[De Garengeot hernia - a case report].

We report a case of a 79-year-old woman with a previous history of polycythemia vera, glaucoma and hypertension. Her previous surgeries included a cholecystectomy with an incidental finding of a gallbladder carcinoma with following partial liver resection and a hysterectomy. The surgery department was consulted regarding this patient due to abdominal pain in her lower abdomen and tumor in her right groin. A CT scan of the abdomen was obtained that showed a hernia with the appendix vermiformis in the hernia sac. She was operated with a preperitoneal open approach and an inflamed appendix from a femoral hernia sac was removed and a herniorrhaphy with a mesh was performed. The patient was discharged the day after the surgery. Femoral hernia with the appendix in the hernia sac is a rare type of hernia first descriped by Rene-Jacques De Garengeot in 1731 and now bearing his name.

[Stenting for colorectal cancer obstruction in Icelandic patients].

INTRODUCTION: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are a known treatment option for obstruction due to colorectal cancer. The objective of this project was to estimate the usage of such stents in Iceland between 2000-2018. We evaluated the number of patients who received the stent as a bridge to surgery (BtoS) or as a palliative therapy (PT) and evaluated complication rate and the technical and clinical success rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients in Landspitali University Hospital who received SEMS for malignant colorectal obstruction. Search was conducted using diagnostic and theraputic codes in the Icelandic electronic medical record system. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients with colorectal cancer received in total 53 SEMS for obstruction, the first patient in 2005. More patient received SEMS as PT (n=27) than as BtoS (n=16). Colon perforation occurred in 5 patients (12%). A resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 69% of the BtoS patients. The majority of the PT patients did not receive an operation (63%). Permanent stoma ratio was 27% for BtoS patients and 22% for PT patients. CONCLUSION: SEMS served as BtoS with resection and primary anastomosis for the majority of patients in the BtoS group. For a majority of patients in the PT group, SEMS could be used to avoid surgery. The perforation rate was relatively high. Information on techincal and clinical success was poorly recorded. Because of the retrospective nature of the study and the small population size all results should be interpreted with caution.

[Percutaneous cholecystostomy as treatment for acute cholecystitis at Landspitali University Hospital 2010 - 2016].

INTRODUCTION: Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common reasons for acute admission in abdominal surgery. The recom-mended therapy is cholecystectomy but occasionally that is not possible and a conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics is used. Should the patient not respond to conservative treatment a percutaneous catheter can be placed in the gallbladder (cholecystostomy). The aim of the study was to look at the frequency of which cholecystostomies were used and the complication rates at Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study where patient charts of those with ICD - diagnosis numbers K80 - 85 at Landspitali University Hospital looked at and patients who received cholecystostomies were identified in the period from 2010 - 2016. Clinical information was registered in Excel. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 4423 patients were diagnosed with biliary disease during the study period. 1255 (28%) of them had acute cholecystitis with mean age of 58 years (range: 18 - 99). A cholecystostomy was put in 88 patients (14%), mean age 71 years (range: 28 - 92). A transhepatic route was used for 62 (70%) and the drain was in place for an average of 12 days (range: 0 - 87). A secondary cholangiography was performed in 71 cases. Seventeen patients were discharged home with the cholecystostomy in place. Half of the patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 101 days from drain insertion (range: 30 - 258). A total of 28 complications were noted in 27 patients (31%) and the most common complication was dislodgement of the catheter (n=20). Five patients (6%) died within thirty days of the intervention, three from septic shock and two from reasons unrelated to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystostomy is not a common choice of treatment for acute cholecystitis at Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland. Few serious complications arise from the treatment and no patients died in relation to the intervention.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in Iceland: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, distribution, and prognosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) over the last 30 years and analyze changes over time. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with GEP-NETs in Iceland from 1985 to 2014 were identified through the Icelandic Cancer Registry and pathology laboratory records. Relevant clinical information was obtained from medical records. In order to assess trends, the study period was divided into two periods, 1985-1999 and 2000-2014. RESULTS: A total of 364 patients with GEP-NETs were identified. Overall, 18 patients diagnosed at autopsy or with primary tumors of an unknown site were excluded, leaving 346 patients with 351 primary tumors for final analysis. The overall mean annual incidence 1985-2014 was 3.65/100,000, 3.39/100,000 during 1985-1999 and 3.85/100,000 during 2000-2014 (p = NS). The most common primary tumor site was the appendix (32%), followed by the jejunum/ileum (24%) and stomach (17%). In all, 18% of patients presented with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, most noticeably patients with primary tumors of the colon (47%), pancreas (46%) and jejunum/ileum (39%). The most favorable 5-year survival was observed for tumors of the appendix (94%) and rectum (88%) and the least favorable for tumors of the pancreas (31%), colon (47%) and jejunum/ileum (66%). There were no statistically significant changes in incidence, staging or survival between the two time periods. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study, the incidence of GEP-NETs has not changed significantly over the last decades. The incidence of metastatic disease has remained stable and overall prognosis has not improved in recent years.

