Gynaecological cancer incidence and mortality trends in a Brazilian State with medium human development index: A 22-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse trends in incidence and mortality rates of gynaecological cancer (GC) in Sergipe, a medium Human Development Index (HDI) state in northeastern Brazil during 1996-2017. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of Aracaju and Brazilian Mortality Information System database. We included vulvar (VUC), vaginal (VAC), cervical (CC), uterine (UC; C54-C55), ovarian (OC), placental (PC), and unspecified female genital organ cancers. Crude rates, and age-standardised incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively) were calculated using a denominator of 100,000 women. We assessed changes in trends using the annual percentage change (APC) and the average APC (AAPC), using the Joinpoint Regression Program. RESULTS: From 1996-2017, GC ASIR exhibited a declining trend (AAPC: -3.1), while ASMR increased (AAPC: 2.1). CC had the highest ASIR and ASMR over the years, ranging from 11.6 to 34.3 cases and 4.2-9.0 deaths per 100,000, respectively. Annual decreases in ASIR were observed for CC (AAPC: -5.2) and VAC (AAPC: -5.5). OC saw an increase in mortality rates (AAPC: 1.9; 1996-2017), and CC experienced an increase during 1996-2003 (APC: 6.9). VUC displayed a substantial rise in ASMR from 2001 to 2009 (APC: 27.1), followed by a decrease (APC: -11.3). An increase in mortality trends for UC was observed during 1996-2004 (APC: 10.0), while its ASIR remained relatively unchanged over the years. CONCLUSION: While overall GC incidence trends declined, mortality rates either increased or failed to decrease significantly. Therefore, additional efforts are required to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, aimed at reducing and managing the burden of GC in the future.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Skin Cancer Index into Brazilian Portuguese for patients with cervicofacial nonmelanoma skin cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate the Skin Cancer Index (SCI) into Portuguese, adapt it for Brazilian culture, and clinically validate it. METHODS: A five-stage cross-cultural adaptation model was followed, with subsequent clinical validation. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using the content validity index (CVI). The hypothesis of the non-inferiority of the CVI at 80% probability level was evaluated using an exact binomial test. We used Spearman's rank-order and Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis, internal consistency using McDonald's ω and Cronbach's α metric, and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis. The factorial model was validated using the chi-squared test, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR). RESULTS: The first stage yielded two independent translations. After synthesis, back-translation, and review, the prefinal version was tested on 40 patients. Inter-rater agreement indices on content validity were significantly higher than 80% (p < 0.05). The SCI remained stable, and the Spearman's rank-order (rs), Pearson product-moment (r), and intraclass correlation coefficients were > 0.9, indicating excellent reliability. The reliability of McDonald's ω was considered ideal (> 0.8) in all subdimensions and scale. Cronbach's α was considered ideal in the "Emotional" and "Social" subdimensions and scale. Construct validity was observed in all subdimensions and scale through the criteria (χ2) p value > 0.05, RMSEA < 0.08, CFI ≥ 0.9, and SRMR ≤ 0.08. CONCLUSION: The cross-cultural adaptation of the SCI to Portuguese for Brazilian culture showed content validity and reliability, contributing to quality of life assessment in patients with NMSC.

Melanoma Maligno Primário do Colo do Útero: Um Relato de Caso Raro / Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Uterine Cervix: Rare Case Report

O melanoma cervical primário é um diagnóstico raro e frequentemente desafiador, especialmente na presença de lesões amelanóticas, cuja confirmação deve ser feita por métodos imuno-histoquímicos. Apesar do tratamento agressivo, o prognóstico para essa doença costuma ser ruim. Relato do caso: Mulher, 79 anos, com histórico de sangramento vaginal decorrente de uma lesão cervical maligna. Inicialmente, a colposcopia revelou uma lesão ulcerada no exocérvix e a biópsia confirmou ser um tumor maligno. No entanto, após uma histerectomia abdominal radical, o exame histopatológico mostrou tratar-se de uma neoplasia maligna epitelioide, confirmada como um melanoma maligno do colo do útero por meio de exame imuno-histoquímico. A paciente recebeu quimioterapia adjuvante e radioterapia, mas eventualmente apresentou recorrência e veio a óbito. Conclusão: O presente relato avalia uma paciente com um diagnóstico incomum de melanoma cervical que, apesar do tratamento agressivo, teve um desfecho desfavorável. No entanto, uma vigilância cutânea minuciosa deve ser realizada para diagnosticá-lo corretamente como primário.

Primary cervical melanoma is a rare and often challenging diagnosis, particularly in the presence of amelanotic lesions, where confirmation should be made through immunohistochemical methods. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis for this disease is typically poor. Case Report: A 79-year-old woman with a history of vaginal bleeding from a malignant cervical lesion. Initially, colposcopy examination revealed an ulcerated lesion of the exocervix, and biopsy confirmed a malignant neoplasm. However, following a radical abdominal hysterectomy, histopathological examination displayed a malignant epithelioid neoplasm, confirmed a malignant melanoma of the cervix through immunohistochemical assays. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but eventually experienced recurrence and died. Conclusion: The present report assesses a patient with an uncommon diagnosis of cervical melanoma, which, despite aggressive treatment, had an unfavorable outcome. However, thorough skin surveillance should be performed to correctly diagnose it as primary

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type I: Diagnosis after Intestinal Occlusion Secondary to Adhesions after an Episode of Pancreatitis / Tumor Estromal Gastrointestinal em Paciente com Neurofibromatose Tipo I: Diagnóstico após Oclusão Intestinal Secundária a Aderências após Episódio de Pancreatite / Tumor del Estroma Gastrointestinal en Paciente con Neurofibromatosis Tipo I: Diagnóstico tras Oclusión Intestinal Secundaria a Adherencias tras Episodio de Pancreatitis

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), although relatively rare, account for 80% of mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract. They manifest in any part of the alimentary tract and are derived from Cajal cells. They may occur sporadically or be associated with familial syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type I. The clinical picture is variable, and they are often diagnosed incidentally. The diagnosis requires imaging tests associated with histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. The best strategy for treatment is surgical resection and cases should be analyzed individually to verify additional advantages with the association of systemic therapy. This study aims to present an unusual case of GIST associated with neurofibromatosis type I in a patient with incidental diagnosis after semi-intestinal occlusion secondary to an episode of pancreatitis, in addition to performing a literature review on the subject. Case report: A 49-year-old woman with a history of severe pancreatitis presented with intestinal obstruction approximately 8 months after this episode. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous formation in the mesogastric region, measuring 6.6 x 5.1 x 5.3 cm. She underwent surgical resection and histopathological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of GIST. Six months after diagnosis, the patient is in good general condition and is on systemic therapy. Conclusion: GIST are rare tumors, but their diagnosis should come to mind in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 with abdominal masses

Introdução: Os tumores do estroma gastrointestinal (GIST), embora relativamente raros, correspondem a 80% dos tumores mesenquimais do trato digestivo. Manifestam-se em qualquer parte do trato alimentar e são derivados das células de Cajal. Podem ocorrer de forma esporádica ou associados a síndromes familiares como a neurofibromatose tipo I. O quadro clínico é variável, sendo frequentemente diagnosticados de forma incidental. O diagnóstico requer realização de exames de imagem associados à análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A melhor estratégia para o tratamento é a ressecção cirúrgica e os casos devem ser analisados individualmente para verificar vantagens adicionais com a associação da terapia sistêmica. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um caso incomum de GIST associado à neurofibromatose tipo I em uma paciente com diagnóstico incidental após semioclusão intestinal secundárias a episódio de pancreatite, além de realizar revisão de literatura sobre o assunto. Relato do caso: Mulher, 49 anos de idade,com passado de pancreatite grave,apresentou quadro de oclusão intestinal cerca de oito meses após esse episódio. A tomografia computadorizada de abdome revelou formação heterogênea em região mesogástrica, medindo 6,6 x 5,1 x 5,3 cm. Foi submetida à ressecção cirúrgica, e os estudos histopatológico e imuno-histoquímico corroboraram o diagnóstico de GIST. Seis meses após o diagnóstico, a paciente encontra-se em bom estado geral e em uso de terapia sistêmica. Conclusão: Os GIST são tumores raros, porémseu diagnóstico deve ser lembrado em pacientes com neurofibromatose tipo 1 apresentando massas abdominais

