Langer's arch in axillary dissections from patients with breast cancer: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the frequency of Langer's arch in patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer. METHODS: From January-2015 to March-2020, in a general hospital in México City, female patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer were studied. The analysis involved: demographic and anthropometric data, type of surgical treatment, histopathologic diagnosis, number of lymph nodes harvested, and frequency of Langer's arch finding. RESULTS: The sample studied was 123 axillary dissections. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 10.5-years. Modified radical mastectomy was done in 117 cases (95.1%). Ductal carcinoma occurred in 96 cases (78%). The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 24 ± 6.5. Langer's arch finding occurred in 33 cases (26.8%). CONCLUSION: Langer's arch is frequent in our patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer.

Changing characteristics of emergency surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In other countries, researchers have noticed diverse variations in the features of patients undergoing emergency surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Mexico, there is not information about this issue. METHODS: Workers of the Mexican Government, who required emergency surgeries were studied by the general surgery service of a General Hospital administered by the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), through the periods from March-August 2019 (non-exposed) and March-August 2020 (exposed). The analysis included: demographic data, laboratory information, post-operative diagnoses, symptoms' length, days of emergency stay, and post-operative stay. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-three emergency surgeries were analyzed; 106 in 2019 and 87 in 2020 (a decrease of 18%). Throughout the pandemic, the number of days between the symptoms' onset and surgery was greater: 2019, 7.6 ± 4.6 days; 2020, 14 ± 6.7 days (p < 0.0001). In addition, cases of acute appendicitis decreased (2019-60.3%; 2020-42.5%), and those of acute calculous cholecystitis increased (2019-12.2%; 2020-24.1%). CONCLUSION: Through the COVID-19 pandemic, there were notable changes in the characteristics of Mexican Government's workers who warranted emergency surgery.

ANTECEDENTES: En otros países, han notado diversos cambios en las características de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de emergencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19. En México no existe información sobre este tema. MÉTODO: Estudiamos a los trabajadores del gobierno mexicano que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico de emergencia por el servicio de cirugía general de un Hospital General del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), durante los periodos de marzo-agosto de 2019 (no expuestos) y marzo-agosto de 2020 (expuestos). El análisis incluyó: datos demográficos, datos de laboratorio, diagnósticos postoperatorios, duración de los síntomas, días de estancia en emergencias y estadía postoperatoria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 193 cirugías de emergencia; 106 en 2019 y 87 en 2020 (una disminución del 18%). En la pandemia, el número de días entre el inicio de los síntomas y la cirugía fue mayor: 2019, 7.6 ± 4.6 días; 2020, 14 ± 6.7 días (p < 0.0001). Además, disminuyeron los casos de apendicitis aguda (2019-60,3%; 2020-42,5%) y aumentaron los de colecistitis litiásica aguda (2019-12,2%; 2020-24,1%). CONCLUSIÓN: Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, hubo cambios notables en las características de los trabajadores del gobierno mexicano que ameritaron cirugías de emergencia.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Patients with Total Hysterectomy in a Diagnostic Center at Mexico City.

Background: The aim of this study was to outline the Pap smears rate done in women with total hysterectomy, sent to an urban diagnostic center that attends Mexican Government workers in the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE: State´s Employees´ Social Security and Social Services Institute) at Mexico City. Methods: It was a retrospective study on Pap smear reports taken in 2017. The reports came from users of four family medicine clinics and a general hospital´s gynecology service. Demographic facts, instruments for collection, kind of insurance (ISSSTE-insurance or non-insurance), and total hysterectomy history were evaluated. Results: From 4989 reports, 600 (12%) had a total hysterectomy history. In the patients with ISSSTE-insurance, 586 of 4618 (12.68%) had a Pap smear whereas in the patients with non-insurance, only 14 of 371 (3.7%) had it, and this difference was significant (P < 0.00001; OR 3.7, 95% IC 2.15-6.36). Conclusions: Although Pap smear is not indicated in women with total hysterectomy, this study is still carried out frequently.

