ABSTRACT
Epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC) is a benign lesion rarely discovered within lymph nodes. The present case report introduces an EIC incidentally discovered during an axillary lymph node biopsy in a patient with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. A 55-year-old woman presented with a breast mass. Ultrasound revealed a suspicious mass, and a core needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed. Histopathological examination revealed tumor-free lymph nodes, with one of them harboring a keratinous EIC. EICs typically arise from entrapped epidermal cells. Their presence in lymph nodes is exceptionally rare. While the origin of such inclusions remains unclear, various theories exist, including anomalous embryonic development, implantation, and metaplasia. This report highlights the unique presentation of an EIC within an axillary lymph node. Recognizing this entity is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis of malignancy and unnecessary interventions.
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Testicular tumors are rare in children, representing a small percentage of pediatric solid tumors, with an incidence of 2 cases per 100,000 males. Teratomas, which are the most prevalent tumors in infants, may manifest in mature, immature, or malignant forms. While mature teratomas are typically found in the abdomen, intratesticular prepubertal-type teratomas in infants are infrequent. The present study describes the case of an infant with an intratesticular mature teratoma. A 6-month-old male infant presented with right-sided scrotal swelling, which was noted by his parents. There was no family history of similar conditions, and an investigation of his medical history did not reveal any notable findings. A physical examination revealed a non-reducible, solid mass indistinguishable from the right testicle, with no signs of inflammation or systemic symptoms. A scrotal sonography confirmed a large intratesticular cyst. The levels of α-fetoprotein and ß-human chorionic gonadotropin were normal. Surgical tumor enucleation was performed, and the histopathological examination revealed a benign, prepubertal-type teratoma composed entirely of mature elements. Surgical intervention is commonly used for the management of benign testicular tumors in pediatric patients, including prepubertal teratomas. This approach demonstrates an excellent prognosis as it does not elevate the likelihood of recurrence. Prepubertal-type teratomas have rarely been reported in the infantile testis. They may present as a solid mass indistinguishable from the testicle, with no signs of inflammation.
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Lingual osteoma, a rare, benign bone tumor that primarily affects the posterior tongue, can be difficult to diagnose. This study aims to report a case of osteoma affecting the tongue in a 17-year-old female. The patient had a foreign body sensation and a progressively growing lesion for 3 years and underwent clinical examination and diagnostic procedures. A well-defined, smooth-surfaced, white mass was discovered in the posterior third of the tongue. The 1.5 × 1 × 0.4 cm mass was completely excised under local anesthesia and histopathologically confirmed as a benign lingual osteoma. The 2-month post-operative outcome was uneventful. The rarity of lingual osteoma, as well as the fact that it is often asymptomatic, makes diagnosis difficult. The diagnosis entails a proper clinical examination, imaging studies, and histopathological analysis. Surgical intervention, primarily aimed at complete excision while preserving tongue function, remains the primary treatment option. Successful excision entails educating healthcare professionals about this rare benign bony tumor to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
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Spermatocytic tumors are a rare type of testicular cancer, comprising <1% of all testicular malignancies. This type of cancer typically affects males in their 60s and 70s and rarely metastasizes; however, it poses a threat to the health of affected individuals if left untreated. The present study describes the case of a 68-year-old male patient with this type of tumor, including a presentation of his initial symptoms, treatment and subsequent monitoring. A male patient, aged 68 years, visited the authors' clinic with an asymptomatic mass in the right testicle. The mass had been progressively increasing in size for a duration of 5 years following a history of blunt injury. During the examination, a noticeable, painless enlargement was detected in the right testis, whereas the left testis appeared to be in a normal state. Tumor markers were within normal limits. Imaging revealed a complex mass (11x8x7 cm) almost replacing the right testis, with no detectable lymph nodes. A right radical orchidectomy was performed under spinal anesthesia. A histopathological examination revealed a spermatocytic tumor. The post-operative period was uneventful, with no metastasis detected in the CT scans. The patient was discharged with instructions for regular follow-up appointments. The case presented herein highlights a rare spermatocytic tumor in a 68-year-old male. The early detection and treatment of testicular tumors, regardless of age, are crucial for a good prognosis.
