Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura: do we need a different perspective on malignancy?

OBJECTIVES: Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura (SFTP) are historically considered to be benign soft tissue neoplasms. However, a clinical relevant number of these neoplasms have malignant histological features. The objective of this study was to evaluate the percentage of SFTP presenting unfavourable clinical behaviour in order to predict negative long-term outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of 74 patients treated at 4 hospitals between 1990 and 2013 was performed. The median follow-up was 10 years (range: 1-20 years). Risk of tumour recurrence and metastases (unfavourable clinical behaviour) with regard to histology using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years (SD 12.75 years). There were 31 male patients (58%) and 43 female patients (42%). Tumour size ranged from 1 to 30 cm (mean 9.09 cm; SD 6.22 cm). Complete resection (R0) was achieved by minimally invasive thoracoscopic resection in 29% and thoracotomy in 57%; 25% of SFTPs showed histological evidence of malignancy, according to England criteria. Recurrence occurred in 21% and 10% of patients had metastases; 83% of patients with metastases and 39% of patients with recurrence died within 5 years. The median recurrence-free survival for histologically benign SFTP was not reached, compared to 8 years for malignant SFTP. The five-year overall survival rate was 84%. Mitotic rate ≥1/10 HPF, high cellularity, nuclear atypia, Ki-67 level >5% and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern were associated with poor long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological differentiation of SFTP morphology into pedunculated, well circumscribed and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern is recommended. Due to the misleading classification into histologically benign and malignant, all unpedunculated SFTP should be classified as potentially aggressive. Lifelong follow-up is mandatory.

Racism against Totonaco women in Veracruz: Intercultural competences for health professionals are necessary.

Racism is a neglected but relevant cause of health disparities within multi-ethnic societies. Different types of racism and other expressions of discrimination must be recognized, critically analyzed, and actively reverted. This paper is based on anthropological fieldwork conducted in three medical facilities in the indigenous region Sierra de Totonacapan in the highlands of Veracruz in Mexico and analyzes maternal health and identifies levels of racism as perceived by female indigenous patients. Applying a theoretical framework that defines racism at three levels, namely, institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized racism. We empirically distinguish and acknowledge human rights omissions and violations and then analyze the sources of racism in close relation to an intersectional view on gender-, class-, and race-based forms of discrimination. Finally, in addition to investment in health goods and skilled birth attendants, we propose an intercultural competence approach to manage racism, among other ideologies. This approach targets health professionals as conscious, reflexive, and transformative actors of intercultural interactions with culturally diverse patients.

Current Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastasis as a Chronic Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The treatment of colorectal liver metastases is challenging and requires multidisciplinary strategies. Unfortunately, only 25% of patients with colorectal liver metastases are eligible for liver resection. Due to the variety of therapeutic approaches, this percentage has increased; however, at the same time, the definition of resectability has become complex. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of current surgical therapies for colorectal liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant studies published before June 2019 were identified using PubMed. A comprehensive review of the current literature regarding the impact of and innovations in the therapy of colorectal liver metastases was carried out. RESULTS: The major advances in the resectability of colorectal liver metastases were effective chemotherapy regimens and preoperative liver volume modulation techniques. In addition, health professionals face rapid technical developments in interventional local therapies, minimally invasive surgery, robot-assisted surgery and even liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: Currently, liver metastases from colorectal cancer are considered a chronic disease. In cases of advanced colorectal liver metastases, the definition of resectability and the indications for surgical treatment should be exclusively determined by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons.