Vitamin D receptor and progesterone receptor protein and gene expression in papillary thyroid carcinomas: associations with histological features.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression has been described in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but data regarding association with tumor histological characteristics and localization of the protein expression are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 45 patients with PTC (cases) were retrieved and tumor histological data were recorded. We analyzed gene and protein expression of VDR and PR and gene expression of vitamin D-inactivating 24-hyroxylase (CYP24A1) and the activating 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) enzymes in follicular cancer cells and the adjacent non-neoplastic thyroid tissue (NNTT). RESULTS: VDR mRNA and protein expression was higher in PTC compared with NNTT (p < 0.05). The protein was globally localized in the cytoplasm and cell membranes of the neoplastic cells in all cases, with differences in intensity. Cytoplasmic positivity was stronger in the majority of cases. Membranous positivity was also evident in cases, whereas in NNTT was generally weak and in a low percentage of the cells. Expression of CYP 24A1, but not CYP27B1, was increased in approximately all PTC specimens and was associated with lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension. PR mRNA was increased in 34% and protein expression was present in 57% of cases, and none of NNTT. PR, but not VDR, mRNA expression was significantly associated with the tumor size (r = 0.645, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence for the expression pattern of VDR, PR and CYP24A1 in the progression of PTC. Rapid anti-tumor responses of vitamin D in PTC may be blocked due to inactivation of local vitamin D metabolism.

Benign fibroxanthoma of the mandible.

Histiocytomas constitute a large group of tumors, the classification of which created a lot of confusion in the past. For this reason, various attempts were carried out during the last years so that a widely accepted classification system could be defined. Fibroxanthomas, according to contemporary data, are classified into benign histiocytomas and they are mostly located at the skin of extremities. They are rarely localized in the area of the head and neck, where they are found commonly in soft tissue. Fibroxanthomas located at the bones of oral and maxillofacial region are extremely rare. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of a fibroxanthoma located at the mandible as well as to analyze the histological findings of the lesion on which the diagnosis and differential diagnosis were based.

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx: a case presentation.

The chondrosarcoma of the larynx is an exceptionally rare tumour. It appears mainly in white men in their 7th decade. The most significant clinical manifestation is hoarseness accompanied at times by stridor. It involves mainly the cricoid cartilage and the treatment of choice is surgical excision. A case of a large tumour of the cricoid cartilage is described. The diagnostic work-up consisted of two minor operations for biopsies and an MRI scan prior to the patient being treated with total laryngectomy.

Hemangiopericytoma in an adolescent girl: a case report.

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare soft tissue tumor The few published reports account for the little information available on its clinical management. Here the authors report the successful treatment of an adolescent girl with rare HPC of the tongue. After incomplete surgical excision of the tumor she was admitted to the Hematology-Oncology Department and was treated with a 3-drug combination regimen (ifosfamide, actinomycin D, vincristine) for 8 weeks. She achieved partial remission in week 9 based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)findings. Conventional radiation therapy was initiated at week 9 and continued until week 16. At week 20, according to the MRI findings, she achieved complete remission and continuation therapy was initiated. The young girl has been alive without evidence of the disease for the last 3 years of follow-up. In conclusion, the current report indicates that in cases of incomplete surgical excision of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiotherapy seem to be effective.

Imaging of peripheral nerve sheath tumors with pathologic correlation: pictorial review.

Peripheral neurogenic tumors include neurilemoma, neurinoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. All neurogenic tumors share common imaging features. Although differentiation between them is difficult, neurogenic origin can be suggested from their imaging appearances, including fusiform shape, relation to the nerve, "split-fat" sign, associated muscle atrophy and intrinsic imaging characteristics including "target sign" as well as from lesion location along a typical nerve distribution. Our purpose is to make an overview of imaging findings of each type of peripheral nerve sheath tumor with emphasis on characteristic signs and correlate with histologic features. Morton's neuroma and intraneural ganglion are also included as tumors of nerve origin.

Spinal cord dysfunction caused by non-traumatic hematomyelia.

Two patients with a non-traumatic hematomyelia at T9 and C3-C7 respectively, are presented. Both patients presented with pain and a Brown-Sequard syndrome. The preoperative diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging, while myelography and computerized tomography were not helpful. Surgical evacuation of the hematomas and in one patient removal of a vascular malformation were performed. The neurological symptoms and signs, after a temporary worsening, progressively improved. The prompt surgical treatment of this entity and the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative diagnosis and on the planning of the surgical strategy is particularly emphasized.