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Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous and complex disease with numerous pathophysiologic variants. ~40% of patients succumb due to the progression of the disease, making RCC the most fatal of the common urologic malignancies. Prognostic factors are indicators of the progression of the disease, and the precise determination of these factors is important for evaluating and managing RCC. In the present study, it was aimed to determine and find associations among the histopathological features of RCCs and their impact on survival and metastasis. This is a cross-sectional study of RCC cases who have undergone partial or radical nephrectomy from March 2008 to October 2021 and have been pathologically reviewed at Shorsh General Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani, Iraq. The data in the pathology studies were supplemented by follow-up of the patients to obtain information about survival, recurrence and metastasis. In total, 228 cases of RCC were identified, among whom 60.5% were men and 39.5% were women, with a median age of 51 years. The main tumor types were clear cell RCC (71.1%), papillary RCC (13.6%), and chromophobe RCC (11%). Various measures of aggressiveness, including tumor necrosis, sarcomatoid change, microvascular invasion, and parameters of invasiveness (invasion of the renal sinus and other structures), were significantly correlated with each other, and they were also associated with reduced overall survival and an increased risk of metastasis on univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis, only tumor size and grade, and microvascular invasion retained statistical significance and were associated with a lower survival rate. In conclusion, pathological parameters have an impact on prognosis in RCC. The most consistent prognostic factors can be tumor size and grade, and microvascular invasion.
ABSTRACT
Concurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the same kidney is a rare phenomenon. It is critical to define this unusual disease to avoid a delay in diagnosis and improve the prognosis. The present study describes a case of a 71-year-old patient with synchronous ipsilateral RCC and UC of the renal pelvis and ureter. The patient presented with intermittent attacks of left loin pain with frank hematuria for 3 months and a weight loss of 5 kg over the same period of time. The patient had been a chronic heavy smoker for >45 years. Physical examination revealed stable vital signs; however, a mobile, non-tender mass was palpated in the left upper abdomen. A left nephroureterectomy with the removal of a bladder cuff was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a papillary RCC with a pathological stage of pT1N0Mx and a high-grade UC of the renal pelvis and ureter with a pathological stage of pT3-pN1-pMx. The postoperative recovery was good, and the patient was referred to an oncology center for further management. Previous reports have failed to identify definitive risk factors for the concurrence of RCC and UC. However, 24% of the patients in the various case reports in the literature were smokers. The most common presenting complaints included weight loss and painless hematuria. The concurrence of RCC and UC in the same kidney is a rare entity, and it frequently leads to a worse prognosis than the occurrence of RCC alone. Radical nephroureterectomy is the main line of treatment for patients with upper tract UC.
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Pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma (PGCC) is an exceptionally uncommon form of prostate adenocarcinoma. It consists of unusually large and irregular cells with varied nuclei. The present study describes a rare case of prostatic PGCC. A 65-year-old male patient presented to the urology clinic with severe dysuria, nocturia, and frequent, urgent, and difficult urination for a period of 3 months. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large pelvic mass. A prostate biopsy was performed, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for the pan-epithelial markers, AE1/AE3, alpha-methyl acyl-CoA racemase, and focally for sphingolipid activator protein-2. While waiting for his pathology report, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent laparotomy and end colostomy. Later, he developed severe sepsis and wound dehiscence. After 2 weeks, the patient succumbed due to multiorgan failure. Prostatic PGCC cases are frequently associated with previous chemo-, hormone, or radiation therapy. Prior to the diagnosis of PGCC, it is critical to rule out urothelial carcinoma. Early recognition of this rare condition can lead to more effective therapy. Prostatic PGCC is extremely rare. Immunohistochemistry for prostatic markers, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen, prostate-specific antigen, NK3 homeobox 1 and androgen receptor, can be used to confirm its origin.
