Cytological diagnosis of hyaline-vascular type of Castleman disease.

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare, benign lymphoproliferative disorder, mostly involving the mediastinal lymph nodes, but can occur wherever lymphoid tissue is found. With only a few published case reports, there needs to be more literature on its cytological findings. We report the case of a 63-year-old female presenting with left upper cervical swelling. Fine needle aspiration cytology smears showed variably sized lymphoid follicles with diminished germinal centers, prominence of follicular dendritic cells, and capillaries traversing some of the follicles. The possibility of a hyaline-vascular type of Castleman disease was suggested. Histopathology confirmed the cytological diagnosis. The index case is being presented to discuss the cytological features of the CD along with its histological and immunohistochemical correlation.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms in the head and neck region: A systematic analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cytopathologic analysis is feasible and provides detailed morphological characterisation of head and neck lesions. AIMS: To integrate the available data published on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) used for the diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) of the head and neck region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus were performed to compile data from case reports/case series published in English. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used for the critical appraisal of studies. RESULTS: A total of 82 studies comprising 102 patients were included in this review. There was a predilection for men (68.6%) (male/female ratio: 2.1:1). Individuals in their 50s (29.4%), 60s (22.5%), and 70s (22.5%) were more often affected. The thyroid gland (26.2%) was the main anatomical location, followed by scalp (15.5%), neck/cervical region (15.5%), jaws (13.6%), and major salivary glands (13.6%). For FNAC analysis, a smear was employed in 41 (40.6%) cases and a cell block was used in four (3.9%). In 56 (55.4%) reports, no cytological methods were available. Morphologically, 34 (56.7%) cases had a diagnosis of PCN with agreement between cytopathology and histopathology. The rate of wrong diagnoses when using cytology was 27.5%. Immunophenotyping was performed in 49 (48%) of the cases. The 69-month disease-free survival rate was 60.2%, while the 27-month overall survival rate was 64.1%. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces that FNAC can be an ancillary tool in the first step towards the diagnosis of PCN of the head and neck region, especially when applying a cell block for cytological analysis.

Grayscale, subjective color Doppler, combined grayscale with subjective color Doppler in predicting thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective analysis / Escala de cinza, doppler colorido subjetivo, combinação de escala de cinza com doppler colorido subjetivo na previsão de carcinoma da tireoide: uma análise retrospectiva

Abstract Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology is preferred for thyroid nodules preoperatively, but has disadvantages of false-negative and false-positive results. Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined features of grayscale ultrasound and subjective color Doppler ultrasound in predicting thyroid carcinoma, using results of the fine needle aspiration cytology as the reference standard. Methods: Data from gray-scale ultrasound images, subjective color Doppler ultrasound images, and the fine needle aspiration cytology of 325 nodules of 250 patients (age ≥ 18 years) were collected and analyzed. Hypo-echogenicity than adjacent strap muscle, micro-lobulated or irregular margins, micro- or mixed calcifications, and taller-than-wide shapes were considered as a suspicious malignant nodule in grayscale ultrasound. Marked vascularity was considered as a suspicious malignant nodule in color Doppler ultrasound. The Bethesda system for classification of thyroid nodules was used for cytopathology. Results: With respect to the results of fine-needle aspiration cytology for detecting suspicious malignant nodules, for grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound, sensitivities were 0.564, 0.600 and 0.691, respectively and accuracies were 0.926, 0.919 and 0.959, respectively. Suspicious malignant nodules detectability for grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound were 0.09-0.56 diagnostic confidence, 0.08-0.61 diagnostic confidence, and 0.063-0.7 diagnostic confidence, respectively. Conclusion: The combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies are recommended for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. Level of Evidence: III.