Circulating extracellular vesicles from patients with breast cancer enhance migration and invasion via a Src­dependent pathway in MDA­MB­231 breast cancer cells.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer subtype associated with high rates of metastasis, heterogeneity, drug resistance and a poor prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicles of endosomal and plasma membrane origin, and are secreted by healthy and cancer cells. In cancer, EVs contribute to tumor progression by mediating escape from the immune system surveillance, and are involved in extracellular matrix degradation, invasion, angiogenesis, migration and metastasis. Furthermore, EVs have been identified in several human fluids. However, the role of EVs from patients with breast cancer in the migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells is not fully understood. The present study investigated whether EVs isolated from Mexican patients with breast cancer can induce cellular processes related to invasion in breast cancer. Moreover, plasma fractions enriched in EVs and deprived of platelet­derived EVs obtained from blood samples of 32 Mexican patients with biopsy­diagnosed breast cancer at different clinical stages who had not received treatment were analyzed. Furthermore, one control group was included, which consisted of 20 Mexican healthy females. The present results demonstrated that EVs from women with breast cancer promote migration and invasion, and increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­2 and MMP­9 secretion in TNBC MDA­MB­231 cells. In addition, it was found that EVs from patients with breast cancer induced Src and focal adhesion kinase activation, and focal adhesions assembly with an increase in focal adhesions number, while the migration and invasion was dependent on Src activity. Collectively, EVs from Mexican patients with breast cancer induce migration and invasion via a Src­dependent pathway in TNBC MDA­MB­231 cells.

Employment Condition Modifies the Using Patterns of Screening Mammography in Workers Insured by the Mexican Government: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Our main aim was to investigate whether the employment condition modifies the use patterns of the screening mammography in workers insured by the Mexican government (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, ISSSTE; medical facilities of the Mexican government). METHODS: A case-control study age-matched was done in women insured by the Mexican government, aged 40-69 years, attending a general hospital (ISSSTE). All subjects were submitted to an interview and anthropometric data registry. In the interview were obtained: demographic data, of schooling, breast cancer family history, and reproductive history; besides, mammography history during the past 2 years and place of performance (in or outside of the ISSSTE). Finally, it was evaluated whether the mammography use in the ISSSTE was related to their employment condition: Active workers (cases) vs. dependents or retired workers (controls). RESULTS: The sample was of 252 women: 126 cases and 126 controls. Cases obtained less mammograms in the ISSSTE (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.30-0.96), than their dependents or the retired workers. Furthermore, cases with high education (university or higher) also obtained fewer mammograms in the ISSSTE (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 0.26, 95% CI 0.05-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Women active workers with higher education are obtaining less screening mammograms in the ISSSTE than their dependents or the retired workers.

Impaired fasting glucose in breast cancer survivors of a general hospital at Mexico City: A case series study.

BACKGROUND: According to an Anglo-Saxon study, in breast cancer survivors, there is a high prevalence of impaired fasting glucose. Our aim was to assess the impaired fasting glucose occurring in Mexican woman survivors of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At a general hospital in Mexico City, women with breast cancer with a surviving ≥2 years, without type 2 diabetes mellitus, were studied. The analysis included demographic and anthropometric features, time of surviving, and blood levels of lipids and glucose. RESULTS: The sample was 119 women. Impaired fasting glucose happened in 53 (44.5%). In those with normal weight (n = 28), impaired fasting glucose occurred in 9 (32.1%); however, in overweight participants (n = 48), it developed in 22 (45.8%) and in obese participants (n = 43) in 22 (51.1%). CONCLUSION: Impaired fasting glucose is usual in Mexican breast cancer survivors. It is more in obese and overweight women compared to normal weight.

Esophageal Metallic-Stent Migration: a Rare Cause of Anal Pain in a Patient with Gastric Cancer.

