Comparing Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients with Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis with and without Completion Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the standard method for staging and treatment of axillary lymph nodes for early-stage breast cancer is sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), while axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is used in cases with palpable axillary lymph nodes or positive SLNB cases. The aim of this review was to compare overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and axillary recurrence in early-stage breast cancer patients underwent SLNB or SLNB and completion ALND. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched using the key words of "breast cancer", "axillary lymph node dissection", and "sentinel lymph node dissection". In addition, other sources were searched for ongoing studies (i.e., clinicaltrials.gov). The clinical trials were evaluated based on the Jadad quality criteria, and cohort studies were evaluated according to the STROBE criteria. At the end of the search, the articles were screened independently by two reviewers to check their eligibility to be included in the study. Afterwards, the data were extracted independently by two researchers. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 169 papers were retrieved. However, after removing the duplicates and studying the titles and abstracts of these papers, only ten ones underwent further investigation. After reading full-text of each article, four studies were finalized. Following a manual search, 27 papers were entered into the study for the final evaluation, 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings showed no significant differences in OS, DFS, and axillary recurrence in early-stage breast cancer patients underwent SLNB or SLNB and completion ALND. CONCLUSION: The findings did not confirm that ALND improved OS, DFS, and axillary recurrence in patients who were clinically node-negative and positive SLNB.

The effect of interprofessional education on interprofessional professionalism behaviors of the surgical team members.

INTRODUCTION: Interprofessional professionalism (IPP) has been introduced as one of the critical sub-competencies of interprofessional collaboration. This study aimed to assess the effect of interprofessional education on the behavior of interprofessional professionalism among the surgical team in the intervention compared to the control group. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study. The participants were nurses in anesthetist and surgical technology and surgical residents of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital (n = 150) who were included in the study by the census. The intervention employed an interprofessional case-based learning strategy to explore themes of interprofessional professionalism. Two assessors used the Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment (IPA) tool to measure learners' performance while observing them in practice prior to the intervention, one and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests (mean and SD) and RM-ANOVA. RESULTS: In this study, the participants in the intervention (n = 78) and the control (n = 72) groups entered the study. The Baseline IPA scores of participants were reported as 1.25 (0.12) and 1.21 (0.1) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The IPA score of the participants in the intervention group (2.59 (0.26) and 2.54 (0.24)) was higher than the control group (1.17 (0.08) and 1.12 (0.07)) after one and three months of the intervention (P = 0.0001). The effect of educational interventions was reported at the large level (Eta Square = 0.89). CONCLUSION: Interprofessional professionalism in surgical teams has been recognized as a critical element of team-based care. The present study used an interprofessional education strategy to develop IPP behavior. All professions benefited from interprofessional education. It is suggested that all surgical team professionals participate in interprofessional education.

An uncommon breast lump with the diagnosis of schwannoma.

INTRODUCTION: Schwannoma (<i>neurilemmoma</i>) is a kind of a slow-growing, benign, and heterogeneous neoplasm originating from Schwann cells. Schwannoma has a predilection for the head, neck, and extremities. However, it can occur in the breast dermis, deep breast parenchyma, and axillary soft tissue. CASE REPORT: In this study, a 51-year-old woman is reported with a breast mass suspected of malignancy, who was diagnosed with schwannoma by a pathologist after surgery. In cases with palpable breast masses, Schwannoma should be considered as a part of differential diagnosis. In spite of various imaging modalities used in the diagnostics of breast lesions, excisional or core needle biopsy is suggested for the definitive diagnosis of schwannoma.

The Effect of Telephone Counseling and Education on Breast Cancer Screening in Family Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy among females. Family history is a key risk factor for breast cancer. Breast cancer screening practices are vital in patients with family history of breast cancer. Telephone counseling and education may be appropriate for improved breast cancer screening. This study was done to determine family caregiver patients' knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and practice of breast cancer screening and also to assess the effect of telephone counseling and education on mammography screening. METHODS: This study was a community-based trial. The participants of the study were 90 caregivers who were randomly divided into an experimental group, telephone counseling and education, and a control group. The intervention group received counseling and education phone calls. A three-section questionnaire was responded and filled out through telephone interviews with the participants. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS18, using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The results showed that 88.9% of the participants did not know when to do breast self-exam (BSE). Mammography was performed by the participants before and after the telephone counseling in intervention group (P<0.00), which were 13.3% and 77.8% respectively). Moreover, the major cause of failure to participate in mammography was lack of enough knowledge in 73.3% of the participants. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that knowledge and practice on breast cancer screening in family caregiver of breast cancer patients was low. Telephone counseling and educating may provide a suitable technique for earlier detection of breast cancer in family caregivers of breast cancer patients and it can influence the decision making regarding mammography screening among 40-year-old or older women. Trial Registration Number: 2017052316870N3.