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Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are benign, slow-growing tumors of neural crest cell origin. On rare occasions, adipose cells have been detected in these tumors. The present study reported a case of a huge retroperitoneal GN misdiagnosed and mismanaged as a liposarcoma. A 54-year-old male patient presented with gradually progressing dull back pain with abdominal discomfort for the past 6 months. The patient had abdominal distention and mild right abdominal tenderness. Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large right-sided retroperitoneal mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings were consistent with sarcoma. Cytologic examination was suggestive of liposarcoma. A decision was made to start neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, which proved ineffective. Complete surgical excision of the mass was performed via a midline laparotomy. Histopathology of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of GN. At two years post-operation, the patient developed a recurrence in the subhepatic area with the same diagnosis and the recurrent mass was surgically removed. Initially, the imaging findings were not sufficiently specific to establish the diagnosis. Rarely, cytologic techniques have detected adipose cells in these tumors, resulting in misdiagnosis. Hence, histopathology is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Preoperative diagnosis of GN is difficult due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations, radiological confusion with other tumors and the presence of adipocytes in rare cases, leading to misdiagnosis and mismanagement.
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BACKGROUND: Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) has worldwide variations in incidence that are related to the age of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This study examined the age-specific incidence rate (ASIR) of BL and community EBV seropositivity in Iraqi Kurdistan and compared results with data from countries tabulated in the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer volume 3 (IICC-3). METHODS: The ASIR (95% confidence intervals) of BL in Sulaimani Governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan were calculated for the years 2010-2020. Specimens from 515 outpatients were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen. RESULTS: In Sulaimani, 84% of BL occurred under 20 years of age, with an ASIR of 6.2 (4.7-7.7) per million children. This ASIR was not significantly different than that of Egypt, Morocco, Israel, Spain, or France. It was slightly higher than the ASIR of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany and markedly higher than for Asia and South Africa. In Africa and much of Asia, early childhood EBV exposure predominates, with nearly all children being infected by 5 years of age. In Sulaimani, just over 50% of children were EBV seropositive at 3 years old and 90% seropositivity was reached at 15 years of age. In Europe and North America, seropositivity is commonly delayed until adolescence or young adulthood and adult predominates over childhood BL. CONCLUSION: In the Middle East, childhood BL is relatively common and adult BL is rare. In Sulaimani, EBV seropositivity increases progressively throughout childhood and reaches 92% at mid-adolescence. This may reflect the Mid East more widely. We suggest that the high childhood and low adult BL rates may be a regional effect of a pattern of EBV exposure intermediate between early childhood and adolescent and young adult infections.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In both pediatric and adult populations, hypocalcemia-induced heart failure is an extremely rare presentation. The aim of the current study is to report a case of reversible heart failure caused by severe hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism, which was resolved by correcting the serum calcium level. Case report: A 29-year-old female presented with orthopnea, dyspnea on mild exertion, and bilateral lower limb swelling. She had a positive Trousseau's sign. Vital signs were stable except for tachycardia. On chest auscultation, there were bilateral basal fine inspiratory crackles. She was immediately treated as a case of pulmonary edema with intravenous furosemide and oxygen therapy. Subsequent treatment for correcting the hypocalcemia was then initiated. Discussion: Hypocalcemia has been proven to influence cardiac function, resulting in lower cardiac contractility as determined by decreased left ventricular work index, stroke index, and cardiac index. In rare circumstances, the clinical, biochemical (elevation of cardiac enzymes), electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of an acute ischemic attack. Conclusion: Hypocalcemia as a possible factor leading to heart failure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all individuals with congestive heart failure.
