using automated hematology analyzer. We detected 290 cases with abnormal variants in which beta thalassemia was the most common followed by hemoglobin E. Here, we discuss the laboratory aspects of various hemoglobin disorders and diagnostic difficulties in cases like borderline HbA2 values, presence of silent mutation, alpha thalassemia gene, and few rare variants which at times require correlation with genetic study. Special attention was given to HbA2 level even in presence of a structural variant to rule out coinheritance of beta thalassemia gene.

A case of syringocystadenoma papilliferum on lower leg: a rare location.

An 18 years old male presented with a slowly increasing multiple papulonodular lesions on his left leg since birth. No definite diagnosis was made on clinical ground. But verrucous epidermal naevus with secondary change and appendageal tumor was suspected on clinical examination. Histopathological examination revealed syringocystadenoma papilliferm (SCAP). SCAP is very rare on lower leg. Only one case of SCAP on lower leg has been reported in literature so far, which was superimposed on an organoid nevus. The case is reported for unusual location and unusual presentation.

Impact of routine histopathological examination of gall bladder specimens on early detection of malignancy - a study of 4,115 cholecystectomy specimens.

Gall bladder carcinoma is the most common cancer of biliary tree, characterized by rapid progression and a very high mortality rate. Detection at an early stage, however, is indicative of a very good prognosis and prolonged survival. The practice of histopathological examination of gall bladder specimens removed for clinically benign conditions and its usefulness has been a subject of controversy. The present prospective study was carried out over a period of four years in order to find out the incidence of unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma in cholecystectomy specimens received in our histopathology laboratory and to analyze their clinico-pathological features. A total of 4,115 cases were examined. Incidentally detected cases comprised 0.44%, which accounted for 72% of all gall bladder carcinomas detected. The majority were in an early, surgically resectable stage. From the results of this study we recommend that in India and other countries with relatively high incidences of gall bladder carcinoma, all cholecystectomy specimens should be submitted to histopathology laboratory, as this is the only means by which malignancies can be detected at an early, potentially curable stage.

Morphometric evaluation of megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspirates of immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura.

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), one of the common causes of thrombocytopenia, is characterized by morphologic alterations in megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Few studies have explored morphometric measurements of megakaryocytes in bone marrow trephine biopsies. Quantitative morphometric analysis of megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspirate smears is lacking in the available literature. This study was aimed at evaluating the morphometric alterations in megakaryocytes in cases of ITP on bone marrow aspirate smears vis-á-vis non-ITP cases. In this study, 35 cases of ITP and 15 non-ITP aspirates were included. The bone marrow aspirate smears were reviewed for diagnosis. Computer-aided image analysis was performed in all aspirate smears for megakaryocytic morphometric measurements, including cytoplasmic and nuclear features. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for comparison. Megakaryocytes in cases of ITP showed a higher nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio (p = 0.021), lower nuclear roundness factor (p = 0.04) and lower nuclear contour ratio (p = 0.027). Cellular circularity and compactness were significantly different in ITP as compared to non-ITP cases, indicating that the megakaryocytes were less round in ITP subjects. Discriminant analysis and cross-validation studies found that 65.5% of megakaryocytes could be correctly classified as ITP or non-ITP. This study shows that significant alterations occur in megakaryocytes in cases of ITP. These changes can potentially be utilized in the development of algorithms for computer-assisted diagnosis of such cases on bone marrow aspirates.

Seroprevalence and trend of dengue cases admitted to a government hospital, delhi - 5-year study (2006-2010): a look into the age shift.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of dengue infection is easily and best accomplished by demonstration of specific IgM antibodies in blood. We analyzed retrospectively the dengue IgM seropositivity available for samples obtained over a period of 5 years (2006-2010) from patients with suspected dengue fever (DF)-like illness to investigate whether there was an overall increase in the dengue IgM prevalence over this period. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from patients with DF-like febrile illnesses attending the Pediatric, Medicine, and Fever clinics of a Government hospital, Delhi. A total of 8138 individuals (suspected dengue cases) obtained over 5 years were tested for dengue specific IgM antibodies. Year wise, month wise, and age wise data on geographic distribution and clinical manifestations were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 8138 samples, 1600 (19.66%) were positive for dengue specific IgM. The year 2006 had the highest number of reported cases, 761 (46.23%). In our study, the age group most commonly affected of all 5 years was 11-20 years. Out of the total 1600 cases admitted to the hospital between 2006 and 2010, 279 (58.9%) had DF, 178 (37.6%) had dengue hemorrhagic fever, and 16 (3.38%) had dengue shock syndrome. We found a high burden of dengue in young children and late adolescents in both rural and urban communities at a magnitude greater than previously described. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: We observed an increase in the dengue positive cases every alternate year, thereby indicating a possible role of herd immunity in northern India. We did not find a steady increase in the number of cases over 5 years. We found an increase in the number of positive cases in children and young adolescents.

