Incidence of mesothelioma in Trinidad and Tobago during the period 2009–2014 and the demographic, aetiologic and pathological characteristics of each case

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of mesothelioma between 2009 and 2014 and the aetiologic, pathologic and demographic characteristics of each case, and its comparisonto the incidence of mesothelioma in the years prior, to determine any changing trends and common features of mesothelioma within Trinidad and Tobago. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series study that utilized existing patient records from the Cancer Registry, Death Registry and Chest Unit of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Death Registry of San Fernando General Hospital, Death Registry of Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Death Registry of Sangre Grande Hospital and the records of pathologists, private physicians and private hospitals. The data were submitted for analysis using the Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: Results from this study show that the incidence of mesothelioma between 1995 and 2007 was 0.891 per million per annum and between 2009 and 2014, it was 1.004 per million per annum. Between 1995 and 2007, mesothelioma was far more common in patients of African descent, was most commonly localized to the pleura, was more common in males and most common in the 45–54-year age group. Between 2009 and 2014, it was more common in females and was evenly distributed amongst all age groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of mesothelioma in 2009–2014 of 1.004 per million per annum is higher than the incidence in 1995–2007 of 0.891 per million per annum. Demographic information about mesothelioma showed a higher number of cases in African descents, higher numberof female cases in 2009–2014 and a remarkably low survival time after diagnosis

Salt gland adenitis associated with bacteria in Blue Penguins (Eudyptula minor) from Hauraki Gulf (auckland, New Zealand)

Three blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) were rescued between July 2006 and January 2007 off the east coast of Auckland, New Zealand. They were taken to a rehabilitation center, where they subsequently died in May 2007 and were submitted for necropsy. There was unilateral enlargement of the salt glands with disseminated small, pale, and firm foci in all birds. Histologic examination of the affected glands demonstrated the presence of multifocal granulomas and areas of severe squamous metaplasia of the collecting ducts. The remaining gland had areas of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and necrosis with a severe granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Intralesional gram-negative bacteria were detected, but, unfortunately, bacterial culture was unrewarding. No further cases were observed in penguins in the subsequent year, and the primary cause of the salt gland adenitis remains uncertain.

Fibropapillomatosis in a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Trinidad.

A case of fibropapillomatosis in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is described. This appears to be the first confirmed report from Trinidad. The animal had multiple external tumours but there was no macroscopical or microscopical evidence of internal lesions.

Fibropapillomatosis in a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Trinidad.

A case of fibropapillomatosis in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is described. This appears to be the first confirmed report from Trinidad. The animal had multiple external tumours but there was no macroscopical or microscopical evidence of internal lesions.

A five year (1988-1992) report of cancer diagnoses on Grand Bahama Island Commonwealth of the Bahamas

This report represents a retrospective analysis of cancer diagnoses, the majority based on microscopic examinations, with attempts to relate that not all persons seek medical attention in the Bahamas. The total number of malignancies diagnosed in the five-year period was 158 (F104: M 54). The most common lesions were in the female breast, 41, followed by cancers of the uterine cervix, 24. There were 23 basal cell carcinomas of skin and 22 distributed throughout the alimentary tract, with the colorectal region responsible for 10 of these. Malignant neoplasms have ranked first or second as recent causes of death in the Bahamas (205 in 1991; Bahamas population, 254,000). Grande Bahama's population was 16 percent of the total but cancer deaths in Grand Bahama represented 7.8 percent of the national figure (AU)