Omitting Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer with Sentinel-Node Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Trials evaluating the omission of completion axillary-lymph-node dissection in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer and sentinel-lymph-node metastases have been compromised by limited statistical power, uncertain nodal radiotherapy target volumes, and a scarcity of data on relevant clinical subgroups. METHODS: We conducted a noninferiority trial in which patients with clinically node-negative primary T1 to T3 breast cancer (tumor size, T1, ≤20 mm; T2, 21 to 50 mm; and T3, >50 mm in the largest dimension) with one or two sentinel-node macrometastases (metastasis size, >2 mm in the largest dimension) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to completion axillary-lymph-node dissection or its omission (sentinel-node biopsy only). Adjuvant treatment and radiation therapy were used in accordance with national guidelines. The primary end point was overall survival. We report here the per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat analyses of the prespecified secondary end point of recurrence-free survival. To show noninferiority of sentinel-node biopsy only, the upper boundary of the confidence interval for the hazard ratio for recurrence or death had to be below 1.44. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and December 2021, a total of 2766 patients were enrolled across five countries. The per-protocol population included 2540 patients, of whom 1335 were assigned to undergo sentinel-node biopsy only and 1205 to undergo completion axillary-lymph-node dissection (dissection group). Radiation therapy including nodal target volumes was administered to 1192 of 1326 patients (89.9%) in the sentinel-node biopsy-only group and to 1058 of 1197 (88.4%) in the dissection group. The median follow-up was 46.8 months (range, 1.5 to 94.5). Overall, 191 patients had recurrence or died. The estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival was 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.5 to 91.9) in the sentinel-node biopsy-only group and 88.7% (95% CI, 86.3 to 91.1) in the dissection group, with a country-adjusted hazard ratio for recurrence or death of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.66 to 1.19), which was significantly (P<0.001) below the prespecified noninferiority margin. CONCLUSIONS: The omission of completion axillary-lymph-node dissection was noninferior to the more extensive surgery in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer who had sentinel-node macrometastases, most of whom received nodal radiation therapy. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; SENOMAC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02240472.).

