Barriers to Timely Seeking of Breast Cancer Care Among Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Examining the association of breast cancer (BC) symptom awareness with time to help seeking and exploring barriers to timely presentation may enhance the effectiveness of BC awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. This study aimed to assess the anticipated time for seeking medical advice when experiencing a potential BC symptom among women in Palestine and to identify their barriers to early presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary health care facilities, and public areas across 11 governorates in Palestine. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC Awareness Measure was used. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic information, recognition of 13 BC symptoms and reporting time for seeking medical advice, and barriers to early presentation. RESULTS: A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. The proportion of participants who would seek medical advice immediately varied on the basis of the nature of BC symptoms. For symptoms related to the breast, the proportion ranged from 25.7% for redness of the breast skin to 53.5% for a lump or thickening in the breast. For symptoms related to the nipple, the proportion ranged from 30.7% for nipple rash to 48.0% for discharge or bleeding from the nipple. Exhibiting good BC symptom awareness was associated with a higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week for all BC symptoms. Emotional barriers were the most frequently reported barriers. There was no association between increasing levels of BC awareness and reporting fewer or more barriers. CONCLUSION: The nature of BC symptoms had an impact on help-seeking behaviors. Participants with good BC symptom awareness were more likely to seek medical advice earlier.

Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The discussion about breast cancer (BC) causation continues to be surrounded by a number of myths and misbeliefs. If efforts are misdirected towards reducing risk from false mythical causes, individuals might be less likely to consider and adopt risk-reducing behaviors for evidence-based BC causes. This national study aimed to assess the awareness of BC causation myths and misbeliefs among Palestinian women, and examine the factors associated with having good awareness. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study recruited adult women from government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. The level of awareness of BC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-5), fair (6-10), or good (11-15). RESULTS: A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. Only 269 participants (5.1%) demonstrated good awareness (i.e., recognizing more than 10 out of 15 BC mythical causes). There were no notable differences in displaying good awareness between the main areas of Palestine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Jerusalem (5.1% vs. 5.1%). Having chronic disease as well as visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Myths related to food were less frequently recognized as incorrect than food-unrelated myths. 'Eating burnt food' was the most recognized food-related myth (n = 1414, 26.9%), while 'eating food containing additives' was the least recognized (n = 599, 11.4%). 'Having a physical trauma' was the most recognized food-unrelated myth (n = 2795, 53.2%), whereas the least recognized was 'wearing tight bra' (n = 1018, 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: A very small proportion of Palestinian women could recognize 10 or more myths around BC causation. There is a substantial need to include clear information about BC causation in future educational interventions besides focusing on BC screening, signs and symptoms, and risk factors.

Bullous pemphigoid in a previously healthy adolescent: a case report and literature review.

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is considered the most common bullous autoimmune disorder, characterized by autoantibodies directed against hemidesmosomes in the skin and mucous membranes. It usually affects elderly individuals in the sixth through eighth decades of life, with an average age at onset of 65 years. Only a few cases have been reported in children and teenagers. Case presentation: Herein, we report a 17-year-old boy who presented with a pruritic vesicular rash on his arms and legs accompanied by erythema. He was treated at the beginning with topical lotion and acyclovir, but the rash kept deteriorating and eventually bullae appeared, involving also his mouth. A dermatologist was consulted and diagnosed him with BP, and he was treated accordingly. Discussion: BP is the most prevalent autoimmune bullous illness, caused by autoantibodies against hemidesmosomes in the basement membrane of skin and mucosal surfaces, which in turn attract immune cells, including T-cells and neutrophils, and activate them, which causes damage to and separation of keratinocytes, resulting in the bullous formation. Diagnosis can be accomplished by recognizing clinical symptoms supported by histopathological and immunofluorescence testing. Steroids, whether topical or systemic, are the cornerstone treatment; depending on the extent of the disease, other immunosuppressant drugs can be used as a second line. Conclusion: BP manifestations are polymorphic; physicians should keep in mind that they may present with non-bullous, pruritic lesions, which may persist for some days to several months before bullae appear. Although this disease is rare in the young population, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bullous lesions.

Testicular adrenal rest tumor in a pediatric patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A case report.

Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are benign intratesticular tumors that occur mostly in male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), their prevalence in these populations can reach up to 94%. We hereby report a male child with known CAH, presented with bilateral irregular testicular masses which were diagnosed as TARTs. TARTs were first reported in 1940, They were named due to their resemblance to adrenal tissue, they are almost always benign but can blunt spermatogenesis and endocrine function of the testis leading to infertility, they are diagnosed by a combination of clinical history, physical exam, and imaging studies, MRI and U/S are equally good for diagnosis and follow-up, treatment includes surgical resection or observation depending on tumor size, symptoms, and fertility goals. TARTs are benign testicular tumors that are strongly associated with CAH, they can be completely asymptomatic or can cause pain and infertility, diagnosis can be done by imaging modalities like MRI or U/S, and treatment options include observation or surgical removal.

