Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast following silicone injection of the breasts.

During the 1960s, injecting liquid silicone into the breasts for augmentation purposes was a common practice. Many women suffered complications, usually developing silicone mastopathy, but there have been reports of carcinoma as well. A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is reported in a patient who had previously undergone injection of silicone into the breasts. Upon review of the literature, this is only the second reported case of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast following silicone injection. Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a very rare tumor comprising 0.04 to 0.075 percent of all breast malignancies. The tumor appears to develop from metaplasia of benign epithelial cells within the breast. Many theories are presented for the development of this metaplastic process. The clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is quite similar to that of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast of comparable stage and size.

Morbidity of colostomy closure following colon trauma.

Recent reports have suggested alternative procedures to temporary colostomy because of the high morbidity associated with its closure. The charts of 137 patients, who had colostomy closure following colostomies for trauma, were reviewed. Barium enema was helpful in the preoperative evaluation in selected patients. Early closure in uncomplicated cases was not associated with greater problems. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications for an overall morbidity of 10.2%. There were no deaths in the series. Colostomy closure in the trauma patient appears to be safer than in patients whose colostomy is constructed for nontraumatic reasons. Meticulous technique, including leaving the skin and subcutaneous tissue open, is essential. It is concluded that the principle of diverting or exteriorized colostomy in the trauma patient should not be abandoned because of hazards of subsequent closure.