Surgical Excisional Biopsy Research Articles

SMAD4 Loss: A predictor of worse tumor differentiation, early metastasis and shorter survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background: Among the various biomarkers available in pancreatic cancer, this study aimed to analyzes whether the expression patterns of SMAD4 are correlated with metastatic potential and are predictive of clinical outcome and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted from March 2014 till February 2017, includes patients of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical excision or tru-cut biopsy. Results: Among forty-five patients, 33 had loss while 12 had intact SMAD4. Loss of SMAD4 carries a 1.3 times increased risk of vascular and 1.6 times risk of nodal spread. Deletion of SMAD4 was associated with poor differentiation (p=0.04,OR=5.6,C.I=0.9-34.4), and increased the risk of perineural invasion by two times (OR=2,C.I=0.1-34.8). Thirty-three, eighteen, and five patients survived at the end of 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. Analysis revealed statistically significant association between SMAD4 loss and survival at six months (p=0.04), 12 months (p=0.01) and 24 months (p=0.007). Among the operated patients (n=19), eleven patients developed recurrence during follow-up, period. all had loss of SMAD4 (p=0.03). The hazard ratios for poor tumor differentiation and SMAD4 loss were 5.8 (95%C.I=1.2-28.4,p=0.02) and 6.7 (HR=6.7,95%C.I=1.9-23.3,p=0.002) respectively. The SMAD4 intact and loss group had median survival of 19.5+2.1 months (95%C.I=15.4-23.7) and 9.3+1.0 months (95%C.I=7.3-11.4) respectively, confers a survival advantage of 10 months (p=0.002,C.I.=-4.1to-0.9). Conclusion: Loss of SMAD4 is strongly associated with poor tumor differentiation with risk of metastasis at presentation. The overall survival is significantly influenced by the loss of SMAD4 and poor tumor differentiation.

Clinicopathological Analysis of Ultrasound-guided Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Disease.

To evaluate the usefulness and safety of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) for breast lesion diagnosis and treatment. Clinical and histopathological data of 8,748 patients, who underwent 11,221 VABB procedures were analyzed. Most patients (58.2%) were <40 years old. Most lesions (39.6%) were 0.6-1.0 cm in diameter while 3.2% were ≥3.0 cm; fibroadenomas were the most common (46.6%). Eight (14% of 57) cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia were underestimated. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) ultrasound category were 0.6%, 3.4%, 34.8%, 66.2%, and 93.8% for category 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5 lesions, respectively. The mean number of core specimens was 9.5±8.8; the mean procedure time was 3.4±2.7 min. No residual lesions were found in 94.4% of the 7,480 patients. VABB could replace ultrasound-guided core biopsy and surgical excisional biopsy for the diagnosis of breast disease and the treatment of benign breast lesions.

Analysis of surgical diagnosis and treatment of 150 cases with mammographic calcifications

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of mammographic calcifications found by mammary molybdenum target inspection. Methods 150 women who were found out with breast calcifications by mammary molybdenum target inspection and had been treated with surgical excision biopsy were selected.Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results In 150 cases of mammographic calcifications, 102 cases were benign lesions by pathologic diagnosis, and 48 cases were malignant.Compared the morphological characteristics of the benign and malignant breast calcifications, the nature of the lesion was associated with lesion size(χ2=5.55), the density of calcification(χ2=7.591) and the distribution of calcifications(χ2=11.859). Conclusion Mammographic calcifications found by mammary molybdenum target inspection has a certain clinical value for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, so such patients should be encouraged to do biopsy to diagnose or exclude breast cancer. Key words: Mammary molybdenum target inspection; Breasl diseases; Surgical procedures, operation

Phyllodes Tumors

Phyllodes tumors are rare primary breast neoplasms graded as benign, borderline, or malignant based on pathology characterization of the stromal component. Core-needle biopsy is recommended as the first diagnostic step for breast lesions suspicious for phyllodes. Surgical excisional biopsy is recommended for a core-needle biopsy showing cellular fibroepithelial lesion or a mass suspicious for phyllodes tumor as pathology diagnosis is challenging, especially on limited tissue specimens. Surgical treatment parallels that for soft tissue sarcoma rather than breast adenocarcinoma. Wide local excision and mastectomy, with 1 cm tumor-free margins, provide equivalent oncologic outcomes. Tumor enucleation, subtotal resection, and positive final margins should be avoided. Axillary surgery is not recommended as lymph node metastases are rare. Adjuvant radiation is not recommended as routine, nor is adjuvant chemotherapy, although either or both may be considered for primary or recurrent high-risk malignant phyllodes tumors on a case-by-case basis. Local recurrence rates are influenced by margin status and tumor grade. Distant metastases occur in up to 25% of patients with borderline/malignant tumors and bestow a poor prognosis. Recent molecular genetic analyses of phyllodes tumors have identified potentially targetable mutations that may guide future therapy for high-risk, recurrent, or metastatic phyllodes tumors. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables, and 53 references. Key words: biomarkers, breast sarcoma, diagnosis, outcomes, pathology, phyllodes tumor, surgery, treatment

