Is there no need to discuss adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colon cancer patients with high tumor budding and lymphovascular invasion?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathologic associations of tumor budding (Bd) as well as other potential prognosticators including lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in T3/4aN0 colon cancer patients and to investigate their impact on the outcome. METHODS: The patients were enrolled in three groups according to the number of budding as Bd1 (0-4 buds), Bd2 (5-9 buds), and Bd3 (> 10 buds). These groups were retrospectively compared in terms of demographic features, other tumor characteristics, operative outcomes, recurrences, and survival. The mean follow-up time was 58 ± 22 months. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were divided as follows: 97 in Bd1, 41 in Bd2, and 56 in Bd3 groups. The Bd3 group was associated with significantly higher LVI and larger tumor size. The rate of recurrence increased progressively from 5.2% in Bd1 to 9.8% in Bd2 and to 17.9% in Bd3 group (p = 0.03). More importantly, the 5-year overall survival (OS: Bd1 = 92.3% vs. Bd2 = 88% vs. Bd3 = 69.5%, p = 0.03) and disease-free survival (DFS: Bd1 = 87.9% vs. Bd2 = 75.3% vs. Bd3 = 66%, p = 0.02) were significantly worse in Bd3 group. In addition, in the subgroup of patients with the presence of Bd3 and LVI together, the 5-year OS (60% vs. 92%, p = 0.001) and DFS (56.1% vs. 85.4%, p = 0.001) were significantly worse. In multivariate analysis, Bd3+LVI was significantly associated with poor OS and DFS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with T3/4aN0 colon cancer, high tumor budding negatively affects long-term oncological outcomes. These findings strongly suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy be considered for the patients with Bd3 and LVI together.

Concomittant occurence of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma metastasis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the same lymph node along with internal jugular vein thrombus: a case report.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is the most common adult leukemia. The coexistence of CLL and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is extremely rare. PTC sometimes shows microscopic vascular invasion but rarely cause a tumor thrombus in the internal jugular vein (IJV). It is also rare to find both differentiated and poorly differentiated types of thyroid cancer in the same metastatic location. We report a case of 63-year-old Turkish man with history of CLL who had CLL/SLL involvement and PTC metastasis in the same lymph node. Additionally, there was macroscopic metastasis to the IJV with poorly differentiated areas in the removed tumor thrombus. Patient was treated with total thyroidectomy, left radical neck dissection, resection of the left IJV segment that contained the tumor thrombus and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Furthermore, metastatic lesions were found in the brain, lung and bone. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed. However, our patient died approximately 12 months after thyroidectomy. To our knowledge, our present report is the first description with its current features.

Tumor border pattern and size help predict lymph node status in papillary microcarcinoma: A clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: Lymph node metastasis occurs in a subset of papillary microcarcinoma patients. We aimed to analyze the differences between metastatic and non-metastatic papillary microcarcinomas in order to identify a high-risk subgroup that is likely to require more aggressive treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 thyroidectomies with lymph node dissections (central ±â€¯lateral), diagnosed as papillary microcarcinoma, were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age of 126 patients (F/M = 3.3) was 42 years. Mean size of the largest tumor was 7 mm. Classical was the most frequently (89%) encountered subtype. Multiple histologic subtypes co-occurred in 19%. Lymphovascular invasion was present in 16% (n = 20). 55 (44%) and 71 (56%) cases were unifocal and multifocal, respectively. 90 cases (71%) were non-encapsulated with overall infiltrative tumor borders, whereas in 36 cases (29%), the tumor had a well-defined capsule. Among those, 23 (64%) had tumor capsule invasion. 47 (37%) cases had metastasis in lymph nodes. In univariate analysis, metastasis was associated with tumor size of >5 mm (p = 0.02), tumor burden of >5 mm (p = 0.03), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.02) and non-encapsulation (p = 0.01). No associations were found regarding sex, age, histologic subtype, lymphocytic thyroiditis, tumor capsule invasion (in capsulated tumors), laterality and multifocality (p > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.01, OR = 3.97, 95% CI 1.35-11.67), tumor size >0.5 cm (p = 0.031, OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.10-7.71) and non-encapsulation (p = 0.033, OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.08-7.51) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Size (largest tumor or sum of all foci) of >5 mm, non-encapsulation and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of LNM in PMs. Unifocal tumors metastasize the same as multifocal tumors, suggestive of the contribution of other factors. Patients with sporadically resected microcarcinomas should be carefully followed-up, especially those that harbor risk factors in histology.