Resumo Introdução: A citologia da punção aspirativa com agulha fina é preferida para nódulos tireoidianos no pré-operatório, mas apresenta desvantagens de resultados falso-negativos e falso-positivos. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho diagnóstico da ultrassonografia em escala de cinza, do doppler colorido subjetivo e da combinação dos recursos da ultrassonografia em escala de cinza e do doppler colorido subjetivo na previsão do carcinoma da tireoide com os resultados da citologia da punção aspirativa com agulha fina como padrão de referência. Método: Dados de imagens de ultrassonografia em escala de cinza, imagens subjetivas da ultrassonografia com doppler colorido e citologia da punção aspirativa com agulha fina de 325 nódulos de 250 pacientes (idade ≥ 18 anos) foram coletados e analisados. A hipoecogenicidade da musculatura adjacente, as margens microlobuladas ou irregulares, as microcalcificações ou calcificações mistas e os formatos mais altos do que largos foram considerados como um nódulo maligno suspeito na ultrassonografia em escala de cinza. A vascularização acentuada foi considerada um nódulo maligno suspeito na ultrassonografia com doppler colorido. O sistema Bethesda para classificação de nódulos tireoidianos foi usado para a citopatologia. Resultados: Com relação aos resultados da citologia por punção aspirativa com agulha fina para detecção de nódulos malignos suspeitos, as sensibilidades foram de 0,564, 0,600 e 0,691 para a ultrassonografia em escala de cinza, ultrassonografia com doppler colorido subjetivo e escala de cinza combinada com ultrassonografia com doppler colorido subjetivo, respectivamente, e as acurácias foram 0,926, 0,919 e 0,959, respectivamente. A detectabilidade de nódulos suspeitos malignos para ultrassonografia em escala de cinza, ultrassonografia com doppler colorido subjetivo e escala de cinza combinada com ultrassonografia com doppler colorido subjetivo foram de 0,09-0,56, 0,08-0,61 e 0,063-0,7 de confiança diagnóstica, respectivamente. Conclusões: A ultrassonografia em escala de cinza combinada com o doppler colorido subjetivo e biópsias por punção aspirativa com agulha fina guiadas por ultrassonografia são recomendados para o diagnóstico de carcinoma da tireoide. Nível de evidência: III.

Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes: A cancer center's experience.

INTRODUCTION: Lymph node fine needle aspiration (LN-FNA) is a minimally invasive method of evaluating lymphadenopathy. Nonetheless, its use is not widely accepted due to the lack of guidelines and a cytopathological categorisation that directly relates to management. We report our experience with LN FNA at a large Cancer Center in Latin America. METHODS: We retrospectively collected cytological cases of lymph node FNA from the department of pathology at AC Camargo Cancer Center performed over a 2-year period. Data extracted included LN location, age, sex and final cytological diagnosis. Patients that had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or cases for which the surgery specimen location was not clearly reported were excluded. For those cases with surgical reports, risk of malignancy was calculated for each diagnostic category, along with overall performance of cytology. False positive cases were reviewed to assess any possible misinterpretation or sampling errors. RESULTS: A total of 1730 LN-FNA were distributed as follows: 62 (3.5%) non-diagnostic (ND); 1123 (64.9%) negative (NEG), 19 (1.1%) atypical (ATY), 53 (3.1%) suspicious for malignancy (SUS), and 473 (27.3%) positive (POS). Surgical reports were available for 560 cases (32.4%). Risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category was 33.3% for ND, 29.9% for NEG, 25% for ATY, 74.2% for SUS and 99.6% for POS. Overall sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were 78.5%, 99.4%, 70.2% and 99.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lymph node FNA is a very specific and accurate exam, which is reliable in the detection of lymph node metastasis and other causes of lymphadenopathy.

Grayscale, subjective color Doppler, combined grayscale with subjective color Doppler in predicting thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fine needle aspiration cytology is preferred for thyroid nodules preoperatively, but has disadvantages of false-negative and false-positive results. OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined features of grayscale ultrasound and subjective color Doppler ultrasound in predicting thyroid carcinoma, using results of the fine needle aspiration cytology as the reference standard. METHODS: Data from gray-scale ultrasound images, subjective color Doppler ultrasound images, and the fine needle aspiration cytology of 325 nodules of 250 patients (age ≥ 18 years) were collected and analyzed. Hypo-echogenicity than adjacent strap muscle, micro-lobulated or irregular margins, micro- or mixed calcifications, and taller-than-wide shapes were considered as a suspicious malignant nodule in grayscale ultrasound. Marked vascularity was considered as a suspicious malignant nodule in color Doppler ultrasound. The Bethesda system for classification of thyroid nodules was used for cytopathology. RESULTS: With respect to the results of fine-needle aspiration cytology for detecting suspicious malignant nodules, for grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound, sensitivities were 0.564, 0.600 and 0.691, respectively and accuracies were 0.926, 0.919 and 0.959, respectively. Suspicious malignant nodules detectability for grayscale ultrasound, subjective color Doppler ultrasound, and combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound were 0.09-0.56 diagnostic confidence, 0.08-0.61 diagnostic confidence, and 0.063-0.7 diagnostic confidence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combined gray-scale with subjective color Doppler ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies are recommended for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Axillary ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology to predict clinically relevant nodal burden in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Axillary lymph node involvement is one important prognostic factor in breast cancer, but the way to access this information has been modified over the years. This study evaluated if axillary ultrasound (US) coupled with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can accurately predict clinically relevant node metastasis in patients with breast cancer, and thus assist clinical decisions METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of 241 individuals (239 women and 2 men) with unilateral operable breast cancer who were submitted to preoperative axillary assessment by physical exam, US and FNAC if suspicious nodes by imaging. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the methods. We compared the patient's characteristics using chi-square test, parametrics and non-parametrics statistics according to the variable. RESULTS: The most sensible method was US (0.59; 95% CI, 0.50-0.69), and the most specific was US coupled with FNAC (0.97; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). Only 2.7% of the patients with normal axillary US had more than 2 metastatic nodes in the axillary lymph node dissection, against 50% of the patients with suspicious lymph nodes in the US and positive FNAC. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary US coupled with FNAC can sort patients who have a few metastatic nodes at most from those with heavy axillary burden and could be one more tool to initially evaluate patients and define treatment strategies.