Stents are a great development for esophageal fistula treatment; however, stent migration is a frequent complication. A stent migration that caused anal pain is presented. A 79-year-old man with poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma was submitted to a total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. The patient developed an anastomosis leakage 3 months after surgery; a fixed metallic stent was used as treatment with good evolution. Five months after the stent (and 8 months after gastrectomy), the patient returned to the emergency department with acute incapacitating anal pain; the pain was caused by the migrated stent. Esophageal stent migration is frequent; however, rarely, metallic stent migration may cause anal pain.

The small organic molecule C19 binds and strengthens the KRAS4b-PDEδ complex and inhibits growth of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide; and in 40% of all cases, KRAS4b-activating mutations occur. KRAS4b is transported by phosphodiesterase-6δ (PDEδ) to the plasma membrane, where it gets activated. PDEδ downregulation prevents redistribution and activation of KRAS4b. Thus, targeting the KRAS4b-PDEδ complex is a treatment strategy for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Using docking and molecular dynamics simulations coupled to molecular mechanics, the generalized born model and solvent accessibility (MMGBSA) approach to explore protein-ligand stability, we found that the compound ((2S)-N-(2,5-diclorofenil)-2-[(3,4-dimetoxifenil)metilamino]-propanamida), termed C19, bound and stabilized the KRAS4b-PDEδ complex. We investigated whether C19 decreases the viability and proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, in addition to knowing the type of cell death that it causes and if C19 decreases the activation of KRAS4b and their effectors. RESULTS: C19 showed high cytotoxicity in the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and LoVo, with a stronger effect in KRAS-dependent LoVo cells. Importantly, C19 significantly decreased tumor size in a xenograft mouse model and showed lower side effects than 5-fluorouracil that is currently used as colorectal cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanistically, the cytotoxic effect was due to increased apoptosis of tumor cells and decreased phosphorylation of Erk and Akt. Therefore, our results suggest that C19 may serve as a promising new treatment for colorectal cancer.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology to identify a rare mimicker of breast cancer: plasma cell mastitis / Citologia de aspiração com agulha fina para identificar um simulador raro de câncer de mama: mastite celular plasmática

Abstract There are rare benign diseases that can mimic malignant breast neoplasms in the clinical exam and in mammography. We evaluated the contribution of an accessible procedure to most clinicians, the fine-needle aspiration cytology, to identify a rare mimicker of malignant breast neoplasms. A type 2 diabetic 85-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of a left breast lump. The physical exam and mammography were compatible with breast cancer. Nevertheless, after fine-needle aspiration cytology, the diagnosis was plasma cellmastitis. Once this rare diagnosis was established, the tumor was extirpated, and the final histologic diagnosis corroborated chronic plasma cellmastitis. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful, and no other treatment was needed. Fine-needle aspiration cytology could be a valuable tool to identify rare mimickers of malignant breast neoplasms.

Resumo Existem doenças benignas raras que podem mimetizar neoplasias malignas de mama no exame clínico e na mamografia. Avaliamos o valor de um procedimento acessível para a maioria dos clínicos, a citologia por aspiração com agulha fina, para identificar um imitador raro de neoplasias malignas de mama. Uma mulher de 85 anos com diabetes tipo 2 apresentou histórico de 6 meses de um nódulo no seio esquerdo. O exame físico e a mamografia foram compatíveis com câncer de mama. No entanto, após realizar uma citologia por aspiração com agulha fina, o diagnóstico foi mastite celular plasmática. Uma vez que este diagnóstico raro foi estabelecido, o tumor foi extraído e o diagnóstico histológico final corroborou a mastite crônica das células plasmáticas. A paciente teve uma boa evolução pós-operatória, e nenhum outro tratamento foi necessário. A citologia por aspiração com agulha fina pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa para identificar os raros mimetizadores de neoplasias malignas da mama.

Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology to Identify a Rare Mimicker of Breast Cancer: Plasma Cell Mastitis.