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Introduction: The coexistence of thyroid dysgenesis and resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a very rare occurrence. The current study aims to report a unique case of thyroid agenesis with RTH in a pediatric patient. Case report: A 5-year-old male patient presented with poor feeding, excessive somnolence, and a noticeable umbilical hernia since the age of 2 months. He was initially diagnosed as a case of congenital hypothyroidism, and since then, he had been placed on thyroid replacement therapy. No further investigations were conducted until the age of 5 years. Recent laboratory findings revealed an elevated TSH level (42.41 µIU/mL). X-ray examination showed delayed bone age (30 months). Ultrasound (US) examination demonstrated the complete absence of thyroid lobes, isthmus, and ectopic thyroid tissue, but small 2.7 x 2.5-mm non-echoic, cystic, and hypo-vascular nodules were seen in the bed of the right thyroid lobe. The patient was kept on thyroid replacement therapy (levothyroxine) and under close follow-up. On follow-up, the patient's thyroid function status revealed resistance to exogenous thyroid hormone. Discussion: Thyroid agenesis is the complete absence of the thyroid gland. Meanwhile, RTH is a hereditary disease characterized by decreased sensitivity of body tissues to thyroid hormone. Most cases of RTH are due to mutations in the gene encoding for THRß. However, recently RTH due to THRα mutations has also been reported. The presentations of RTH cases in general and with thyroid dysgenesis are quite heterogenous. Conclusion: Although the combination is exceedingly rare, thyroid agenesis can coexist with RTH.
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INTRODUCTION: The synchronous development of a medullary and papillary carcinoma as two different tumors has only been reported very rarely. The aim of the current report is to describe an extremely rare occurrence of medullary carcinoma, papillary microcarcinoma, and Hashimoto thyroiditis. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old man presented with a right-sided neck mass. Ultrasound showed a well-defined nodule in the right mid third with microcalcification and increased nodular vascularity associated with multiple right-sided cervical lymphadenopathy. The histopathological examination showed multifocal medullary carcinoma with incidental finding of unifocal papillary microcarcinoma conventional type on the left side. Additional pathology of Hashimoto thyroiditis with a small intra-thyroidal parathyroid gland in the left thyroid gland. The procedure went perfectly and the patient was discharged home without any difficulties. DISCUSSION: Synchronous existence of these two neoplasms can occur in two forms: distinct medullary carcinoma and papillary carcinoma isolated by normal thyroid tissue, or mixed medullary and follicular-derived thyroid carcinoma, in which single or multiple lesions show morphology and immunoreactivity for both medullary carcinoma and follicular-derived carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The synchronous coexistence of papillary microcarcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an uncommon thyroid condition.
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INTRODUCTION: Xanthogranulomatous orchitis is an extremely rare condition of the test is marked by the necrosis and effacement of testicular parenchyma by an inflammatory process. The current study aims to report a case of xanthogranulomatous epididymo-orchitis. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man presented with a history of recurrent attacks of dull pain and swelling of the right side of the scrotum for 3 weeks. He denied having any history of trauma or urinary symptoms. Physical examination revealed tenderness and warmth of the right side of the scrotum. Urine culture was negative. The patient managed operatively. DISCUSSION: The underlying pathophysiology of xanthogranulomatous orchitis is yet unknown. The pathogenesis of this inflammatory process in the testis is frequently driven by obstruction of the epididymis or the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection has also been considered as an etiologic factor. CONCLUSION: Xanthogranulomatous orchitis is an uncommon testicular inflammatory condition. Histopathologic examination is required for definitive diagnosis and for the exclusion of occult germ cell malignancy.
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INTRODUCTION: Hurthle cell carcinoma (HCC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer while Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon cancer of the lymphocytes. The synchronous occurrence of HCC and HL in a single person has not been described in the literature. This report aims to present the first case of synchronous HCC and HL. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old male presented with a right side neck swelling for three months. Laboratory findings revealed elevated thyroglobulin (286.7 ng/ml). Ultrasound (US) examination showed several enlarged lymph nodes (<20mm) in the right side of the neck with increased vascularity. There was also a solitary solid thyroid nodule (23*20mm) in the right lobe. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the right lobe revealed Hurthle cell neoplasm, and right cervical lymph node was suspicious for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Right lobectomy with right lateral cervical excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathology confirmed HCC and HL. DISCUSSION: HCC is a differentiated cancer occurring in old age population. Multiple factors increase the risk of HCC, including the excess iodine, history of thyroid diseases, and exposure to radiation. HL is a cancer of the lymphatic system that affects young adults and older population. There is a significant association between excess body weight and cigarette smoking with the risk of HL. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, occurrence of a few cases of other thyroid carcinomas and HL could occur. However, no relation has been described between the two cancers.