Bethesda System Categories of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Are Not Associated with Thyroid Nodule Location: A Single Institution Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid isthmus is defined as the thin band connecting thyroid tissue between both lateral thyroid lobes. Recently, a possible association between thyroid nodules located in the isthmus and malignancy was proposed. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) categories between nodules from the isthmus and nodules from both thyroid lobes. METHODS: All fine needle aspiration cytology procedures performed between January 2016 and December 2019 at the Pathology Institute of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed. For each nodule, at least 2 conventional slides were produced (1 stained by Giemsa and the other by hematoxylin and eosin). All cases were reported according to the TBSRTC. Clinical information (gender, age, and localization) and ultrasound data (size of nodules) were collected from medical requisition forms. To assess the association between the frequency of TBSRTC categories and nodule location, univariate analysis was performed using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Nodules located in transition between the isthmus and a right or left lobe were included in the isthmus group. RESULTS: Considering the p value between the TBSRTC categories and thyroid nodule location, statistic association was not observed: nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory (p = 0.1442), atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (p = 0.3296), follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (p = 0.0817), suspicious for malignancy (p = 0.8464), and malignant (p = 0.1082). CONCLUSION: In the studied population, nodules located in the isthmus were not related to any Bethesda System category.

Focal myositis associated with Leishmania spp. infection in a dog - diagnostic approach / Miosite focal associada à infecção por Leishmania spp. em um cão - abordagem diagnóstica

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic, zoonotic disease widely spread in several countries. The disease is caused by Leishmania spp., and the dog is the main reservoir of this parasite. Clinical signs in the muscle skeletal system consist of muscle atrophy, weakness, lameness, abnormal locomotion, osteitis, polyarthritis, heat and swelling of the joints, enlarged local lymph nodes and pain. In this note, a case of canine myositis of the lumbar region associated with Leishmania spp. infection is reported. Clinical signs included weakness, fever, mild dehydration, enlarged mandibular, pre-scapular and popliteal lymph nodes and a large palpable soft mass in the lumbar region, semi-adhered and not painful. Serologic diagnosis resulted reagent by indirect immunofluorescence reaction method. Findings of ultrasonography of the lower back are described, revealing the misalignment of muscle fibers, interspersed with anechoic areas compatible with edema. Local fine needle aspiration cytology was crucial for a definitive diagnosis, revealing amastigote forms. In endemic areas of leishmaniasis, clinicians should consider this disease as a differential diagnosis in the presence of musculoskeletal injuries with no apparent cause.(AU)

A leishmaniose canina visceral é uma doença sistêmica, zoonótica e amplamente difundida causada por parasitas do gênero Leishmania spp., sendo o cão importante hospedeiro. Os sinais clínicos de leishmaniose no sistema músculo esquelético se constituem em atrofia muscular, fraqueza, claudicação, locomoção anormal, osteíte, poliartrite, hipertermia, dor e edema das articulações. A presente nota descreve um caso de miosite lombar em cão associada à infecção por Leishmania spp. Os sinais clínicos incluíram fraqueza, febre, desidratação leve, aumento dos linfonodos mandibulares, pré-escapulares e poplíteos e uma grande massa macia palpável na região lombar, semi-aderida e não dolorosa. O diagnóstico sorológico resultou em reagente pelo método da reação de imunofluorescência indireta totalmente diluída. Os achados da ultrassonografia da região lombar são descritos, revelando o desalinhamento das fibras musculares, intercaladas com áreas anecóicas, compatíveis com edema. A citologia local de aspiração por agulha fina foi crucial para o diagnóstico definitivo, revelando formas amastigotas. Nas áreas endêmicas da leishmaniose, deve-se considerar esta doença como diagnóstico diferencial na presença de lesões musculoesqueléticas sem causa aparente.(AU)