[Sigmoid volvulus at the University Hospital of Iceland 2000-2013].

Backround Sigmoid volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction in most western societies. Treatment options include colonoscopy in uncomplicated disease with elective surgery later on. The aim of this study was to assess what treatment sigmoid volvulus patients receive along with long-term outcomes at Landspitali University Hospital. Methods The study was retrospective. Patients diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus at Landspitali University Hospital from 2000-2013 were included. Information regarding age, sex, and duration of hospital stay, treatment, short and long-term outcomes were gathered. Results Forty-nine patients were included in the study, of which 29 men and 20 women. Mean age was 74 (25-93). One patient underwent acute surgery on first arrival due to signs of peritonitis. Others (n=48) were treated conservatively in the first attempt with colonoscopy (n=45), barium enema (n=2) and rectal tube (n=1). Three other patients underwent acute surgery due to failed colonoscopy, 8 patients had planned surgery during the index admission. Thirty-six patients were discharged after conservative treatment with colonoscopy (n=35), barium enema (n=1) or rectal tube (n=1). Two patients came in for elec-tive surgery later on. Twenty-two patients (61%) had recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 101 days (1-803). Disease-free probability in 3, 6 and 24 months was 66%, 55% and 22% respec-tively. Total disease related mortality was 10.2%. Mortality (30 days) after acute surgery was 25% (1/4) and 16,6% (3/18) after planned surgery. Conclusions Sigmoid volvulus has high recurrence rate if not treated operatively. Total mortality due to sigmoid volvulus at Landspitali is low but surgery related mortality high.

[Outcome after surgical resection for rectal cancer and its precursors in Landspitali University Hospital 2008-2012].

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer makes up 2-3% of all cancers in Iceland and surgery is the mainstay of its treatment. Information regarding those who undergo resection of the rectum because of rectal cancer or its precursors in Iceland today is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate what kind of surgical treatment rectal cancer patients receive at Landspitali University Hospital along with peri-operative and long-term outcomes. METHODS: The study was retrospective. All patients undergoing total or partial resection of the rectum for rectal cancer or its precursor from 2008-2012 in Landspitali University hospital were included. Information regarding age, sex, surgery, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment along with reoperations and survival were gathered. RESULTS: The total number of patients included were 144. Mean age was 66 years (33-89). Neoadjuvant treatment was used in 65 (45%) cases. Most of the patients (65%) underwent anterior resection of the rectum, 21% abdominoperineal resection, 11% Hartmann´s procedure and 3% other surgery. Majority of the patients had a cancer diagnoses (88%) but 12% had dysplastic adenomas. An anastomosis was made in 67% of cases, others (33%) got a permanent stoma. Reoperation rate within 30 days was 12%. Thirty day and 1 year mortality were 0.7% and 6.2% respectively. Average follow up time was 56 months (1-98). Local recurrence rate was 7,1%, five year survival rate was 77%. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for rectal cancer in Landspitali is up to international standard. Perioperative and long-term outcomes are similar to what other authors have reported.