Two-year old girl with glial choristoma presented in a thyroglossal duct cyst.

BACKGROUND: Neuroglial choristomas are rare entities that are composed of differentiated neuroectodermal cells presenting where they do not belong. CASE: Here in this paper, we represent a two-year old patient with a very rare presentation of neuroglial choristoma which manifested itself within a thyroglossal duct cyst. In this paper we will also discuss pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, differential diagnosis and management of the neuroglial choristomas. CONCLUSION: In conclusion we believe this unique case may aid in understanding the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of this rare congenital anomaly.

Treatment of lateral periodontal cyst with guided tissue regeneration.

Lateral periodontal cyst (LPC), originated from epithelial rests in the periodontal ligament, is a noninflammatory cyst on the lateral surface of the root of a vital tooth. LPC is generally asymptomatic and presents a round or oval uniform lucency with well-defined borders radiographically. In this case report, clinical, histological and radiographical findings and periodontal treatment of 32-year-old female patient, who was referred to Department of Periodontology Clinic of Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University with a painless hyperplastic lesion on the distobuccal site of the tooth number 12, were presented. The tooth number 12 was vital and a well-defined round radiolucent area with corticated borders was determined radiographically. Preliminary diagnosis was LPC based on clinical and radiographical findings. Mechanical periodontal treatment consisted of oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing was applied and flap operation was performed to gain access to the lesion. Following enucleation of the lesion, alveolar bone destruction shaped as a tunnel from labial to palatinal site was observed. The bone cavity was grafted with bovine-derived xenograft, followed by placement of a resorbable collagen membrane. Tissues removed from of the lesion were examined histologically. Hematoxylen-eosin stained sections showed vasculature granulomatous structure underlying squamous epithelium, and destructed bone spaces, all of which were consisted with LPC. Acceptable clinical healing was achieved at 6 months follow-up period. Satisfactory clinical and radiographical outcome can be achieved in the treatment of LPC using regenerative periodontal approach.

Port site and peritoneal metastases after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Port site metastasis after minimally invasive urologic surgery is a rare event despite the widespread utility of laparoscopic techniques in the management of urologic malignancies. Herein, we report a case of port site metastasis after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A currently 77-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with cT2c, Gleason 7 (4+3) prostate adenocarcinoma in our clinic back in 2009, had undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy elsewhere. Histopathological examination revealed pT3a, Gleason 9 (4+5) disease. Lymph nodes were negative, however surgical margins were positive on the right side. PSA recurred after 9 months and maximal androgen blockade was initiated. Despite antiandrogenic manipulations, PSA reached 0.83ng/ml, 33 months postoperatively. Concurrently, we noticed a palpable anterior abdominal mass which demonstrated metabolic hyperactivity on PET scanning. Percutaneous biopsy of the lesion confirmed the presence of metastatic adenocarcinoma. PSA did not normalize after the complete excision of the metastatic focus. Repeated PET scan revealed multiple implants on the peritoneal surfaces of various organs. DISCUSSION: Port site and peritoneal metastasis of prostate cancer after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has not been reported so far. This peculiar dissemination pattern is most probably the result of tumor biology and perioperative factors. CONCLUSION: Although encountered extremely rarely, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of port site and/or peritoneal metastases after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.

Nonleukemic ureteral granulocytic sarcoma presenting with unilateral urinary obstruction and hematuria.