Lucio's leprosy and Lucio's phenomenom, histoid leprosy, nodular leprosy of childhood, primary neural leprosy, and diagnosis using fine needle aspiration cytology

In this chapter, some special forms of the clinical and histopathological presentation of leprosy are discussed: Lucio's leprosy and Lucio's phenomenon, histoid leprosy, nodular leprosy or childhood, and primary neural leprosy. The main clinical and histopathological characteristics of these forms and the condition under which they appear within the entire spectrum of leprosy and its reaction phenomena are presented. in addition, the main differential clinical and pathological diagnoses of each of these lesions are discussed. The use of fine-needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis os leprosy, including its reaction phenomena, has also been addressed. The identication of the histopathological features of these special forms of leprosy is important to confirm the clinical diagnosis for guiding treatment and preventing the possible misinterpretation of clinical and histopathological findings.

Focal myositis associated with Leishmania spp. infection in a dog - diagnostic approach / Miosite focal associada à infecção por Leishmania spp. em um cão - abordagem diagnóstica

ABSTRACT: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic, zoonotic disease widely spread in several countries. The disease is caused by Leishmania spp., and the dog is the main reservoir of this parasite. Clinical signs in the muscle skeletal system consist of muscle atrophy, weakness, lameness, abnormal locomotion, osteitis, polyarthritis, heat and swelling of the joints, enlarged local lymph nodes and pain. In this note, a case of canine myositis of the lumbar region associated with Leishmania spp. infection is reported. Clinical signs included weakness, fever, mild dehydration, enlarged mandibular, pre-scapular and popliteal lymph nodes and a large palpable soft mass in the lumbar region, semi-adhered and not painful. Serologic diagnosis resulted reagent by indirect immunofluorescence reaction method. Findings of ultrasonography of the lower back are described, revealing the misalignment of muscle fibers, interspersed with anechoic areas compatible with edema. Local fine needle aspiration cytology was crucial for a definitive diagnosis, revealing amastigote forms. In endemic areas of leishmaniasis, clinicians should consider this disease as a differential diagnosis in the presence of musculoskeletal injuries with no apparent cause.

RESUMO: A leishmaniose canina visceral é uma doença sistêmica, zoonótica e amplamente difundida causada por parasitas do gênero Leishmania spp., sendo o cão importante hospedeiro. Os sinais clínicos de leishmaniose no sistema músculo esquelético se constituem em atrofia muscular, fraqueza, claudicação, locomoção anormal, osteíte, poliartrite, hipertermia, dor e edema das articulações. A presente nota descreve um caso de miosite lombar em cão associada à infecção por Leishmania spp. Os sinais clínicos incluíram fraqueza, febre, desidratação leve, aumento dos linfonodos mandibulares, pré-escapulares e poplíteos e uma grande massa macia palpável na região lombar, semi-aderida e não dolorosa. O diagnóstico sorológico resultou em reagente pelo método da reação de imunofluorescência indireta totalmente diluída. Os achados da ultrassonografia da região lombar são descritos, revelando o desalinhamento das fibras musculares, intercaladas com áreas anecóicas, compatíveis com edema. A citologia local de aspiração por agulha fina foi crucial para o diagnóstico definitivo, revelando formas amastigotas. Nas áreas endêmicas da leishmaniose, deve-se considerar esta doença como diagnóstico diferencial na presença de lesões musculoesqueléticas sem causa aparente.

An audit of cytopathology in the oral and maxillofacial region: 18 years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to perform an audit of oral and maxillofacial specimens submitted for cytological diagnosis to verify the importance of this complementary examination. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our institutional cytopathology database was performed over an 18-year period. Clinical information and cytological data were collected. Associations between independent variables and outcomes were assessed using the Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's test, with a 5% significance level. When available, the histological diagnosis was compared with cytological diagnosis to identify the percentage of agreement and the specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of cytology in identifying malignant neoplasms. RESULTS: A total of 1082 cases were identified, which included 65 different cytological diagnoses. Exfoliative cytology (EC) was performed in 312 cases (29.1%) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in 770 cases (70.9%). EC was mainly employed to diagnose oral infectious diseases (P < 0.001) and FNAC to diagnose neoplasms, cystic, reactive and miscellaneous lesions (P < 0.001). Cell-block was performed in 555 FNAC cases (51.3%). Panoptic, Papanicolaou and haematoxylin-eosin staining were performed in FNAC and periodic acid-Schiff in EC (P < 0.001). In 211 cases (19.5%), the histological diagnosis was available and the percentage agreement with the cytological diagnosis was 41.2%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy to identify malignant neoplasms were 84.6%, 100%, 100%, 77.8% and 90.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EC was mainly performed for diagnosis of infectious diseases and FNAC for diagnosis of salivary gland tumours, odontogenic lesions, reactive lesions and cervical metastasis.

Ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions / Punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia em pacientes com lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas

Abstract Introduction: Laryngeal lesions are usually evaluated by microlaryngoscopy/direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia for disease mapping and tissue diagnosis. However patients with anticipated airway compromise due to laryngeal mass may require either a protective tracheotomy or emergency tracheotomy to secure the airway. To minimise risk of unplanned tracheotomy and expedite the diagnosis we performed ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and performance of ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology of suspicious/recurrent laryngo-hypopharyngeal masses. Methods: Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed under ultrasound guidance. Twenty- four patients were recruited, of which 17 had a pure laryngeal lesion; 6 patients had laryngo-pharyngeal, and one patient had a base tongue lesion with supra-glottis extension. Results: Out of 24 patients, 21 had positive cytology for squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had non-diagnostic cytology (atypical cells) and the other had inadequate tissue for definitive diagnosis. Patients with negative and inconclusive cytology underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy, which was positive for squamous malignancy. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no adverse events were noted. Conclusion: Although direct laryngoscopy remains the standard of care in evaluation of laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions, this pilot study has shown that ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology was feasible as an out-patient procedure, employing safe and sensitive technique enabling rapid diagnosis and avoiding the need for direct laryngoscopy under GA for tissue diagnosis.

Resumo Introdução: As lesões laríngeas são geralmente avaliadas por microlaringoscopia/laringoscopia direta sob anestesia para mapeamento da doença e diagnóstico tecidual. No entanto, em pacientes com comprometimento prévio das vias aéreas devido à lesão laríngea, pode ser necessária uma traqueostomia protetora ou traqueostomia de emergência para assegurar as vias aéreas. Para minimizar o risco de uma traqueostomia não planejada e facilitar o diagnóstico, realizamos punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade e o desempenho da punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea em lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas suspeitas/recorrentes. Método: A punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi realizada sob orientação ultrassonográfica. Foram recrutados 24 pacientes, 17 com lesão laríngea apenas, 6 com lesão laríngeo-faríngea e um com lesão na base da língua com extensão supraglótica. Resultados: Dos 24 pacientes, 21 apresentaram citologia positiva para carcinoma espinocelular, 2 citologia não diagnóstica (células atípicas) e o outro tecido inadequado para o diagnóstico definitivo. Os pacientes com citologia negativa e inconclusiva foram submetidos à biópsia através de laringoscopia direta, que foi positiva para lesão maligna espinocelular. Todos os pacientes toleraram bem o procedimento e nenhum evento adverso foi observado. Conclusão: Embora a laringoscopia direta continue a ser o padrão de cuidado na avaliação das lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas, este estudo piloto demonstrou que a punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea é uma técnica viável, ambulatorial, segura e sensível, permite rápido diagnóstico e evita a necessidade de laringoscopia direta sob anestesia geral para diagnóstico tecidual.

Ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal lesions are usually evaluated by microlaryngoscopy/direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia for disease mapping and tissue diagnosis. However patients with anticipated airway compromise due to laryngeal mass may require either a protective tracheotomy or emergency tracheotomy to secure the airway. To minimise risk of unplanned tracheotomy and expedite the diagnosis we performed ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and performance of ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology of suspicious/recurrent laryngo-hypopharyngeal masses. METHODS: Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed under ultrasound guidance. Twenty- four patients were recruited, of which 17 had a pure laryngeal lesion; 6 patients had laryngo-pharyngeal, and one patient had a base tongue lesion with supra-glottis extension. RESULTS: Out of 24 patients, 21 had positive cytology for squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had non-diagnostic cytology (atypical cells) and the other had inadequate tissue for definitive diagnosis. Patients with negative and inconclusive cytology underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy, which was positive for squamous malignancy. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: Although direct laryngoscopy remains the standard of care in evaluation of laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions, this pilot study has shown that ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology was feasible as an out-patient procedure, employing safe and sensitive technique enabling rapid diagnosis and avoiding the need for direct laryngoscopy under GA for tissue diagnosis.