[Incidence, cause and treatment of colonic perforations in Iceland 1998-2007: A nationwide study].

INTRODUCTION: Colon perforation is a serious illness with mortality reported from 0-39%. Surgery used to be the gold standard but treatment has changed as studies have indicated comparable results with less invasive treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of acute colon perforations in Iceland, causes and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, nationwide, multicenter analysis was performed based on ICD-10 codes from databases of the main hospitals in Iceland. Age, gender, year of perforation, cause, means of diagnosis, treatment and outcome were registered. Patients under 18 years and post mortem diagnosis were excluded. RESULTS: 225 patients met criteria, 131 women (58%) and 94 men (42%), median age 70 years (range 30-95). The most common causes were diverticulitis (67%), colonoscopy (12%) and complications during operations (5%). During the first five study years, 27% received conservative treatment while 71% underwent surgery. By the end of the study era this ratio was 45% and 54% respectively. The rate of permanent stoma was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Diverticulitis was the most common cause of colon perforation in Iceland during the study period. Many patients still undergo surgery but there has been a dramatic change toward more conservative treatment. The rate of stoma closure is comparable to studies elsewhere. 1University Hospital of Iceland, Dept. General Surgery, 2University of Iceland, Faculty of Medicine, 3Akureyri Teaching Hospital, 4Akranes Hospital and Health Care Center, Iceland. Key words: Colon perforation, diverticulitis, Hartmann's reversal. Correspondence: Elsa B. Valsdottir, elsava@landspitali.is.

Biliary tract malignancies: a population-based study on incidence, prognosis and management of patients.

BACKGROUND: Biliary tract malignancies are uncommon and few population-based studies are available. METHODS: This nationwide population-based study in Iceland included all patients diagnosed with intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder and ampullary cancer from 1984 to 2012. Patients were identified through the Icelandic Cancer Registry. Clinical information was obtained from patient records. RESULTS: Overall 245 patients were identified: 38 had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 66 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 73 gallbladder cancer (GBC) and 68 ampullary cancer. Overall incidence for bile tract malignancies was 1-3 per 100,000 person-years and less than 1 by sub-type. The overall bile tract malignancies in males increased from 1.3 (95% CI 0.8-1.8) to 2.5 (1.9-3.1) per 100,000 inhabitants. The incidence of GBC among females decreased from 1.1 (0.7-1.5) to 0.5 (0.2-0.7). Surgery decreased for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (56 to 23%, p = .027), ampullary cancer (80 to 48%, p = .03) and overall bile tract cancer (61 to 32%, p < .0001) but use of chemotherapy increased (4 to 32%, p < .0001). Five-year relative survival rates for men were 15% and 24% for women. No significant improvement was found in survival. CONCLUSIONS: Overall incidence of bile tract malignancies increased in males and GBC decreased in women. Long-term survival is poor and did not improve despite changes in treatment.

[Choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy at Landspítali--The National University Hospital of Iceland 2008-2011]. / Gallrásarsteinar eftir gallblöðrutöku á Landspítala 2008-2011.

INTRODUCTION: Symptoms of choledocholithiasis can appear after cholecystectomy. Stones diagnosed during the first two years following surgery are assumed to have been present at the time of surgery. The purpose of this study was to study patients who presented with choledocholithiasis at Landspitali--The National University Hospital of Iceland, during the period 2008-2011, who had previously undergone cholecystecomy and to assess whether cholodocholithiasis is underdiagnosed at the time of cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was retrospective, data was collected from medical records at Landspitali. Among recorded data were liver function tests, imaging results, time from surgery to diagnosis, treatment and complications. RESULTS: Forty patients presented with choledocholithiasis after previous cholecystectomy. Mean age was 50 years (20-89) and women were 24 (60%). Mean time from surgery to diagnosis was 382 days. Diagnosis was confirmed with imaging in 35 (87.5% cases). Thirty six (90%) patients were treated with ERCP, one with PTC and one underwent open surgery. Three patients healed without treatment. Three patients developed complications from treatment. Thirty one (77.5%) had choledocholithiasis in the first 2 years following surgery. Incidence of previous choledocholithiasis, elevated bilirubin or widening of the choledochus without visible stones where similar for those diagnosed with choledocholithiasis in the first two years and those diagnosed later. CONCLUSION: Majority of patients are treated without surgery. Most stones are diagnosed during the first two years following surgery. For the majority of cases it can not be concluded that stones should have been suspected at time of cholecystectomy.

