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Tumour Size (tumour + size)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences97%
Distribution within Medical Sciences
Surgery & Surgical Specialties39%
Pathology4%
Oncology & Radiotherapy2%
12 Other Subdomains55%

Kinds of Tumour Size

  • large tumour size
    		•
  • median tumour size
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    TUMOUR SIZE AS A PREDICTOR OF AXILLARY NODE METASTASES IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2006
    Sharon Laura
    Background: The ability to predict the behaviour of breast cancer from its dimensions allows the clinician to inform a woman about the absolute benefits of adjuvant therapies or further surgery to control her disease. Tumour size and grade are independent predictors of nodal disease. This study aims to generate a tool, using Australian data, allowing surgeons to calculate the probability of axillary lymph node involvement in a preoperative setting. Methods: The histological reports of patients with breast cancer treated in 1995 in New South Wales were examined and tumour size, grade and nodal status recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified predictors of node positivity and, using linear regression analysis, a simple formula to predict nodal involvement was derived. Results: In a 6-month period, 754 women had non-metastatic, unifocal breast cancer treated with surgery and complete axillary dissection and 283 (37.5%) had positive nodes. Tumour size remained an independent predictor of node positivity and the probability (%), y, of nodal involvement may be predicted by the formula y = 1.5 × tumour size (mm) + 7, r = 0.939 and P = 0.001. Conclusions: This paper shows the need to assess the axilla in every patient because even patients with small tumours (0,5 mm) have the possibility of axillary involvement (7,14.5%). Use of this simple formula allows clinicians and patients to make informed decisions about the possible need for a full axillary dissection to reduce the chance of understaging and potentially undertreating a woman's breast cancer. [source]

    Outcome following removal of canine spindle cell tumours in first opinion practice: 104 cases

    JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 11 2009
    D. Chase
    Objectives:To define the outcome of a cohort of canine patients with a histological diagnosis of spindle cell tumour of soft tissue managed solely by surgery in first opinion practice. Methods:Clinical details of 104 spindle cell sarcomas submitted to Finn Pathologists during the year 2000 were reviewed. Questionnaires were sent to the submitting veterinarians, requesting details about the tumour, surgery performed and ultimate outcome of the patient. Results:The method of surgical resection was described as marginal in 45 dogs (44·2 per cent). Excision margins of 3 cm or more were described in less than 10 per cent of cases. Tumours recurred locally in 29 dogs (27·9 per cent). Eighteen dogs (21·7 per cent) died of tumour-related causes. Most deaths were unrelated to sarcoma (50 dogs, 60·2 per cent) or unknown (15 dogs, 18 per cent). The median survival time was 1013 days. Tumour size, location or degree of surgical resection were not significantly related to survival or tumour recurrence. A palpable assessment of tumour invasion into underlying tissues was significantly associated with decreased disease-free interval (P<0·0001) and survival time (P = 0·0070). Clinical Significance:The results of this retrospective study indicate that many spindle cell tumours managed in first opinion practice exhibit a low-grade biological behaviour and may respond well to more conservative surgery than current recommendations advise. [source]

    TUMOUR SIZE AS A PREDICTOR OF AXILLARY NODE METASTASES IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2006
    Sharon Laura
    Background: The ability to predict the behaviour of breast cancer from its dimensions allows the clinician to inform a woman about the absolute benefits of adjuvant therapies or further surgery to control her disease. Tumour size and grade are independent predictors of nodal disease. This study aims to generate a tool, using Australian data, allowing surgeons to calculate the probability of axillary lymph node involvement in a preoperative setting. Methods: The histological reports of patients with breast cancer treated in 1995 in New South Wales were examined and tumour size, grade and nodal status recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified predictors of node positivity and, using linear regression analysis, a simple formula to predict nodal involvement was derived. Results: In a 6-month period, 754 women had non-metastatic, unifocal breast cancer treated with surgery and complete axillary dissection and 283 (37.5%) had positive nodes. Tumour size remained an independent predictor of node positivity and the probability (%), y, of nodal involvement may be predicted by the formula y = 1.5 × tumour size (mm) + 7, r = 0.939 and P = 0.001. Conclusions: This paper shows the need to assess the axilla in every patient because even patients with small tumours (0,5 mm) have the possibility of axillary involvement (7,14.5%). Use of this simple formula allows clinicians and patients to make informed decisions about the possible need for a full axillary dissection to reduce the chance of understaging and potentially undertreating a woman's breast cancer. [source]

    Retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy for small adrenal tumours (,1 cm): the Ruijin clinical experience in 88 patients

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2010
    Xiao-jing Wang
    Study Type , Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To present our experience of retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy (RPA) for small adrenal tumours, as with modern imaging methods small adrenal lesions are being diagnosed more commonly, and retroperitoneoscopic adrenal surgery for small adrenal tumours (,1 cm) can be challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 389 consecutive retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomies from September 2005 to December 2008, 88 of which were small adrenal tumours and treated by RPA. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) were used in all patients before RPA, and magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography/CT in some patients. We used RPA for adrenal tumours and total adrenalectomy for adrenal cancer. During the surgery, the internal part of the adrenal gland close to the retroperitoneum was freed first, and the whole adrenal tissue was dissected completely. The preoperative imaging was important in these procedures. RESULTS There were no deaths; conversions to open surgery were necessary in four patients (4.5%), the reasons being a missing target in two, massive haemorrhage caused by central adrenal vein injury in one, and severe adhesion in one. The mean (range) size of the adrenal tumours was 0.7 (0.5,1.0) cm, including 69 aldosterone-producing adenomas, 11 nonfunctional adrenal adenomas, three Cushing syndrome, two phaeochromocytomas, two myelolipomas and one melanoma. The operative duration in the initial 38 cases was significantly longer than that in the subsequent 50 (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant correlation between estimated blood loss and the number of procedures. Tumour size did not correlate with estimated blood loss and operative duration. There was no significant correlation between body mass index and operative duration. CONCLUSION RPA is a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for patients with small adrenal tumours. With improved operative technique the RPA has been completed in more quickly. Freeing the internal part of the adrenal gland close to the retroperitoneum first, and exploring the whole adrenal tissue during surgery are the key points of RPA. The location of the small adrenal tumour can be different from that shown on imaging before surgery, and the abnormality of the adrenal gland should be considered. [source]