Urinary Iodine Concentrations in Cancer Patients

Background: It has been suggested that incidence of some cancers, especially examples in the breast and stomach may be influenced by the iodine intake. However, only few studies are available at present. Therefore, we have conducted the present assessment of iodine status in Iranian patients diagnosed with a malignancy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 85 patients diagnosed with different types of cancer at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran. The method used was based on the Sandell­Kolthoff reaction. Results: The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 17.4 µg/L, with ≤20 µg/L indicative of severe iodine deficiency. According to the WHO/IC C IDD/UNIC EF classification, 88.1%, 7.1% and 2.4% of patients had a UIC <20 (severe), 20­49 (mild), and 50­99 µg/L (moderate), respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in UIC between men and women. Conclusion: The UIC values indicate that Iranian cancer patients were seriously iodine deficient according to WHO/UNIC EF/ IC C IDD, and that this is a suitable index to assess iodine status in Iranians. Daily consumption of salt fortified with iodine or other approaches to increase intake might be effective strategies for prevention or reduction of malignancies.

Evaluation of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy compared with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for people with morbid obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of obesity in the world, in both developed and developing countries, is growing rapidly. Bariatric surgery is now accepted as the treatment for morbid obesity. OBJECTIVE: This study compares laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy's effectiveness (LSG) with the most common bariatric surgery, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (LRYGB) gastric bypass. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using relevant search data bases, including Cochrane library, PubMed, Magi ran, Iranmedex, SID and Trip database, with no time limit. Data bases were searched until July 2014 for randomized control trials. The studied population included people aged between 18-60 years, with BMI≥35 and at least one obesity-related disease, or people with BMI≥40. BMI change, as the research outcome, was investigated at least in one-year follow-up period. Cochrane criteria were used to assess quality of studies. The results were extracted from the articles. RESULTS: In total, 384 articles were obtained in the search; six RCTs were included in this study. There was no significant difference between the two laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures in BMI, and both groups were similar in weight loss CI [-.1.31, 0.43], p=0.32. CONCLUSION: The two procedures of bariatric surgery are effective and reliable treatments. Performing more trial studies with greater sample size and longer follow-up period for making final decision in selecting a certain surgical procedure is essential.

Oncology Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Cancer Pain Management.

BACKGROUND: Oncology nurses play a crucial role in cancer pain management and must be highly informed to ensure their effective practice in the cancer setting. The aim of this study was to determine the baseline level of knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses regarding cancer pain management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey research design was employed. The sample comprised 58 cancer nurses working in Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Yazd, Iran. The ''Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain'' (NKAS) tool and a demographic form were utilized to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses working in oncology settings. RESULTS: The average correct response rate for oncology nurses was 66.6%, ranging from 12.1% to 94.8%. The nurses mean score on the knowledge and attitudes survey regarding pain management was 28.5%. Results revealed that the mean percentage score overall was 65.7%. Only 8.6% of nurse participants obtained a passing score of 75% or greater. Widespread knowledge deficits and poor attitudes were noted in this study, particularly regard pharmacological management of pain. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides important information about knowledge deficits in pain management among oncology nurses and limited training regarding pain management. Our results support the universal concern of inadequate knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding cancer pain. It is suggested educational and quality improvement initiatives in pain management could enhance nurses knowledge in the area of pain and possibly improve practice.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Iranian breast cancer patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: BRCA1/2 genes mutation prevalence varies among ethnic groups and may be influenced by founder mutations. Understanding BRCA1/2 genes mutations is important for reducing breast cancer (BC) incidence, accurate risk assessment and counseling. This systematic review of the literature was conducted to addressing BRCA1/2 mutations in Iranian BC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search for relevant articles was run on before January 2014 using MedLine, PubMed, Science Iranian Database, Google, and Web sites related to the study topic. The key words included: BC and Iran with Genes, BRCA Genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2; "Cancer Genes," and "Iran." RESULTS: Thirteen articles retrieved from this search strategy were eligible for this review. The overall BRCA1 mutation rate for Iranian female BC patients was detected 31.8% (377/1183). Although this gene mutation rate for male patients is <0.01%. Eight BRCA1 mutations (c. 4837A > G, c. 3419G > A, c. 3119G > A, c. 2612C > T, c. 3113A > G, c. 2311T > C, c. 4301T > C and c. 4308T > C in BRCA1, and one BRCA2 mutation (c. 6494G > C) were found in multiple case subjects and represent candidate founder mutations. CONCLUSION: According to these studies, there is heterogeneity in BRCA mutations in Iranian BC patients.

BreastLight apparatus performance in detection of breast masses depends on mass size.

BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of breast mass size is fundamental for treatment planning. We evaluated performance of BreastLight apparatus in detection breast of masses with this in mind. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2011 to September 2013, a total of 500 women referred to mammography unit in Yazd, Iran for screening were recruited to this study. Performance of BreastLight in detection breast masses regard their sizeing, measured with clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography and sonography, was assessed. Sonographic and mammography examinations were performed according to breast density among women in two groups of women younger (n=105) and older (n=395) than 30 years. Size correlations were performed using Spearman rho analysis. Differences between mass size as assessed with the different methods (mammography, sonography, and clinical examination) and the BreastLight detection were analyzed using χ2-trend test. RESULTS: Performance of the BreastLight in detection of lesions smaller than or equal to 1 cm assessed by CBE, mammography and sonography was 4.4%,7.7% and 12.5% and for masses larger than 4 cm was 65%, 100% and 57.1%, respectively. The performance of BreastLight in detection was significantly increased with larger masses (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that clinical measurement of breast cancer size is as accurate as that from mammography or ultrasound. Accuracy can be improved by the use of a simple formula of both clinical and mammographic measurements.

Independent and joint effects of serum 25-hydroxivitamin D and calcium on breast cancer ratio in an Iran population: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that Vitamin D and calcium have protective effects against breast cancer. The results about breast cancer and serum Vitamin D and calcium levels are still controversial, indefinite, and insufficient to determine the amount of nutritional needs. Thus, we investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-OH-D) and calcium on the ratio of breast cancer at diagnosis time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study in a population of Iran. It comprised 57 breast cancer cases, who were newly diagnosed, and 85 controls in 2013. The serum 25-OH-D and calcium levels were measured. RESULTS: There was not any significant association between 25-OH-D and breast cancer ratio. Odds ratio (OR) comparing the highest quartile to the lowest quartile was 1.03(95% confidence interval[CI] 0.33-3.22, P-trend 0.95). Having sufficient (>75 nmol/L) serum 25-OH-D levels compared to insufficient serum 25-OH-D levels was not associated with a significantly decreased ratio of breast cancer (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.23-1.29, P = 0.17). Furthermore, an association between calcium and breast cancer did not get statistical significance (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.17-1.49, P-trend 0.31). The joint effect was negative interaction. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D and calcium do not act on decreasing ratio of breast cancer. Decreasing ratio of breast cancer in relation to serum calcium and Vitamin D level at diagnosis time needs more assessments.

Health beliefs and breast cancer screening behaviors among Iranian female health workers.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a serious health problem. Early detection is crucial for optimal treatment and reducing mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate health beliefs concerning performance of breast self- examination (BSE) and mammography in a sample of Iranian female health workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 441 female health care workers (physicians=88, nurses=163, midwives=38, officers=68, and others=84) in 3 different health centers in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and then Persian version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 34.7±13.7. It was found that 41.9% of the workers performed BSE in the past and 14.9% of them regularly, but only 10.6% of them had undergone a mammogram. Perceived barriers to BSE (F=6.351, P=0.021) and mammography (F=5.214, p=0.022) were significantly higher in officers than physicians, nurses or midwives. Perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE and mammography, but not significant (p=0.34 and p=0.56, respectively). Furthermore, perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits of the workers who had BSE and mammography were significantly higher than who did not (p<0.05). Perceived seriousness was not a significant variable in BSE and mammography (p=0.71 and p=0.43, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The health beliefs of health workers concerning the perceived susceptibility of breast cancer and the perceived benefits BSE and mammography significantly impact their screening practices.

Risk of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients underwent total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy surgeries.

The main objective of this study was to identify the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in patients underwent lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy. This randomized trial study was performed from May 2010 to July 2011 among 108 consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Patients were allocated into 3 groups based on the 3 common type of thyroidectomy. Pre and postoperative serum calcium levels were determined by using standard protocol for all patients. All patients' preoperative serum calcium levels were normal. Post-thyroidectomy hypoglycemia occurred in 0%, 8.3% and 8.3% of patients who underwent total hypocalcemia, subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy, respectively, which represents 5.6% of all patients who shown hypocalcemia (P=0.58). Serum calcium levels were fall in 93% patients, however within several days were returned to normal ranges. We did not find a significant relation between the hypocalcemia and thyroidectomy types. We recommended determination other alternative factors as a more effective prediction for postoperative hypocalcemia.

Cylindroma of the breast in a 72-year-old woman with fibrocystic disease first misdiagnosed as a malignant lesion in imaging studies.

Cylindroma is a benign skin adnexal tumour with apocrine and trichoepitheliomatous differentiation that is rarely seen in the breast. Here, we report a case of cylindroma in the subareolar region of the left breast in a 72-year-old woman who presented with a palpable mass. Ultrasound and mammographic reports of the lesion were considered probably malignant. An ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was performed and the patient underwent wide local excision with axillary lymph nodes biopsy. Immunohistochemistry and histopathological studies confirmed cylindroma with fibrocystic changes in uninvolved parenchyma.

Cystic thymoma in middle mediastinum - a rare case report.

In this case report we present a rare case of thymoma in middle midiastinum of a 48 years woman presented by dyspnea and massive plural effusion.