Development and validation of a novel model to predict recurrence-free survival and melanoma-specific survival after sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with melanoma: an international, retrospective, multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of adjuvant systemic treatment for patients with high-risk melanomas necessitates accurate staging of disease. However, inconsistencies in outcomes exist between disease stages as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (8th edition). We aimed to develop a tool to predict patient-specific outcomes in people with melanoma rather than grouping patients according to disease stage. METHODS: Patients older than 13 years with confirmed primary melanoma who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) between Oct 29, 1997, and Nov 11, 2013, at four European melanoma centres (based in Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and Warsaw, Poland) were included in the development cohort. Potential predictors of recurrence-free and melanoma-specific survival assessed were sex, age, presence of ulceration, primary tumour location, histological subtype, Breslow thickness, sentinel node status, number of sentinel nodes removed, maximum diameter of the largest sentinel node metastasis, and Dewar classification. A prognostic model and nomogram were developed to predict 5-year recurrence-free survival on a continuous scale in patients with stage pT1b or higher melanomas. This model was also calibrated to predict melanoma-specific survival. Model performance was assessed by discrimination (area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC]) and calibration. External validation was done in a cohort of patients with primary melanomas who underwent SLNB between Jan 30, 1997, and Dec 12, 2013, at the Melanoma Institute Australia (Sydney, NSW, Australia). FINDINGS: The development cohort consisted of 4071 patients, of whom 2075 (51%) were female and 1996 (49%) were male. 889 (22%) had sentinel node-positive disease and 3182 (78%) had sentinel node-negative disease. The validation cohort comprised 4822 patients, of whom 1965 (41%) were female and 2857 (59%) were male. 891 (18%) had sentinel node-positive disease and 3931 (82%) had sentinel node-negative disease. Median follow-up was 4·8 years (IQR 2·3-7·8) in the development cohort and 5·0 years (2·2-8·9) in the validation cohort. In the development cohort, 5-year recurrence-free survival was 73·5% (95% CI 72·0-75·1) and 5-year melanoma-specific survival was 86·5% (85·3-87·8). In the validation cohort, the corresponding estimates were 66·1% (64·6-67·7) and 83·3% (82·0-84·6), respectively. The final model contained six prognostic factors: sentinel node status, Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration, age at SLNB, primary tumour location, and maximum diameter of the largest sentinel node metastasis. In the development cohort, for the model's prediction of recurrence-free survival, the AUC was 0·80 (95% CI 0·78-0·81); for prediction of melanoma-specific survival, the AUC was 0·81 (0·79-0·84). External validation showed good calibration for both outcomes, with AUCs of 0·73 (0·71-0·75) and 0·76 (0·74-0·78), respectively. INTERPRETATION: Our prediction model and nomogram accurately predicted patient-specific risk probabilities for 5-year recurrence-free and melanoma-specific survival. These tools could have important implications for clinical decision making when considering adjuvant treatments in patients with high-risk melanomas. FUNDING: Erasmus Medical Centre Cancer Institute.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD)-idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy: A distinct subtype of iMCD-not otherwise specified with different clinical features and better survival.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is subclassified into iMCD-thrombocytopenia, anasarca, reticulin fibrosis, renal dysfunction, organomegaly (TAFRO) and iMCD-not otherwise specified (NOS) according to the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) consensus criteria. With a deeper understanding of iMCD, a group of patients with iMCD-NOS characterised by polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, plasmacytic/mixed-type lymph node histopathology and thrombocytosis has attracted attention. This group of patients has been previously described as having idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL). Whether these patients should be excluded from the current classification system lacks sufficient evidence. This retrospective analysis of 228 patients with iMCD-NOS identified 103 (45.2%) patients with iMCD-IPL. The clinical features and outcomes of patients with iMCD-IPL and iMCD-NOS without IPL were compared. Patients with iMCD-IPL showed a significantly higher inflammatory state but longer overall survival. No significant difference in overall survival was observed between severe and non-severe patients in the iMCD-IPL group according to the CDCN severity classification. Compared with lymphoma-like treatments, multiple myeloma-like and IL-6-blocking treatment approaches in the iMCD-IPL group resulted in significantly higher response rates and longer time to the next treatment. These findings highlight the particularities of iMCD-IPL and suggest that it should be considered a new subtype of iMCD-NOS.

Thoracic manifestations of tularaemia: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly virulent bacterium that affects humans and small wild animals. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly through contaminated soil, water or arthropod bites (e.g. ticks). Primary thoracic manifestations of tularaemia are infrequent and, therefore, a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. METHODS: We report six tularaemia cases with exclusively thoracic involvement diagnosed in a clinic for pulmonary diseases in Bavaria between 10/2020 and 02/2022. RESULTS: All patients lived or were active in rural areas, four reported a recent tick bite. All patients presented with thoracic lymphadenopathy and pulmonary tumours or consolidations; all underwent bronchoscopy with EBUS-TBNA of lymph nodes, three lung biopsies as well. Five patients showed inflammatory changes in the endobronchial mucosa. The main histological findings were necrotic epithelioid granulomas with remarkable granulocyte infiltration. All cases were identified by positive serology, five by PCR (here identification of F.t. ssp. Holarctica) from biopsy as well. As first-line therapy, oral ciprofloxacin was given (5/6); in 2/6 cases, a combination of quinolone-rifampicin was given. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary tularaemia may occur after tick bites and without extrathoracic manifestations. In patients who present with thoracic lymphadenopathy and pulmonary consolidations and who are exposed to increased outdoor activities, tularaemia should be included in the diagnostic pathway. Histologically, the presence of neutrophil-granulocyte infiltrations might help to distinguish tularaemia from other granulomatous infections, e.g. tuberculosis. The combination of quinolone-rifampicin rather than i.v. gentamicin reduced length of hospital stay in two patients.

Sentinel Lymph Node Evaluation in Early-Stage Vulvar Cancer.

