A review of the influence of mammographic density on breast cancer clinical and pathological phenotype.

PURPOSE: It is well established that high mammographic density (MD), when adjusted for age and body mass index, is one of the strongest known risk factors for breast cancer (BC), and also associates with higher incidence of interval cancers in screening due to the masking of early mammographic abnormalities. Increasing research is being undertaken to determine the underlying histological and biochemical determinants of MD and their consequences for BC pathogenesis, anticipating that improved mechanistic insights may lead to novel preventative or treatment interventions. At the same time, technological advances in digital and contrast mammography are such that the validity of well-established relationships needs to be re-examined in this context. METHODS: With attention to old versus new technologies, we conducted a literature review to summarise the relationships between clinicopathologic features of BC and the density of the surrounding breast tissue on mammography, including the associations with BC biological features inclusive of subtype, and implications for the clinical disease course encompassing relapse, progression, treatment response and survival. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is reasonable evidence to support positive relationships between high MD (HMD) and tumour size, lymph node positivity and local relapse in the absence of radiotherapy, but not between HMD and LVI, regional relapse or distant metastasis. Conflicting data exist for associations of HMD with tumour location, grade, intrinsic subtype, receptor status, second primary incidence and survival, which need further confirmatory studies. We did not identify any relationships that did not hold up when data involving newer imaging techniques were employed in analysis.

Proteoglycans: Potential Agents in Mammographic Density and the Associated Breast Cancer Risk.

Although increased mammographic density (MD) has been well established as a marker for increased breast cancer (BC) risk, its pathobiology is far from understood. Altered proteoglycan (PG) composition may underpin the physical properties of MD, and may contribute to the associated increase in BC risk. Numerous studies have investigated PGs, which are a major stromal matrix component, in relation to MD and BC and reported results that are sometimes discordant. Our review summarises these results and highlights discrepancies between PG associations with BC and MD, thus serving as a guide for identifying PGs that warrant further research towards developing chemo-preventive or therapeutic agents targeting preinvasive or invasive breast lesions, respectively.

Aberrant Intrathyroid Tissue: a Report of Intrathyroid Lymph Node Metastasis and a Review of Literature.

Aberrant histological elements have been infrequently reported to exist within the intact thyroid gland. In addition to distant metastases to the thyroid, a number of ectopic tissue rests and unusual cysts have been described within the thyroid gland. In this article, we report the presence of a true intrathyroid lymph node and describe the first reported case of intrathyroid lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer. Other reported aberrant intrathyroid tissues, possible pathophysiology, diagnostic features and surgical implications are also discussed.

Mammographic density: a potential monitoring biomarker for adjuvant and preventative breast cancer endocrine therapies.

Increased mammographic density (MD) has been shown beyond doubt to be a marker for increased breast cancer risk, though the underpinning pathobiology is yet to be fully elucidated. Estrogenic activity exerts a strong influence over MD, which consequently has been observed to change predictably in response to tamoxifen anti-estrogen therapy, although results for other selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors are less consistent. In both primary and secondary prevention settings, tamoxifen-associated MD changes correlate with successful modulation of risk or outcome, particularly among pre-menopausal women; an observation that supports the potential use of MD change as a surrogate marker where short-term MD changes reflect longer-term anti-estrogen efficacy. Here we summarize endocrine therapy-induced MD changes and attendant outcomes and discuss both the need for outcome surrogates in such therapy, as well as make a case for MD as such a monitoring marker. We then discuss the process and steps required to validate and introduce MD into practice as a predictor or surrogate for endocrine therapy efficacy in preventive and adjuvant breast cancer treatment settings.

Quick parathyroid hormone assays: a comprehensive review of their utility in clinical practice.

Continuous development of quick parathyroid hormone assays has resulted in a corresponding expansion of their applications in the practical landscape. In-theatre measurement of the parathyroid hormone has long been recognized as a valuable adjunct in parathyroid surgery, with other applications being incorporated in thyroid surgery and out-of-theatre uses. Such widespread utilization of these assays has also brought the concept of point-of-care testing to the endocrine surgical patient. We have herein summarized the established and potential applications of these assays, emphasizing their importance in the point-of-care setting, highlighting the proper selection of the assay type for intraoperative hormone monitoring and spotlighting those applications which should be validated for use in the clinical setting and those which need to be investigated further.

Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Concise Review of Literature.

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is a rare but potentially fatal vascular disease, with chronic pancreatitis being reported as the commonest aetiological factor. Its main complication is rupture, which is not uncommon and carries high risk of mortality. Clinical suspicion and advanced imaging tools should be employed in a timely fashion to make a diagnosis before this ominous event. We report a case of successfully treated GDA aneurysm who presented with minor bleeding episodes before suffering a major bleed and briefly discuss this pathology in light of the existing literature.