Sarcoid-like lymphadenopathy mimicking metastatic testicular cancer.

A case of nonseminomatous testicular cancer and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, which were interpreted as metastases, is reported. When there was no change after two courses of chemotherapy, a mediastinoscopy was performed and the results showed sarcoidosis.

Limbic encephalitis. A rare presentation of the small-cell lung carcinoma.

Two patients with an acute organic brain syndrome and accompanying neurological symptoms are described. Extensive work up showed that both patients suffered from small-cell lung cancer. Cerebral metastases were absent. Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the primary tumor one of the two patients showed a complete remission of psychiatric symptoms for one year. A paraneoplastic origin of this syndrome, in the literature known as limbic encephalitis, is postulated. The exact cause of this syndrome is yet unknown. Recent research reveals data indicating an immunological pathogenesis. The major clinical importance of this (neuro)-psychiatric syndrome is that its appearance may serve as a warning sign for an occult malignancy; furthermore, effective treatment of the primary malignancy can reverse the encephalitis. Thus antitumor therapy can result in a prolonged survival and considerably improved quality of life.

Specific translocation t(1;3) in acute myelomonocytic leukemia: a further case.

We describe herein a translocation, t(1;3)(p36;q21), that was found in the bone marrow of a patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia preceded by a long lasting myelodysplastic phase. An identical translocation has been reported in three other myelodysplastic patients. one of whom also developed an acute myelomonocytic leukemia. The possible significance of this specific translocation is briefly discussed.