RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Solitary plasmacytoma in the left rib is rare and can cause chest discomfort such as chest pain and tightness, and its clinical manifestations are not typical, so it is often misdiagnosed. We report a case of left costal plasmacytoma misdiagnosed as angina pectoris. We also review the literature and provide suggestions as to how to avoid misdiagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 77-year-old man with a history of intermittent chest tightness for 3 years presented with pain in the left chest for 1 wk and was admitted to hospital. The cardiologists initially diagnosed angina pectoris but the findings of coronary angiography were not consistent with the symptoms. Computed tomography showed that the left eighth rib mass was accompanied by bone destruction. The patient was transferred to our department for further treatment. Preoperative biopsy indicated that the lesion was possibly malignant, and elective surgery was performed to remove the lesion. The size of the tumor was about 4 cm. The tumor was spindle-shaped and protruded into the pleural cavity, without invading the lungs. Postoperative pathology confirmed that the left rib lesion was plasmacytoma. After 14 mo follow-up, the patient died of systemic metastasis. CONCLUSION: Left rib solitary plasmacytoma is a rare disease confined to a specific rib and can cause local pain. Attention should be paid to the differential diagnosis of angina pectoris to avoid misdiagnosis.
RESUMEN
Many epidemiologic studies have reported that alcohol is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. To further evaluate the association, we carried out a case-control study in the Han Chinese population. From February 2008 to February 2013, we carried out a hospital-based case-control study on colorectal cancer. Information was collected using a questionnaire. Cases were 310 patients with colorectal cancer; 620 healthy matched controls were also recruited. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Alcohol consumption was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk, but OR was significant only among heavy drinkers (OR=2.18, for ≥21 drinks/week). Colorectal cancer risk was 4.01-fold higher in heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes/day) and heavy drinkers (≥21 drinks/week) in comparison with never smokers who consumed less than 7 drinks/week. The relationship was strengthened by stratified studies of sex. Among former drinkers, the excess of risk disappeared in those who had quit for at least 10 years (OR=0.86). Our study confirmed that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with an increasing risk of colorectal cancer; smoking modified this relationship, especially heavy smokers. Further data from large cohorts are desirable for conclusive confirmation.