Granulocytic sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor which is composed of myeloblasts and immature myeloid cells. It usually occurs in association with acute myeloid leukemia and most commonly involves skin, soft tissue, lymph nodes, bone, and periosteum. We report a case of isolated ureteral granulocytic sarcoma without hematologic manifestations. Our patient presented with bloody urine and left-sided lumbar pain. Preoperative clinical and radiologic features raised the suspicion of an upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma, and he was scheduled for nephroureterectomy. However, perioperative pathologic feedback and the unusual endoscopic appearance of the tumor altered our surgical strategy towards segmental ureterectomy and ureteroneocystostomy. Eventual pathologic diagnosis was granulocytic sarcoma of the ureter. Postoperative workup failed to demonstrate any sign of an accompanying hematologic disorder. He started receiving the chemotherapy protocol of acute myeloblastic leukemia. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of nonleukemic ureteral granulocytic sarcoma which came to attention due to urologic complaints.

Coexistence of thyroid hemiagenesis, nodular goitre and papillary carcinoma.

In this article, we report a very rare case of left thyroid lobe with agenesis, adenomatous hyperplasia and coexisting papillary carcinoma of the right lobe. A 59-year-old asymptomatic woman with no previous thyroid surgery was evaluated sonographically. Ultrasonography and scintigraphy revealed an agenesis in the left lobe and multiple right lobe nodules with one of them diagnosed with papillary carcinoma.

BRAF(V600E) mutation in Turkish patients with papillary thyroid cancer: strong correlation with indicators of tumor aggressiveness.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) constitutes more than 90% of the thyroid cancers. MAP kinase/ERK pathway plays an important role in the development of several cancers. BRAF which is a member of Raf-kinase family activates this way. BRAF gene activating mutations lead to neoplastic transformation in thyroid follicle cells. In PTC, this mutation itself is a poor prognostic sign independent of other clinicopathological characteristics. We evaluated BRAF(V600E) mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics in Turkish population with PTC. We assessed 109 patients with PTC (88 female, 21 male). The average age was 38.7 ± 9.9 (17-71). BRAF(V600E) mutation was detected using polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent melting curve analysis. The results show that BRAF(V600E) mutation rate was found in 39.45% of our patients. We observed that BRAF(V600E) mutation was significantly higher in men, in tumors larger than 1 cm in size, and in patients with classical PTC. Moreover, statistically significant correlations of BRAF(V600E) with indicators of tumor aggressiveness such as thyroid capsular invasion, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, and extrathyroidal spread were found. Patient groups below and over the age of 45 did not differ in mutation frequency. Patients with micro-PTC were evaluated separately, it was found that BRAF(V600E) mutation was more frequent in the classic type and that lymph node metastasis rate significantly increased when the mutation was present. We concluded that BRAF(V600E) was correlated with indicators of tumor aggressiveness in our study population. This fact is taken into consideration in treatment and follow-up of our patients with PTC and positive BRAF(V600E) mutation.

Clinical importance of "low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL-H)" terminology for cervical smears 5-year analysis of the positive predictive value of LSIL-H compared with ASC-H, LSIL, and HSIL in the detection of high-grade cervical lesions with a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: We compared follow-up biopsy findings and positive predictive values (PPVs) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse (CIN 2+) in cases that were cytologically interpreted as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL); high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL); LSIL, cannot exclude HSIL (LSIL-H); and atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H) during a 5-year period to evaluate the clinical significance of LSIL-H as a distinct cytological category. METHODS: All Pap tests with a diagnosis of LSIL-H, ASC-H, LSIL, and HSIL (January 1, 2004-July 20, 2009) were retrieved from our computer database. PPVs of cytological diagnostic categories for detecting CIN 2+ were compared. RESULTS: Of all Pap tests (n=163,315), 1713 cases that had histological confirmation were included in the study. The LSIL-H diagnosis represented only 0.23% (n=387) of all Pap tests and 9.3% of all cytological SILs (n=4119). LSIL alone was associated with a significantly lower risk for CIN 2+ (PPV=21%) as compared with LSIL-H (PPV=40%). The results showed that the risk of CIN 2+ was intermediate for LSIL-H compared with unqualified LSIL (p<0.005) and HSIL (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is one of the largest LSIL-H series to date. Because of its intermediate status between LSIL and HSIL, LSIL-H should be considered a distinct diagnostic category, and specific cytomorphological criteria should be defined. The results suggest that an LSIL-H diagnostic category would aid in more rapid detection and treatment in some patients with CIN 2+.