Use of strain ultrasound elastography versus fine-needle aspiration cytology for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the risk stratification tool for thyroid nodules, and ultrasound elastography is not routinely used for the differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The current study aimed to compare the diagnostic parameters of ultrasound elastography and fine-needle aspiration cytology, using surgical pathology as the reference standard. METHODS: In total, 205 patients with abnormal thyroid function test results underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology on the basis of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging-Reporting and Data System classification and strain ultrasound elastography according to the ASTERIA criteria. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimens was performed according to the 2017 World Health Organization classification system. Moreover, a beneficial score analysis for each modality was conducted. RESULTS: Of 265 nodules, 212 measured ≥1 cm. The strain index value increased from benign to malignant nodules, and the presence of autoimmune thyroid diseases did not affect the results (p>0.05 for all categories). The sensitivities of histopathological examination, ultrasound elastography, and fine-needle aspiration cytology for detection of nodules measuring ≥1 cm were 1, 1, and 0.97, respectively. The working area for detecting nodule(s) in a single image was similar between strain ultrasound elastography and fine-needle aspiration cytology for highly and moderately suspicious nodules. However, for mildly suspicious, unsuspicious, and benign nodules, the working area for detecting nodule(s) in a single image was higher in strain ultrasound elastography than in fine-needle aspiration cytology. CONCLUSION: Strain ultrasound elastography for highly and moderately suspicious nodules facilitated the detection of mildly suspicious, unsuspicious, and benign nodules.

Cytological aspects of equine oral fibrosarcoma

Background: Although mesenchymal neoplasms are prominent in horses due to the occurrence of sarcoids, other neoplasmsmay occur. Fibrosarcoma in horses is uncommon, notwithstanding, few studies have performed diagnostic techniques. Itis presumed, therefore, that other diagnostic methodologies should be explored. In this sense, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) emerges as an effective, low-cost, and minimally invasive method to identify tumors in these animals. Theobjective of this study was to describe the use of FNAC in the diagnosis of oral fibrosarcoma in horses. Once fibrosarcomais an aggressive tumor, it is important to validate effective techniques for an early diagnosis.Case: A 10-year-old male Quarter Horse was treated, with a clinical complaint of increased volume in the right maxillaryregion. This tumor occupied about » of the hard palate area. Hyporexia, hypodipsia, mild dehydration, and weight losswere observed at clinical examination. Complementary examinations were requested, and an extensive radiolucent masswith an indication of bone involvement was observed on the radiograph. The hemogram revealed normocytic normochromicanemia, in addition to lymphopenia. In the serum biochemistry test, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and creatinine wereslightly increased. FNAC showed a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm, possibly fibrosarcoma. Due to its clinical worsening and lack of response to supportive treatment, humanitarian euthanasia was performed. Finally, a histopathologicalexamination confirmed the oral fibrosarcoma suggested by FNAC.Discussion: The early diagnosis of neoplasms is important for its correct treatment, as well as the prognosis. In this way,the combined use of complementary tests helps in the resolution of the case. FNAC is still little used in the examinationroutine in horses. In the present report, this test demonstrated efficacy since it revealed mesenchymal cells compatible withfibroblasts...(AU)

Metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma to the auricular region disguised as a vascular thrombus: Case report.

In about 25-30% of patients with primary renal cell carcinoma, metastasis is not uncommon and usually does not give rise to difficulties in diagnosis. However, its presentation as a subcutaneous mass following an elapse of several years after the initial diagnosis is not only uncommon but may be also mistaken for a thrombus in imaging studies due to its common high vascularization. We present here a case of a 70-year-old woman with an oncologic history of renal cell carcinoma who noticed after five years a mass in the auricular region radiologically suggestive of a vascular thrombus. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed malignant epithelial cells compatible with metastasis of renal clear cell carcinoma, supported by immunohistochemistry performed on the cell block. This rather uncommon presentation and precise diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration prompted us to report the case, emphasizing the role of cytopathology as a useful, fast and minimally invasive method for clarifying the neoplastic nature of highly vascularized lesions.

Cytological aspects of equine oral fibrosarcoma

Background: Although mesenchymal neoplasms are prominent in horses due to the occurrence of sarcoids, other neoplasmsmay occur. Fibrosarcoma in horses is uncommon, notwithstanding, few studies have performed diagnostic techniques. Itis presumed, therefore, that other diagnostic methodologies should be explored. In this sense, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) emerges as an effective, low-cost, and minimally invasive method to identify tumors in these animals. Theobjective of this study was to describe the use of FNAC in the diagnosis of oral fibrosarcoma in horses. Once fibrosarcomais an aggressive tumor, it is important to validate effective techniques for an early diagnosis.Case: A 10-year-old male Quarter Horse was treated, with a clinical complaint of increased volume in the right maxillaryregion. This tumor occupied about » of the hard palate area. Hyporexia, hypodipsia, mild dehydration, and weight losswere observed at clinical examination. Complementary examinations were requested, and an extensive radiolucent masswith an indication of bone involvement was observed on the radiograph. The hemogram revealed normocytic normochromicanemia, in addition to lymphopenia. In the serum biochemistry test, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and creatinine wereslightly increased. FNAC showed a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm, possibly fibrosarcoma. Due to its clinical worsening and lack of response to supportive treatment, humanitarian euthanasia was performed. Finally, a histopathologicalexamination confirmed the oral fibrosarcoma suggested by FNAC.Discussion: The early diagnosis of neoplasms is important for its correct treatment, as well as the prognosis. In this way,the combined use of complementary tests helps in the resolution of the case. FNAC is still little used in the examinationroutine in horses. In the present report, this test demonstrated efficacy since it revealed mesenchymal cells compatible withfibroblasts...

