Underwent Node Biopsy Research Articles

Clinical prediction model for pediatric lymphadenopathy: enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment decision making.

Lymph node enlargement is common in children, with 90% of physiologically palpable lymph nodes. This study aimed to develop a predictive model based on clinical characteristics to enhance the diagnosis of pediatric lymphadenopathy and provide insights into biopsy outcomes. A clinical prediction rule was developed using a retrospective, cross-sectional design for patients under 15years who underwent lymph node biopsy from 2012 to 2022. Multivariable risk regression was used to analyze benign and malignant lesions, presenting results through risk difference and AUROC for each group. Predicted probabilities were applied in a logistic regression equation to classify patients' lymphadenopathy as reactive hyperplasia, benign, or malignant. Of 188 children, 70 (37.2%) had benign lymphadenopathy beyond reactive hyperplasia, and 27 (14.4%) had malignant lymphadenopathy. The predictive model included 12 characteristics such as size, location, duration, associated symptoms, and lymph node examination. Predictive accuracy was 92.2% for benign cases (AUROC = 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.96) and 98.6% for malignancy (AUROC = 0.98; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). Overall accuracy for predicting both benign and malignant tumors was 68.3%. The model demonstrated reasonably accurate predictions for the clinical characteristics of pediatric lymphadenopathy. It tended to overestimate malignancy but did not miss diagnoses, aiding in reducing unnecessary lymph node biopsies in benign cases.

Diagnostic approach of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a multicenter study.

Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) is the most common infectious etiology of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults, in Turkiye. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables that differentiate TBLN from non-tuberculous lymphadenitis (NTBLN), as well as the etiology of lymphadenopathy in adults. Patients who were over 18 years old and were referred to the infectious disease outpatient clinics with complaints of swollen peripheral lymph nodes, and who underwent lymph node biopsy between 1 January 2010 and 1 March 2021, were included in this multicenter, nested case-control study. A total of 812 patients at 17 tertiary teaching and research hospitals in Turkiye were included in the study. TBLN was the most frequent diagnosis (53.69%). The proportion of patients diagnosed with TBLN was higher among females; and among those who had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive purified protein derivative test, and positive interferon-gamma release test result (p < 0.05). However, TBLN was less frequent among patients with generalized lymphadenopathy, bilateral lymphadenopathy, axillary lymphadenopathy, inguinal lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and moderately increased C reactive protein levels (p < 0.05). Identifying the variables that predict TBLN or discriminate TBLN from NTBLN will help clinicians establish optimal clinical strategies for the diagnosis of adult lymphadenopathy.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: A single-center analysis of 5 cases.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is a self-limited inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. A very small fraction of patients with HNL could develop hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a hyperinflammatory disorder. These patients are diagnosed as HNL with HLH (HNL-HLH). HNL-HLH in the pediatric population has been systemically studied, however, the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and outcomes of adult patients with HNL-HLH remain to be explored. We aimed to explore the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and outcomes of adult patients with HNL-HLH. We collected the clinical data of patients with HNL-HLH admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2010 to June 2015. All the patients underwent lymph node biopsy and have a pathological diagnosis of HNL. The age, gender, clinical presentation, lymph node signs, laboratory findings and imaging data, and pathological findings of the patients were collected. In this study, we reported five adult patients with HNL-HLH. All five patients showed enlarged lymph nodes and prolonged fever. Laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of HLH. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed enlarged lymph nodes with increased FDG uptake and splenic hypermetabolism could be present. All the patients responded well to corticosteroids and had a good prognosis. Two of the five patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus during the follow-up. Our study demonstrated that adult patients with HNL-HLH showed distinct clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. And the prognosis is good and patients could be managed with steroids and supportive care.

Comparison of pathophysiological differences in TAFRO syndrome with or without lymphadenopathy.

In diagnosing TAFRO syndrome, lymph node histology often may not be evaluated due to inapparent lymphadenopathy. In this study, we analyzed the differences in the pathophysiology of TAFRO syndrome with or without lymphadenopathy. We used an anonymous questionnaire to survey 70 hematologists at 50 hospitals in the Kanto Koshinetsu area of Japan from February to April 2020. We received 31 responses and collected 26 cases with TAFRO syndrome. Compared to cases with or without lymph node biopsy, clinical features and laboratory test findings in both groups were not significantly different, except for stronger renal insufficiency found in those without biopsy. It was also revealed that clinical features and laboratory test findings had no significant differences between the cases with and without lymphadenopathy. However, renal insufficiency was more pronounced in those without lymphadenopathy. There were no significant differences in pathophysiology between cases with or without lymphadenopathy in the group that did not undergo lymph node biopsy. In the treatment strategies, no significant differences were found dependent on lymphadenopathy. This study shows that lymphadenopathy in TAFRO syndrome may be secondary to inflammation and unrelated to the underlying disease.

Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Single-Center Analysis of Five Cases

Introduction: Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is a benign, self-limiting disease that presents with few nonspecific symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HNL-HLH) is rare and case series have been reported in children. HNL-HLH in adults has not been systematically analyzed. Methods: We aimed at exploring the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and outcomes of adult patients with HNL-HLH. We collected the clinical data of patients with HNL-HLH admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2010 to June 2015. All the patients underwent lymph node biopsy and have a pathological diagnosis of HNL. The age, gender, clinical presentation, lymph node signs, laboratory findings and imaging data, and pathological findings of the patients were collected. Results: In this study, we reported five adult patients with HNL-HLH, including 3 females and 2 males. The median age was 37 years (range: 20-57). All five patients showed enlarged lymph nodes and prolonged fever. Laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of HLH. All five patients had hyperferritinemia and the levels of ferritin were all higher than 1000 ug/L. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aminotransferase were significantly elevated in all five patients. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed enlarged lymph nodes with increased FDG uptake and splenic hypermetabolism could be present. Pathological findings were consistent with HNL (Fig A) and hemophagocytosis in the lymph node was present in two cases (Fig B). All the patients responded well to corticosteroids and had a good prognosis. Two of the five patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during the follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that adult patients with HNL-HLH showed distinct clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. And the prognosis is good and patients could be managed with steroids and supportive care.

Abstract P3-05-47: Regional Lymph node percutaneous analysis in patients with breast cancer

Abstract Background: The evaluation of regional lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer is one of the main predictive and prognostic factors for treatment. The most frequently methods of percutaneous evaluation for suspicious lymph nodes are fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB). According to the international literature, CNB and FNA are considered diagnostic methods with high specificity (98% vs. 99%), however FNA can present up to 21% of inconclusive results due to insufficient material, which leads to recall and delay in treatment approach. Although CNB is well established as a percutaneous method for the diagnostic evaluation of suspicious breast lesions, the literature is still scarce regarding the use of this method for the evaluation of suspicious regional lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. Objectives: To analyze the results of percutaneous biopsies performed in suspected lymph nodes according to the topography and the type of needle used, and to verify the preferred method used. Methods: This was a retrospective study evaluating a public Hospital in São Paulo – Brazil (Pérola Byington Hospital database). Patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous lymph node biopsy from May 2015 to November 2017 were included. Data were analyzed and the type of biopsy (FNA or CNB) and the results were analyzed. Results: 106 medical records of patients with previous breast cancer and that underwent lymph node biopsy were reviewed. The mean age was 54.7 years (SD±12.4) in the CNB group and 54.7 years (SD±10.8) in the FNA group. Most of the patients were submitted to CNB (66% - 71 patients) and 34% were evaluated with FNA (35 patients). According to the topography of the lymph nodes, 80% were in the axilla (n=84), 10% in the supraclavicular region (n=11) and 10% in the cervical region (n=11). When analyzing the FNA results, 31% did not present sufficient material (n=11), 37% were malignant (n=13), 20% were benign (n=7) and 12% showed cellular atypia (n=12). Among the CNB performed in suspected lymph nodes, 53% were malignant (n=38) and 31% were benign (n=33), and no one had insufficient material. There were no reports of complications related to the procedures. In the insufficient material group, 27% (n=3) of the patients underwent a new percutaneous biopsy (2 CNB with malignant result and 1 FNA with inconclusive result) and 73% (8) were maintained in follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 24 months, and clinical and imaging stability was confirmed after this period. In the CNB group with malignant result, 10% (4) were diagnosed with neoplasia of other sites (cervix, lymphoma, melanoma and gastrointestinal), 78% (30) presented immunohistochemistry in agreement with that of the breast, 3% (1) presented different immunohistochemistry and in 9% (3) this evaluation was not performed. Conclusion: CNB was the preferred diagnostic method in our Hospital (66% vs 34%), being considered a viable procedure to evaluate lymph nodes in various topographies and with low rates of inconclusive results. Besides that, immunohistochemistry was done in 91% of the cases showing the importance of this analysis in the treatment of the recurrence or even in the diagnosis of other primary tumors. In the future, studies that assess indirect costs may confirm the applicability of CNB in patients with suspicious lymph nodes in terms of achieving greater agility and resolution. Citation Format: Marina Diogenes, ANDRE MATTAR, Andressa Amorim, Maria Isabela Caldas Sawada, Luiz Henrique Gebrim, Jorge Shida. Regional Lymph node percutaneous analysis in patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-47.