Phyllodes Tumors

Phyllodes tumors are rare primary breast neoplasms graded as benign, borderline, or malignant based on pathology characterization of the stromal component. Core-needle biopsy is recommended as the first diagnostic step for breast lesions suspicious for phyllodes. Surgical excisional biopsy is recommended for a core-needle biopsy showing cellular fibroepithelial lesion or a mass suspicious for phyllodes tumor as pathology diagnosis is challenging, especially on limited tissue specimens. Surgical treatment parallels that for soft tissue sarcoma rather than breast adenocarcinoma. Wide local excision and mastectomy, with 1 cm tumor-free margins, provide equivalent oncologic outcomes. Tumor enucleation, subtotal resection, and positive final margins should be avoided. Axillary surgery is not recommended as lymph node metastases are rare. Adjuvant radiation is not recommended as routine, nor is adjuvant chemotherapy, although either or both may be considered for primary or recurrent high-risk malignant phyllodes tumors on a case-by-case basis. Local recurrence rates are influenced by margin status and tumor grade. Distant metastases occur in up to 25% of patients with borderline/malignant tumors and bestow a poor prognosis. Recent molecular genetic analyses of phyllodes tumors have identified potentially targetable mutations that may guide future therapy for high-risk, recurrent, or metastatic phyllodes tumors. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables, and 53 references. Key words: biomarkers, breast sarcoma, diagnosis, outcomes, pathology, phyllodes tumor, surgery, treatment

Sclerosing mesenteritis mimicking metachronous peritoneal metastases from descending colon adenocarcinoma

BackgroundSclerosing mesenteritis is a non-neoplastic inflammatory disease that occurs in the bowel mesentery. Distinguishing sclerosing mesenteritis from neoplasms may be difficult because of the clinical and radiographic similarities between the two disease entities.Case presentationWe report a case of sclerosing mesenteritis mimicking peritoneal metastases of colorectal carcinoma. A 73-year-old man with stage II descending colon adenocarcinoma with poor prognostic features was found to have developed left lower abdominal quadrant masses on computed tomography (CT) 9 months after undergoing radical surgery. These masses were diagnosed as peritoneal metastases because they grew in size and displayed fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake 3 months later; thus, a laparotomy was performed. The masses, which were localized in the jejunal mesentery, were excised completely via segmental jejunal resection. Histopathological analysis confirmed that the masses were sclerosing mesenteritis. The patient showed no signs of sclerosing mesenteritis or colorectal carcinoma recurrence during follow-up.ConclusionsIn patients suspected of having localized peritoneal metastasis from malignancies, any masses must be sampled by surgical excisional biopsy and subsequently examined to rule out alternative diagnoses, such as sclerosing mesenteritis.

CT pattern analysis of necrotizing and nonnecrotizing lymph nodes in Kikuchi disease.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether a CT interpretation with imaging pattern analysis differentiates Kikuchi disease (KD) from the two more frequently encountered differential lymph nodes diagnoses of tuberculous lymphadenopathy (TL) and reactive hyperplasia (RH).Materials and methodsBetween January 2012 and July 2015, 20 patients with KD (6 men, 14 women; mean age, 27.80 years), 36 patients with RH (10 men, 26 women; mean age, 33.08 years) and 34 patients with TL (17 men, 17 women; mean age, 39.82 years) were pathologically diagnosed using US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, or surgical excisional biopsy. We recorded the total number, location, and size of the affected cervical lymph nodes, and two radiologists reviewed the characteristic imaging findings, including the presence of necrosis, cortical enhancement pattern, perinodal infiltration, conglomeration and nodal calcification, to form a consensus. In addition, we compared two attenuation indices on the nonnecrotic portion of the affected lymph nodes, nodal cortical attenuation (NCA) and the ratio of NCA to the adjacent muscle (NCA/M).ResultsConglomeration, enhancement pattern and NCA/M values were independent predictive CT features to distinguish KD from RH. Age and enhancement pattern discriminated KD from TL. Only the mean NCA/M value was a statistically significant CT feature (p = .008) in differentiating KD from both RH+TL. The mean NCA/M of KD (1.67 ± 0.20) was significantly higher than that of RH (1.49 ± 0.20) or TL (1.47 ± 0.21).ConclusionOur results indicate that in case of nonnecrotic lymphadenopathy, a higher NCA/M index can differentiate KD from RH and TL. In addition, the enhancement pattern according to the degree of necrosis discriminated between KD and TL in the case of necrotic lymphadenopathy.

