Breast carcinoma bone metastasis first presenting to single middle phalanx.

Phalangeal bone metastasis is rare. Breast cancer is known to metastasise to bone but rarely to fingers. This case presents the first site of breast cancer metastasis found on a single proximal phalanx causing pain and affecting hand function. For surgical symptomatic treatment the patient had a ray resection. Post-operatively the patient was pain free with excellent hand function.

Needle core biopsy for the assessment of unilateral breast masses in men.

Although unilateral male breast swelling is relatively common, a histological diagnosis is infrequently obtained. From 1998 to 2003 we routinely performed needle core biopsy on all men presenting with unilateral breast swelling in whom there was diagnostic uncertainty. Of 113 patients, 93% had gynaecomastia, two patients had primary breast cancer and one had metastatic lymphoma. One patient had chronic mastitis. Gamolenic acid treatment produced a 73% response rate amongst patients presenting with pain. Core biopsy is a safe and effective method of diagnosing unilateral male breast swelling, which allows either confident reassurance or definitive treatment of those with cancer or pain.

Systematic cavity shaves reduces close margins and re-excision rates in breast conserving surgery.

The role of cavity shaves in reducing re-excision rates in breast conserving surgery (BCS) remains unclear. We compared rates of close margins and re-excision following cavity shaves based on either intraoperative radiology or systematic cavity shaves. Data was recorded prospectively from 1999 to 2003 for 217 patients undergoing BCS. For the first 106 cases, cavity shaves were performed when intraoperative radiological margins appeared close (<10 mm). The remaining 111 cases had systematic superior and inferior cavity shaves (SSICS). Close margins and re-excision rates were compared between groups. The median weight of excised tissue was less in group two: 82.8 g versus 100.5 g, P=0.001. SSICS reduced close margins by 83% (18/106 versus 8/111), OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.48, P=0.001. Multivariate analysis showed SSICS also reduced re-excision rates (15 versus 8 cases), OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.74, P=0.012. SSICS reduces close margins and re-excision rates. This approach has additional cosmetic benefits because less tissue is excised.

Combined image guidance excision of non-palpable breast lesions.

When mammogramography detects a non-palpable lesion the surgeons may be called upon to establish a diagnosis. Various techniques are currently employed. We describe a technique, which can be used both for diagnostic and for therapeutic procedures. The technique essentially involves localising the tip of a guide-wire, placed under mammographic guidance, with ultrasound scanning. This minimises many of the problems encountered with wire guided excision. We conducted a prospective non-randomised study using our combined image guidance technique (CIG) for patients undergoing diagnostic (n = 24) and therapeutic biopsy (n = 13). We found that significantly smaller diagnostic biopsy weights were achievable using CIG, compared to non-CIG techniques. Reduced biopsy weights are recommended by current guidelines.

Nipple core biopsy for the deformed or scaling nipple.

The key to diagnosis for deformed or scaling nipple is cytology or histology. While scrape cytology and punch biopsy do not provide underlying breast tissue for histology wedge excision requires more time and resource. We present the technique of nipple core biopsy (NCB) in 40 patients with deformed or scaling nipple done as a part of triple assessment yielding both skin and breast tissue for histological examination. Histological diagnosis confirmed eczema in 24, Paget's disease of nipple in 9 and chronic inflammation in 2. Among 5 remaining patients with normal skin histology, underlying breast invasive ductal carcinoma was seen in 3, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 1 and adenoma in 1. NCB identified 5(55%) significant breast pathologies in Paget's disease and detected a further 2 invasive cancers in the absence of a palpable mass. The technique also provides additional information in the form of oestrogen receptor, which can have direct impact on patient management.

Factors preceding relapse of ulcerative colitis.

The effect of intercurrent diarrhoea on relapse of ulcerative colitis was investigated. Diarrhoea resulting from travel abroad, gastroenteritis or antibiotic usage resulted in an approximately 50% relapse rate. With regard to colonoscopy and barium enema, only the latter was followed by relapse and this may reflect differences in the preparation for the procedure.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in ulcerative colitis in remission.

The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of a motility disturbance similar to the irritable bowel syndrome was investigated in 98 patients with ulcerative colitis in remission, and a similar number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Thirty-three per cent of patients compared with 7% of controls fulfilled the criteria for such a syndrome (p<0.01). Contrary to expectations these symptoms were not confined to patients with distal disease. Other symptoms such as constipation were also very common in the colitic group (31%).

The Peterborough lorry explosion, 22 March 1989: an analysis of the hospital response.

As a result of the lorry explosion on the Fengate Industrial Estate, Peterborough on 22nd March 1989, 82 casualties arrived at Peterborough District Hospital. Despite the fact that casualties arrived at the A&E Department in large numbers before the Major Accident Plan could be implemented, all of the casualties had been assessed and either admitted or sent home within 3 h of the explosion. In the process several valuable lessons were learned, and their implications are discussed in this paper.