Nerve sheath myxoma masqueraded as intramuscular myxoma: an extremely rare tumor with unusual location - a case report and literature review.

Nerve sheath myxoma (NSM) is a very rare benign nerve sheath tumor that mostly affects young adults, with a peak incidence in the 30s. Patients usually present with an asymptomatic swelling commonly affecting the dermis and subcutaneous tissues of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Lower extremities are a much rarer location, and when this occurs, the knee/pretibial region is the most common location. NSM has not been reported within the anterior tibialis muscle. Case Presentation: The authors present the first reported case of NSM in the anterior tibialis muscle in a 39-year-old man presented as deep swelling in the left leg. Discussion: NSM is difficult to diagnose clinically or using standard imaging techniques; MRI and ultrasonography cannot differentiate it from other anomalies. Histopathology alone is not enough to distinguish NSM from neurothekeomas, which were considered synonymous in the past. They can be distinguished by using immunohistochemical markers. Conclusion: Soft tissue tumors in lower extremity muscles are somewhat difficult to diagnose. Excision of the tumor by a specialized orthopedic surgeon and histopathological/immunohistochemical analysis were the only avenues to correctly diagnose the NSM.

Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungal organism that causes systemic histoplasmosis. It is commonly asymptomatic in healthy immunocompetent individuals. The clinical symptoms of chronic cavitary histoplasmosis are typically seen in the immunodeficient population, particularly in smokers with pre-existing structural lung disease. We report a case of chronic cavitary histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient from an endemic area without pre-existing structural lung pathology. She presented complaining of right hypochondrial pain and had no history of respiratory symptoms nor history suggestive of immunosuppression, tuberculosis, or recent travel. CT scan revealed a cavitary lung lesion and a hilar mediastinal mass. Biopsies obtained by bronchoscopy revealed signs of necrosis, granulomas, and the presence of fungal organisms consistent with histoplasmosis. Histoplasma antibodies by complement fixation for yeast antibodies test were positive establishing the diagnosis of chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis (CCPH). She was then started on itraconazole with good tolerance. On follow-up three months later, a chest CT done along with measurement of inflammatory markers and liver enzymes demonstrated complete clinical recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of expanding our current understanding of the clinical presentation and manifestations of histoplasmosis beyond the conventional assumption that severe disease only affects immunocompromised individuals.

Massive hemoptysis as a sole presentation of left atrial myxoma.

Diagnosis of myxoma can be difficult given its variable presentation and while adopting common sense in diagnosing this condition, physicians should also be aware of atypical presentations. Herein we present a 47-year-old heavy smoker presented with massive blood-stained expectoration. He was later diagnosed with cardiac myxoma and managed accordingly.

The First-Reported Case of Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia by Piperacillin-Tazobactam in a Premature Neonate: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Drugs can have a wide array of effects on hematological cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) can be explained by three different pathophysiological mechanisms. We present a case of a premature neonate born at 34 weeks gestation who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). He developed respiratory difficulty with mottled skin and was suspected to have bacterial sepsis due to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The patient was eventually started on a broad-spectrum antibiotic, piperacillin-tazobactam. On day eight, the patient started developing jaundice and his hemoglobin level dropped from 12.1 to 8.2 mg/dL. His direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was strongly positive. The patient was suspected to have DIHA. Piperacillin-tazobactam is a commonly used antibiotic for neonatal sepsis, but its potential to cause DIHA in neonates is not well-established. Our case highlights the importance of considering piperacillin-tazobactam as an unrecognized contributor to neonatal jaundice and a potential cause of DIHA in neonates. Further research is needed to explore the extent of its involvement in this condition. Physicians should be cautious when administering this drug to neonates and be aware of the possibility of hemolysis and jaundice.

Ewing sarcoma in calcenous presented as chronic osteomyelitis: a case report and literature review.

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon primary malignant tumor of the bone, mostly affecting 5-20 years of age with male predominance. It commonly affects the diaphysial region of long bones, while the small bones of hands and feet are extremely rare (3-5%) to be affected. The authors report a case of calcaneal ES which was misdiagnosed as bacterial chronic osteomyelitis and treated inappropriately. A high index of suspicion is required in diagnosing tumors at rare sites to avoid undue delay in initiating appropriate therapy. As the overall prognosis of ES of the calcaneum is lower compared to other sites, these tumors should have an extensive radiological evaluation and histological confirmation, as misdiagnosis and treatment delays will have detrimental outcomes.