Validation of ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart FISH Probe probe in non-small-cell lung cancer

BackgroundALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements are distinct molecular subsets of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and they are strong predictive biomarkers of response to ALK/ROS1 inhibitors, such as crizotinib. Thus, it is clinically important to develop an effective screening strategy to detect patients who will benefit from such treatment. In this study, we aimed to validate analytical performance of Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit (RUO) in NSCLC. MethodsStudy population composed of three patient cohorts with histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma (patients with ALK rearrangement, patients with ROS1 rearrangement and patients with wild-type ALK and ROS1). Specimens consisted of 12 ALK-positive, 8 ROS1-positive and 21 ALK/ROS1-wild type formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples obtained from surgical resection or excisional biopsy. ALK rearrangement was previously assessed by Vysis ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit (Abbott Molecular, Abbot Park, IL, USA) and ROS1 rearrangement was previously assessed by ZytoLight® SPEC ROS1 Break Apart Probe (ZytoVision, GmbH). All specimens were re-evaluated by Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit. FISH images were scanned on BioView AllegroPlus system and interpreted via BioView SoloWeb remotely. ResultsFor a total of 41 patient samples, the concordance of the results by Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit was evaluated and compared to the known ALK and ROS1 rearrangement status of the specimen. Of the 12 ALK-positive cases, hybridization with Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit was successful in 10 cases (success rate 10/12, 83%) and of these 10 cases, all showed ALK rearrangement (100% concordance with the results of Vysis ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit). Two of the ALK+ cases were excluded due to weak ROS1 signals that could not be enumerated. Of the 8 ROS1-positive cases, 6 cases were successfully evaluated using Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit. The success rate was 75% (6/8), and of these 6 cases, all showed ROS1 rearrangement, giving a 100% concordance with ZytoLight® SPEC ROS1 Break Apart Probe. Two of the cases were excluded due to weak ROS1 gold signal or high background. In the cohort of 21 wild-type cases, the success rate using Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart FISH Probe Kit was 85% (18/21) and the concordance with ALK and ROS1 probe kit was 100% (18/18). ConclusionVysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit (RUO) can detect ALK and ROS1 rearrangement simultaneously in NSCLC.

Abstract CT086: Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with pasireotide, an IGF-I inhibitor

Abstract DCIS is a non-obligate precursor in which epithelial cells with features of cancer reside in and expand otherwise normal appearing mammary ducts and lobules. DCIS increases the relative risk of developing invasive breast cancer (IBC) by up to 10 fold. Treatment of DCIS includes breast conserving surgery (BCS), tumor margins permitting, followed by radiation, or mastectomy. Recently we found that pasireotide, a somatostatin analog inhibitor of IGF-I, was effective in reducing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis in patients with atypical hyperplasia (AH) and or proliferative disease of the breast. At present there are no recognized medical treatments for DCIS. Here we raise the possibility that pasireotide might also be an effective therapy for some DCIS. To make this determination, 8 patients previously diagnosed with DCIS were treated with pasireotide, 600µg twice daily subcutaneously for a period of 20 days. Lesion size was assessed on DCE-MRIs in 3 planes before and after treatment. Of the eight, two had lesions characterized as low grade DCIS on core biopsy, 4 had intermediate or intermediate to high grade lesions, and two had high grade lesions. After treatment they all had surgical excision biopsies. We also measured proliferation and apoptosis to assess effects of pasireotide by expression of Ki67 and caspase 3. To confirm that the effect of pasireotide was mediated via the IGF-I pathway, p-AKT and p-ERK 1/2 were evaluated. Core and excision samples from 14 untreated patients where used as control. Overall, treatment with pasireotide reduced DCIS lesion size by ≥30% according the RECIST criteria in 4 of 8 patients, as measured by DCE-MRI. Of those, pathology of the surgical excision confirmed that there was no remaining DCIS tissue in the two patients with low grade disease. The two additional lesions that were reduced in size one was intermediate to high grade and the other a high grade DCIS. The remaining 4 patients had tumors that were stable in size. Pasireotide reduced cell proliferation and significantly increased apoptosis in the DCIS lesions. While DCIS is less responsive to pasireotide than AH and proliferative disease, it may nevertheless provide a window of opportunity for treatment and possibly eradication of some low grade or higher grade DCIS as well. The main side effect included hyperglycemia, intestinal discomfort and rash or redness at the injection area. Our data show that hyperglycemia disappears relatively fast after ending treatment with pasireotide. In conclusion, treatment with pasireotide eliminated 2 low grade DCIS lesions, shrunk two higher grade ones and also decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. Additional evidence in a larger number of patients will be necessary. Citation Format: Irineu Illa-Bochaca, Linda Moy, Julia Smith, Debora Axelrod, Baljit Singh, David L. Kleinberg. Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with pasireotide, an IGF-I inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT086. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT086