Colon cancer: association of histopathological parameters and patients' survival with clinical presentation.

Available data correlating symptoms of colon cancer patients with the severity of the disease are very limited. In a population-based setting, we correlated information on symptoms of colon cancer patients with several pathological tumor parameters and survival. Information on all patients diagnosed with colon cancer in Iceland in 1995-2004 for this retrospective, population-based study was obtained from the Icelandic Cancer Registry. Information on symptoms of patients and blood hemoglobin was collected from patients' files. Pathological parameters were obtained from a previously performed standardized tumor review. A total of 768 patients entered this study; the median age was 73 years. Tumors in patients presenting at diagnosis with visible blood in stools were significantly more likely to be of lower grade, having pushing border, conspicuous peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, and lower frequency of vessel invasion. Patients with abdominal pain and anemia were significantly more likely to have vessel invasion. Logistic regression showed that visible blood in stools was significantly associated with protecting pathological factors (OR range 0.38-0.83, p < 0.05). Tumors in patients presenting with abdominal pain were strongly associated with infiltrative margin and scarce peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration (OR = 1.95; 2.18 respectively, p < 0.05). Changes in bowel habits were strongly associated with vessel invasion (OR = 2.03, p < 0.05). Cox regression showed that blood in stools predicted survival (HR = 0.54). In conclusion, visible blood in stools correlates significantly with all the beneficial pathological parameters analyzed and with better survival of patients. Anemia, general symptoms, changes in bowel habits, acute symptoms, and abdominal pain correlate with more aggressive tumor characteristics and adverse outcome for patients.

[Pulmonary metastasectomy - a review on indications and outcome]. / Skurdmedferd lungnameinvarpa - yfirlitsgrein um ábendingar og árangur medferdar.

In Iceland every third individual is diagnosed with malignant disease; cancer being the cause of death in one out of four individuals with only cardiovascular diseases being more common cause of death. Approximately one third of cancer patients are diagnosed with lung metastases making the lungs one of the most common metastatic site. In some of these patients a metastasectomy is a treatment option with the intention of improving survival. In this evidence-based review, the indications and outcome of pulmonary metastasectomy are discussed. This review is aimed at doctors within different specialties where Icelandic studies on pulmonary metastasectomy are referred to.

[Choledochal cyst--case report]. / Blödrur á gallvegum - sjúkratilfelli.

The clinical manifestation of a choledochal cyst is diverse and can mimic common diseases like gallstones, cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Initial diagnosis is often suspected after ultrasound of the biliary tract and confirmed with more specific studies as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The risk of malignant transformation is well documented and the mainstay of therapy is excision of the choledochal cysts along with the gallbladder. Choledochal cysts are a rare phenomenon and only three cases were diagnosed in Iceland in the years 2000-2010. The following is a description of one of these cases along with an overview of the literature.

Association of symptoms of colon cancer patients with tumor location and TNM tumor stage.

OBJECTIVE: Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Iceland and accounts for 8% of malignancies. We related information on symptoms of colon cancer patients with information on tumor location and pTNM-stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is retrospective and population-based. Information on all patients diagnosed with colon cancer in Iceland in 1995-2004 was obtained. Information on symptoms of patients and blood hemoglobin was collected from patients' files. The pathological parameters were derived from a previously performed study. RESULTS: A total of 768 patients (422 males, 346 females) participated in this study. Median age was 73 years. Nearly 60% had anemia at the time of diagnosis, 53% had visible blood in stools, and 65% had changes in bowel habits. Around 84% had visible blood in stools and/or anemia. Of those with right-sided tumors, 75% had anemia and were more likely to be diagnosed incidentally (40%) than those with left-sided tumors (20%). Left-sided tumors were associated with blood in stools (68% compared to 41%, p < 0.05) and changes in bowel habits (74% compared to 57%, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that blood in stools was strongly associated with a lower TNM-stage (OR = 0.75, p < 0.05). Anemia was strongly associated with a higher TNM-stage (OR = 1.84, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Right-sided tumors were associated with anemia and incidental diagnosis; left-sided tumors were associated with visible blood in stools and changes in bowel habits. Visible blood in stools was significantly associated with lower TNM-stage, whereas abdominal pain, general and acute symptoms were associated with higher TNM-stage.

