Rapidly Growing Giant Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head: A Case Report.

Giant squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) of the skin arising on the head presents a distinctive clinical challenge due to its rarity, aggressive behavior, and potential for disfigurement. A male in his 70s with a history of tobacco cigarette use presented to the emergency department with a painful, bleeding mass on the right parietal scalp. On admission, a brain CT revealed a fungating mass with no cortical breakthrough or osseous erosion, measuring 7.9 x 5.7 x 2.5 cm. An ultrasound-guided tissue biopsy was performed and revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was discharged home with instructions from oncology to continue with outpatient treatment. At this time, the prognosis is good if treatment is received.

A Case of Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension With Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) are two causes of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), which is a vascular liver disease wherein clinical signs of portal hypertension (PHT), such as esophageal varices, ascites, and splenomegaly develop in the absence of cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis. The etiology often remains unidentified, but herein we present the case of a 56-year-old male with NCPH and refractory ascites who underwent liver biopsy confirming NRH and OPV. Etiological workup revealed beta-2 glycoprotein-1 and anticardiolipin antibodies, concerning antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) despite no prior history of thrombosis. The patient underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for his refractory ascites and was started on prophylactic anticoagulation owing to a concern for APS with clinical improvement in his ascites and shortness of breath. Pursuing TIPS earlier in the setting of refractory ascites, as well as offering anticoagulation therapy for patients with possible APS to prevent the development of potential thromboses, could be appropriate recommendations to prevent complications in the disease course. This case report highlights the need for further investigations on the etiologies, diagnosis pathways, and treatment options for NCPH.