Ultrasonography-guided 14-gauge core biopsy of the breast: results of 7 years of experience.

PurposeThis study assessed the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) of breast lesions with at least 2 years of follow-up to determine the false-negative rate and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CNB.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 13,254 consecutive US-guided 14-gauge CNBs for breast lesions. We excluded biopsies if non-malignant biopsy result was not confirmed by surgical excision or US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy, or fewer than 2 years of follow-up data were available. A total of 4,186 biopsies were excluded, and 9,068 breast masses from 7,039 women were included. The pathologic findings from each CNB were assessed using the standard diagnostic reference, defined based on the results of surgical excision, vacuum-assisted biopsy, or at least 2 years of long-term imaging follow-up. The false-negative rate and underestimation rate were calculated.ResultsOf the 9,068 CNBs, benign pathology was found in 64.2%, high-risk results in 3.5%, and malignant results in 32.3%. Of the 5,821 benign CNBs, an additional malignancy was found at excision in 63 lesions, leading to a false-negative rate of 2.0% (63 of 3,067). The underestimation rate was 33.6% (111 of 330) for ductal carcinoma in situ and 24.5% (79 of 322) for high-risk results at surgical excision. Most false-negative diagnoses (84.1%, 53 of 63) were recognized through imaging-histology correlations, and immediate rebiopsies were performed. Ten malignancies (15.9%, 10 of 63) had delayed diagnoses and showed progression in follow-up US imaging.ConclusionUS-guided 14-gauge CNB provided optimal diagnostic information. Imaging-histology correlations and appropriate imaging follow-up should be performed to avoid delayed diagnoses.

Safety and Efficacy of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Large-Volume Breast Biopsy (MR-Guided VALB).

Magnetic resonance (MR)-guided vacuum-biopsy is technically demanding and may fail depending on target-lesion size or breast size, and location of lesions within the breast. We developed an MR-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy protocol that collects larger amounts of tissue, aiming at an at least partial or complete ablation of the target-lesion, just as it is intended during surgical (excisional) biopsy. Rationale is to avoid biopsy failures (false-negative results due to undersampling) by collecting larger amounts of tissue. We report on our experience with MR-guided vacuum-assisted large-volume breast biopsy (VALB) (MR-guided VALB) with regard to clinical success and complication rates. Institutional review board-approved analysis of 865 patients with 1414 MR imaging (MRI)-only breast lesions who underwent tissue sampling under MRI guidance. Magnetic resonance-guided VALB was performed on a 1.5 T-system with a 9G system. Per target lesion, we collected at least 24 samples, with the biopsy notch directed toward the position of the target until on postbiopsy control imaging the target lesion appeared completely or at least greatly removed. The standard-of-reference was established by at least 24-months follow-up (for benign biopsy results), or results of surgical histology (for malignant or borderline results). We investigated the technical success rates as a function of factors that usually interfere with MR-guided vacuum biopsy. Target lesions were located in the central versus peripheral parts of the breast in 66.6% (941/1414) versus 33.6% (473/1414), occurred in large, intermediate, or small breasts in 22.7% (321/1414), 56.4% (797/1414), or 20.9% (296/1414), corresponded to nonmass enhancement (NME) versus mass enhancement (ME) in 64.0% (905/1414) vs. 36.0% (509/1414), with an average size of 23 mm for NME versus 9 mm for ME, respectively. Primary technical failures, that is, inability to reach the target lesion occurred in 0.2% of patients (2/865) and 0.1% of target lesions (2/1414). Successful biopsy, that is, an MR-guided VALB diagnosis matching with the standard of reference, was achieved in 99.5% (859/863) of patients and 99.7% (1408/1412) target lesions that had been amenable to MR-guided VALB. In 0.5% of patients (4/863) and 0.3% of target lesions (4/1412), a radiologic-pathologic mismatch suggested a false-negative biopsy, confirmed by secondary excisional biopsy. The likelihood of failure was independent of the lesion's location in the breast, breast size, target lesion size, or target lesion type (NME vs ME). None of the patients with benign MR-guided VALB diagnoses developed breast cancer at the biopsy site during follow-up of 2 years. None of the patients developed major complications. Magnetic resonance-guided VALB is a safe procedure that is associated with a high success rate (99.7%) that is independent of the size, type, or location of a target lesion, or the size of the breast, and is associated with a very low complication rate.