There are rare benign diseases that can mimic malignant breast neoplasms in the clinical exam and in mammography. We evaluated the contribution of an accessible procedure to most clinicians, the fine-needle aspiration cytology, to identify a rare mimicker of malignant breast neoplasms. A type 2 diabetic 85-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of a left breast lump. The physical exam and mammography were compatible with breast cancer. Nevertheless, after fine-needle aspiration cytology, the diagnosis was plasma cell mastitis. Once this rare diagnosis was established, the tumor was extirpated, and the final histologic diagnosis corroborated chronic plasma cell mastitis. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful, and no other treatment was needed. Fine-needle aspiration cytology could be a valuable tool to identify rare mimickers of malignant breast neoplasms.

Existem doenças benignas raras que podem mimetizar neoplasias malignas de mama no exame clínico e na mamografia. Avaliamos o valor de um procedimento acessível para a maioria dos clínicos, a citologia por aspiração com agulha fina, para identificar um imitador raro de neoplasias malignas de mama. Uma mulher de 85 anos com diabetes tipo 2 apresentou histórico de 6 meses de um nódulo no seio esquerdo. O exame físico e a mamografia foram compatíveis com câncer de mama. No entanto, após realizar uma citologia por aspiração com agulha fina, o diagnóstico foi mastite celular plasmática. Uma vez que este diagnóstico raro foi estabelecido, o tumor foi extraído e o diagnóstico histológico final corroborou a mastite crônica das células plasmáticas. A paciente teve uma boa evolução pós-operatória, e nenhum outro tratamento foi necessário. A citologia por aspiração com agulha fina pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa para identificar os raros mimetizadores de neoplasias malignas da mama.

Acute Abdomen Secondary to Ruptured Epithelial Ovarian Cancer during Pregnancy: The Relevance of Teamwork / Abdome agudo secundário à ruptura do câncer do ovário epitelial durante a gravidez: a importância do trabalho em equipe

Abstract Acute abdomen secondary to epithelial ovarian cancer rupture during pregnancy is a rare event. Our aim is to present how the work of a coordinated multidisciplinary team in a case of ruptured epithelial ovarian cancer during pregnancy is feasible to obtain the best results possible. A 34-year-old woman during the 37th week of her first gestation presented with an acute abdomen. During laparotomy, a ruptured 16.5-cm left ovarian tumor was detected; the tumor was extirpated and sent to pathologic evaluation. In the meantime, a Kerr cesarean section was performed, and a healthy female neonate was born. The tumor was diagnosed as a cystadenocarcinoma; therefore, the family and the combined surgical team (obstetricians and a surgical oncologist) decided to complete a definitive radical ovarian cancer surgery: hysterectomy, right salpingooophorectomy, lymphadenectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful, and she was sent to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Resumo O abdome agudo secundário à ruptura do câncer do ovário epitelial durante a gravidez é um evento raro. Nosso objetivo é apresentar como o trabalho de uma equipe multidisciplinar coordenada em um caso de ruptura do câncer de ovário epitelial durante a gravidez é viável para obter os melhores resultados possíveis. Umamulher de 34 anos de idade, durante a 37a semana de sua primeira gestação, apresentou um abdome agudo. Durante a laparotomia, foi detectado um tumor ovariano esquerdo com ruptura de 16,5 cm; O tumor foi extirpado e enviado para avaliação patológica. Enquanto isso, uma cesariana de Kerr foi feita, e uma recém-nascida saudável nasceu. O tumor foi diagnosticado como um cistoadenocarcinoma; então, a família e a equipe cirúrgica combinada (obstetras e oncologista cirúrgico) decidiram concluir uma cirurgia radical definitiva do câncer de ovário: histerectomia, salpingo-ooforectomia direita, linfadenectomia, omentectomia e apendicectomia. A evolução pós-operatória da paciente foi sem intercorrências, e ela foi enviada para quimioterapia adjuvante.