    Multicentre study of the safety of laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the elderly

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 12 2009
    G. S. Cho
    Background: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term value of laparoscopic gastrectomy in the elderly with gastric cancer compared with a younger cohort. Methods: Data on all patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy at ten institutions in Korea between May 1998 and December 2005 were collected. Patients under the age of 45 years and those undergoing total gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy were excluded. An analysis of clinicopathological data for patients aged 45,69 years (average-age group) and those aged 70 years or more (elderly group) was undertaken. Results: Co-morbidity was more common and postoperative hospital stay was longer in elderly patients. Pre-existing pulmonary and cardiovascular disease in the elderly contributed to respiratory dysfunction and intraperitoneal complications respectively. Tumour size and location, stage, methods of reconstruction and the number of combined operations were similar in the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: Although elderly patients had greater co-morbidity, laparoscopic gastrectomy was a safe treatment for gastric cancer in this age group. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Evaluation of the necessity for gastrectomy with lymph node dissection for patients with submucosal invasive gastric cancer

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2001
    Dr T. Gotoda
    Background: When cancer cells are found in the submucosal layer of an endoscopically resected specimen, patients are recommended to undergo gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. If it were possible to identify those patients in whom the risk of lymph node metastasis was negligible, it might be possible to avoid surgery. Methods: Among those who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 1980 to 1999, 1091 patients with a cancer invading the submucosa were studied. Clinicopathological factors (sex, age, tumour location, macroscopic type, size, ulceration, histological type, lymphatic,vascular involvement and degree of submucosal penetration) were investigated for their possible association with lymph node metastasis. Results: Lymph node metastases were found in 222 patients (20·3 per cent). Univariate analysis showed that larger tumour size (more than 30 mm), undifferentiated histological type, lymphatic,vascular involvement and massive submucosal penetration had a significant association with lymph node metastasis. Tumour size, histological type and lymphatic,vascular involvement were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. By combining these three factors with submucosal penetration of less than 500 ,m, 117 patients could be selected as having a minimal risk of lymph node metastasis (95 per cent confidence interval 0,3·1 per cent). Conclusion: Lymphadenectomy may not be necessary for patients with gastric cancer invading the submucosa who fulfil the above conditions © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]

    Reporting lung cancer pathology specimens.

    HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Impact of the anticipated 7th Edition TNM Classification based on recommendations of the IASLC Staging Committee
    Led by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), there are currently several major international collaborative projects underway that will have a significant impact on the future reporting of lung cancer pathology. In particular, the IASLC Staging Committee has just completed an analysis of >100 000 lung cancer cases, providing the basis for proposed revisions of the current TNM staging classification. The purpose of this review is not to provide a comprehensive document on recommendations for specimen processing, but rather to discuss how the anticipated changes in the 7th edition TNM will impact on specimen processing, specifically looking at tumour size, how to deal with multiple tumours and visceral pleural invasion. TNM staging of carcinoid tumours and small cell carcinoma is also discussed. [source]

    The expression pattern of MUC1 (EMA) is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome in ,pure' ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

    HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
    M A J De Roos
    Aims:, To classify MUC1 according to five predefined expression patterns in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and related clinicopathological parameters, coexpression of other biological markers and prognosis. Methods and results:, With a manual tissue arrayer, 92% (n = 80) of the 87 DCIS samples were successfully targeted. Immunohistochemistry was carried out for MUC1, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her2/Neu, p53 and cyclin D1. Entire membrane expression was related to Her2/neu negativity (P =0.042). Apical membrane expression was associated with low grade (P = 0.027), Her2/neu negativity (P = 0.014) and PR positivity (P = 0.005). Focal cytoplasmic expression was related to high grade (P = 0.006). Diffuse cytoplasmic expression was associated with high grade (P = 0.004), large tumour size (P = 0.046), Her2/neu positivity (P =0.042) and cyclin D1 positivity (P = 0.002). On the basis of these analyses the four patterns were reclassified as membranous or cytoplasmic expression. On multivariate analysis, cytoplasmic MUC1 expression (hazard ratio 8.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 73.0; P = 0.04) was the only independent predictor of local recurrence. Conclusions:, Four patterns of MUC1 expression are recognized in DCIS that suggest a relationship to functional differentiation and can be simplified into two types that are clinically relevant and could therefore be helpful in the distinction between different subgroups of DCIS. [source]

    Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, as a prognostic factor for post-operative morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients, undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

    HPB, Issue 4 2009
    Spiros G. Delis
    Abstract Background/aims:, To evaluate the ability of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) in predicting the post-hepatectomy outcome for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:, Between 2001 and 2004, 69 cirrhotic patients with HCC underwent hepatectomy and the results were retrospectively analysed. MELD score was associated with post-operative mortality and morbidity, hospital stay and 3-year survival. Results:, Seventeen major and 52 minor resections were performed. Thirty-day mortality rate was 7.2%. MELD , 9 was associated with no peri-operative mortality vs. 19% when MELD > 9 (P < 0.02). Overall morbidity rate was 36.23%; 48% when MELD > 9 vs. 25% when MELD , 9 (P < 0.02). Median hospital stay was 12 days [8.8 days, when MELD , 9 and 15.6 days when MELD > 9 (P = 0.037)]. Three-year survival reached 49% (66% when MELD , 9; 32% when MELD > 9 (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, MELD > 9 (P < 0.01), clinical tumour symptoms (P < 0.05) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P < 0.05) were independent predictors of peri-operative mortality; MELD > 9 (P < 0.01), tumour size >5 cm (P < 0.01), high tumour grade (P = 0.01) and absence of tumour capsule (P < 0.01) were independent predictors of decreased long-term survival. Conclusion:, MELD score seems to predict outcome of cirrhotic patients with HCC, after hepatectomy. [source]