Isolated eyelid Schwannoma: A rare differential diagnosis of lid tumor

Primary Schwannomas of the eyelid are extremely uncommon. It accounts for one percent of orbital tumors. We present a case of isolated eyelid Schwannoma in the lateral canthus of the left eye with no systemic diseases associated. Surgical excisional biopsy was done. In two years follow up, no recurrence or malignant conversion was detected.

Tumor de células granulares (Tumor de Abrikossoff) en la lengua. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Granular cell tumor is a soft tissue neoplasm that usually affects females in the fourth to sixth decades of life. It can affect any area of the body, with preponderance to the oral cavity as an asymptomatic nodule of slow growth. Despite its controversial histogenesis, the theory of a neural origin is now accepted. A surgical excisional biopsy of the tumor and histological examination are necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Its usual benign behavior and its low recurrence rate set a favorable prognosis. A case of a granular cell tumor in a 21 year old female patient is reported. Histological findings, differential diagnosis and therapeutic implications are discussed together with a review of the literature.

P1.02-030 Performance Evaluation of ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart FISH Probe Kit (RUO) in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements are distinct molecular subsets of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and they are strong predictive biomarkers of response to ALK/ROS1 inhibitors, such as crizotinib. Thus, it is clinically important to detect patients who will benefit from such treatment and develop an effective screening strategy. In this study, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ALK/ROS1 RUO FISH probes which can concurrently detect ALK and ROS1 rearrangements. The study populations were composed of three patient cohorts with histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma (ALK rearrangement, ROS1 rearrangement and both wild type). Patient specimens consisted of 12 ALK-positive, 9 ROS1-positive and 21 ALK/ROS1-wild type formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples obtained from surgical resection or excisional biopsy. ALK rearrangement status was determined by Vysis LSI Dual Color Break Apart Rearrangement Probe (Abbott Molecular, Abbott Park, IL, USA) and ROS1 rearrangement status was assessed by ZytoLight SPEC ROS1 dual color break apart probe (Zytovision. Bremerhaven, Germany). All specimens were re-evaluated by ALK/ROS1 Break Apart FISH RUO 4-color kit. FISH images were scanned via the BioView Duet and interpreted remotely via BioView SoloWeb. A total of 42 patient samples were evaluated. The concordance of results obtained from ALK/ROS1 Break Apart FISH RUO 4-color kit was evaluated relative to the ALK and ROS1 rearrangement status of the specimen, as previously determined. One ROS1-positive and 2 wild-type samples were excluded from analysis due to high background. Regarding 12 ALK-positive samples, 12 were ALK-positive by ALK/ROS1 RUO FISH, showing 100% (n=12/12) sensitivity to predict ALK rearrangement. Regarding 8 ROS1-positive samples, 6 cases were ROS1-positive by ALK/ROS1 RUO FISH, showing 75% (n=6/8) sensitivity to predict ROS1 rearrangement. Two cases showed weak ROS1 signals that could not be enumerated. Regarding 19 wild type cases, 18 cases were negative by ALK/ROS1 RUO FISH, showing 95% (n=18/19) specificity, while one case showed poor ROS1 signals which could not be properly enumerated. ALK/ROS1 RUO FISH can detect ALK and ROS1 rearrangements simultaneously in NSCLC. The fluorescence of ROS1 signal may be weakened by slide shipment and remote scoring.