Validation of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography-Based Risk Stratification System and Biopsy Criteria for Cervical Lymph Nodes in Preoperative Patients With Thyroid Cancer.

This study aimed to validate the risk stratification system (RSS) and biopsy criteria for cervical lymph nodes (LNs) proposed by the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR). This retrospective study included a consecutive series of preoperative patients with thyroid cancer who underwent LN biopsy, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) between December 2006 and June 2015. LNs were categorized as probably benign, indeterminate, or suspicious according to the current US- and CT-based RSS and the size thresholds for cervical LN biopsy as suggested by the KSThR. The diagnostic performance and unnecessary biopsy rates were calculated. A total of 277 LNs (53.1% metastatic) in 228 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 47.4 years ± 14) were analyzed. In US, the malignancy risks were significantly different among the three categories (all P < 0.001); however, CT-detected probably benign and indeterminate LNs showed similarly low malignancy risks (P = 0.468). The combined US + CT criteria stratified the malignancy risks among the three categories (all P < 0.001) and reduced the proportion of indeterminate LNs (from 20.6% to 14.4%) and the malignancy risk in the indeterminate LNs (from 31.6% to 12.5%) compared with US alone. In all image-based classifications, nodal size did not affect the malignancy risks (short diameter [SD] ≤ 5 mm LNs vs. SD > 5 mm LNs, P ≥ 0.177). The criteria covering only suspicious LNs showed higher specificity and lower unnecessary biopsy rates than the current criteria, while maintaining sensitivity in all imaging modalities. Integrative evaluation of US and CT helps in reducing the proportion of indeterminate LNs and the malignancy risk among them. Nodal size did not affect the malignancy risk of LNs, and the addition of indeterminate LNs to biopsy candidates did not have an advantage in detecting LN metastases in all imaging modalities.

Lower Metabolic Potential and Impaired Metabolic Flexibility in Human Lymph Node Stromal Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Cellular metabolism is important for determining cell function and shaping immune responses. Studies have shown a crucial role for stromal cells in steering proper immune responses in the lymph node microenvironment. These lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) tightly regulate immune tolerance. We hypothesize that malfunctioning LNSCs create a microenvironment in which normal immune responses are not properly controlled, possibly leading to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we set out to determine their metabolic profile during health and systemic autoimmunity. We included autoantibody positive individuals at risk of developing RA (RA-risk individuals), RA patients and healthy volunteers. All study subjects underwent lymph node biopsy sampling. Mitochondrial function in cultured LNSCs was assessed by quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, Seahorse and oleate oxidation assays. Overall, mitochondrial respiration was lower in RA(-risk) LNSCs compared with healthy LNSCs, while metabolic potential was only lower in RA LNSCs. To maintain basal mitochondrial respiration, all LNSCs were mostly dependent on fatty acid oxidation. However, RA(-risk) LNSCs were also dependent on glutamine oxidation. Finally, we showed that RA LNSCs have impaired metabolic flexibility. Our results show that the metabolic landscape of LNSCs is not only altered during established disease, but partly already in individuals at risk of developing RA. Future studies are needed to investigate the impact of restoring metabolic capacity in LNSC-mediated immunomodulation and disease progression.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided re-biopsy of non-small cell lung cancer with acquired resistance after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.

