Neoplastic Processes (neoplastic + process)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


O-10 Endometrial cells in cervical smears: cytological features associated with clinically significant endometrial pathology

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2007
R. N. Tiam
Introduction:, To establish the significance of cytological features which could predict clinically significant endometrial pathology, and therefore guide reporting practice in cervical samples. Methods:, A retrospective review of SurePath liquid-based cytology (LBC) cervical samples between 2002 and 2006, obtained at screening and colposcopy. These smears contained normal endometrial cells present at inappropriate times of the menstrual cycle, endometrial cells with atypia (borderline change) and with features suspicious / diagnostic of endometrial carcinoma (glandular neoplasia). False negative and false positive cases detected on subsequent histology were also included. The control group comprised negative samples and a few abnormal smears. All smears were randomly assigned and blinded to menopausal status, age, use of oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy and presence of intrauterine device. Each smear was reviewed for 16 cytologic criteria and a cytological diagnosis was given for each. Results:, A total of 219 smears were available for review; 137 were negative, out of which 85 contained normal endometrial cells, 41 contained endometrial cells with atypia, 10 contained endometrial cells with features suggestive of adenocarcinoma and 31 contained endometrial cells with features diagnostic of adenocarcinoma. The feature most associated with benign endometrial cells is top hat with central cell condensation. In contrast, the features associated with malignant endometrial cells are smooth nuclear membrane, pale chromatin, small nucleoli and scalloped borders. Discussion:, The criteria identified in this study do not definitively define a neoplastic process, but appear to be helpful in individual cases. This study emphasises that endometrial changes should be always interpreted with the relevant clinical information, which would otherwise lead to overdiagnosis in premenopausal women. [source]


Clonal analysis of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma (dermatofibroma)

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2002
Pei Hui
Background:, Dermatofibroma (DF) or cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma is a common benign fibrohistiocytic lesion involving the dermis and subcutis. Histologically, it is subclassified into fibroblastic and histiocytoid forms. Its histogenesis is controversial. While often referred to as a neoplastic process, definite evidence of neoplasia in DF has been lacking. Alternatively, some authorities have suggested that DF is a fibrosing inflammatory process. Diagnostically, the most important question faced is the distinction from dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Misdiagnosis can occur, as the early phase of DFSP can simulate DF, particularly the deep and cellular forms of DF. Methods:, To address this issue, and to investigate whether DF is in fact a neoplasm, we evaluated 31 examples of DF of various histological types in female patients and assessed clonality by analyzing X-chromosome inactivation as indicated by the methylation status of the androgen receptor gene (HUMARA). Representative cases of DFSP were analyzed for comparison. Results:, Among the selected 31 cases of DF, 24 cases provided intact DNA and informative polymorphism at the AR alleles, including one case of recurrent deep fibrous histiocytoma. Among these 24 cases, randomly inactivated AR alleles were observed in 17 cases including a deep, recurrent fibroblastic DF. A non-random inactivation at AR alleles was observed in seven cases, of which six cases showed either typical histiocytoid form of DF (four cases) or mixed cell types with predominant histiocytoid cell type (two cases). One fibroblastic DF also showed a monoclonal pattern. HUMARA analysis of DFSP revealed non-random inactivation of polymorphic AR alleles. Conclusions:, These findings suggest that DF is a heterogeneous process. Monoclonal genotype was found in DFs with histiocytoid or mixed type with predominant histiocytoid features, suggesting that histiocytoid cells probably represent the neoplastic component. The fibroblastic form of DF may represent a reactive fibroblastic proliferation. Alternatively, it may represent a true neoplasm whose neoplastic cell type has been obscured by prominent reactive fibroblastic component. [source]