Introducción: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST), aunque relativamente raros, representan el 80% de los tumores mesenquimales del tubo digestivo. Se manifiestan en cualquier parte del tubo digestivo y se derivan de las células de Cajal. Pueden presentarse de forma esporádica o asociarse a síndromes familiares como la neurofibromatosis tipo I. El cuadro clínico es variable y con frecuencia su diagnóstico es incidental. El diagnóstico requiere pruebas de imagen asociadas al análisis histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico. La mejor estrategia de tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica y los casos deben analizarse individualmente para verificar ventajas adicionales con la asociación de terapia sistémica. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso inusual de GIST asociado a neurofibromatosis tipo I en un paciente con diagnóstico incidental tras una semioclusión intestinal secundaria a un episodio de pancreatitis, además de revisar la literatura sobre el tema. Informe del caso: Mujer de 49 años, con antecedente de pancreatitis severa, presentó oclusión intestinal aproximadamente ocho meses después de este episodio. La tomografía computarizada de abdomen reveló una formación heterogénea en la región mesogástrica, que medía 6,6 x 5,1 x 5,3 cm. Se le realizó resección quirúrgica y los estudios histopatológicos e inmunohistoquímicos corroboraron el diagnóstico de GIST. Seis meses después del diagnóstico, la paciente se encuentra en buen estado general y en tratamiento sistémico. Conclusión: Los GIST son tumores raros, pero su diagnóstico debe considerarse en pacientes con neurofibromatosis tipo 1 que presentan masas abdominales

Aesthetic assessment of breast reconstruction in the eyes of plastic surgeons versus nonplastic physicians.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of the aesthetic result of breast reconstruction surgery from the perspective of plastic surgeons compared with physicians who are not specialists in plastic surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy had their aesthetic results evaluated by 16 plastic surgeons and 16 nonplastic physicians, yielding a total of 620 ratings (320 ratings from plastic surgeons and 320 ratings from other specialists). For all analyses, the level of rejection adopted for the null hypothesis was 5% (p-value <0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the two groups. On average, medical professionals who specialized in plastic surgery always obtained higher scores than other physicians. However, no significant differences were found in the assessment of the aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction according to the sex of the rating medical professional for any of the assessments considered in this study. A strong positive linear correlation between the time since training in the medical specialty of plastic surgery (r=0.750, p=0.001) and the mean aesthetic outcome score was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Plastic surgeons assessed the aesthetic results of breast reconstruction more positively than nonplastic physicians.

Analysis of breast cancer survival in a northeastern Brazilian state based on prognostic factors: A retrospective cohort study.

Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Analysis of breast cancer epidemiology in emerging countries enables assessment of prognostic factors, cancer care quality, and the equity of resource distribution. We aimed to estimate the overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (SS) of breast cancer patients in the northeastern Brazilian state of Sergipe to identify independent prognostic factors. We analyzed a cohort for the factors age at diagnosis, place of residence, time to treatment, staging, and molecular classification, using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, Pearson's chi-squared test and Cox regression model. The outcome was the vital status at the end of the study. Our analysis showed an OS probability of 0.72 and an SS probability of 0.75. In multivariate analysis, time to treatment within 60 days, stage IV, and triple-negative classification remained independent prognostic factors for both OS [unadjusted hazard ratio (HRp) 1.50 (1.21; 1.86), HRp 16.56 (8.35; 32.85), and HRp 2.73 (1.73; 4.29), respectively] and SS [HRp 1.43 (1.13; 1.81), HRp 20.53 (9.45; 44.56), and HRp 3.14 (1.88; 5.26), respectively]. Better survival was demonstrated for the following patients: those receiving their first treatment after 60 days, with an OS of 52.5 months (51.2; 53.8) and SS of 53.5 months (52.3; 54.7); stage I patients, with an OS of 58.8 months (57.7; 60.0) and SS of 59.2 months (58.1; 60.3); patients without nodal metastasis, with an OS of 54.2 months (53.0; 55.4) and SS of 55.6 months (54.5; 56.7); and patients with luminal A classification, with an OS of 56.8 months (55.0; 58.5) and SS of 57.8 months (56.2; 59.4). This study identified independent prognostic factors and that OS and SS were lower for patients from Sergipe than for patients in high-income areas. Therefore, determining the profiles of breast cancer patients in this population will inform specific cancer care.