Few studies assessed the use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided re-biopsy for detecting the T790M mutation after epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) failure. A total of 2996 EBUS procedures were performed during the study period (January 2019-June 2022). In total, 44 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-guided re-biopsy (56 procedures) for detecting the T790M mutation were analyzed. The success rates and T790M mutation frequencies were analyzed according to the re-biopsy site and EBUS method. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the likelihood of the T790M mutation. The success rates for the mutation analyses using EBUS with a guide-sheath (EBUS-GS), EBUS guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), and EBUS-GS with EBUS-TBNA for re-biopsy were 80.6% (29/36), 93.3% (14/15), and 100% (5/5), respectively. Patients who underwent lymph node biopsy using EBUS-TBNA had an increased rates of the T790M mutation compared with those undergoing lung biopsy using EBUS-GS (EBUS-TBNA, 60.0%; EBUS-GS with EBUS-TBNA, 40.0%; EBUS-GS, 11.1%; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the use of a first-generation EGFR-TKI (odds ratio [OR], 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-17.58; p=0.043) was associated with occurrence of the T790M mutation. Re-biopsy of the metastatic site tended to be associated with a higher T790M mutation rate. Mild hemoptysis occurred in 3.6% (2/56) of the patients. EBUS-guided re-biopsy can be used for detecting the T790M mutation in patients who failed EGFR-TKI therapy. The T790M mutation frequency differed according to the re-biopsy site. The use of a first-generation EGFR-TKI was an independent predictor of the T790M mutation.

Interim Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study of the Efficacy of Increasing the Cycles of Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> To assess whether increasing the cycles of induction chemotherapy (IC) improve the survival in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Patients with previously untreated, histopathologically confirmed, stage II-IVA NPC, aged 18-70 years without severe comorbidities who achieved PR (partial response) or CR (complete response) after two cycles of IC were recruited into this prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to group A (concurrent chemoradiotherapy) or group B (two additional cycles of IC followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy). Induction chemotherapy consisted of intravenous docetaxel (60 mg/m² on day 1), intravenous cisplatin (60 mg/m²on day 1), and fluorouracil (600 mg/m² per day continuous infusion on day 1 to day 5) every 3 weeks (TPF). In this trial, intensity-modulated radiotherapy was mandatory for both groups. And cisplatin 40 mg/m² given intravenously weekly or 100 mg/m² every 3 weeks during concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival calculated from randomization to death from any cause. This study was registered in the China Clinical Trial Center (ChiCTR-TRC-1800017109). <h3>Results</h3> From July 16, 2018, to September 6, 2021, 437 patients were screened. After the exclusion of 66 patients for ineligibility, 371 patients (median age, 46 years [IQR, 23-69 years]) were randomly assigned to the group A (n=186) or group B (n=185). At the last follow-up on January 21, 2022, the median follow-up time was 25.3 (IQR 3.5-41.3) months. All enrolled patients were included in the interim analysis. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups at baseline were well balanced (p£¾.05). All patients finished scheduled treatment. The 2-year estimated overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in group A versus group B were 98.4% vs 97.8%, 94.1 % vs 95.1%,98.4% vs97.8%, 95.7% vs 97.3%, respectively(p£¾.05). All patients received four cycles IC (group B) had higher incidences of leukopenia (P = .029), vomiting (P = .004), weigh loss(P=0.062) and thrombocytopenia (P = .043) than those treated with two cycles (group A). However, there was no difference in the incidence of late radiation toxicities between two groups. For advanced N (N3 and N2 who underwent lymph node biopsy) stage patients, we conducted a stratified analysis. The 2-year OS, DMFS of these patients in group A and group B were 96.6% and 98.7% (p=.687),94.4% and 97.3% (p=.275), group B has a trend of better survival. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In conclusion, the interim results demonstrate that increasing the cycles of IC with TPF to a mainstay of chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin did not improve the OS for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but it has the potential to reduce distant metastases for advanced N stage patients. These findings warrant validation with continuation of this trial and longer follow-up periods.

Etiology of Childhood Lymphadenopathy: A Report by a Single-center (2016-2018)