Azathioprine-induced liver injury in a patient with multiple autoimmune syndrome.

Extraintestinal manifestations are frequent in patients with ulcerative colitis. They are most commonly associated with active bowel disease but can also occur prior to bowel disease or during a period of remission. The disease often requires long-term therapy. The tolerability of drugs is essential for the comprehensive management of patients. Azathioprine is considered an indispensable drug for the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis patients. It is used to prevent relapse or to treat patients who are refractory to corticosteroids. We report a patient who had alopecia areata, vitiligo, recurrent episcleritis, ulcerative colitis and azathioprine-induced liver injury, and review the related literature.

Vanishing bile duct and Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with ciprofloxacin treated with tacrolimus.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare cause of progressive cholestasis. Both syndromes are mostly related with drugs. We report a case of a patient with ciprofloxacin-induced SJS and acute onset of VBDS, and reviewed the related literature. It is the first case of ciprofloxacin-induced VBDS successfully treated with tacrolimus. This case reminds physicians of the importance of drug reactions, their severity, techniques for diagnosis and methods of management.

Prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology in Turkey.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and demography of microscopic colitis in patients with diarrhea of unknown etiology and normal colonoscopy in Turkey. METHODS: Between March, 1998 to July, 2005, 129 patients with chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology who had undergone full colonoscopy with no obvious abnormalities were included in the study. Two biopsies were obtained from all colonic segments and terminal ileum for diagnosis of microscopic colitis. On histopathologic examination, criteria for lymphocytic colitis (intraepithelial lymphocyte >or= 20 per 100 intercryptal epithelial cells, change in surface epithelium, mononuclear infiltration of the lamina propria) and collagenous colitis (subepithelial collagen band thickness >or= 10 microm) were explored. RESULTS: Lymphocytic colitis was diagnosed in 12 (9%) patients (Female/Male: 7/5, mean age: 45 year, range: 27-63) and collagenous colitis was diagnosed in only 3 (2.5%) patients (all female, mean age: 60 years, range: 54-65). CONCLUSION: Biopsy of Turkish patients with the diagnosis of chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology and normal colonoscopic findings will reveal microscopic colitis in approximately 10% of the patients. Lymphocytic colitis is 4 times more frequent than collagenous colitis in these patients.

Actinomycotic hepatic abscess.

Actinomycotic hepatic abscess was diagnosed in a 46-year-old male driver from Ukraine presenting with the symptoms of malaise, loss of appetite, upper right quadrant pain, weight loss, and night sweats which had been present for last 2 months. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a hypodense mass in the left liver lobe which was suspected as hepatocellular carcinoma. Histopathological examination of the CT guided biopsy specimen yielded a diagnosis of actinomycotic abscess of the liver. Treatment with intravenous penicillin for 6 weeks followed by a course of oral penicillin for 14 weeks resulted in complete cure as evidenced by clinical improvement and radiological disappearance of the lesion.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and to examine the relationship to various clinicopathological parameters. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-seven gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor specimens were analyzed immunohistochemically. Correlations between expression and some parameters such as age, sex, tumor size, location, presence of multiple neuroendocrine tumor, lymphatic/vascular/muscularis propria invasion and lymph node metastases were evaluated. Results were interpreted as significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of patients (15 men/22 women) was 52 +/- 17. Tumor size varied between 0.1 and 12 cm. (mean; 3.17 +/- 3.29 cm). Expression was detected in 75% of cases and in 92% of gastric neuroendocrine tumors. Expression in mixed endocrine and non-endocrine carcinomas was found to be significantly higher than in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas (p = 0.016). A relationship was observed between overexpression and lymphatic and vascular invasion (p = 0.029). However, no significant correlation was found between expression and sex, tumor location, size, muscularis propria invasion and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclooxygenase-2 expression may play a role in the evolution of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. However, further studies are necessary to determine the importance of this role, prognostic relevance and whether cyclooxygenase isoenzyme can be a target for treatment in these tumors.