HP24 MICRORNA EXPRESSION PROFILES IN BARRETT'S OESOPHAGUS

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2007
D. I. Watson
Purpose The genetic changes that drive the metaplastic change from squamous oesophagus (NO) towards Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and cancer are unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and contribute to cellular differentiation and identity. We sought to determine the role of miRNAs in BO. Methodology Biopsies of NO, BO and cardia were taken from 7 patients and RNA was extracted. miRNA expression profiles of 300 miRNAs were determined by microarray. Guided by the array results, real-time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for 8 selected miRNAs enabled their expression to be studied in tissues from another 15 patients. Results Array data revealed that 39 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between NO, BO and cardia. A tissue-specific expression profile was confirmed by RT-PCR, with miR-21, 143, 145, 194 and 215 significantly up regulated in BO and cardia (columnar) vs. NO (squamous). A trend towards increased miR-21 expression from NO to BO and adenocarcinoma was observed (p = 0.1). Interestingly, high expression of miR-143, 194 and 215 was seen in BO vs. NO (p < 0.0001), but with subsequent downregulation in cancers (p = 0.1). In contrast, miR-203 and 205 were highly expressed in NO and low in BO and cardia. A database search revealed that these miRNAs potentially target (proto-)oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Conclusions Differences in miRNA expression are present between NO, BO, cardia and cancer. Deregulation of certain miRNAs, and their predicted effect on the expression of target genes, might contribute to the metaplastic and neoplastic process in the oesophagus and could serve as novel biomarkers to classify diseased tissues. [source]


Hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010
RM Wouda
Hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed in an 11-year-old, desexed female Persian cat. The cat was initially referred for investigation of tachypnoea and dyspnoea. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a common incidental finding in cats and is usually asymptomatic. Myelolipoma is an extremely rare benign tumour, composed of extramedullary haematopoietic cells and adipose tissue. Myelolipomas are hypothesised to result from metaplastic alteration, rather than a neoplastic process, although this theory cannot be substantiated. The present case is only the fourth report of such an unusual occurrence in cats and displays significant differences to previous reports. Hepatic entrapment and burgeoning of the mass within the pericardial sac resulted in cardiac tamponade and overt signs of right-sided cardiac failure. Surgical intervention was successful and despite concerns regarding the cat's clinical presentation and the gross appearance of the lesion(s), a good long-term outcome is anticipated. [source]


Early cellular events in colorectal carcinogenesis

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 2 2002
A. G. Renehan
Colorectal cancer develops through a multistage process recognizable at a histopathological level by progression from normal mucosa to invasive carcinoma (the adenoma-carcinoma sequence). For many years, it has been hypothesized that increased cell proliferation in the colonic crypt represents the earliest recognizable stage in this sequence. This perspective is now changing. While several human studies have reported increased crypt cell proliferation in samples from at-risk patients, there are many inconsistencies and paradoxes in their conclusions. In addition, it is appreciated that the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death) is vital for normal crypt homeostasis and its impairment may be an early event in the neoplastic process. It is now believed that aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) represent the earliest step in colorectal carcinogenesis. Two ACF types are identifiable: hypercellular and dysplastic. Increased proliferative activity may be seen in both, but the dysplastic entity is most relevant to carcinogenesis. Animal and human studies support the notion that ACFs grow by crypt fission leading to the formation of microadenomas. Adenomas are monoclonal expansions of an altered cell, but very early lesions may be polyclonal. There are outward and inward theories of polypoid growth, and evidence to support both mechanisms. The ACF assay has become a useful tool to detect carcinogens in animal studies but has been less frequently used in human studies. For future cancer chemopreventive and risk assessment studies in humans, the identification and quantification of ACFs should be considered a more effective intermediate marker of risk than the determination of crypt cell proliferation alone. [source]