Background: Lymphadenopathy is an enlargement of a lymph node. Pathologic Lymphadenopathy is when there is a symptom of infectious and noninfectious abnormalities or malignant diseases. Most Lymphadenopathies are benign and are associated with a short period of symptoms. Concerning diagnosis and management of adenopathy, especially in the case of children, research is still underway. For this reason, our study investigated and analyzed the causes of lymphadenopathy in children.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at the Pediatric Department of children's medical center of Tehran University of medical science. In this study, 130 children with cervical lymphadenopathy aged under 12 years underwent lymph node biopsy. Then under general anesthesia and evaluation of a senior pathologist, the lymph node was excised and biopsied.&#x0D; Results: During the study, twenty-five cases were excluded. Fifty-three patients (50.47%) demonstrated infection history, 22 cases (21%) had neoplasia, and reactive inflammatory changes with nonspecific origin were seen in 42 cases (40.0%). We observed chronic lymphadenitis in 3(2.9%) cases, and finally, 1(1.0%) case was metastatic. Mean lymph node size proved to be greater than two cm in metastatic (2.22cm), lymphoma (2.33cm), and granulomatous (3.17cm) lymphadenopathies. The average lymph node size turned out to be 1.53 cm in reactive lymph nodes (P =0.021). The diagnosis was obtained by excisional biopsy and histopathology.&#x0D; Conclusion: Acute infections are the most common reason for lymphadenopathy in pediatric conditions. It is better to be suspicious of malignancy with a high index in cases of cervical lymphadenopathy, especially if the lymph node size is higher than 2 cm. History, clinical features, and paraclinical tests can be used for lymphadenopathy in children.

Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis: A Clinical Study of 6 Children and Review

Objective: As a rare cause of fever and lymphadenopathy (especially in the neck) in children, the purpose of this study is to explore the clinical characteristics of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) in children and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of 6 pediatric patients with HNL diagnosed by lymph node biopsy from 2012 to 2021 in department of pediatric, the affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, including the clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations, imaging findings and histopathological examinations, treatment and follow-up of the patients and reviewed relevant literature. Results: All the patients were Han girls, with no kinship with each other, and four cases were from rural areas. The age of onset was from 7 to 14 years old, with durations ranged from 1 week to 3 months. All children had cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness, five cases of fever, two cases of cough, one case of weight loss, four cases of leukopenia, one case of liver impairment, one case of combined bacterial infection of leukocytosis. All children underwent lymph node biopsy and were diagnosed with HNL, four children were treated with anti-infection before diagnosis, two children were treated with steroid therapy after diagnosis, and 1 case of weakened immune function was used immunoglobulin for modulating immunity. All children improved and discharged, and no recurrence was observed until October 2021. Conclusion: In our study, the children with swollen lymph nodes in the neck were accompanied by tenderness and fever as the main clinical manifestations, without specificity. Histopathology and immunohistochemical examination by removing the affected lymph nodes could confirm HNL. Most children had a good prognosis and long-term follow-up were required.

Cervical lymph node enlargement as the initial manifestation of rectal cancer

BackgroundColorectal cancer is a very common malignant tumor worldwide. The clinical manifestations of advanced colorectal cancer include the changes in bowel habits, hematochezia, diarrhea, local abdominal pain and other symptoms. However, the colorectal cancer with an initial symptom of cervical lymph node enlargement is extremely rare. In this article, we report a case of rectal cancer presenting with cervical lymph nodes enlargement as the initial symptom.Case presentationA 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for cervical lymph node enlargement which was accidentally detected during physical examination. Computed tomography scan revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Cervical ultrasound showed normal thyroid gland and multiple left supraclavicular lymph nodes enlargement. The patient underwent lymph nodes biopsy and pathologic results showed metastatic adenocarcinoma. The subsequent lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mucosal bulge lesion located at rectus and biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent rectal cancer resection. She is alive with no evidence of recurrence or new tumors 2 years after surgery.ConclusionsCervical lymph node metastasis is a rare metastatic way in colorectal cancer. This is the first case of rectal cancer presenting with cervical lymph nodes metastases as the initial symptom. Surgical resection combined with postoperative chemotherapy improved long-term prognosis of the patient. This rare metastatic way of rectal cancer should be paid attention for clinicians.

Clinical features of 18 perivascular epithelioid cell tumor cases.

To investigate the biological behavior and clinical characteristics of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa).Eighteen PEComa patients admitted to Zhongshan Hospital and the Central Hospital of Xuhui District in China from January 2006 to October 2018 were included. All patients were diagnosed based on pathological findings and treated with surgical resection or medication.Among the 18 patients, 1 underwent lymph node biopsy for multiple enlarged lymph nodes and 17 underwent mass resection. The median disease-free survival was 22 months after the first resection and over 12 months following a second resection. Treatment with mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors was effective for patients with unresectable or metastatic lesions. The median progression-free survival was approximately 13 months.Surgery is the predominant treatment approach for PEComa and patients can benefit from multiple operations. mTOR inhibitors are considered for patients with multiple lesions or intolerance to surgery. Anti-angiogenetic drugs can be selected when mTOR inhibitors fail to control the illness.

