RCL2, a potential formalin substitute for tissue fixation in routine pathological specimens.

AIMS: To investigate RCL2 as a fixative for tissue fixation in routine histopathological examination and to assess tissue suitability for ancillary investigations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-nine samples from 36 fresh specimens were cut into three equal pieces and fixed in RCL2 diluted in 100% ethanol, RCL2 in 95% ethanol, or neutral buffered formalin as control. Suitability for microtomy, quality of histomorphology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent and silver in-situ hybridization analysis and extracted genomic DNA were assessed. Microtomy was straightforward in most tissue blocks, but there was difficulty in cutting in approximately a quarter of samples, which required careful handling by an experienced technician. There were no significant differences in tissue morphology between RCL2- and formalin-fixed tissues (P=0.08). Generally, the quality of histochemical staining, immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization were comparable to that of formalin-fixed tissues. Inconsistent immunoreactivity was noted, however, with antibodies against pan-cytokeratin and progesterone receptor. Genomic DNA concentration was higher in RCL2-fixed tissues. Using RCL2 diluted in 95% ethanol did not affect fixation quality. CONCLUSION: RCL2 is a potential formalin substitute suitable as a fixative for use in routine histopathological examination; however, difficulty in microtomy and occasional discrepancies in immunohistochemical reactivity require further optimization of the methodology.

Axillary lymph-node metastases as the primary presentation of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma: A case report.

We reported a female presented with an initial diagnosis of metastatic axillary lymph-node carcinoma that comprehensive assessments revealed a definitive diagnosis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma as the primary tumor.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma with bone metastasis: A case report.

We reported a female with endometrial adenocarcinoma who was evaluated with whole-body bone scan for new-onset bone pains 6 months after completion of treatment.

Diagnosis of Primary Hydatid Cyst of Thyroid Gland: A Case Report.

A 34-year-old female patient was presented to the general surgery clinic of the hospital complaining of a growing tangible swelling in her neck. In physical examination, the patient had two palpable soft nodules in the left lobe of the thyroid which hadn't invaded the surrounding tissues. The function of thyroid gland was normal and fine needle aspiration (FNA) result reported it benign. The patient went through a left lobectomy and isthmectomy. The histopathology report concluded a nodular hyperplasia and a Hydatid cyst. After surgery, the patient was examined searching for any other organs cyst, but there were no cystic lesion in the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities. Accordingly, the case was a primary thyroid hydatid cyst, which is rare, even in endemic regions like Iran.