Neuropathology of Rett syndrome

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 2 2002
Dawna Duncan Armstrong
Abstract Rett Syndrome is unlike any other pediatric neurologic disease, and its clinical-pathologic correlation can not be defined with standard histology techniques. Based on hypotheses suggested by careful clinical observations, the nervous system of the Rett child has been explored utilizing morphometry, golgi preparations, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, chemistry, immunocytochemistry, autoradiography, and molecular biologic techniques. From these many perspectives we conclude that Rett syndrome is not a typical degenerative disorder, storage disorder, nor the result of gross malformation, infectious or neoplastic processes. There remain regions of the brain that have not been studied in detail but the available data suggest that the neuropathology of Rett syndrome can be summarized as follows: the Rett brain is small for the age and the height of the patient; it does not become progressively smaller over three to four decades; it has small dendritic trees in pyramidal neurons of layers III and V in selected lobes (frontal, motor, and temporal); it has small neurons with an increased neuronal packing density; it has an immature expression of microtubular protein-2 and cyclooxygenase; it exhibits a changing pattern of neurotransmitter receptors with an apparent reduction in many neurotransmitters, possibly contributing to some symptomatology. A mutation in Mecp2 causes this unique disorder of brain development. Neuronal mosaicism for normal and mutated Mecp2 produces a consistent phenotype in the classic female patient and a small brain with some preserved islands of function, but with an inability to support hand use and speech. This paper summarizes our current observations about neuropathology of Rett syndrome. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:72,76. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Pediatric submandibular triangle masses: a fifteen-year experience,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2004
Neil G. Hockstein MD
Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical results of pediatric submandibular triangle masses, with specific attention to neoplastic processes. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 105 patients aged 6 months to 21 years who underwent surgery in the submandibular triangle at a major pediatric tertiary care hospital from 1987 to 2001. Results. One hundred five patients who underwent surgery in the submandibular triangle were included in the study. Twenty patients had neoplastic processes, six of which were of primary salivary origin (two mucoepidermoid carcinomas and four pleomorphic adenomas). Twenty-four patients underwent excision of inflamed or infected lymph nodes, and 23 patients underwent excision of inflamed or infected submandibular glands. Thirty-eight patients were included who underwent surgery for sialorrhea or to gain access for another surgical procedure. Complications included tumor recurrence, transient and permanent marginal mandibular nerve weakness, ranula, postoperative fluid collection, and cellulitis. Duration of follow-up ranged from no follow-up to 11 years. Conclusion. Surgical excision of submandibular triangle masses is uncommon. We present our experience with these lesions, with a discussion of diagnosis, surgical indications, and surgical complications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 675,680, 2004 [source]


Annexin A1 subcellular expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
V A F Alves
Aims:, Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a soluble cytoplasmic protein, moving to membranes when calcium levels are elevated. ANXA1 has also been shown to move to the nucleus or outside the cells, depending on tyrosine-kinase signalling, thus interfering in cytoskeletal organization and cell differentiation, mostly in inflammatory and neoplastic processes. The aim was to investigate subcellular patterns of immunohistochemical expression of ANXA1 in neoplastic and non-neoplastic samples from patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC), to elucidate the role of ANXA1 in laryngeal carcinogenesis. Methods and results:, Serial analysis of gene expression experiments detected reduced expression of ANXA1 gene in LSCC compared with the corresponding non-neoplastic margins. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed ANXA1 low expression in 15 LSCC and eight matched normal samples. Thus, we investigated subcellular patterns of immunohistochemical expression of ANXA1 in 241 paraffin-embedded samples from 95 patients with LSCC. The results showed ANXA1 down-regulation in dysplastic, tumourous and metastatic lesions and provided evidence for the progressive migration of ANXA1 from the nucleus towards the membrane during laryngeal tumorigenesis. Conclusions:, ANXA1 dysregulation was observed early in laryngeal carcinogenesis, in intra-epithelial neoplasms; it was not found related to prognostic parameters, such as nodal metastases. [source]


Protein profile study of breast-tissue homogenates by HPLC-LIF

JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS, Issue 5 2009
K. Kalyan Kumar
Abstract Proteomics is a promising approach for molecular understanding of neoplastic processes including response to treatment. Widely used 2D-gel electrophoresis/Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are time consuming and not cost effective. We have developed a high-sensitivity (femto/subfemtomoles of protein/20 ,l) High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Laser Induced Fluorescence HPLC-LIF instrument for studying protein profiles of biological samples. In this study, we have explored the feasibility of classifying breast tissues by multivariate analysis of chromatographic data. We have analyzed 13 normal, 17 malignant, 5 benign and 4 post-treatment breast-tissue homogenates. Data was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis PCA in both unsupervised and supervised modes on derivative and baseline-corrected chromatograms. Our findings suggest that PCA of derivative chromatograms gives better classification. Thus, the HPLC-LIF instrument is not only suitable for generation of chromatographic data using femto/subfemto moles of proteins but the data can also be used for objective diagnosis via multivariate analysis. Prospectively, identified fractions can be collected and analyzed by biochemical and/or MS methods. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
Neta Adler
Background:, Dermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) occasionally resemble each other histologically but differ in histogenesis and biological behavior. This study sought to determine if these lesions can be differentiated by the quantity or quality of expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme associated with both reactive and neoplastic processes. Patients and methods:, Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples from 20 DFs and 20 DFSPs were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies directed against COX-2. Staining was evaluated semiquantitatively for percentage and intensity using a three-tiered system. DFs were graded and analyzed by cellularity. Findings within the tumors were compared with fibrocyte staining in adjacent tissue. The results were analyzed. Results:, Nineteen DFs (95%) and 15 DFSPs (75%) were immunopositive for COX-2; this difference was not statistically significant. Highly cellular DFs showed more widespread (p = 0.0039; r = 0.614) and more intense (p = 0.0586; r = 0.429) staining than less cellular DFs and more prominent staining in adjacent fibroblasts (p = 0.044; r = 0.608). Conclusions:, COX-2 immunostaining does not distinguish DFs from DFSPs. However, the enzyme is expressed more widely and more intensely in more cellular, possibly younger, DFs. The prominent expression of COX-2 in DFSP may have clinical implications for treatment with COX-2 inhibitors in tumors that are not amenable to surgery. [source]


Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma of the neck

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
Rob McFarlane
Background:, Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS), also named inflammatory myxohyaline tumor of distal extremities with virocyte or Reed-Sternberg cells, is a rare tumor typically presenting as a painless mass in the extremities. Patients:, We present an unusual case of MIFS presenting as a subcutaneous neck mass. This is the first reported case of MIFS presenting in the neck. Results:, Therefore, this lesion must be considered in the differential diagnosis for painless subcutaneous masses presenting not only in the distal extremities, but also in the neck. Conclusion:, MIFS has only recently been recognized. The differential diagnosis for MIFS is broad, and it can often be mistaken for several different inflammatory and neoplastic processes, which may require different treatment. [source]


SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NEURALGIA: A 10 YEAR EXPERIENCE

JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 1 2002
F. Rychlicki
First described by Weisenburg in 1910, glossopharyngeal neuralgia is paroxysmal, lighting, excruciating pain referred to the posterior lingual region, tonsillar pillar, throat, external auditory canal and pinna. It is much less frequently encountered than trigeminal neuralgia with a reported relative frequency of the order of 1%. It is often secondary to neoplastic processes of the oropharyngeal region but can also be caused by mechanical compression of abnormal vessels on the nerve root. Less frequently it is of essential or idiophatic origin. Between 1990 and 2000, operations were performed at our Institute on 3 patients, all women ranging in age from 61 to 80 years, with glossopharyngeal neuralgia. All the patients had been taking caramazepine with only temporary initial improvement and in 2 cases parenteral feeding had been necessary before admission. The first 2 patients were submitted to percutaneous thermocoagulation rhizotomy of the inferior petrous ganglion of Andersch at the jugular foramen, the third to open procedure consisting in vascular decompression of the ninth nerve in posterior fossa. The follow-up ranges from 2 to 10 years. The results were excellent or very good in all cases at the time of evaluation. The authors emphasize the role of surgical therapy in glossopharyngeal neuralgia when medical therapy fails. [source]


Age-related EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders: Diagnostic approach to a newly recognized clinicopathological entity

PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2009
Yoshie Shimoyama
EBV is prevalent among healthy individuals, and is implicated in numerous reactive and neoplastic processes in the immune system. The authors originally identified a series of senile or age-related EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) bearing a resemblance to immunodeficiency-associated ones, which may be associated with immune senescence in the elderly and which are now incorporated into the 2008 World Health Organization lymphoma classification as EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the elderly. This newly described disease is pathologically characterized by a proliferation of atypical large B cells including Reed,Sternberg-like cells with reactive components, which pose a diagnostic problem for pathologists. Clinically, this disease may present with lymphadenopathy, and is often extranodal, frequently involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lung. Onset is usually after the age of 50; the median patient age is 70,79 years, and incidence continues to increase with age, providing additional support to the nosological term of EBV+ DLBCL of the elderly. These patients have a worse prognosis than those with EBV-negative DLBCL or EBV+ classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). The aim of the present review was to summarize the clinicopathological profile of age-related EBV+ LPD and EBV+ Hodgkin lymphoma to facilitate diagnostic approach. [source]


Pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare in a Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2010
SA Michael
The health of captive Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) is currently of increased interest because wild populations are being decimated by the spread of devil facial tumour disease. This report describes the pathology of an aged captive Tasmanian devil that had a pulmonary mycobacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare in addition to multiple neoplastic processes. [source]