OPINION STATEMENT: Sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) and dissection (SLND) should be used as an alternative to full inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (IFLND) in select patients with early-stage vulvar cancer. IFLND is associated with high postoperative complications such as wound breakdown, lymphedema, lymphocyst formation, and infection. SLND in select patients offers a safe, effective, and less morbid alternative. Candidates for SLND include patients with a unifocal vulvar tumor less than four centimeters, clinically negative lymph nodes, and no prior inguinofemoral surgeries. SLND should ideally be performed by a high-volume SLN surgeon. Most commonly, SLND is performed using both radiocolloid lymphoscintigraphy (e.g., Technetium-99) and a visual tracer such as blue dye; however, near infrared imaging with indocyanine green injection is becoming more widely adopted. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the safety and efficacy of various techniques for SLND. SLND has been demonstrated to be cost-effective, especially when including perioperative complications. Further studies are needed to demonstrate quality of life differences between IFLND and SLND.

Outcomes of Referrals in Pediatric Patients With Peripheral Lymphadenopathy.

Lymphadenopathy is a common reason for referral to a subspecialist, which may result in significant anxiety for parents. Understanding which patients require a subspecialty referral for lymphadenopathy is key to streamlining health care utilization for this common clinical entity. This is an IRB-approved retrospective study examining pediatric patients consecutively referred to pediatric hematology oncology, otolaryngology, or surgery for lymphadenopathy from 2012 to 2021 at a free-standing tertiary-care children's hospital. Logistic regression was fitted to examine the association between the maximum size of the lymph nodes (LN) and a diagnosis of malignancy. The odds ratio, area under the receiver operator curve, sensitivity, and specificity were estimated. We found a significant association between LN size and cancer diagnosis. For every centimeter increase in the maximal dimension of LN, there was an estimated 2.3 times increase in the odds of malignancy (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.65-3.11; P <0.0001). The estimated area under the curve (0.84, 95% CI: 0.78-0.90) indicated that LN size correlated well with cancer diagnosis. A LN cut-off size of 2 cm resulted in an estimated sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.87-1.00) and specificity of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.46-0.61). Maximum LN size may be a predictor of malignancy among pediatric patients with lymphadenopathy.

Clinical features of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in children.

Due to its nonspecific clinical characteristics, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is often misdiagnosed as a suppurative cervical lymphadenitis and lymphoma. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of HNL in pediatric patients. We retrospectively identified 61 patients with histopathologically confirmed HNL. Clinical and laboratory data, including age, sex, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, histological discoveries, treatment, and outcomes, were collected from the medical records to determine associations with extracervical lymph node (LN) involvement. The mean age of patients was 9.7 ± 2.8 years (range, 1.5-14.0 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1. The most common systemic symptom was fever in all patients. The median pre-admission and total durations of fever were 13.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.0-22.5 days) and 22.0 days (IQR: 17.0-33.0 days), respectively. Patients with temporary fever (< 2 weeks) had a higher peak temperature and were more likely to undergo LN biopsy after admission than those with a prolonged fever (≥ 2 weeks). Multivariate analysis revealed that peak temperature ≥ 40 °C was significantly associated with a longer fever duration (P = 0.023). Laboratory values showed leukopenia (68.9%), which presented more frequently in solitary cervical LNs than in extracervical LNs (82.4% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.027) in patients with prolonged fever. CONCLUSIONS: HNL is often misdiagnosed in older children with persistent fever and lymphadenopathy, leading to unnecessary diagnostic tests and evaluations, inappropriate antibiotic administration, and mismanagement. A multidisciplinary team, including primary care providers, rheumatologists, and pathologists, can improve patient outcomes by increasing their awareness of this rare condition. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is characterized by fever, leukopenia, and neck lymphadenopathy with unknown etiology. • The lack of neutrophils or eosinophils in the histology, immunohistochemistry results help distinguish HNL from infectious causes. Although HNL is a self-limiting disease, antibiotics and steroid treatments were used inappropriately. WHAT IS NEW: • A fever peak ≥ 40 °C was associated with a longer fever duration in HNL patients. Leukopenia presented more frequently in solitary cervical lymph node (LNs) than in extracervical LNs inpatients with prolonged fever. • Steroids are not recommended as a routine treatment, however, in some severe or relapsing cases with persistent symptoms, prednisolone (5 mg twice a day for 2 days) or other steroids (an equivalent dose of prednisolone) responded favorably.