Molecular phenotypes of ductal carcinoma-in-situ and invasive ductal carcinoma: a comparative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at analyzing the prevalence of molecular phenotypes in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and coexisting ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) and to correlate with clinicopathological features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 75 cases of IDC with coexisting DCIS were included. Molecular phenotype was determined using expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2/neu, and cytokeratin 5/6. Statistical analysis was performed for correlation between molecular phenotypes and clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: Of the 75 cases, the invasive component in all cases was IDC--not otherwise specified. About one-third of our patients were post-menopausal. The most common molecular phenotype was luminal A (45.3%) followed by HER2-expressing type (24%). In all cases, the molecular phenotype was identical in DCIS and the invasive component. HER2-expressing tumors were found to be larger in size with frequent nodal involvement. On statistical analysis, tumor size and grade were found to correlate with the molecular phenotype. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the molecular phenotype in DCIS correlates well with that of coexisting IDC, suggesting that DCIS is a precursor lesion in these tumors. This correlation of molecular phenotype can be utilized in prediction of phenotype of the invasive component in a case with in-situ carcinoma.

Angiogenesis in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Intercategory Comparison of Microvessel Density.

Background. This study was aimed at comparing angiogenesis, seen as microvessel density (MVD) in subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods. In this study, 64 cases of NHL diagnosed over a three-year period were included along with 15 lymph node biopsies of reactive hyperplasia. NHLs were classified using REAL classification, and immunohistochemistry was performed for CD34 in all cases. CD34-stained sections were evaluated for "hot spots," where MVD was assessed and expressed as per mm(2). Appropriate statistical methods were applied. Results. There were 6 cases of well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 21 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 15 follicular lymphoma, 10 lymphoblastic lymphoma, 7 MALToma, and 5 peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Mean MVD was highest in reactive hyperplasia (191.92 ± 12.16 per mm(2)) compared to all NHLs. Among NHLs, PTCL demonstrated the highest MVD (183.42 ± 8.24) followed by DLBCL (149.91 ± 13.68). A significant difference was found in MVD between reactive and individual lymphoma groups. SLL had significantly lower MVD than other lymphoma subtypes. Conclusion. Angiogenesis, assessed by MVD, showed significant differences among subtypes of NHL, especially the indolent types like SLL. The higher MVD in aggressive lymphomas like PTCL and DLBCL can potentially be utilized in targeted therapy with antiangiogenic drugs.

Solitary intrascrotal neurofibroma: a case diagnosed on aspiration cytology.

Solitary neurofibroma of the scrotum is exceedingly rare and very few cases of this unusual occurrance have been reported till date. None of the previously reported cases had a preoperative cytologic diagnosis. A young man presented with an eight-month history of right scrotal swelling. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed a spindle cell tumor with fibrillary matrix and wavy slender nuclei. A cytologic diagnosis of benign nerve sheath tumor was rendered. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a neurofibroma. This case is the first reported instance of aspiration cytologic diagnosis of intrascrotal neurofibroma. This rare tumor should be considered in the cytologic differential diagnoses of testicular and paratesticular tumors.

Cytodiagnosis and pitfalls of genital tuberculosis: A report of two cases.

Genital tuberculosis is fairly common in Indian women due to high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the general population. Histopathological diagnosis is invaluable but often, diagnosis can be made with reasonable accuracy by Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test if the index of suspicion is kept high. Also, genital tuberculosis is considered to be more common in patients less than 40 years of age and rare after menopause. We describe two cases of cervical tuberculosis in patients over 40 years of age, including a postmenopausal case, diagnosed by smear tests and later confirmed by histopathology and bacteriology. The differential diagnoses as well as problems encountered in the diagnosis of a tuberculous lesion in Pap smears are also discussed.

Trichophyton rubrum onychomycosis in an 8-week-old infant.

An 8-week-old infant presented with 7 weeks history of nail involvement and discoloration. Lesions started over the middle fingernail of right hand at 1 week of age, spreading over to other nails within 2 weeks. Only two nails of the feet were spared. On KOH examination, fungal hyphae were seen and culture showed growth of Trichophyton rubrum. The purpose is to report the earliest case of onychomycosis having multiple nail involvement of fingers and toes (18 nails).

Dermal vasculature in psoriasis and psoriasiform dermatitis: a morphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Vascular proliferation in the papillary dermis is considered to be an important and probably an early feature of psoriasis. Few morphometric studies have attempted to analyze the vascular changes. However, no study was found in the available literature comparing vascular changes between psoriasis and psoriasiform dermatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies from 25 cases each of psoriasis and psoriasiform lesions were immunohistochemically stained for CD34 (endothelial marker). Microvessel density (MVD), microvessel length density and ratio of microvessel area to papillary dermal area were calculated using image analysis software. RESULTS: Skin biopsies from psoriasis showed higher staining for CD34 on light microscopy. Using morphometric techniques, microvessel length density was significantly higher in psoriasis compared to psoriasiform lesions (P value <0.05). MVD was also higher in psoriasis, though the difference was not significant. The ratio of microvessel area to dermal area was almost similar in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that vascular tortuousity and dilatation is significant only in psoriatic lesions. These results may assist in automated diagnosis of skin biopsies.