Tumores del cordón espermático y las túnicas escrotales / Spermatic cord and scrotal tunica tumors

Entre los tumores paratesticulares, los del cordón espermático y las túnicas escrotales son los más frecuentes y en su mayoría benignos. En este trabajo se realizó la actualización del tema; se hizo énfasis en aspectos del diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica en libros de consulta, así como en las bases de datos de Hinari, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS y en el motor de búsquedas de Google, entre el 2009 y el 2013. Se utilizaron los términos del MeSH, en idiomas español e inglés: tumores paratesticulares, tumores intraescrotales, tumores del cordón espermático y tumores de las túnicas escrotales. Clínicamente, es básico realizar el diagnóstico diferencial con la hernia inguinal y con el hidrocele. El ultrasonido es el estudio de imagen de elección para su valoración inicial, aunque por su inespecificidad se recurre a la tomografía axial computarizada y a la resonancia magnética nuclear, para obtener más detalles. Para establecer el diagnóstico de certeza, se recomienda la biopsia por congelación transoperatoria, vía inguinotomía. La citología aspirativa con aguja fina, es una opción confiable para clasificarlos si existe sospecha preoperatoria de benignidad, es posible la tumorectomía en los benignos y se evita la orquiectomía radical con ligadura alta del cordón espermático, indicada para los malignos. Una vez confirmado el diagnóstico histológico y el estadio, el manejo debe ser onco-urológico para decidir la conveniencia de tratamientos adyuvantes. Los tumores malignos recurren con mucha frecuencia y a veces tardíamente, lo que obliga al seguimiento estricto y prolongado de estos pacientes(AU)

Among the paratesticular tumors, the spermatic cord and the scrotal tunica tumors are the most frequent and benign. This paper updated this topic, making emphasis in diagnosis and treatment issues. A literature search was made in books and in Hinari, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS databases and in Goggle in the period of 2009 through 2013. The MeSH terms in English and Spanish were used: paratesticular tumors, intrascrotal tumors, spermatic cord tumors and scrotal tunica tumors. From the clinical viewpoint, it is fundamental to make the differential diagnosis with the inguinal hernia and hydrocele. The US testing is the imaging study of choice for initial assessment, although its lack of specificity makes specialists to resort to computer axial tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance to have more details of the case. For the purpose of reaching a precise diagnosis, the transoperative freezing biopsy through inguinotomy was recommended. The fine needle aspiration cytology is a reliable option to classify them if the case is suspected of benignancy preoperatively. It is possible to perform tumorectomy in the benign tumors, thus avoiding radical orchiectomy with upper ligature of the spermatic cord, which is the indicated approach to the malignant ones. Once the histological diagnosis and the staging are confirmed, the management should be oncological and urological in order to decide whether the adjuvant treatments are convenient or not. The malignant tumors recurred very frequently and sometimes in later phases, so these patients must be strictly followed-up for a long time(AU)

Tumores del cordón espermático y las túnicas escrotales / Spermatic cord and scrotal tunica tumors

Entre los tumores paratesticulares, los del cordón espermático y las túnicas escrotales son los más frecuentes y en su mayoría benignos. En este trabajo se realizó la actualización del tema; se hizo énfasis en aspectos del diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica en libros de consulta, así como en las bases de datos de Hinari, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS y en el motor de búsquedas de Google, entre el 2009 y el 2013. Se utilizaron los términos del MeSH, en idiomas español e inglés: tumores paratesticulares, tumores intraescrotales, tumores del cordón espermático y tumores de las túnicas escrotales. Clínicamente, es básico realizar el diagnóstico diferencial con la hernia inguinal y con el hidrocele. El ultrasonido es el estudio de imagen de elección para su valoración inicial, aunque por su inespecificidad se recurre a la tomografía axial computarizada y a la resonancia magnética nuclear, para obtener más detalles. Para establecer el diagnóstico de certeza, se recomienda la biopsia por congelación transoperatoria, vía inguinotomía. La citología aspirativa con aguja fina, es una opción confiable para clasificarlos si existe sospecha preoperatoria de benignidad, es posible la tumorectomía en los benignos y se evita la orquiectomía radical con ligadura alta del cordón espermático, indicada para los malignos. Una vez confirmado el diagnóstico histológico y el estadio, el manejo debe ser onco-urológico para decidir la conveniencia de tratamientos adyuvantes. Los tumores malignos recurren con mucha frecuencia y a veces tardíamente, lo que obliga al seguimiento estricto y prolongado de estos pacientes.