Comparison of the specimen quality of endobronchial ultrasound-guided intranodal forceps biopsy using standard-sized forceps versus mini forceps for lung cancer: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a diagnostic procedure with adequate performance; however, its ability to provide specimens of sufficient quality and quantity for treatment decision-making in advanced-stage lung cancer may be limited, primarily due to blood contamination. The use of a 0.96-mm miniforceps biopsy (MFB) permits true histological sampling, but the resulting small specimens are unsuitable for the intended applications. Therefore, we introduced a 1.9-mm standard-sized forceps biopsy (SFB) and compared its utility to that of MFB. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients from three institutions who presented with hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy and suspected advanced-stage lung cancer, or those who were already diagnosed but required additional tissue specimens for biomarker analysis. Each patient underwent MFB followed by SFB three or four times through the tract created by TBNA using a 22-gauge needle on the same lymph node (LN). Two pathologists assessed the quality and size of each specimen using a virtual slide system, and diagnostic performance was compared between the MFB and SFB groups. RESULTS: Among the 60 enrolled patients, 70.0% were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. The most frequently targeted sites were the lower paratracheal LNs, followed by the interlobar LNs. The diagnostic yields of TBNA, MFB and SFB were 91.7%, 93.3% and 96.7%, respectively. The sampling rate of high-quality specimens was significantly higher in the SFB group. Moreover, the mean specimen size for SFB was three times larger than for MFB. CONCLUSION: SFB is useful for obtaining sufficient qualitative and quantitative specimens.

IgG4-related lymphadenopathy.

IgG4-related lymphadenopathy is a nodal manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) which is characterized by increased polytypic IgG4+ plasma cells and IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cell ratio in lymph nodes and morphologically manifested as various patterns of reactive lymphadenopathy: Castleman disease-like, follicular hyperplasia, interfollicular expansion, progressive transformation of germinal centers and inflammatory pseudotumor-like. It typically presents with solitary or multiple, mild to moderate lymph node enlargement in otherwise asymptomatic patients. The serum IgG4 level is frequently elevated but C-reactive protein often remains normal. In patients not having a history of IgG4RD or manifestation of extranodal IgG4RD, a diagnosis of IgG4-lymphadenopathy should only be made with great caution given the non-specific morphologic features that can overlap with ANCA-associated vasculitis, interleukin-6 syndromes, Rosai-Dorfman disease, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, syphilis, lymphoma, and plasma cell neoplasia. Elevated IgG4 parameters, appropriate morphologies, and clinical correlation are essential to make the diagnosis of IgG4-lymphadenopathy more specific and clinically meaningful.

Evaluation of Peripheral Lymphadenopathies in Children in a Single Center: Predictive Factors for Malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common finding in pediatric patients. It was aimed to determine predictive factors in distinguishing cases with malignant or benign lymphadenopathy in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 2022 and January 2023, 101 patients (1-16 years old) with lymphadenopathy were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: LAP was localized in 80.2% (n=81) cases and generalized in 19.8% (n=20) cases. In 60 cases (59.4%), lymph node sizes were found to be greater than 20×20 mm in width and length. The most common infectious causative agent was Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Seven (6.9%) patients underwent biopsy and all were diagnosed with malignancy. When the benign and malignant groups were compared, age, lymph node length, and width on physical examination, anteroposterior and longitudinal diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography (USG) were statistically significantly higher in the malignant group (p<0.05). The presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was found to be an important factor in differentiating the malignant group (p<0.003). The most important factors in distinguishing the groups are respectively were the anteroposterior diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography and the presence supraclavicular lymph node in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: It is not always easy to distinguish benign and malignant etiologies in patients with lymphadenopathy. A detailed history, a careful physical examination, laboratory studies, and excisional biopsy are guiding.