Aesthetic assessment of breast reconstruction in the eyes of plastic surgeons versus nonplastic physicians

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of the aesthetic result of breast reconstruction surgery from the perspective of plastic surgeons compared with physicians who are not specialists in plastic surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy had their aesthetic results evaluated by 16 plastic surgeons and 16 nonplastic physicians, yielding a total of 620 ratings (320 ratings from plastic surgeons and 320 ratings from other specialists). For all analyses, the level of rejection adopted for the null hypothesis was 5% (p-value <0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the two groups. On average, medical professionals who specialized in plastic surgery always obtained higher scores than other physicians. However, no significant differences were found in the assessment of the aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction according to the sex of the rating medical professional for any of the assessments considered in this study. A strong positive linear correlation between the time since training in the medical specialty of plastic surgery (r=0.750, p=0.001) and the mean aesthetic outcome score was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Plastic surgeons assessed the aesthetic results of breast reconstruction more positively than nonplastic physicians.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in Brazilian women living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We systematically investigated the prevalence of HPV, high-risk HPV and its genotypes in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic search was performed up to 15 December 2020. We included studies that used molecular methods for HPV detection in cervical samples and reported the prevalence of HPV in Brazilian WLHIV. The pooled prevalence of HPV, high-risk HPV (HR HPV) and HPV types and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted. RESULTS: Thity-seven studies accounting for 8,436 WLHIV were included. The pooled HPV prevalence was 62% (95%CI 55-68%; I2 = 96.98%; P < 0.001). Prevalence of high-risk HPV was 40% (95%CI, 54-68%; I2 = 94.23%; P < 0.001). We found a wide variety of high-risk HPV genotypes. The high-risk HPV types most reported were HPV 16 (16%) and HPV 58 (6%). We found an increasing ratio of positivity from normal cervix to cancer. There were different factors associated with high-risk HPV, with low CD4+ count the most frequent. CONCLUSION: The increase in the ratio of high-risk HPV positivity from normal cervix to carcinogenic lesions highlights the need to implement well-established testing for high-risk HPV in this population.

Ethnic, racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer survival in two Brazilian capitals between 1996 and 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of socio-economic status and ethno-racial strata on excess mortality hazard and net survival of women with breast cancer in two Brazilian state capitals. METHOD: We conducted a survival analysis with individual data from population-based cancer registries including women with breast cancer diagnosed between 1996 and 2012 in Aracaju and Curitiba. The main outcomes were the excess mortality hazard (EMH) and net survival. The associations of age, year of diagnosis, disease stage, race/skin colour and socioeconomic status (SES) with the excess mortality hazard and net survival were analysed using multi-level spline regression models, modelled as cubic splines with knots at 1 and 5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 2045 women in Aracaju and 7872 in Curitiba were included in the analyses. The EMH was higher for women with lower SES and for black and brown women in both municipalities. The greatest difference in excess mortality was seen between the most deprived women and the most affluent women in Curitiba, hazard ratio (HR) 1.93 (95%CI 1.63-2.28). For race/skin colour, the greatest ratio was found in Curitiba (HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.09-1.66) for black women compared with white women. The most important socio-economic difference in net survival was seen in Aracaju. Age-standardised net survival at five years was 55.7% for the most deprived women and 67.2% for the most affluent. Net survival at eight years was 48.3% and 61.0%, respectively. Net survival in Curitiba was higher than in Aracaju in all SES groups." CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the presence of contrasting breast cancer survival expectancy in Aracaju and Curitiba, highlighting regional inequalities in access to health care. Lower survival among brown and black women, and those in lower SES groups indicates that early detection, early diagnosis and timely access to treatment must be prioritized to reduce inequalities in outcome among Brazilian women.