[Adenocarcinoma of the appendix in Iceland 1990-2009. A population based study]. / Kirtilkrabbamein í botnlanga á Íslandi 1990-2009 -- lýdgrundud rannsókn.

OBJECTIVE: Adenocarcinoma of the appendix is less than 0.5% of all gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, symptoms, pathology and treatment of appendiceal adenocarcinoma in a well defined cohort as well as the prognosis of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on all patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the appendix in Iceland from 1990-2009. Information on epidemiological factors, survival and treatment was collected. All histological material was reviewed. Overall survival was estimated with median follow up of 15 months (range, 0-158). RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were diagnosed with appendiceal adenocarinoma in the study period (median age 63 yrs, range: 30-88, 50% males). Age-standardized incidence was 0.4/100,000/year. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (n=10). Eight patients had clinical signs of appendicitis. Most patients were diagnosed at operation or at pathological examination but one patient was diagnosed at autopsy. Five patients had an appendectomy and 11 a right hemicolectomy. One patient was not operated on and in three patients only a biopsy was taken. Twelve patients had chemotherapy and seven of them for metastatic disease. Eight patients had adenocarcinoma, seven mucinous adenocarcinoma, three signet ring adenocarcinoma, one mixed goblet cell carcinoid and mucinous adenocarcinoma,one mixed adenocarcinoma and signet ring adenocarcinoma and two a mucinous tumour of unknown malignant potential. In eight cases the tumor originated in adenoma. Most of the patients had a stage IV disease (n=13), three stage III, three stage II and three stage I. Operative mortality was 4.8% (n=1). Disease specific five year survival was 54% but overall five year survival was 44% respectively. CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare disease. No patients were diagnosed pre-operatively. Over half of the patients presented with stage IV disease.

[Case report: facial skin metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma]. / Sjúkratilfelli: meinvarp frá endaþarms-krabbameini í andliti

This case report describes an 82 year old male who sought medical attention for changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy revealed a tumor located 10 to 15cm from the anus. Biopsy showed signetring cell adenocarcinoma. The tumor was not resected due peritoneal dissemination and a tumor invasion into the urinary bladder, found intraoperatively. During hospital stay a skin lesion of the face was removed at the request of the patient. Biopsy showed metastatic signetring adenocarcinoma. Colorectal metastatic lesions to the skin are rare findings, especially metastasis to the face. Skin examination in patients with suspected or known malignancies is an important part of the clinical examination. Key words: Rectal cancer, metastases, skin.

Colon cancer in Iceland--a nationwide comparative study on various pathology parameters with respect to right and left tumor location and patients age.

Increasing evidence suggests genetic, biological and demographical difference between right and left colon cancer. Studies have also indicated age differences in the pathology of colon cancer. There is a scarcity of large-scale studies that closely examine the pathological differences regarding age and tumor location. The aim of our study was to do an extensive comparison of right- and left- sided colon cancers as well as comparing patients <50 years with older patients. A retrospective, population-based study was carried out on all patients with colon cancer in Iceland between 1955 and 2004. A total of 2293 cases were analyzed (1148 men, 1145 women). All histopathology material was re-evaluated. Differences in tumor characteristics between right and left location and younger (<50) and older (≥50) patients was evaluated in particular. Higher TNM-stage, larger tumors, vessel invasion, mucinous type, high grade and expanding tumor border occurred more frequently in right- versus left-sided lesions while annular and polypoid tumors were more common in left-sided tumors (p < 0.05). Young patients had more frequent lymph node metastases, vessel invasion, nonpolypoid lesions and infiltrating tumor border (p < 0.05). Right-sided lesions show more aggressive features, reflected in morphology and stage. Younger patients present more frequently with adverse features than do older patients. Frequency of right- and left-sided colon cancer differs by age with pronounced age-location differences in females. This supports the assumption of differences in etiology and carcinogenesis of right- and left-sided colon cancer, and between young and old patients.