Pit pattern type analyses of colon polyps with high-resolution colonoscope.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Correlations among pit pattern types and some characteristics of colon polyps were assessed with high-resolution colonoscope in Turkish patients. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-five patients were included in the study. All visible polyps and distal 30cm of colon were stained with indigo carmine 0.4% after standard colonoscopic examination. Then, pit pattern analyses were done. Correlations were evaluated and results were interpreted as significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: There were correlations among the pit pattern types of polyps and their size, location, morphology and histology. Adenomatous polyps (type III,IV,V) were mostly located in the right colon, nonadenomatous polyps (type I/II) were mostly in the left. Ratio of having adenomatous structure increased in a parallel course with increase in polyp's size. While most of the nonadenomatous polyps were with type I,II, adenomatous polyps were with type III, IV, V patterns. Most of the type II, III, IV polyps were sessile and type I polyps were flat. Sensitivity and specificity of adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps were 80% and 89% respectively and overall accuracy rate was 87%. Type III/IV were the best estimated type among the others. After chromoendoscopy, 35% increase in polyp number was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution endoscope is successful for prediction of histology of colorectal polyps.

An extremely rare cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy: ruptured pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma is an extremely rare neoplasm in pregnancy. To our knowledge, there have been 2 published cases of pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (PMC) during pregnancy in the literature; one of which was reported to have ruptured into the abdominal cavity. We present a second case of ruptured PMC resulting in acute abdomen in 36 weeks of pregnancy. Rupture of mucinous cystic neoplasms of pancreas including PMC should be remembered in acute abdomen during pregnancy.

Short rib polydactyly syndrome type 3 with absence of fibulae (Verma-Naumoff syndrome).

Short rib polydactyly syndrome (SRPS) is a group of skeletal dysplasias manifested by short-limb dwarfism, short ribs with thoracic dysplasia and polydactyly. SRPS is an inherited autosomal-recessive disorder with different prenatal sonographic and postnatal clinical, histological and radiologic findings. SRPS type 1 (Saldino-Noonan) and type 3 (Verma-Naumoff) are very similar and frequently get mixed. In this report, we present a case of SRPS with hydrops, thoracic hypoplasia, short limbs and postaxial polydactyly in a 27-week fetus. The visceral findings in the fetus including the central nervous system were normal. The karyotype was 46XY. The prenatal diagnosis was thought to be type 1 because of the absence of fibulae at ultrasonography. However, postmortem autopsy, histologic, and radiologic findings were reviewed and the diagnosis was type 3 SRPS because of absence of visceral anomalies, presence of fan-shaped iliac bones and short tubular bones with metaphyseal widening. We concluded that detailed ultrasonography performed in the prenatal period is very important in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SRPS.

Tuberculosis of the parotid gland.

Tuberculosis of the parotid gland is very rare and clinically indistinguishable from a neoplasm. Thus the diagnosis of parotid gland involvement with tuberculosis has traditionally been made after surgical resection. We present a case which was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology and managed medically.

Surgical management of cardiac myxoma.

OBJECTIVE: Between 1994 and December 2003, 55 patients were operated for cardiac myxoma in Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital in Istanbul. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our results according to the preoperative characteristics, operative procedures, and postoperative courses. RESULTS: Of 55 patients operated, 36 (65.4%) were female and 19 (34.6%) male. The average age of the patients was 48 +/- 15.5 years (range, 12-75). Thirteen patients (23.6%) previously had cerebrovascular accidents. Peripheral arterial emboli had occurred in 11 (20%) patients. The majority of the patients (44.4%) were in NYHA Class II preoperatively. One patient was presented with Carney's complex. Most frequent location was the left atrium (85.2%). Eight patients had concommitant surgery together with myxoma extirpation. Postoperative courses were uneventful. Three patients had a new onset atrial fibrillation, two had transient conduction disturbances. There were two (3.6%) in-hospital deaths. No recurrences have been noted during the 82.4 +/- 40.6 months (a total of 315.75 patient/years) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of cardiac myxoma gives excellent results. In selected cases, a conservative approach may be adequate. Despite the scarcity of the neoplastic properties, careful follow-up is necessary.