Reevaluating Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis: Biopsy with Necrosis in Mycobacterial Endemic Areas.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with a variable presentation. The most characteristic feature of sarcoidosis is nonnecrotizing granulomas. However, when sarcoidosis presents with rare organ involvement, and biopsy shows necrosis, the diagnosis becomes challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present three cases of sarcoidosis with unusual organ involvement and biopsy findings of necrosis, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Case 1 was presented with lymphoreticular involvement within the intraparotid lymph node and genitourinary area. Biopsy from the epididymis showed necrosis, initially leading to treatment for tuberculosis (TB). Case 2 describes lymphoreticular involvement and cardiac symptoms. His cervical and bone marrow biopsies showed necrosis. Case 3's presentation was disseminated lymphadenopathy with hepatosplenomegaly, initially suspected as malignancy or TB. CONCLUSION: While biopsy plays a significant role in diagnosing sarcoidosis, the presence of necrosis alone should not lead to its exclusion.

An atypical presentation of human monkeypox infection with clinicopathologic correlation.

There is growing evidence to support new modes of transmission for human monkeypox infection. As these methods are being explored, this report delineates the day-to-day clinical sequelae following the initial exposure in an HIV-positive man who had sexual intercourse with another man days preceding his infection. We describe atypical cutaneous manifestations involving widespread erythematous pustules with preceding anogenital ulcerations and concomitant bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Clinicopathologic correlation is used to assist in the workup and establishing the diagnosis. Our case supports others reported in the literature that suggest sexual contact as a means of transmission. More research is needed that investigates the presence of infection in both men and women, including those who could act as carriers, to elucidate other pathways in this evolving yet evasive viral disease.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment in adults and children with histiocytic necroti-zing lymphadenitis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical data of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis(HNL), comparing the similarities and differences between children and adults, to deepen the understanding of the disease by clinical physicians, and to improve diagnostic rate and reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment. METHODS: The clinical data of hospitalized patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis diagnosed by biopsy from January 2010 to August 2023 in Peking University First Hospital were collec-ted, and the clinical features, laboratory examinations, pathological features, treatments with antibiotics and glucocorticoids, and prognosis of histiocytic necrotic lymphadenitis were analyzed. Grouped based on age, the differences of clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment, and prognosis between the children group (< 16 years old) and the adult group (≥16 years old) were compared. RESULTS: Among the 81 enrolled patients, there were 42 males and 39 females. The median age was 21(14, 29) years, the median duration of disease was 20.0(13.0, 30.0) days, and the median length of hospital stay was 13.0 (10.0, 15.0) days. The first symptoms were fever, lymphadenopathy, and both. All the patients had enlarged lymph nodes with different parts and sizes, 96.3% (78 of 81) of the patients had cervical lymphadenopathy, 50.6% (41 of 81) had bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, 55.6% (45 of 81) had supraclavicular, axillary or inguinal lymphadenopathy, and the median lymph node diameter was 20.0(20.0, 30.0) mm. Only one patient had no fever, the other 80 patients had fever, the median peak body temperature was 39.0(38.0, 39.8) ℃. Accompanying symptoms: rash (8.6%, 7/81), fatigue (34.6%, 28/81), night sweating (8.6%, 7/81), chills (25.3%, 25/81), muscle soreness (13.6%, 11/81), and joint pain (6.2%, 5/81). There were 17 cases (21.0%, 17/81) of hepatosplenomegaly, of which 12 cases (70.6%, 12/17) were splenomegaly. 68.8%(55/80) of patients had a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count, with 47.5%(38/80)increased in lymphocyte(LY)proportion, 53.4%(39/73) increased in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(CRP), 79.2%(57/72) increased in erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), 22.2%(18/81) increased in alanine transaminase(ALT), 27.2%(22/81) elevated in aspartate transaminase(AST), and 81.6%(62/76) elevated in lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). All the 81 patients underwent lymph node biopsy, and 77.8%(63/81) of the patients showed that most of the structures in the lymph nodes were destroyed or disappeared, and 16.0%(13/81) of the lymph nodes were still in existence, hyperplasia and normal lymph node were 1.2%(1/81) respectively, and 3.7%(3/81) had normal lymph node structures. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in 67 cases. The percentages of CD3+ and CD68(KP1)+ were respectively 97.0%(65/67), and MPO+ were 94.0%(63/67). In the study, 51 patients (63.0%, 51/81) were treated with glucocorticoid therapy after diagnosis. The median time for temperature to return to normal was 1.0(1.0, 4.0) days after glucocorticoid therapy. when the glucocorticoid treatment worked best, the body temperature could drop to normal on the same day. There were significant differences in length of stay, predisposing factors, chills, the rate of increase in high-sensitivity CRP, antibiotic and glucocorticoid treatment between the adults and children groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, if there are cases with unexplained fever, superficial lymph node enlargement, and reduced white blood cells as clinical characteristics, and general antibiotics treatment is ineffective, histiocytic necrotic lymphadenitis should be considered. Lymph node biopsy should be performed as early as possible to clarify the diagnosis, reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment, and symptomatic treatment should be the main treatment. Glucocorticoids therapy has a definite therapeutic effect.