A telemedicina aplicada à cirurgia plástica: uma revisão integrativa / Telemedicine applied to plastic surgery: an integrative review

Introdução: A telemedicina refere-se à prestação de serviços médicos pelo uso da tecnologia da informação e comunicação entre pacientes e prestadores de serviços. A cirurgia plástica é um campo especialmente favorável à aplicação da telemedicina, dado que a inspeção visual do paciente orienta tanto o diagnóstico como o acompanhamento clínico. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão integrativa nos artigos publicados em telemedicina em cirurgia plástica na base de dados PubMed, utilizando os termos MeSH: "telemedicine" AND "plastic surgery". Após rastreamento e aplicação de critérios de elegibilidade, o texto completo dos artigos remanescentes foi digitalizado, com seus dados extraídos para análise detalhada. Resultados: Foram identificados 134 artigos, todos em inglês, na busca inicial no PubMed. Após rastreamento e aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 12 estudos para a revisão integrativa. Os artigos encontrados nesta revisão demonstraram benefícios na utilização da telemedicina aplicada à cirurgia plástica, de forma mais pronunciada no acompanhamento pósoperatório dos pacientes, redução ou extinção da necessidade de visitas presenciais, satisfação dos pacientes nas consultas realizadas por telemedicina, redução de custos financeiros, redução de tempo de resposta para referências, acurácia diagnóstica semelhante à avaliação presencial e melhoria ao acesso de cuidado especializado a lugares remotos, tanto geográfica quanto socialmente desfavoráveis. Quatro artigos discutiram barreiras e limitações, observadas ou potenciais, ao uso da telemedicina na cirurgia plástica, como: segurança dos dados, legislação, custos e percepção de influência negativa na comunicação médico-paciente. Conclusão: Os estudos analisados demonstram ganho expressivo nos conhecimentos acerca da telemedicina aplicada à cirurgia plástica nos últimos anos.

Introduction: Telemedicine refers to providing medical services through information technology and communication between patients and service providers. Plastic surgery is a field especially favorable to the application of telemedicine since visual inspection of the patient guides both diagnosis and clinical follow-up. Methods: An integrative review was performed in the articles published in telemedicine in plastic surgery in the PubMed database, using the terms MeSH: "telemedicine" AND "plastic surgery." After tracking and applying eligibility criteria, the remaining articles' full text were digitized, with their data extracted for detailed analysis. Results: A total of 134 articles were identified, all in English, in the initial search for PubMed. After screening and application of the exclusion criteria, 12 studies were included for the integrative review. The articles found in this review demonstrated benefits in the use of telemedicine applied to plastic surgery. Especially in the postoperative follow-up of patients, in the reduction or extinction of the need for face-to-face visits, in the satisfaction of patients in the consultations carried out by telemedicine, in the reduction of financial costs and response time for referrals, in the diagnostic accuracy similar to the face-to-face assessment and in improving access to specialized care in remote places, both geographically and socially unfavorable. Four articles discussed barriers and limitations, observed or potential, to the use of telemedicine in plastic surgery, such as data security, legislation, costs and perception of negative influence on doctor-patient communication. Conclusion: The analyzed studies show an expressive gain in knowledge about telemedicine applied to plastic surgery in recent years.

Trends in prostate cancer incidence and mortality to monitor control policies in a northeastern Brazilian state.

Prostate cancer differently affects different regions of the world, displaying higher rates in more developed areas. After the implementation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, several studies described rising rates globally, but it is possible that indolent lesions are being detected given the lack of changes in mortality data. The Brazilian government recommends against PSA screening in the male population regardless of age, but the Urology Society issued a report recommending that screening should start at 50 years old for certain men and for those aged ≥75 years with a life expectancy exceeding 10 years. In this study, we examined the incidence and mortality rates of invasive prostate cancer over time in the Sergipe state of Brazil. The databases of the Aracaju Cancer Registry and Mortality Information System were used to calculate age-standardized rates for all prostate tumors (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition: C61 and D07.5) in the following age ranges: 20-44, 45-54, and ≥65 years. We identified 3595 cases of cancer, 30 glandular intraepithelial high-grade lesions, and 3269 deaths. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program, we found that the incidence of prostate cancer dramatically increased over time until the mid-2000s for all age groups, after which the rates declined. Prostate cancer mortality rates increased until 2005, followed by a non-significant annual percent change of 22.0 in 2001-2005 and a stable rate thereafter. We noticed that the increases and decreases of the incidence rates of prostate cancer were associated with the screening recommendations. Meanwhile, the increased mortality rates did not appear to be associated with decreased PSA testing; instead, they were linked to the effects of age and improvements in identification of the cause of death. Thus, we do not believe a PSA screening program would benefit the population of this study.