    Preoperative staging and evaluation of resectability in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

    HPB, Issue 1 2004
    R Andersson
    Background Cancer of the pancreas is a common disease, but the large majority of patients have tumours that are irresectable at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, patients whose tumours are clearly beyond surgical cure are best treated non-operatively, if possible, by relief of biliary obstruction and percutaneous biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and then consideration of oncological treatment, notably chemotherapy. These facts underline the importance of a standard protocol for the preoperative determination of operability (is it worth operating?) and resectability (is there a chance that the tumour can be removed?). Recent years have seen the advent of many new techniques, both radiological and endoscopic, for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. It would be impracticable in time and cost to submit every patient to every test. This review will evaluate the available techniques and offer a possible algorithm for use in routine clinical practice. Discussion In deciding whether to operate with a view to resecting a pancreatic cancer, the surgeon must take into account factors related to the patient, the tumour and the institution and team entrusted with the patient's care. Patient-related factors include age, general health, pain and the presence or absence of malnutrition and an acute phase inflammatory response. Tumour-related factors include tumour size and evidence of spread, whether to adjacent organs (notably major blood vessels) or further afield. Hospital-related factors chiefly concern the volume of pancreatic cancer treated and thus the experience of the whole team. Determination of resectability is heavily dependent upon detailed imaging. Nowadays conventional ultrasonography can be supplemented by endoscopic, laparoscopic and intra-operative techniques. Computed tomography (CT) remains the single most useful staging modality, but MRI continues to improve. PET scanning may demonstrate unsuspected metastases and likewise laparoscopy. Diagnostic cholangiography can be performed more easily by MR techniques than by endoscopy, but ERCP is still valuable for preoperative biliary decompression in appropriate patients. The role of angiography has declined. Percutaneous biopsy and peritoneal cytology are not usually required in patients with an apparently resectable tumour. The prognostic value of tumour marker levels and bone marrow biopsy is yet to be established. Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation may have a role in down-staging an irresectable tumour sufficiently to render it resectable. Selective use of diagnostic laparoscopy staging is potentially helpful in determination of resectability. Laparotomy remains the definitive method for determining the resectability of pancreatic cancer, with or without portal vein resection, and should be undertaken in suitable patients without clear-cut evidence of irresectability. [source]

    Partial tolerance of subcutaneously transplanted xenogeneic tumour cell graft by Fas-mediated immunosuppression

    IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2001
    Takahiro Sawada
    Summary Certain anti-Fas antibodies, such as RMF2, induce apoptosis of Fas-expressing cells. We applied the Fas/anti-Fas system to induce killing of Fas-expressing immunocytes with resultant immunosuppression. W7TM-1 tumour cells, a rat T-cell line, were inoculated subcutaneously in BALB/c mice and tumour growth was monitored in untreated mice and in mice treated with RMF2. Prior to treatment with RMF2, we examined the expression of Fas in isolated splenocytes and in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, respectively. There was a remarkable increase in Fas-positive lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells, among splenocytes at day 5 after tumour cell inoculation. The number of Fas-positive infiltrating lymphocytes also increased markedly, from day 5 to day 10. We then examined whether RMF2 could induce apoptosis of Fas-positive activated lymphocytes isolated from the spleen at day 5 in vitro. Terminal deoxy (d) -UTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and Annexin V staining methods showed apoptosis of isolated cells when incubated with RMF2, and typical apoptotic features were confirmed by 4,,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining. Furthermore, suppression of cellular and humoral immunity was noted in RMF2-treated mice by mixed lymphocyte reaction and assay of serum levels of immunoglobulin G, respectively. Finally, treatment of animals with RMF2 daily from day 5 to day 9 could maintain the tumour size, while the tumour mass began to diminish in untreated mice immediately after reaching a maximum size. We confirmed the enhancing effects of long-term treatment with RMF2, through the induction of immunosuppression, on the growth of unvascularized xenogeneic tumour cell grafts. [source]

    Hepatocellular carcinoma in Sydney South West: late symptomatic presentation and poor outcome for most

    INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2007
    L. Gellert
    Abstract Background: Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a serious complication of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B infection. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of patients with HCC presenting within the South West Sydney area, including an analysis of the rates and benefits of hepatocellular surveillance. Methods: Data from patients with HCC presenting to Liverpool and Bankstown Hospitals from July 1993 to June 2003 were analysed retrospectively, predominantly from hospital records. Results: Of the 151 HCC patients, 41% were Asian born. Most of the patients required an interpreter. Chronic viral hepatitis infection was present in 91 patients, of whom only 7% had previously received antiviral therapy. Alcohol alone was considered responsible in 31 patients. Cirrhosis could be documented in 58% of patients. Most of the patients (75%) presented symptomatically. The median survival was 5.1 months. When HCC was detected by surveillance, the tumours were slightly but not significantly more likely to be operable and the patients tended to be offered some form of active treatment more frequently. Multivariate analysis identified detection by surveillance, lower Child,Pugh score, smaller tumour size and eligibility for some form of treatment to be associated with a more favourable outcome. Conclusion: We observed low rates of surveillance for HCC, low recognition of cirrhosis before development of HCC and low rates of prior treatment of viral hepatitis. The poor outcome of HCC in the small group who had some sort of community surveillance is also a concern requiring further investigation. [source]