[A Case of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis with Multiple Lymphadenopathy that was Difficult to Differentiate from Renal Tumor].

A 74-year-old woman presented to our hospital with the main complaint of anorexia and weight loss for several months. Computed tomography (CT) revealed right urinary stone, hydronephrosis, multiple lymphadenopathy, and a mass in the right kidney. Considering these findings, she was suspected to have renal malignancy (kidney or renal pelvis cancer) with multiple lymph node metastases; therefore, nephrectomy was performed. Her pathological diagnosis was xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN). There was no postoperative renal function decline, and multiple lymphadenopathy also disappeared on CT 3 months after surgery. It was judged to be reactive swelling due to inflammation. XGPN is a pathological condition characterized by accumulation of mast cells and activated macrophages in the renal tissue; and, the renal tissue recognizes yellowish granulation growth because of repeating pyelonephritis due to urinary tract passing impairment. In some cases, it is difficult to differentiate XGPN from renal malignancy. Moreover, lymphadenopathy may be lymph node metastasis but may also present reactive enlargement due to the effect of inflammation, making it even more difficult to differentiate when accompanied by lymphadenopathy. We report this case in which it was difficult to differentiate XGPN from renal malignancy considering the scarcity of reports of XGPN accompanied by multiple lymphadenopathy.

Lymphovascular invasion is a significant risk factor for non-sentinel nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A connection between lymphovascular invasion and axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer has been observed, but the findings are inconsistent and primarily based on research in Western populations. We investigated the association between lymphovascular invasion and non-sentinel lymph node (non-SLN) metastasis in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in western China. METHODS: This study comprised 280 breast cancer patients who tested positive for SLN through biopsy and subsequently underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between March 2013 and July 2022. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the association between clinicopathological characteristics and non-SLN metastasis. Additionally, we conducted further stratified analysis. RESULTS: Among the 280 patients with positive SLN, only 126 (45%) exhibited non-SLN metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that lymphovascular invasion was an independent risk factor for non-SLN in breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis (OR = 6.11; 95% CI, 3.62-10.32, p < 0.05). The stratified analysis yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with invasive breast cancer and 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes, lymphovascular invasion is the sole risk factor for non-SLN metastases. This finding aids surgeons and oncologists in devising a plan for local axillary treatment, preventing both over- and undertreatment.

ANALYSIS OF DIAGNOSTIC EXCISIONAL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY RESULTS: 12-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF A SINGLE CENTER.