Lymph node biopsy in children: Indications and etiology

Background: Peripheral lymphadenopathy manifests in a variety of benign and malignant conditions and is often challenging to distinguish pathologic from non-pathologic etiology based on clinical presentation alone. Therefore, lymph node biopsy is often required as an essential part of management. This study aimed to determine the causes of peripheral lymphadenopathy in children needing excision biopsy in our setting and establish a correlation with clinical features and laboratory findings. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of children aged 0-14 years undergoing lymph node biopsy at our institution, between January 2015 and June 2018, was conducted. Demographic, microbio­logical, and histopathological findings were reviewed. Results: A total of 69 patients underwent lymph node biopsy, the majority of whom were male (n=40, 58%), with a mean age of 7.9 years. The histopathological findings confirmed lymphoma (n=27), tubercu­losis (n=24), benign reactive changes (n=14), and Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis (n=4). Cervical lymph nodes were most frequently involved (n=64). Associated symptoms included fever (n= 27), weight loss (n=2) and cough (n=7). Only one patient developed a postoperative complication (wound infection). A clini­cal diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) had been presumed in 19 patients, but only 2 (11%) were confirmed to have TB, whereas10 were found to have histopathological findings of lymphoma. Conclusion: Excisional biopsy is useful in the management of children with lymphadenopathy, allowing treatment to be initiated based on a histopathological diagnosis.

An audit to study the diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies under local anaesthesia

Background: Surgical referrals for lymph node biopsies are common, majority for diagnostic purposes. The indications and the diagnostic yield vary for different sites. We conducted an audit of the lymph node biopsies done over a period of seven months.Methods: The audit included 547 patients who underwent lymph node biopsies under local anesthesia in the department of general surgery over a seven-month period. Parameters such as overall diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies, disease specific yield of lymph node biopsies with a primary focus on tuberculosis; site specific yield of lymph node biopsies and referral pattern for the request for lymph node biopsies were analysed.Results: 324 samples (59.2%) yielded a definite diagnosis, which included haematological malignancy 102 (31.5%), infectious diseases 131 (40.5%), and 59 (18.5%) malignancy. The diagnostic yield of supraclavicular lymph nodes was found to be highest (72.45%) and the axillary group the lowest (39.8%). The referral pattern seen was 314 (57.4%) from General medicine, 149 (27.2%) from General Surgery, and 84 (15.4%) from Haematology. 130 (23.8%) samples were tested for tuberculosis; the highest yield, acquired from the cervical group (52.8%), lowest from the inguinal region (4%).Conclusions: Our audit revealed significant diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies from the supraclavicular region. Majority of them were of infectious aetiology and referred from General Medicine. This study supports the introduction of co-ordinated problem-based referral and management pathways for the management of patients with enlarged superficial lymph nodes, supported by regular audits of practice.

Added Value of Computed Tomography to Ultrasonography for Assessing LN Metastasis in Preoperative Patients with Thyroid Cancer: Node-By-Node Correlation.

Diagnostic accuracy of US in the evaluation of lymph node (LN) metastasis for thyroid cancer patients is limited. We investigated the value of CT added to US for characterizing LNs in preoperative thyroid cancer patients by node-by-node correlation. A total of 225 primary thyroid cancer patients who underwent LN biopsy were included. Based on node-by-node correlation, 274 LNs were classified into probably benign, indeterminate, and suspicious categories on US, CT, and combined US/CT. Malignancy risks were calculated for each category and were compared between US/CT concordant and discordant cases. On US, CT, and combined US/CT, malignancy risks were 1.7%, 8.7%, and 0% in the probably benign category, 22.4%, 5.9%, and 8.0% in the indeterminate category, and 77.2%, 82.0%, and 75.6% in the suspicious category, respectively. Malignancy risk of the concordant suspicious category was higher than that of the discordant suspicious category (84.7% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.001). The addition of CT helped correctly detect additional metastasis in 16.4% of the US indeterminate LNs and in 1.7% of the US probably benign LNs. CT may complement US for LN characterization in thyroid cancer patients by suggesting the diagnostic confidence level for the suspicious category and helping correctly detect metastasis in US indeterminate LNs.