[Colon cancer in Iceland 1955-2004. Study on epidemiology, histopathology and gender difference]. / Ristilkrabbamein á Islandi árin 1955-2004. Faraldsfraedileg og meinafraedileg athugun og samanburdur á kynjum.

OBJECTIVE: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Iceland. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and histopathology of colon cancer in Iceland, resection rate and the difference between men and women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pathology and autopsy reports for all patients diagnosed with colon cancer between 1955 and 2004 where reviewed. All the histopathology material was re-evaluated. Demographical information and pathological findings were registered. Age-standardized incidence was calculated for both men and women. Gender difference was evaluated. Time trend was evaluated by linear regression. RESULTS: After re-evaluation 2293 cases remained (1148 males and 1145 females). The incidence increased for men from 7.5, to 22.2/105 and for women from 8.6 to 15.1/105. Most tumors were located in the sigmoid colon (35%). Surgical rate increased from 50% to 85%. Adenocarcinomas where 84% and mucinous adenocarcinoma 7%. Altogether 7% of cases were TNM-stage I, 32% were stage II, 24% stage III, 21% in stage IV and stage was unknown in 16% of cases. Slight gender difference was observed regarding grade, vessel invasion, depth of invasion and anatomic subsite. CONCLUSION: Incidence of colon cancer increased considerably, mainly for men. Surgical rate and pathology of colon cancer is similar to that reported elsewhere except that there are somewhat fewer cases in TNM-stage I. Little gender difference was observed in the pathological parameters analysed.

[Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST). Case report]. / Strómaaexli í meltingarvegi.

In 1987 a 73 year old man was diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma of the anus. It was originally regarded as a leiomyosarcoma. Fourteen years later the original diagnoses of the specimen was reviewed and the diagnosis was changed to GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumour). This diagnosis was confirmed with appropriate immunohistochemical staining on the tumour tissue. This is the first case of GIST in the anus diagnosed in Iceland.

Interstitial deletions including chromosome 3 common eliminated region 1 (C3CER1) prevail in human solid tumors from 10 different tissues.

A human chromosomal segment regularly lost during tumor formation of microcell hybrids in SCID mice has been mapped to 3p21.3. This segment, called chromosome 3 common eliminated region 1 (C3CER1, also referred to as CER1), may harbor multiple tumor-suppressor genes. Because it was found that similar regions were eliminated in an inter- and intraspecies system and in two tumor types (mouse fibrosarcoma and human renal cell carcinoma), we hypothesized that the importance of C3CER1 would transgress tissue specificity, that is, it could occur in tumors derived from multiple tissues. To evaluate the loss of C3CER1 in various human tumor types, we conducted loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of 576 human solid tumors from 10 different tissues and compared the frequency of deletion in the C3CER1 area to that in two other regions on 3p: the FHIT/FRA3B region, at 3p14.2, and the VHL region, at 3p25.3. Deletions were detected in the C3CER1 region in 83% of informative tumors. Half (47%) the LOH-positive tumors showed LOH at all informative markers, indicating a large deletion. The other half (53%) had a discontinuous LOH pattern, suggesting interstitial deletions or breakpoints. The proportion of tumors with C3CER1 deletions was high in all tumor types investigated, ranging from 70% to 94%, except for the soft-tissue sarcomas (40%). In the VHL and FHIT regions, deletions were observed in 73% and 43%, respectively, of the tumors. Of the three 3p regions analyzed, the highest deletion frequency was observed in the C3CER1 region. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the interstitial deletions including C3CER1 prevail over 3p14.2-pter losses in solid tumors.