Lymph node biopsy is indicated in patients with suspected malignancy or lymphadenopathy due to unclarified reasons. Lymph node biopsy can be performed as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy, or excisional lymph node biopsy. In particular, the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma is considered insufficient for oncological treatment unless classified into subgroups. Core biopsy and excisional biopsy can be performed to diagnose lymphoma and classify it into subgroups. Core biopsy may also be limited in some cases for the diagnosis of lymphoma. Therefore, patients are referred to surgical departments for excisional lymph node biopsy. It was aimed herein to analyze the results of excisional lymph node biopsies performed for diagnostic purposes in our department. Data on 73 patients having undergone diagnostic excisional lymph node biopsy at Sakarya University Medical Faculty Training and Research Hospital between January 2008 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, biopsy site, pathological diagnosis, number and diameter of lymph nodes excised. Patients younger than 18 years of age, those with sentinel lymph node biopsies, and lymph node dissections performed for any known malignancy were excluded from the study. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software. There were 37 (50.7%) female and 36 (49.3%) male patients, mean age 52.07 (18-90) years. Axillary lymph node biopsy was performed in 32 patients, inguinal lymph node biopsy in 29 patients, cervical lymph node biopsy in 3 patients, intra-abdominal lymph node biopsy in 6 patients, mediastinal lymph node biopsy in 1 patient, and supraclavicular lymph node biopsy in 2 patients. All of the lymph node biopsies were performed as excisional biopsy. Malignancy was detected in 36 (49.3%) patients. In 37 (50.3%) patients, the causes of lymphadenopathy were found to be benign pathologies. When the causes of malignant disease were examined, it was observed that 23 (31.5%) patients were diagnosed with lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma was detected in 5 patients diagnosed with lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma was found in 18 patients. Metastatic lymphadenopathy was observed in 13 (17.8%) patients. Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (26%) and lymphadenitis (20.5%) were found among the causes of benign lymphadenopathy. The number of excised lymph nodes was between 1 and 4, and their diameter was between 9 and 75 mm (mean: 29.53±15.56 mm). There was no statistically significant difference between benign and malignant patients according to gender, age, lymph node diameter, number of lymph nodes excised, and excisional lymph node biopsy site. For diagnostic lymph node biopsy, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and core biopsy should be performed primarily. If lymphoma is suspected in the diagnosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy is not necessary. In this case, it is believed that it is more appropriate to perform core biopsy first. If the core biopsy is insufficient for diagnosis, it is more appropriate to perform surgical biopsy in order to cause no delay in diagnosis and treatment. Excisional biopsy is a method that can be safely performed and does not cause severe morbidity in palpable peripheral lymphadenopathies. Although it does not cause severe morbidity because it is an invasive procedure, excisional biopsy should be performed in a selected patient group.

Lymphadenopathy and lymph node rejection following facial vascularized composite allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Apart from the skin, little is known about the immunological processes in deeper tissues, which are typically not accessible to biopsy and inspection, of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs). Face transplant patients develop prominent adenopathy shortly after transplantation that resolves over time. The mechanisms underlying this process are not understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 9 patients who underwent 10 facial VCAs at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, between April 2009 and July 2019. Clinical, radiological, and histological data related to lymphadenopathy of the head and neck were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients who received donor-derived lymph nodes (LNs) developed bilateral lymphadenopathy of the submental or submandibular superficial LNs. Median time of presentation was POD18 (range POD6-POM3). Notably, bilateral adenopathy of the neck was not observed in later stages of follow-up (mean follow-up, 115 months). Histology of 3 LNs showed increased histiocytes and apoptosis, with the features reminiscent of necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, and B and T lymphocytes (mostly CD8 + T) admixed with CD163 + histiocytes and dendritic cells. Molecular chimerism analysis in one case showed the coexistence of donor (81%) and recipient (19%) derived lymphocytes. Granzyme B (GZMB) expression confirmed the presence of increased cytotoxic T cells in this LN sample. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested the involvement of an immunological process within the donor-derived LNs after facial allotransplantation between the recipient and donor cells. GZMB expression suggested LN rejection that can occurred independently of skin rejection. This finding supports the need to better define the role of donor-derived immune cells in the context of allograft rejection.