Temporal trend of cancer mortality in a Brazilian state with a medium Human Development Index (1980-2018).

Emerging economy countries in epidemiological transition have been especially challenged in the fight against cancer. This was an ecological study that aimed to describe the temporal trend of cancer mortality in a Brazilian northeastern state with a medium Human Development Index using official Brazilian mortality data from 1980 to 2018. We calculated the mortality crude rate (CR) and age-standardized rate (ASR) based on official population counts and estimates. The Joinpoint Regression Program, National Cancer Institute, USA, was used to calculate time trends of cancer mortality. There were 34,214 deaths from cancer, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer, in Sergipe. The overall cancer mortality ASR was 70.1 and 57.9 per 100,000 men and women, respectively. For the last five years, the leading causes of cancer deaths were prostate (21.3), trachea, bronchus and lung (11.7), stomach (6.5), oral cavity (5.4) and liver and intrahepatic bile ducts (5.1) in males and breast (13.8), trachea, bronchus and lung (6.6), cervix (6.4), colon/rectum (5.8) and central nervous system (3.6) in females. In addition, there was a significant reduction in deaths from ill-defined causes in the series. Our results show that although there has been an increase in cancer mortality rates associated with Western lifestyles, such as prostate, breast and colon/rectum, high rates of cancer related to poverty and infections, such as stomach and cervix, still persist in Sergipe.

Trends in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in a brazilian city.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to analyze the trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, between 1996 and 2015 with Joinpoint Regression Program 4.7.0.0 and to identify the geographical distribution of CRC in the municipality. RESULTS: A total of 1322 cases of CRC and 467 CRC-related deaths during the study period were included. In total, 40% of the incident cases and 43% of the deaths occurred in men, while 60% of the incident cases and 57% of the deaths occurred in women. Males who were 20 to 44 years old had the most significant trend in growth. Among women, those in the group aged 45 to 64 years had the highest observed annual percent change (APC). In both sexes, mortality was stable. Regarding the geographic distribution, there were constant hotspots in the northeast region of the municipality. This study showed a significant increase in incidence, mainly in young men between 20 and 44 years of age, but stable mortality in Aracaju.

Trends in cervical cancer and its precursor forms to evaluate screening policies in a mid-sized Northeastern Brazilian city.

Cervical cancer is a health issue that disproportionately affects developing countries, where the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) remains an important screening tool. Brazilian government recommendations have focused screening on the female population aged from 25 to 64 years old. In this study, we examined the incidence and mortality rates of invasive cervical cancer lesions and the incidence rates of in situ precancerous cervical lesions, aiming to calculate their respective statistics over time in a mid-sized Brazilian city, Aracaju. The 1996-2015 database from the Aracaju Cancer Registry and Mortality Information System was used to calculate age standardized rates for all invasive cervical tumors (International code of diseases, ICD-10: C53) and preinvasive cervical lesions (ICD-10: D06) in the following patient age ranges; ≤ 24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and ≥ 65 years old. We identified 1,030 cancer cases, 1,871 in situ lesions and 334 deaths. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program, we calculated the annual percentage incidence changes and our analyses show that cervical cancer incidence decreased up to 2008, increased up to 2012 and decreased again thereafter, a significant trend in all age groups from 25 years. The incidence of precursor lesions increased from 1996 to 2005 and has since decreased, a result significant in all age groups until 64 years. Cervical cancer mortality has decreased by 3.8% annually and trend analysis indicates that Pap smears have been effective in decreasing cancer incidence and mortality. However, recent trends shown here show a decreasing incidence of in situ lesions and may indicate either a real decrease or incomplete catchment. Thus, we suggest health policies should be re-considered and include sufficient screening and HPV vaccination strategies to avoid cervical cancer resurgence in the population.