Rapidly enlarging axillary cystic hygroma in a 6-year-old male patient: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic hygromas are relatively uncommon tumors of lymphatic origin, it appears most of the time, approximately 90 % before age of 2 years, and it is caused by abnormal development of lymphatic vessels. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of axillary cystic hygroma in a 6-year-old healthy boy, which presented with the rapid development of a right axillary mass during 3 days, without any predisposing factor. DISCUSSION: Cystic hygromas occur due to complete or partial obstruction of lymphatic vessels, which leads to lack of communication with the venous system, this results in the accumulation of lymphatic fluid and swelling, it occurs in the cervicofacial region most of the time 75 %, but it can arise anywhere in the body, it classically presents as painless, soft mass, diagnosis can be done using ultrasound, CT, MRI, each of which has its advantages, surgical treatment is routinely favored, but other options are also available. CONCLUSION: Axillary cystic hygromas are quite rare, few cases have been reported in fetuses and adults, but only one case in the pediatric age group, thus, in light of these cases, cystic hygromas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any cystic axillary swelling.

Emergency repair of traumatic avulsion of the right main stem bronchus using biliary stent in a 6-year-Old girl: A case report.

Introduction: Pediatric thoracic trauma is a rare condition, but results in high levels of morbidity and mortality. These injuries are often more devastating in the pediatric population due to differences in children's anatomy and physiology relative to adult patients. Tracheobronchial injuries secondary to blunt trauma are difficult to diagnose compared to penetrating trauma. So, a high index of suspicion is of utmost importance. Case presentation: We report a case of a 6-year-old girl who experienced complete avulsion of the right main bronchus. The patient presented with extensive emphysema and severe respiratory distress with bilateral tension pneumothorax. Endotracheal intubation and two thoracostomy tubes were applied. Pneumothorax and a massive air leak persisted on the right side. After thoracotomy, right main bronchus avulsion was present and then repaired by end-to-end anastomosis and muscle flap. minimal air leaks from right chest tubes and partially expanding right lung on chest X-ray are seen after that. So, reinforcement by biliary (instead of bronchial) stent was performed because unavailability of bronchial stent with the desired size at that time. Discussion: Traumatic tracheobronchial damage occurs in just 0.05-3% of all pediatric thoracic traumas. It's fatal condition especially in first hour. With proper recognition and management of these injuries, there is an associated improved long-term outcome. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the initial evaluation, current management practices, and future directions in pediatric thoracic trauma. Conclusion: Biliary stent placement could be a reasonable treatment option for tracheobronchial damage.

Extreme Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: A case series of three patients from a lower-middle income country.

Introduction: Oncoplastic breast surgery has become a major player in modern breast surgery.It broadens the indications for breast-conserving surgery. More challenging cases are being treated more with what so-called "extreme oncoplastic breast surgery" which is defined as a breast-conserving operation, using oncoplastic techniques, in a patient who, in most physicians' opinions, requires a mastectomy. Methods: Replacement and/or displacement oncoplastic techniques with contralateral symmetrization to three female patients with breast cancer were done by an oncoplastic breast surgeon. Outcomes: The three patients had smooth recoveries with good aesthetic,oncologic and psychological outcomes. Conclusion: Oncoplastic breast surgery can be a better option than mastectomy with good oncologic, Psychological and aesthetic outcomes, even with extreme cases, yet long-term studies are needed.

Awareness of Palestinian Women About Breast Cancer Risk Factors: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess awareness of Palestinian women about breast cancer (BC) age-related and lifetime risks and its risk factors and to identify factors associated with good awareness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult women were recruited from government hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. Recognition of 14 BC risk factors was assessed using a translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC awareness measure. The level of BC risk factor awareness was determined on the basis of the number of risk factors recognized: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-14). RESULTS: Of 6,269 potential participants approached, 5,434 agreed and completed the questionnaire (response rate = 86.7%). A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included: 2,706 from the West Bank and Jerusalem and 2,551 from the Gaza Strip. Only 173 participants (3.3%) recognized the age-related risk of BC. More than one quarter (n = 1,465; 27.9%) recognized the lifetime risk of BC. The most recognized modifiable risk factor was not breastfeeding (n = 4,937; 93.9%), whereas the least recognized was having children later on in life or not at all (n = 1,755; 33.4%). The most recognized nonmodifiable risk factor was radiation exposure (n = 4,579; 87.1%), whereas the least recognized was starting the periods at an early age (n = 1,030; 19.6%). In total, 2,024 participants (38.4%) demonstrated good BC risk factor awareness. Participants from the Gaza Strip had a higher likelihood than participants from the West Bank and Jerusalem to have good awareness (42.0% v 35.2%). Age ≥ 40 years, postsecondary education, and visiting hospitals and primary health care centers were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of having good BC risk factor awareness. CONCLUSION: The awareness of BC risk factors was suboptimal. These findings highlight the need for implementing health education programs combined with consistent use of ad hoc opportunities to raise awareness by health care providers.

Significant response to Pembrolizumab for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patient with Netherton syndrome.