    Expression of Fas and Fas ligand in human testicular germ cell tumours

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2009
    E. Baldini
    Summary In the present study, we analysed the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and its cognate receptor Fas in 14 seminomatous testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) and six normal testicular tissues obtained following orchiectomy. Tissue samples have been processed to prepare either total RNA or protein extracts or fixed and embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiments. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments demonstrated in TGCT a significant (p < 0.01) increase of the FasL mRNA expression of 21.1 ± 5.4 fold, with respect to normal tissues. On the contrary, in the same cancer tissues, the levels of Fas mRNA were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced to 0.27 ± 0.06 fold. These observations were confirmed in western blot experiments showing a significant increase of FasL and a concomitant decrease of Fas proteins in testicular cancer tissues, with respect to normal testis. Moreover, IHC experiments showed a strong FasL immuno-reactivity in six out of eight TGCT samples analysed, while Fas immuno-positivity was found in cancer cells of only two TGCT tissues. In addition, in all tumour samples, infiltrating lymphocytes were Fas positive. However, no correlation could be observed between Fas or FasL mRNA variations and clinical parameters such as patient's age, TNM stage or tumour size. We also compared the serum levels of soluble FasL (sFasL) of 15 patients affected by seminomatous TGCT, of four patients with non-seminomatous TGCT and six age-matched healthy males. No significant differences in sFasL serum level could be identified. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that the majority of seminomas are characterized by an increased expression of FasL and a concomitant reduction of Fas, with respect to human normal testis, and that sFasL serum level is not a tumour marker for patients affected by TGCT. [source]

    HMG-CoA reductase expression in breast cancer is associated with a less aggressive phenotype and influenced by anthropometric factors

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2008
    Signe Borgquist
    Abstract Although several studies have reported on the anti-tumoural properties exerted by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) inhibitors (statins), the in vivo expression of HMG-CoAR in human cancer has been considerably less investigated. In our study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of HMG-CoAR in 511 incident breast cancers within the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study in order to explore its relationship to established clinicopathological and tumour biological parameters. Furthermore, the potential influence of estrogen exposure on HMG-CoAR expression was assessed by performing Cox's proportional hazards analyses of the relationship between the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), obesity (waist circumference) and tumour-cell specific HMG-CoAR expression. We found that HMG-CoAR was present in various fractions and intensities in the cytoplasm, sometimes with a membranous pattern, but not in the tumour cell nuclei. The expression of HMG-CoAR was associated with a smaller tumour size (p = 0.02), low histological grade (p = 0.001), low Ki67 index (p = 0.004), ER,+ (p = 0.02), ER,+ (p = 0.005), and high p27 expression (p = <0.001). The incidence of tumours with a high HMG-CoAR-expression was increased among HRT-users, although this was not statistically significant in a heterogeneity analysis. Obesity was significantly associated with a high HMG-CoAR expression assessed both as a high (>50%) fraction of positive cells (relative risk: 2.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.20,3.51), and a strong staining intensity (2.33: 1.08,5.02). In summary, we demonstrate that HMG-CoAR is differentially expressed in breast cancer and that a high expression is associated with prognostically favourable tumour parameters. Moreover, estrogen related life-style and anthropometric factors might indeed regulate HMG-CoAR expression. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    The expression of NMDA receptor 1 is associated with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in the oral squamous cell carcinoma

    JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 9 2004
    S.-W. Choi
    Background:, Glutamate activates the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors and this receptor is involved in the proliferation and migration of various tumour cells in vitro. However, the relationship between NMDA receptor expression and clinical parameters in cancer patients is unclear. Therefore, NMDA receptor 1 (NMDAR1) expression along with its clinical significance was examined in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods:, Eighty-one tumour specimens from OSCC patients were used to determine the NMDAR1 expression level by immunohistochemical staining. The control was obtained from a matched normal adjacent mucosa. The cases were considered to be positive if reactivity was displayed in >25% of the cells. Results:, The NMDAR1 reactivity was positive in 50 of 81 cases, while it was negative in the control. NMDAR1 expression was significantly associated with a lymph node metastasis (P = 0.008), the tumour size (P < 0.001), and the cancer stage (P = 0.034). The patients whose tumours expressed NMDAR1 had a significantly poorer survival than the patients who were NMDAR1-negative (log-rank = 6.45, d.f. = 1, P = 0.011). Conclusions:, The NMDAR1 overexpression was significantly associated with the prognosis-related factors. Therefore, it might be one of the prognostic markers of OSCC. [source]

    Factors influencing the incidence and prognosis of canine mammary tumours

    JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 7 2000
    M. D. Perez Alenza
    Factors relating to the incidence of canine mammary tumours are reviewed. Increased age, intact status or ovariectomy after 2.5 years of age, as well as progestagen treatment, can all lead to an increased risk of mammary neoplasia in the bitch. In addition, obesity early in life, and a habitual diet based on home-made food (rich in beef and pork, and poor in chicken) as opposed to commercial food, are also associated with the occurrence of mammary tumours. Other aspects related to incidence are also discussed. Increased age at diagnosis, invasive growth (fixed to adjacent tissues), large tumour size, ulceration of skin, and axillary or inguinal node involvement are clinical parameters associated with a low chance of survival after surgical excision of mammary tumours. Histological typing and grading of the tumour allows the establishment of a prognosis, which is poor where there is tumour proliferation as measured by S-phase fraction determination and Ki-67 immunostaining. [source]

    Sentinel lymph node as a new marker for therapeutic planning in breast cancer patients

    JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
    Marco Gipponi MD
    Abstract Background and Objectives Literature review suggests that the sentinel lymph node (sN) represents a reliable predictor of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients; however, some important issues, such as the optimisation of the technique for the intraoperative identification of the sN, the role of intraoperative frozen section examination of the sN, and the clinical implications of sN metastasis as regards the surgical management of the axilla, still require further confirmation. The authors aimed (1) to assess the feasibility of sN identification with a combined approach (vital blue dye lymphatic mapping and radioguided surgery, RGS) and the specific contribution of either techniques to the detection of the sN, (2) to determine the accuracy and usefulness of intraoperative frozen section examination of the sN in order to perform a one-stage surgical procedure, and (3) to define how the sN might modulate the therapeutic planning in different stages of disease. Materials and Methods From October 1997 to June 2001, 334 patients with early-stage (T1,2 N0 M0) invasive mammary carcinoma underwent sN biopsy; the average age of patients was 61.5 years (range, 39,75 years). In a subset of 153 patients, both vital blue dye (Patent Blue-V) lymphatic mapping and RGS were used to identify the sN, and the relative contribution of each of the two techniques was assessed. Results In the whole group, the sN was identified in 326 of 334 patients (97.6%), and 105 of 326 patients (37.3%) had positive axillary lymph nodes (pN+). In 9 of 105 pN+ patients, the definitive histologic examination of the sN did not show metastases but these were detected in non-sN, thus giving an 8.6% false-negative rate, a negative predictive value of 94.5% (156/165), and an accuracy of 96.5% (252/261). As regards the specific contribution of the two different techniques used in the identification of the sN, the detection rate was 73.8% (113/153) with Patent Blue-V alone, 94.1% (144/153) with RGS alone, and 98.7% (151/153) with Patent Blue-V combined with RGS (P,<,0.001). Noteworthy, whenever the sN was identified, the prediction of axillary lymph node status was remarkably similar (93,95% sensitivity; 100% specificity; 95,97% negative predictive value, and 97,98% accuracy) whichever of the three procedures was adopted (Patent Blue-V alone, RGS alone, or combined Patent Blue-V and RGS). Intraoperative frozen section examination was performed in 261 patients, who had at least one sN identified, out of 267 patients who underwent complete axillary dissection; 170 patients had histologically negative sN (i.o. sN,) and 91 patients histologically positive sN (i.o. sN+). All 91 i.o. sN+ were confirmed by definitive histology, whereas in 14 of 170 i.o. sN, patients (8.2%) metastases were detected at definitive histology. As regards the correlation between the size of sN metastasis, the primary tumour size, and the status of non-sN in the axilla, micrometastases were detected at final histology in 23 patients and macrometastases in 82 patients. When only micrometastases were detected, the sN was the exclusive site of nodal metastasis in 20 of 23 patients (86.9%) while in 3 patients with tumour size larger than 10 mm micrometastases were detected also in non-sN. Macrometastases were never detected in pT1a breast cancer patients; the sN was the exclusive site of these metastases in 30 patients (36.6%), while in 52 patients (63.4%) there were metastases both in sN and non-sN. Conclusions Sentinel lymphadenectomy can better be accomplished when both procedures (lymphatic mapping with vital blue dye and RGS) are used, because of the significantly higher sN detection rate, although the prediction of axillary lymph node status remains remarkably similar whichever method is used. The intraoperative frozen section examination proved to be rather accurate in predicting the actual pathologic status of the sN, with a negative predictive value of 91.8%; in 35% of patients it allowed sN biopsy and axillary dissection to be performed in a one-stage surgical procedure. Finally, specific clinical and histopathologic features of the primary tumour and sN might be used to tailor the loco-regional and systemic treatment in different clinical settings, such as in ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), early-stage invasive breast cancer, and patients with large breast cancer undergoing neo-adjuvant CT for breast-saving surgery as well as elderly patients with operable breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;85:102,111. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Atropine for prevention of cardiac dysrhythmias in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing percutaneous ethanol instillation: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

    LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2009
    Ferlitsch Arnulf
    Abstract Introduction: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is an established method in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During this procedure, severe cardiac bradyarrhythmias can occur. A preemptive injection of atropine is recommended by professional guidelines to prevent these dysrhythmias. Methods: Patients scheduled for PEI were randomized 1:1 to receive 0.5 mg atropinehydrochloride or placebo in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Patients were electrocardiogram monitored, which were then analysed by an experienced rhythmologist blinded to the treatment arm. Results: Patients in 40 consecutive PEI sessions were included. During PEI, a significant reduction in the mean heart rate (>15%) was seen in 15% of patients in the placebo group (median, ,37%; range, 15,41%) and in 25% of patients receiving atropine (median, ,20%; range, 16,64%). There was no significant difference between both groups. During PEI, two patients (10%) in the placebo group developed a sinuatrial block (SAB). Four patients in the atropine group (20%) developed arrhythmias: three patients SAB, one of them with escape rhythm and one AV-bundle block. Blood ethanol levels post-PEI, amount of instilled ethanol, tumour size and location were not different between patients with or without dysrhythmias. Conclusion: In this randomized-controlled trial, a preprocedure atropine injection did not prevent the occurrence of bradyarrhythmias. Prophylactic use of atropine might not be effective and therefore cannot be recommended as a routine procedure. Clinicaltrials.gov-identifier: NCT00575523. [source]

    Living donor liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria

    LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2008
    Hyun Young Woo
    Abstract Background/Aims: In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exceeding the Milan criteria, the recurrence rate after liver transplantation is over 50%. We investigated pretransplant factor(s) that could predict recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients with HCC exceeding the Milan criteria. Methods: Pre-operative imaging showed that, of the 111 HCC patients who underwent LDLT between June 1995 and January 2006, 37 exceeded the Milan criteria. Clinical factors before LDLT were evaluated. Results: The 1- and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates were 35 and 55% respectively. Pretransplant risk factors for HCC recurrence were large tumour size (>6 cm, P=0.001), tumour exposed to the liver surface (P=0.014) and progressive disease after pretransplant treatment (P=0.038). The 2-year HCC recurrence rates in patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 factors were 0% (0/4), 9% (1/16), 80% (8/10) and 100% (7/7) respectively (P<0.001). The 2-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with 0 or 1 factor than in patients with two or more factors (P=0.022). Conclusions: In patients with HCC exceeding the Milan criteria, the three pretransplant factors that may be useful for identifying those with high HCC recurrence potential after LDLT are tumour size >6 cm, progressive disease after pretransplant treatment and tumour exposed to the liver surface. [source]

    Outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma referred to a tertiary centre with availability of multiple treatment options including cadaveric liver transplantation

    LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2007
    John F. Perry
    Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary cancer of the liver with an established causal link to viral hepatitis and other forms of chronic liver disease. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the determinants of outcome in patients with HCC referred to a tertiary centre for management. Method: Two hundred and thirty-five prospective patients with HCC and minimum 12-month follow-up were studied. Results: The cohort was heterogeneous, with 52% Caucasian, 40% Asian and 5% of Middle-Eastern origin. Independent predictors of outcome included tumour size and number, the presence of ascites or portal vein thrombosis, ,-foetoprotein >50 U/L and an impaired performance status. Treatment was determined on an individual case basis by a multidisciplinary tumour team. Surgical resection was primary treatment in 43 patients, liver transplantation in 40 patients, local ablation (percutaneous radiofrequency ablation or alcohol injection) in 33 patients, transarterial chemoembolisation in 33 patients, chemotherapy or other systemic therapy in 30 patients and no treatment in 56 patients. After adjustment for significant covariates, both liver transplantation (P<0.001) and surgical resection (P=0.029) had a significant effect on patient survival compared with no treatment, but local ablation (P=0.410) and chemoembolisation (P=0.831) did not. Liver transplantation resulted in superior overall and, in particular, disease-free survival compared with surgical resection (disease-free survival 84 vs 15% at 5 years). Conclusion: In conclusion, both surgical resection and liver transplantation significantly improve the survival of patients with HCC, but improvements need to be made to the delivery of loco-regional therapy to enhance its effectiveness. [source]

    Score system for elective tracheotomy in major head and neck tumour surgery

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2005
    B. Kruse-Lösler
    Background:, This study was designed to evaluate prognostic parameters for respiratory failure after major oropharyngeal resections in head and neck cancer surgery, focusing on a score system to identify patients requiring an elective tracheotomy and to avoid tracheotomy under emergency conditions. Methods:, One hundred and fifty-two out of 928 patients with oropharyngeal cancers, treated between January 1993 and June 2000 at our hospital, fulfilled the inclusion criteria for a retrospective analysis. This collective underwent tumour resection in different regions of the oropharynx combined with bony resection of the mandible and neck dissection without primary tracheotomy. The reconstruction was accomplished using radial forearm flaps (n1 = 59) or local flaps (n2 = 93). These two groups were subdivided into patients treated post-operatively by tracheotomy due to respiratory failure (n1 = 26; n2 = 12) and those without such treatment (n1 = 33; n2 = 81). The database comprising tumour localization and size, staging, general medical condition, smoking and alcohol consumption was evaluated by logistic regression. Results:, We developed a score system which predicts the likelihood of post-operative respiratory failure. For indication of tracheotomy, tumour size and localization, multimorbidity, alcohol consumption and pathologic chest X-ray findings were identified as significant parameters with different weightings. The predictive value for tracheotomy (yes/no) using the score system was 96.7% for the total collective. Conclusion:, The decision on whether or not an elective tracheotomy in major head and neck tumour surgery is necessary can be facilitated using this score system which is based on objective facts. It may reduce post-operative complications and contribute to safer treatment. [source]

    Detection of uveal melanoma by optometrists in the United Kingdom

    OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 4 2001
    Bertil Damato
    Summary In the United Kingdom, most uveal melanomas are detected by optometrists. Prospectively collected data on patients with uveal melanoma presenting to optometrists were analysed retrospectively to determine: (a) the proportion of patients who were asymptomatic at the time of tumour detection, (b) the proportion of symptomatic patients reporting that their tumour was missed at their initial presentation and (c) the clinical features related to immediate tumour detection. The 223 patients had a mean age of 59.7 years, a mean tumour diameter of 11.3 mm and a mean tumour thickness of 4.6 mm. Symptoms were present in 122 patients (55%) and were associated with large tumour size (p<0.0001) and male gender (p=0.003), with more males tending to have a large tumour (p=0.004). Seventy-nine percent of symptomatic patients reported that their tumour was detected at their first visit. Failure of tumour detection in symptomatic patients was associated with absence of tumour extension posterior to equator (p<0.0001). [source]

    Loss of CD59 expression in breast tumours correlates with poor survival

    THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
    Z Madjd
    Abstract CD59 (protectin), a phosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein, is a member of the cell membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins that inhibits the formation of the terminal membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. In this study, the expression of CD59 was evaluated in 520 breast carcinomas from patients with a mean follow-up of 87 months. This expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and patient survival. Marked variation in the intensity of CD59 expression, which correlated with histological grade and Nottingham prognostic index (NPI), was found, with higher expression of CD59 found more often in well and moderately differentiated tumours and those of good prognosis (NPI , 3.4). In contrast, high grade and poor prognosis (NPI > 5.4) carcinomas significantly demonstrated lack of CD59 expression (p < 0.001). Moreover, it was found that the percentage of CD59-positive cells correlated significantly with patient survival, ie patients with a high percentage of positive cells (>50%) had a better overall survival (p = 0.006). A correlation was also found between the percentage of CD59-positive cells and tumour type and also the development of distant metastases. No association was found between either the intensity or the percentage of cells expressing CD59 and vascular invasion, lymph node stage, tumour size, patient age or menopausal status. In multivariate analysis, CD59 percentage positivity was of independent prognostic significance with grade and lymph node stage. These findings indicate that loss of CD59 may offer a selective advantage for breast cancers, resulting in more aggressive tumours and conferring a poor prognosis for patients. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Ulceration and antihypertensive use are risk factors for infection after skin lesion excision