Patient satisfaction and quality of life in breast reconstruction: assessment of outcomes of immediate, delayed, and nonreconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted aiming to assess the quality of life and satisfaction of women who had mastectomy treated with and without breast reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 81 women who had mastectomy were included, of whom 53 (65.4%) underwent breast reconstruction. Quality of life was not significantly better in the reconstruction group than the nonreconstruction group. Satisfaction with the surgically operated breast, whether reconstructed or not, was positively correlated with quality of life (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in quality of life between women with immediate and late reconstruction. This study showed that the satisfaction of patients with the operated breast, reconstructed or not, is more important in quality of life than whether the breast was reconstructed or not. When we analyzed the quality of life of women who had mastectomy who were dissatisfied with their unreconstructed breasts, we observed that nonreconstruction had a negative impact on the quality of life.

Assessing trends of breast cancer and carcinoma in situ to monitor screening policies in developing settings.

There have been arguments about the role of breast cancer screening at the population level, and some points of controversy have arisen, such the establishment of organized screening policies and the age at which to begin screening. The real benefit of screening has been questioned because the results of this practice may increase the diagnosis of indolent lesions without decreasing mortality due to breast cancer. The authors have proposed a study of incidence and mortality trends for breast cancer in a developing setting in Brazil to monitor the effectiveness of the official recommendations that prioritize the age group from 50 to 69 years. The database of the Cancer Registry and the Mortality Information System was used to calculate age-standardized and age-specific rates, which were then used to calculate incidence and mortality trends using the Joinpoint Regression Program. The results showed stability in trends across all ages and age-specific groups in both incidence and mortality. In conclusion, we found that incidence and mortality rates are compatible with those in regions with similar human development indexes, and trends have demonstrated stabilization. Thus, we do not endorse changes in the official recommendations to conduct screening for ages other than 50 to 69 years, nor should policy makers implement organized screening strategies.

Incidence and mortality of myeloid malignancies in children, adolescents and Young adults in Brazil: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid malignancies (MM) are heterogeneous when it comes to incidence rates and pathogenesis. These variation rates are important to generate hypotheses on causal aetiology. This study aimed to describe incidence and mortality patterns of MM among children, adolescents and young adults (cAYA) in Brazil and to evaluate trends in incidence and mortality rate overtime. METHODS: Data were extracted from a dataset of 15 Population-based Cancer Registries located in five Brazilian geographical regions and calculated by age-specific, crude, and age-standardized incidence (ASR) and mortality rates per million persons. Joinpoint regression analyses were performed for trends evaluations, regionally. Annual Percent Change (APC) and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were also estimated. RESULTS: The overall ASR for incidence and mortality of MM in Brazil was 14.57 and 8.83 per million, respectively. The AML (non-APL AML and APL) incidence rate is 8.18 per million, whereas other MM subtypes altogether have an incidence rate of 2.62 per million, and not otherwise specified (NOS) is 3.70 per million. The analysis of incidence trends (AAPC) showed a significant decline in Manaus (-5.6%) and São Paulo (-4.7%), and a significant increase was observed in Fortaleza (5.8%). Mortality trends steadily declined in all registries, with significant declines occurring in Goiânia (-1.5%), Belo Horizonte (-2.3%), São Paulo (-2.5%), Curitiba (-2.8%) and Porto Alegre (-4.1%). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed differences in the incidence and mortality rates of MM in cAYA in Brazil, geographically. Infants-AML have the highest incidence within the cAYA population (17.42 per million). There was a substantial decrease in mortality rate observed, which was interpreted as an improvement in MM recognition and therapeutic approach.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION:: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a rare neoplasm of low malignant potential with uncertain behavior, diagnosed mainly in young women. METHOD:: Our report comprises a series of cases of SPTP reviewed retrospectively, highlighting clinical, tomographic and immunohistochemical features, treatment performed and outcomes. RESULTS:: Thirteen patients were found to have pancreatic [solid] masses on computed tomography scan measuring a mean diameter of 8.8 cm. All patients underwent complete surgical excision. Immunohistochemistry confirmed diagnosis in all cases. CONCLUSION:: SPTP occurs more frequently in young women. Diagnostic suspicion lies on the finding of a bulky, solid and cystic pancreatic mass. Imaging findings might provide diagnostic information before resection. Conservative approaches can be used in selected cases and survival rates are usually excellent following complete resection.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment / Tumor sólido pseudopapilífero do pâncreas: características clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento

Summary Introduction: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a rare neoplasm of low malignant potential with uncertain behavior, diagnosed mainly in young women. Method: Our report comprises a series of cases of SPTP reviewed retrospectively, highlighting clinical, tomographic and immunohistochemical features, treatment performed and outcomes. Results: Thirteen patients were found to have pancreatic [solid] masses on computed tomography scan measuring a mean diameter of 8.8 cm. All patients underwent complete surgical excision. Immunohistochemistry confirmed diagnosis in all cases. Conclusion: SPTP occurs more frequently in young women. Diagnostic suspicion lies on the finding of a bulky, solid and cystic pancreatic mass. Imaging findings might provide diagnostic information before resection. Conservative approaches can be used in selected cases and survival rates are usually excellent following complete resection.

Resumo Introdução: O tumor sólido pseudopapilífero do pâncreas é uma neoplasia rara de baixo potencial de malignidade e com comportamento incerto, diagnosticado principalmente em mulheres jovens. Método: Uma série de casos dessa patologia é revisada retrospectivamente, focalizando os aspectos clínicos, tomográficos e imuno-histoquímicos, o tratamento realizado e o desfecho. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 13 pacientes com massas pancreáticas, por meio de tomografia computadorizada, com diâmetro médio de 8,8 cm. Todas as pacientes submeteram-se a ressecção cirúrgica completa. A imuno-histoquímica confirmou o diagnóstico em todos os casos. Conclusão: Esses tumores ocorrem frequentemente em mulheres jovens. Suspeita-se do diagnóstico ao encontrar uma volumosa tumoração sólido-cística no pâncreas. As imagens podem fornecer informações diagnósticas antes da ressecção. Podem-se empregar abordagens conservadoras em pacientes selecionados, e a sobrevida geralmente é excelente com a ressecção completa.

Mortality Trends for Neglected Tropical Diseases in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, 1980-2013.

BACKGROUND: Neglected Tropical Diseases are a set of communicable diseases that affect the population so low socioeconomic status, particularly 1.4 billion people who are living below the poverty level. This study has investigated the magnitude and mortality time trends for these diseases in the state of Sergipe, Northeast Region of Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an ecological study of time series, based on secondary data derived from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health. The mortality rates (crude, age-standardized rates and proportional ratio) were calculated from the deaths due to Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state of Sergipe, from 1980 to 2013. The time trends were obtained using the Joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: Three hundred six thousand and eight hundred seventy-two deaths were certified in the state and Neglected Tropical Diseases were mentioned as the underlying cause in 1,203 certificates (0.39%). Mean number of deaths was 35.38 per year, and crude and age-standardized mortality rates were, respectively: 2.16 per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 1.45-2.87) and 2.87 per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 1.93-3.82); the proportional mortality ratio was 0.41% (95% CI: 0.27-0.54). In that period, Schistosomiasis caused 654 deaths (54.36%), followed by Chagas disease, with 211 (17.54%), and by Leishmaniases, with 142 (11.80%) deaths. The other diseases totalized 196 deaths (16.30%). There were increasing mortality trends for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Schistosomiasis and Chagas disease in the last 15 years, according to the age-standardized rates, and stability of the mortality trends for Leishmaniases. CONCLUSIONS: The Neglected Tropical Diseases show increasing trends and are a real public health problem in the state of Sergipe, since they are responsible for significant mortality rates. The following diseases call attention for showing greater number of deaths in the period of study: Schistosomiasis, Chagas disease and Leishmaniases. We finally suggest that public managers take appropriate actions to develop new strategies in epidemiological and therapeutic surveillance, and in the follow-up of these patients.