Occult cancer in patients with deep-vein thrombosis in a general hospital at Mexico City: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the frequency of occult cancer in patients with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) at a general hospital in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2012 to February 2015, all patients with primary DVT of lower extremities attended in the emergency department of our hospital were studied. Initially, all patients were evaluated with clinical history, physical examination, basic laboratories, abdominal ultrasound, chest X-ray, and duplex venous ultrasonography. In a case-by-case approach, if necessary, computed tomography, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and tumor markers were done. RESULTS: From 182 patients with primary DVT, 30 (16.5%) presented occult cancer: Thirteen males and 17 females, with an average age of 61 years. In males, prostate cancer prevailed (6/13, 46%); meanwhile, in females, pelvic gynecologic cancers predominated (7/17, 41%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in Mexican patients with primary DVT, occult cancer is frequent.

Acute Abdomen Secondary to Ruptured Epithelial Ovarian Cancer during Pregnancy: The Relevance of Teamwork.

Acute abdomen secondary to epithelial ovarian cancer rupture during pregnancy is a rare event. Our aim is to present how the work of a coordinated multidisciplinary team in a case of ruptured epithelial ovarian cancer during pregnancy is feasible to obtain the best results possible. A 34-year-old woman during the 37th week of her first gestation presented with an acute abdomen. During laparotomy, a ruptured 16.5-cm left ovarian tumor was detected; the tumor was extirpated and sent to pathologic evaluation. In the meantime, a Kerr cesarean section was performed, and a healthy female neonate was born. The tumor was diagnosed as a cystadenocarcinoma; therefore, the family and the combined surgical team (obstetricians and a surgical oncologist) decided to complete a definitive radical ovarian cancer surgery: hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, lymphadenectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful, and she was sent to adjuvant chemotherapy.

O abdome agudo secundário à ruptura do câncer do ovário epitelial durante a gravidez é um evento raro. Nosso objetivo é apresentar como o trabalho de uma equipe multidisciplinar coordenada em um caso de ruptura do câncer de ovário epitelial durante a gravidez é viável para obter os melhores resultados possíveis. Uma mulher de 34 anos de idade, durante a 37a semana de sua primeira gestação, apresentou um abdome agudo. Durante a laparotomia, foi detectado um tumor ovariano esquerdo com ruptura de 16,5 cm; O tumor foi extirpado e enviado para avaliação patológica. Enquanto isso, uma cesariana de Kerr foi feita, e uma recém-nascida saudável nasceu. O tumor foi diagnosticado como um cistoadenocarcinoma; então, a família e a equipe cirúrgica combinada (obstetras e oncologista cirúrgico) decidiram concluir uma cirurgia radical definitiva do câncer de ovário: histerectomia, salpingo-ooforectomia direita, linfadenectomia, omentectomia e apendicectomia. A evolução pós-operatória da paciente foi sem intercorrências, e ela foi enviada para quimioterapia adjuvante.

Modified metabolic syndrome and second cancers in women: A case control study.

BACKGROUND: According to some studies, the metabolic syndrome causes diverse primary cancers; however, there is no evidence about metabolic syndrome impact on second cancers development in women. AIM: To find out the implication of the modified metabolic syndrome in women with second cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study, at a general hospital in Mexico City, in women with second cancers (cases) and age-matched women with only one neoplasm (controls). The analysis comprised: Tumor (s), anthropometric features, and body mass index (BMI); moreover, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. RESULTS: The sample was of nine cases and 27 controls. In cases, the metabolic syndrome (diabetes mellitus or glucose > 99 mg/dL + hypertension or blood pressure ≥ 135/85 mm Hg + triglycerides > 149 mg/dL or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was more frequent (odds ratio 20.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.9-227.1). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in women, the modified metabolic syndrome may be a risk factor for second cancers.

A rare cause of misdiagnosis in chest X-ray.

Chest X-ray is a usual tool for family physicians; however, unexpected findings in chest X-ray are a frequent challenge. We present a rare case of pulmonary hilar nodule misdiagnosis in a chest X-ray. An 84-year-old woman was sent with a diagnosis of a right pulmonary hilum nodule. She had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; so in a chest X-ray, her family physician discovered a "nodule" in her right lung hilum. Her physical exam was not relevant. In our hospital, a thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan verified the mass in the right pulmonary hilum; nevertheless, in a coronal CT scan, the "hilum lump" was the tortuous descending aorta that created an angle. This case illustrates how anatomical changes associated with vascular aging may cause this exceptional pitfall in chest X-ray.