Role of multislice computed tomography in characterization of different retroperitoneal masses

Background Multislice computed tomography imaging (MSCT) plays an integral role in the characterization of primary retroperitoneal masses and in the evaluation of their extent and involvement of adjacent structures, and therefore in treatment planning. Many authors have described useful imaging features to distinguish between the different entities. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MSCT in differentiation of primary retroperitoneal masses in correlation with pathological findings. Patients and methods This prospective study was performed on 43 patients aiming to determine the role of cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) imaging in the differential diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses. Each case was submitted for pathological analysis either following open surgical biopsy, surgical excision, or image-guided biopsy by CT or ultrasound. Correlation of CT findings with pathological results was obtained. Results The calculated accuracy for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses by MSCT was 69.7% in the studied cases matched with pathological findings, which represented 30 cases of our study. This was helpful in narrowing the differential diagnosis and thus in treatment planning. Conclusion Multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) is considered the basic standard in morphological evaluation, and the diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses according to their origin is carried out first and then characterization of the mass lesion is performed depending upon the specific imaging characteristics detected on CT examination such as consistency, component, vascularity and enhancement pattern, as well as specific pattern of spread.

The Effectiveness of Fine-Needle Aspiration Conducted by The Otolaryngologists

Background and Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of fine needle aspiration (FNA) conducted by the otolaryngologists, we compared the ultrasound (US)-guided FNA results conducted by a radiologist (RD-US), the US-guided FNA results (ENT-US), and the palpation guided FNA results (ENT-palpation) conducted by an otolaryngologist. Subjects and Method 1646 patients who underwent FNA were classified according to the site and periods of investigation (2007-2015), and their sampling adequacy was retrospectively reviewed. They were also divided into three groups (ENT-US, ENT-palpation, and RD-US); each group was then investigated for sampling adequacy. Results of further surgical excisional biopsy were compared with the those of the FNA results to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of all three groups. Results The sampling adequacy identified by the groups showed the result of ENT-US at 87.9%, ENT-palpation at 87.1% and RD-US at 91.3%. The periodical inadequacy rate failed to show any significant differences between the groups. The sensitivity of ENT-palpation was lower than other two groups. Diagnostic accuracy identified by the groups showed the result of ENT-US at 95.2%, ENT-palpation at 93.6%, and RD-US at 97.4%. Conclusion FNA performed by otolaryngologists demonstrates the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment, and that doing so would improve economic efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended that well-trained otolaryngologists conduct FNA actively. Key words: Adequacy ㆍ Diagnostic accuracy ㆍ Diagnostic ultrasound ㆍ Fine-needle aspiration ㆍ Palpations

Reliability of the Ki67-Labelling Index in Core Needle Biopsies of Luminal Breast Cancers is Unaffected by Biopsy Volume.

Assessing prognostic and predictive factors like the Ki67 labelling index (Ki67-LI) in breast cancer core needle biopsies (CNB) may be hampered by undersampling. Our aim was to arrive at a representative assessment of Ki67-LI in CNB of luminal breast cancers by defining optimal cutoffs and establishing the minimum CNB volume needed for highest concordance of Ki67-LI between CNB and subsequent surgical excision biopsy (SEB). We assessed the Ki67-LI in CNB and subsequent SEB of 170 luminal breast cancers according to two counting methods recommended by the International Ki67 in Breast Cancer Working Group and applied the cutoffs to distinguish low and high proliferation given by the St Gallen 2013 and 2015 consensus, respectively. We then compared CNB volume characteristics for cases with concordant and discordant Ki67-LI between CNB versus SEB. Highest concordance (75%, κ=0.44) between CNB and SEB was achieved using the method that assesses the average tumor Ki67-LI and a cutoff of 20%. No significant differences were found between cases with concordant and discordant Ki67-LI in CNB versus SEB for number of biopsy cores, total core length, tumor tissue length, or total CNB or tumor tissue area size in the CNB for two various cutoffs. A concordance of 75% between CNB and SEB can be achieved for the Ki67-LI using a method assessing average Ki67-LI at the threshold of 20%. Increasing CNB volume did not result in improved agreement rates, indicating that reliability of Ki67 levels in CNB of luminal breast cancers is unaffected by CNB volume.

Use of core biopsy in diagnosing cervical lymphadenopathy: a viable alternative to surgical excisional biopsy of lymph nodes?