SUN-626 Thyroid Cancer and Lymphoma: From One to Three to Two

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the Thyroid is <1% of all thyroid malignancies. A combined diagnosis of SCC or squamous metaplasia and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has only been reported in a handful of cases. It is important to identify the correct diagnosis for optimal treatment. We present a case of a 47 year old female who presented with SOB and palpitations and was found to have a thyroid nodule on CT angiogram. In addition, there were lymph nodes identified in the mediastinum. Patient had a fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule that showed PTC and she underwent total thyroidectomy. However, the initial thyroid pathology was thought to show squamous cell carcinoma in addition to papillary thyroid carcinoma. With continued pursuit of patient's unique findings, she additionally underwent lymph node biopsy under thoracoscopy which was consistent with Hodgkin's lymphoma. After further evaluation, it was concluded that the patient did not have SCC of the thyroid. Patient ultimately was discharged with the diagnosis of PTC with squamous metaplasia and classic Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Comparative analysis of biopsy proven lymph node positive bladder cancer patients to those with biopsy proven lymph node negative disease prior treatment.

475 Background: Many studies assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy before surgery include few clinically node positive patients or completely exclude them which make response rates in this particular subset of patients difficult to determine. Additionally, these patients are clinically node positive, making true nodal response rates unable to be determined. We report a descriptive analysis of patients with clinically node positive disease who underwent lymph node biopsy prior to any treatment and their outcomes. Methods: Data was obtained retrospectively from patients with cTanyN1-3M0 bladder cancer from 2006-2017 who underwent radical cystectomy at MD Anderson. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 120 patients with cTanyN1-3M0 (median follow up 27.4 months), 40 patients underwent lymph node biopsy (LNBx). 26 (65%) patients had a positive LNBx, 14 (35%) were negative. 100% of the patients with a positive LNBx underwent primary chemotherapy. On final cystectomy, 9 (34.6%) of those patients had complete nodal response (pN0) and 9 (34.6%) had complete bladder response (pT0). 7 were pT0N0. Of the patients with a negative LNBx, 11 (78.6%) underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and of those patients, 7 (63.6%) were pN0 and 4 (36.4%) were pT0. Of patients that did not undergo LNBx that received primary chemotherapy (78 patients), 41 (52.6%) were pN0 and 22 (28.2%) were T0. There was no significant difference in overall or recurrence free survival between patients with a positive or negative biopsy or who did not undergo biopsy (p = .474). There was a significant improvement in overall and recurrence free survival in patients with negative nodal disease on final pathology compared to those with positive nodal disease (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Patients that had a negative LNBx were less likely to undergo primary chemotherapy. Pathologic bladder response rates correlate with nodal response rates. In cN+ patients, overall survival and recurrence free rates are not significantly different in patients without a lymph node biopsy, a positive biopsy or a negative biopsy. Finally, advanced final pathologic stage predicts worse outcomes.

Nipple-Invasive Primary Carcinomas: Clinical, Imaging, and Pathologic Features of Breast Carcinomas Originating in the Nipple.

Context Patients choosing to retain the nipple when undergoing therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy are at risk for cancers arising at that site. Objective To identify cases of invasive carcinoma arising within the nipple and to investigate their clinical, imaging, biologic, and staging features. Design Carcinomas were identified by prospective review of surgical and consult cases at 4 hospitals. Results The 24 patients identified presented with symptoms related to the nipple. Mammography did not detect the cancer in most cases. Ten patients (42%) had skin changes from ductal carcinoma in situ involving nipple skin (Paget disease), with small foci of invasion into the dermis, and 6 of those 10 carcinomas (60%) stained positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The remaining 14 patients (58%) presented with a nipple mass or with skin changes. These were larger invasive carcinomas of both ductal and lobular types. Only 2 of those 14 carcinomas (14%) were HER2+. Three of 15 patients (20%) undergoing lymph node biopsy had a single metastasis. No patients have had recurrent disease. Conclusions Rare, invasive, primary nipple carcinomas typically present as subtle nipple thickening or an exudative crust on the skin. Imaging studies are often nonrevealing. A variety of histologic and biologic types of carcinomas occur, similar to cancers arising deeper in the breast. Although the carcinomas invaded into the dermis, some with skin ulceration, the likelihood of lymph node metastasis was no higher than carcinomas of similar sizes. Patients who choose to preserve their nipple(s) should be aware of the possibility of breast cancer arising at that site and to bring any observed changes to the attention of their health care providers.