Background: Netherton syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease that presents with a triad of symptoms which include atopic diathesis, ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, and hair shaft abnormality termed "Bamboo Hair". Netherton syndrome patients can develop cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in unusually young age. Pembrolizumab is the first line treatment for locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic cSCC. Case presentation: A 44-year-old man with a history of Netherton syndrome and multiple skin squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed with locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic cSCC two years ago. He was started on Pembrolizumab as a treatment for his cSCC. The immunotherapy course was well tolerated with no significant side effects including the expected immune related adverse events seen in patients treated with this medication. PET/CT scan showed significant regression of his disease consistent with partial response according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Discussion: Incurable and recurrent cSCC tends to metastasize, leading to an extremely poor long-term prognosis, and the treatment options for locally advanced or metastatic disease are few. Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed a benefit in patients with various tumors including squamous cell carcinoma, but using this drug which is working by enhancing the immunity against tumor in patient with altered immunity like Netherton syndrome was a bit of a challenge, in terms of both effectiveness and safety. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab had a effective and safe treatment profile when it was used as a monotherapy for treating a Netherton syndrome patient diagnosed with locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic cSCC.

Surgical management of bilateral scapular winging in a previously healthy 10-year-old boy: A case report.

Introduction: Scapular winging is a pathological condition that occurs due to dysfunction of any scapulothoracic muscles, most commonly the serratus anterior which is innervated by long thoracic nerve. Case presentation: Herein, we report a 10-year-old boy presented with bilateral scapular winging for a few months, associated with vague discomfort upon shoulder movements. After taking history and performing physical examination and tests as electromyography, he was diagnosed with idiopathic bilateral scapular winging as there was no obvious cause or risk factor for his bilateral scapular winging. Discussion: Scapular winging causes decrease strength and range of motion of the shoulder, the usual complain of patients is discomfort or the unpleasant cosmetic appearance of scapular prominence, this condition, if left untreated, can cause various negative consequences on the shoulder joint, detailed history and physical exam reinforced by electromyography are crucial in determining the cause of winging, as it has many causes, initial management can be conservative, but various surgical approaches have been described for more severe cases which compromise shoulder function, choice of the surgical approach depends on the underlying cause and overall clinical picture of the patient. Conclusion: bilateral scapular winging is rare condition, only 26th cases were reported in literature, it occurs due to multiple causes, treatment can be conservative at early stages, but surgical option should be considered when shoulder function and strength become compromised.

A child diagnosed with midaortic syndrome and inherited thrombophilia after presenting with a stroke: A case report.

A 5-year-old female patient presented to the emergency room with right upper limb weakness, inability to speak and left side deviation of the mouth. Computed tomography (CT) scan was done and she was diagnosed with ischemic stroke. During her medical evaluation she was found to have high blood pressure (186/104 mm Hg). Investigations done to evaluate for secondary causes of hypertension and stroke revealed that she has inherited thrombophilia and abdominal aortic coarctation. Balloon angioplasty was done that lowered her elevated blood pressure, which was not responding well to antihypertensive medications, to near normal value for her age.

Women's awareness of breast cancer symptoms: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer (BC). Awareness of BC symptoms plays a key role in this. This study aimed to evaluate the Palestinian women's awareness of BC symptoms and determine factors associated with good awareness. METHODS: This was a national cross-sectional study conducted from July 2019 to March 2020 in Palestine. Convenience sampling was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces located in 11 governorates. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC awareness measure was utilized for data collection. The awareness level was categorized based on the number of symptoms recognized into: poor (0 to 4), fair (5 to 9), and good (10 to 13). RESULTS: Of 6269 approached, 5434 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate = 86.7%). A total of 5257 questionnaires were included in the analysis: 2551 from the Gaza Strip and 2706 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ). Participants living in the WBJ were more likely to be older, have higher monthly income, and suffer from more chronic diseases than participants living in the Gaza Strip. The most frequently identified BC symptom was 'lump or thickening in the breast' (n = 4887, 92.9%) followed by 'lump or thickening under the armpit' (n = 4394, 83.6%). The least frequently identified symptoms were 'pulling in of the nipple' (n = 2665, 50.7%) and 'change in the position of the nipple' (n = 2710, 51.6%). A total of 2191 participants (41.7%) demonstrated good awareness of BC symptoms. Participants from the Gaza Strip were more likely than participants from the WBJ to have good awareness (47.0.0% vs. 36.7%). On the multivariable analysis, being ≥ 40 years, completing a post-secondary education, knowing someone with cancer, and visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of having good awareness. However, living in the WBJ was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of having good awareness. CONCLUSION: Less than half of women included in this study showed good awareness of BC symptoms. More targeted educational interventions are needed to promote Palestinian women's awareness of BC symptoms to facilitate early diagnosis.