OBJECTIVES Lymphoma often presents with a neck mass and while fine-needle aspiration cytology may be suggestive, tissue biopsy is required for reliable diagnosis and classification of a lymphoma that is sufficient to deliver the correct treatment for the patient. Traditionally, excisional biopsy of a lymph node has been the standard method of tissue sampling, providing ample tissue for assessment. However, this requires theatre time, and preceding fine-needle aspiration cytology, which may incur a delay. With careful use of tissue, coupled with advances in immunohistochemical and molecular investigative techniques, core biopsy provides a possible alternative to traditional fine-needle aspiration and excisional biopsy. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of diagnosing neck masses. METHOD A retrospective analysis was performed of patients being investigated for a neck mass who were undergoing ultrasound-guided core biopsies of cervical lymph nodes over a 17-month period. The final histology report was scrutinised to assess whether adequate tissue was obtained to allow for full tissue diagnosis. RESULTS Over the 17-month period analysed, 70 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy underwent core biopsy. Of these, 63 (90%) were diagnostic for either lymphoma or other pathology and did not require further tissue sampling. Overall, 19 patients were diagnosed with lymphoma, of which only 1 required further biopsy due to inconclusive initial core biopsy. CONCLUSIONS Current guidelines for investigating lymphomas require that excisional biopsy be performed to obtain ample tissue to allow full nodal architecture assessment and ancillary investigation to reach an accurate histological classification. Within our head and neck multidisciplinary team, however, it is considered that results from core biopsies can be obtained in a more timely fashion and with histological accuracy equal to those of open biopsy. The results obtained demonstrate that core biopsy is an effective tool for investigation. We believe this should be the first-line investigation of choice, as it reduces the need for patients to undergo surgery, is more cost effective and offers a faster diagnosis.

When pathological and radiological correlation is achieved, excision of fibroadenoma with lobular neoplasia on core biopsy is not warranted

BackgroundThe diagnosis and management of lobular neoplasia (LN) including lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) remains controversial. Current management options after a core needle biopsy (CNB) with lobular neoplasia (LN) incorporating both ALH and LCIS include excision biopsy or careful clinical and radiologic follow up. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the surgical database at Cork University Hospital was performed to identify all core needle biopsies from January 1st 2010 to 31st December 2013 with a diagnosis of FA who subsequently underwent surgical excision biopsy. All cases with associated LN including ALH and classical LCIS were selected. We excluded cases with coexistent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive carcinoma, LN associated with necrosis, pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) or lesions which would require excision in their own right (papilloma, radial scar, atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or flat epithelial atypia (FEA)). Cases in which the radiologic targeted mass was discordant with a diagnosis of FA were also excluded. Results2878 consecutive CNB with a diagnosis of FA were identified. 25 cases had a diagnosis of concomitant ALH or classical LCIS. Our study cohort consisted of 21 women with a mean age 53 years (age range 41–70 years). The core biopsy diagnosis was of LCIS and FA in 16 cases and ALH and FA in 5 cases. On excision biopsy, a FA was confirmed in all 21 cases. In addition to the FA, residual LCIS was present in 14 cases with residual ALH in 2 cases. One of the twenty-one cases (4.8%) was upgraded to invasive ductal carcinoma on excision.

A Case of Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis Associated With Sjögren's Syndrome.

After presenting with nonspecific symptoms, a 52-year-old female was found to have a 3.4 × 2.6 cm retroperitoneal mass resulting in hydronephrosis on abdominal computed tomography scan. After extensive workup including surgical debulking, excisional biopsy, and autoimmune panel, she was found to have idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) with negative staining for immunoglogulin G4 (IgG4). Two years after presentation, the patient developed dyspnea, cough, and xerostomia. Repeat anti-Sjögren Syndrome A and anti-Sjögren Syndrome B titers and labial gland biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of concomitant Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The patient was treated with mycophenolate mofetil with improvement in her symptoms. Most cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis are associated with IgG4-related disease or other autoimmune disease. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of SS associated with IRF. Because symptoms of IRF are nonspecific, there is often a delay in diagnosis resulting in end-organ disease such as ureteral obstruction or hydronephrosis. Although IRF is uncommon, it should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal or flank pain, especially in patients with concomitant autoimmune disorders. Early recognition of disease can prevent end-organ damage and, as more cases are diagnosed, its relationship to SS may be elucidated leading to further advances in treatment and surveillance.