Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: A Metastatic Melanoma Imitator.

ABSTRACT: A 45-year-old woman with a history of previously treated left plantar foot melanoma presented with a left thigh mass. Fine needle aspiration findings were concerning for metastatic melanoma (MM). Imaging was remarkable for PET-avidity of both the biopsied thigh mass and of a left posterior knee nodule. The knee nodule was also enhancing on MRI, concerning for a site of metastasis. Resection of the thigh mass and intra-articular nodule was performed. The thigh lesion was positive for MM. The specimen obtained from the knee demonstrated a proliferation of spindle and epithelioid cells associated with focal fibrosis and scattered giant cells with brown pigment, raising the possibility of melanoma metastasis with treatment effect. Additional immunohistochemical studies with anti-SOX10 failed to demonstrate melanoma cells in the lesion. The final diagnosis for the knee nodule was pigmented villonodular synovitis. This case highlights the potential for pigmented villonodular synovitis to mimic MM, requiring additional pathologic analysis to yield an accurate diagnosis.

"I wanted information": navigating breast Cancer and its treatment in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer impacts millions of people worldwide, and in Peru, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death among women. Breast cancer treatment is physically and emotionally burdensome and challenging for patients. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 female breast cancer patients and survivors in Lima, Peru. The interviews explored four main themes: the women's emotional experiences, coping mechanisms, resources available or needed, and advice for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. RESULTS: Respondents described a tremendous lack of informational support during and after diagnosis and treatment and requested more of this support from health professionals. Social support groups were helpful to participants; however, these forms of support were not available to all participants. Emotional and esteem support seemed amply received from family and friends, faith organizations, and fellow cancer patients. Participants experienced a range of emotions upon diagnosis and during treatment including fear, anxiety, difficulty accepting bodily changes, loneliness, and denial. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer and its treatment can be a long, emotional journey; more extensive forms of informational support could help patients cope with this process.

A Trauma Center-Based Study for Victims of Domestic Violence: Protecting Women of Richmond and Surrounding Counties.

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence (DV) is a major health issue on both a national and global scale. In Richmond County, Georgia, there are 18.1 calls per 1000 women for DV, exceeding the national average of 5.9 and Georgia average of 15.3 calls per 1000 women. The goal of the study is to map epidemiologic and spatial trends in communities of DV survivors thereby assessing the feasibility of a prospective intervention initiative for high-risk areas. METHODS: In partnership with "SafeHomes", a local women's shelter, a retrospective review of physical addresses was compiled from first-time residential clients 18 and older from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Hot zones were overlaid with Census tracts to assess sociodemographic correlates including race, ethnicity, age, poverty, education, and employment status. RESULTS: From all records (n = 85), 5 hot zones were identified. Analysis of census tract data revealed minority predominance in all hot zones, in addition to an unemployment rate above the state average (23%, 12%, 8%, 5%, and 19%, respectively, vs 3.4%). CONCLUSION: DV affects both the inner city and suburban areas of Richmond County. Hot zone frequency was disproportionately increased in the urban center where community demographics showed minority predominance, especially of African-Americans. These hot zones also have more individuals living below the federal poverty line and experience unemployment rates greater than the state and national average of 3.4 and 3.5, respectively. This study demonstrated that mapping domestic violence epidemiologic and spatial trends is possible, allowing for targeted support and intervention to reduce the rate of domestic violence.