[Obesity and components of metabolic syndrome in Mexican women survivors of cancer]. / Obesidad y componentes del síndrome metabólico en mujeres mexicanas supervivientes al cáncer.

BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest that obesity and metabolic syndrome are frequent in cancer survivors. In our country, there is a lack of documentation with regards to this problem in women. Therefore, our aim is to establish the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome components in surviving Mexican women. METHODS: We elected women who received treatment for cancer with a surviving = 24 months. The data evaluated were demography, clinical anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, kind of cancer, surviving time, and comorbidities, as well as glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. RESULTS: We studied 107 women. Their average age was 60 ± 10 years, with a surviving time of 77 ± 43 months, and a body mass index of 31 ± 6 kg/m2. Their mean glucose level was 120 ± 58 mg/dL, cholesterol 228 ± 43 mg/dL, and triglycerides 207 ± 120 mg/dL. There were 55 (51 %) with glucose > 99 mg/dL, 85 (79 %) with cholesterol > 199 mg/dL, and 67 (63 %) with triglycerides > 149 mg/dL. Obesity (body mass index = 30 kg/m2) occurred in 49 (46 %) and metabolic syndrome in 27 (26 %). CONCLUSIONS: Due to a high prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome components were frequent.

Introducción: algunos estudios sugieren que la obesidad y el síndrome metabólico son frecuentes en supervivientes al cáncer. En nuestro medio no hay datos al respecto en relación con las mujeres. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de obesidad y componentes del síndrome metabólico en mujeres supervivientes al cáncer. Métodos: elegimos a mujeres que recibieron tratamiento para cáncer con supervivencia = 24 meses. Se evaluaron datos demográficos y de antropometría clínica, tensión arterial, tipo de neoplasia, tiempo de supervivencia, comorbilidades y niveles séricos de glucosa, colesterol total y triglicéridos. Resultados: estudiamos a 107 individuos, edad promedio de 60 ± 10 años, supervivencia de 77 ± 43 meses e índice de masa corporal de 31 ± 6 kg/m2. La glucosa promedio fue de 120 ± 58 mg/dL, el colesterol de 228 ± 43 mg/dL y los triglicéridos de 207 ± 120 mg/dL. Hubo 55 (51 %) con glucosa > 99 mg/dL, 85 (79 %) con colesterol > 199 mg/dL y 67 (63 %) con triglicéridos > 149 mg/dL. Tuvieron obesidad (índice de masa corporal = 30 kg/m2) 49 (46 %) y síndrome metabólico 27 (26 %). Conclusión: debido a la prevalencia de obesidad, los componentes del síndrome metabólico fueron frecuentes.

Metabolic syndrome in Mexican women survivors of breast cancer: a pilot study at a general hospital.

INTRODUCTION: According to developed countries' studies, in breast cancer survivors there is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome; however, in Mexico data is lacking about this issue. GOAL: To explore if metabolic syndrome occurs in Mexican women survivors of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At a second-level general hospital, women with breast cancer with a surviving > 2 years were studied. The analysis involved their demographic and anthropometric features, blood pressure measurement, time of surviving, besides fasting blood levels of lipids and glucose. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 100 women; 42% were obese (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2). The sample's mean age was 60 years with a mean surviving time of 6.5 years. Their mean glucose level was 122 mg/dL and triglycerides 202 mg/dL. There were 33% with blood pressure > or = 130/85mm Hg or diagnosis of hypertension. Fifty-seven percent had glucose > 99 mg/dL or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and 58% had triglycerides > 149 mg/dL. Metabolic syndrome occurred in 57% of obese women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that metabolic syndrome occurs in more than 50% of obese Mexican women survivors of breast cancer.