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2010
    Anthony Penington
    Abstract Background:, A prospective audit was performed of wound complications of skin lesion excision in a private practice setting. Methods:, For 924 consecutive skin lesion excisions performed by a single surgeon, information was collected on tumour size and site, closure method and on risk factors of age, known diabetes, use of steroids, antihypertensives or anticoagulants and ulceration of the lesion. Patients were given written instructions to wet the wound in the shower after one or two days. A wound ,infection' event was recorded if the wound appeared inflamed or if the patient had been treated with antibiotics by any practitioner. Wound bleeding was recorded if the patient returned or attended elsewhere for management of bleeding. Results:, Sixty-seven wounds (7.25%) met the broad definition of ,infection' and 18 (1.9%) wounds suffered bleeding. Ulceration (odds ratio (OR) 3.15, P= 0.008) and use of antihypertensives (OR 2.5, P= 0.006) were independent risk factors for infection along with site and closure method. The patients who did not wet their wounds post-operatively were also at an increased risk of infection (OR 2.1, P= 0.018). Aspirin caused a slight, non-statistically significant increase in bleeding rate, and warfarin caused a larger, but still not statistically significant, increase in bleeding. Use of other anticoagulants caused a significant increase in bleeding (OR 10.9, P= 0.006). Conclusion:, Ulceration of the skin lesion and use of antihypertensives are significant risk factors for wound infection. Wetting surgical wounds with clean tap water does not increase, and may even reduce, wound infection rate. [source]

    Missed lesions in synchronous multiple gastric cancer

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2010
    Tae Kyung Ha
    Abstract Background:, The aims of this study were to define differences between synchronous multiple gastric cancer (MGC) and solitary gastric cancer (SGC) and to evaluate the characteristics of missed lesions in MGC so as to improve the detection rate of missed lesions during perioperative procedure. Methods:, The authors retrospectively analysed data on 9157 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a single hospital. The characteristics of 8893 SGC and 264 MGC patients were evaluated. The characteristics of missed lesions in MGC were compared with those of diagnosed lesions found in preoperative endoscopy. Results:, Of the 9157 gastric patients, 264 patients with MGC showed a total of 565 cancer lesions, 70 of which were missed at endoscopy. The patients with MGC demonstrated different characteristics compared with those with SGC in terms of sex, age, type of operation, depth of tumour, lymph node metastasis, tumour size, tumour location and curability (P < 0.05). The characteristics of the missed lesions (n= 70) were a small size (P < 0.05), a middle one-third location (P < 0.001) and a flat type by macroscopic examination (P < 0.05) as compared with detected lesions (n= 495). No survival difference was detected between patients with and without missed lesions over a mean follow-up of 36.0 ± 22.7 month. Conclusions:, Preoperative gastroscopy should be performed meticulously in the entire stomach, especially in older men, in order to identify the presence and locations of cancer lesions that might otherwise be missed. [source]

    HURTHLE CELL NEOPLASM OF THE THYROID GLAND

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2008
    Mohammed Ahmed
    Background: A clinicopathological analysis and long-term follow up of 32 patients with Hurthle cell neoplasm (HCN) was undertaken to contrast the clinical and histological features between benign versus malignant HCN of thyroid and to examine the effect of treatment on the outcome. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 32 patients with HCN who were identified out of an archival clinical/pathological/imaging database of 3752 thyroid cancer patients seen between 1976 and June 2006. All patients underwent thyroid surgery. Data for the non-surgical treatment along with follow up were also analysed. Results: Seventeen patients were classified as malignant HCN (MHCN) and 15 as benign HCN (BHCN). Among the MHCN, there were 11 women and 6 men, whereas among BHCN there were 14 women and 1 man. Three patients designated MHCN presented with metastases, one with pulmonary metastases and two others with skeletal metastases who developed lung metastases 9,19 months later. The mean tumour size was 4.43 ± 0.66 cm for MHCN, and 2.57 ± 0.32 cm for BHCN (P = 0.03). Multicentric tumour foci were evident in five cases (29%) of MHCN but none among the BHCN (P = 0.03). At neck exploration cervical lymph node dissection was carried out in nine MHCN patients with findings of tumour metastases in 33%. Postoperatively, three MHCN patients had no thyroid remnant on ultrasound and computed tomography of neck and undetectable serum thyroglobulin; these were considered to be in remission. Fourteen other MHCN patients with postoperative thyroid remnant and/or distant metastases received 131I treatment. Eight of these patients had negative whole-body scans after 131I treatment and undetectable thyroglobulin. Accordingly, 11 MHCN patients (64.7%) showed evidence of remission and 6 patients did not respond to 131I treatment. After a mean follow up of 35 months, all BHCN patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Of the MHCN, 11 (64.7%) were in remission and 35% had evidence of persistence/recurrence. One patient who had recurrence is dead. A lack of effectiveness of 131I therapy in two patients with distant metastases is an important finding. Conclusion: Features of MHCN consisted of a large tumour size, unequivocal capsular and vascular invasion, multicentric tumour foci, metastatic lymph node deposits in one-third of patients and presence of distant metastasis in a few. Findings of dominant Hurthle cell cytology in a fine-needle aspiration biopsy from a thyroid nodule should prompt surgical resection of the lesion to assess malignancy. [source]

    URBAN,RURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCREEN-DETECTED INVASIVE BREAST CANCER AND DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU IN VICTORIA