Among the paratesticular tumors, the spermatic cord and the scrotal tunica tumors are the most frequent and benign. This paper updated this topic, making emphasis in diagnosis and treatment issues. A literature search was made in books and in Hinari, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS databases and in Goggle in the period of 2009 through 2013. The MeSH terms in English and Spanish were used: paratesticular tumors, intrascrotal tumors, spermatic cord tumors and scrotal tunica tumors. From the clinical viewpoint, it is fundamental to make the differential diagnosis with the inguinal hernia and hydrocele. The US testing is the imaging study of choice for initial assessment, although its lack of specificity makes specialists to resort to computer axial tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance to have more details of the case. For the purpose of reaching a precise diagnosis, the transoperative freezing biopsy through inguinotomy was recommended. The fine needle aspiration cytology is a reliable option to classify them if the case is suspected of benignancy preoperatively. It is possible to perform tumorectomy in the benign tumors, thus avoiding radical orchiectomy with upper ligature of the spermatic cord, which is the indicated approach to the malignant ones. Once the histological diagnosis and the staging are confirmed, the management should be oncological and urological in order to decide whether the adjuvant treatments are convenient or not. The malignant tumors recurred very frequently and sometimes in later phases, so these patients must be strictly followed-up for a long time.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores del epidídimo / Diagnosis and treatment of epididymal tumors

Los tumores del epidídimo son infrecuentes y la mayoría benignos, por lo que muchos no se informan en la literatura médica. En ocasiones, llegar al diagnóstico histológico de certeza, implica realizar múltiples exámenes al paciente y un reto al desempeño del médico. En el presente trabajo se hace un recuento anatómo-fisiológico del epidídimo, así como la actualización del tema de los tumores de dicho órgano, en lo referente al diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica, en las bases de datos de Hinari, PubMed, MEDLINE y en el motor de búsquedas de Google, en el periodo de 2009 a 2013. Se emplearon los términos del MeSH: tumores paratesticulares, tumores intraescrotales y tumores del epidídimo, en idioma español e inglés. También se revisaron libros de consulta y revistas especializadas. Se confirma el valor del interrogatorio y del examen físico minucioso, para establecer el diagnóstico topográfico y diferencial de estos tumores. Aunque el ultrasonido es el estudio imagenológico de elección para su valoración inicial, muchas veces no es concluyente, por lo que resulta necesario obtener imágenes por resonancia magnética nuclear para lograr información adicional. Cuando el cuadro clínico y los hallazgos de las imágenes suponen un tumor benigno, la citología aspirativa con aguja fina es una opción fiable para clasificarlos en benignos o malignos. No obstante, si esta no es definitoria, se recurre a la biopsia por congelación transoperatoria, la cual se obtiene mediante inguinotomía, y así se evita orquiectomías radicales innecesarias. Los tratamientos adyuvantes, para los tumores malignos, son muy particularizados según la edad del paciente, el tipo histológico y el estadio(AU)

Epididymus tumors are rare and the majority of them are benign, so there is not much information about them in the medical literature. Reaching the final histological diagnosis implies multiple testing and represents a challenge for the physician's performance. The present paper made an anatomical and physiological review of the epididymus as well as provided updating on the tumors affecting this organ in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Literature search was made in databases Hinari, PubMed, Medline and in Goggle from 2009 to 2013. The MeSH terms were paratesticular tumors, intrascrotal tumors and epididymal tumors in Spanish and English. Reference books and specialized journals were also reviewed. This paper confirmed the value of questioning and of the detailed physical exam in order to set the topographic and differential diagnosis of these tumors. Although ultrasound is the imaging study of choice for initial assessment, it is often inconclusive; therefore, it is necessary to obtain nuclear magnetic resonance images so as to have additional information. When the clinical picture and the findings from images may indicate a benign tumor, then fine needle aspiration cytology is a reliable option to make the final classification. Nevertheless, if this technique is not conclusive, then there is the biopsy through transoperative freezing, which is taken with inguinotomy, thus avoiding unnecessary radical orchiectomies. The adjuvant treatments for malignant tumors are very customized since they depend on the patient's age, the histological type and the tumor staging(AU)