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2006
    David L. Kok
    Background: At least one-third of primary breast cancers in Australia are discovered by population-based mammographic screening. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were any differences in the surgical treatment of women diagnosed with breast cancer by BreastScreen Victoria between urban and rural populations and to investigate temporal changes in their pattern of care. Methods: An analysis of women diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive and non-invasive) by BreastScreen Victoria from 1993 to 2000 was conducted. Descriptive analyses of the proportion of women undergoing each surgical treatment type over time were carried out. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of urban,rural residence on each treatment outcome while accounting for possible confounding factors. Results: Rural women with invasive breast cancer were less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS) compared with urban women (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.35,0.50). The same was also true for rural women with ductal carcinoma in situ (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29,0.96). This difference was independent of patient and tumour characteristics, including tumour size, surgeon caseload, patient's age and socioeconomic status. It also persisted over time despite a steady overall increase in use of BCS for both invasive and non-invasive cancers over the study period. Conclusions: Among Victorian women with screen-detected breast cancer, urban women consistently had higher rates of BCS compared with rural women despite increased overall adoption of BCS. Reasons for this disparity are still unclear and warrant further investigation. [source]

    TUMOUR SIZE AS A PREDICTOR OF AXILLARY NODE METASTASES IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2006
    Sharon Laura
    Background: The ability to predict the behaviour of breast cancer from its dimensions allows the clinician to inform a woman about the absolute benefits of adjuvant therapies or further surgery to control her disease. Tumour size and grade are independent predictors of nodal disease. This study aims to generate a tool, using Australian data, allowing surgeons to calculate the probability of axillary lymph node involvement in a preoperative setting. Methods: The histological reports of patients with breast cancer treated in 1995 in New South Wales were examined and tumour size, grade and nodal status recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified predictors of node positivity and, using linear regression analysis, a simple formula to predict nodal involvement was derived. Results: In a 6-month period, 754 women had non-metastatic, unifocal breast cancer treated with surgery and complete axillary dissection and 283 (37.5%) had positive nodes. Tumour size remained an independent predictor of node positivity and the probability (%), y, of nodal involvement may be predicted by the formula y = 1.5 × tumour size (mm) + 7, r = 0.939 and P = 0.001. Conclusions: This paper shows the need to assess the axilla in every patient because even patients with small tumours (0,5 mm) have the possibility of axillary involvement (7,14.5%). Use of this simple formula allows clinicians and patients to make informed decisions about the possible need for a full axillary dissection to reduce the chance of understaging and potentially undertreating a woman's breast cancer. [source]

    Implication of intraoperative sentinel node imprint cytology for consent in the SNAC trial

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2004
    Melissa A. Bochner
    Background: Women randomized into the sentinel node biopsy-only arm of the Sentinel Node versus Axillary Clearance Trial require axillary clearance if the sentinel node is unable to be identified, or if the sentinel node contains metastases. The aim of the present study was to determine the likelihood of immediate and delayed axillary clearance in patients in the trial when nodes were subjected to intraoperative imprint cytology. Methods: A prospective database for 400 patients with operable breast cancer was analysed to determine the likelihood of lymph node involvement according to tumour size. The ability to successfully remove a sentinel node and the accuracy of intraoperative imprint cytology of sentinel nodes was investigated. These data were used to predict the likelihood of patients proceeding to immediate or delayed axillary clearance. Results: The rate of lymph node involvement was 0%, 10%, 30%, and 53% in tumours measuring <5 mm, 6,10 mm, 11,20 mm and 21,30 mm, respectively. A sentinel node was identified in 95% of cases. In a series of 79 consecutive cases using intraoperative imprint cytology, 37% of sentinel nodes containing metastases were identified intraoperatively. The estimated likelihood of undergoing immediate axillary clearance therefore ranges from 5% for tumours <5 mm, up to 24% for tumours 21,30 mm. Similarly the likelihood of delayed clearance ranges from 0% to 32% depending on tumour size. Conclusions: It is possible to give detailed and accurate information to patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy about both the risk of lymph node involvement and the likelihood of requiring immediate or secondary axillary clearance. [source]

    Should simple hysterectomy be added after chemo-radiation for stage IB2 and bulky IIA cervical carcinoma?

    AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Ram EITAN
    Background and Aims:, Management of bulky cervical tumours is controversial. We describe the addition of high dose rate brachytherapy with concomitant chemotherapy to an attenuated protocol of radiation followed by simple hysterectomy in the management of bulky cervical tumours. Methods:, Between January, 2003 and December, 2006, 23 patients diagnosed with bulky cervical tumours underwent a fixed chemo-radiation protocol followed by simple hysterectomy. Fractionated external beam pelvic radiation (4500 cGy) followed by two high-dose rate applications of brachytherapy (700 cGy , prescription dose to point A) was given with weekly concomitant cisplatin (35 mg/m2). Patients then underwent simple hysterectomy. Clinical information was prospectively collected and patient charts were then further reviewed. Results:, Twenty patients had stage IB2 and three bulky IIA. Median tumour size was 5 cm. Sixteen patients (70%) achieved a clinical complete and seven (30%) a clinical partial response. All patients had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH BSO). On final pathology, 12 patients (52%) had a pathological complete response, whereas 11 patients (48%) had residual carcinoma in the cervix. Surgical margins were not involved. With a median follow-up time of 20 months (range 10,50 months), four patients (17.4%), all from the pathological partial response group, have suffered a pelvic recurrence, within 6 months from therapy; nineteen patients (82.6%) remain free of disease. Conclusions:, This attenuated protocol of chemo-radiation using HDR brachytherapy followed by simple hysterectomy is a viable option in the treatment of bulky cervical carcinomas. The rate of residual cervical disease after chemo-radiation is substantial, but simple hysterectomy achieved negative surgical margins in all cases. [source]