Grossing and reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens: An evidence-based approach.

Radical prostatectomy (RP) constitutes the primary treatment option for patients with clinically localized, biopsy-proven prostate cancer that requires local treatment with curative intent. Accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens is required to guide further risk stratification and management of patients. Hence, for the handling and reporting of RP specimens, a standardized protocol should be followed. Many general pathologists may not be well-versed with the guidelines for the handling of radical prostatectomy specimens. This article discusses a detailed approach to grossing techniques, including specimen description, fixation requirements, gross cut-up, and reporting of the grade and stage of RP specimens. This will enable the pathologist to aid in multidisciplinary management.

Grossing and reporting of testicular tumor specimens : An evidence-based approach.

The majority of testicular tumors are germ cell tumors (GCTs), but there are numerous other types, making testicular tumors one of the most diverse areas of human pathology, despite their relative rarity. Testicular tumors are usually diagnosed only after radical surgery, as biopsies are not performed. Further management of the patient is dependent on the diagnosis at microscopy, which itself is based on the sections taken at the time of grossing the specimen. Many pathologists often aren't well versed with guidelines for handling of orchiectomy specimens and for microscopy. This article discusses, in detail, the approach to grossing of a testicular tumor specimen and elaborates of the reasons as to why we do what we do at the initial "cut-up". It explains the logic behind the reporting guidelines for testicular tumors and offer a clinical primer to the pathologist as to why we do what we do while grossing testicular tumor specimens.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Frozen Section and Its Influence on Intraoperative Management of Indeterminate Epithelial Ovarian Tumors.

The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in detecting epithelial ovarian tumor histological types and its effect on management. A retrospective review was done of all patients who had an intraoperative frozen section for an indeterminate ovarian tumor over a six-year period. The reference standard was final histology. The validity indices for frozen section in diagnosing benign, borderline, and malignant lesions were determined. One hundred thirty-five intraoperative frozen section-diagnosed epithelial ovarian tumors were reviewed. The mean age was 44.9 ± 14.2 years, the median parity was 2, and 57% (77/135) of patients were post-menopausal. The commonest histological subtype was mucinous 48.1% (65/135) on frozen section and 46.7% (63/135) on final histology. The overall concordance rate of frozen section to final histology was 81.5% (ƙ = 0.719, p = 0.0001). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of frozen section to diagnose benign lesions were 86.7%, 85.7%, 97.2%, and 79.2% respectively. In borderline tumors, the diagnostic test characteristics were 88.1%, 81.2%, 90.3%, and 72.2%. For malignant lesions, these values were 88.1%, 77.8%, 95.1%, and 91.3% respectively. The odds ratios for frozen section being correct were 40.9 (95% CI 14.8-113.5) for benign lesions, 40.3 (95% CI 13.4-121.3) for borderline tumors, and 67.4 (95% CI 20.5-222.0) for malignancy. Over-treatment or under-treatment occurred in 19.3% of patients. Intraoperative frozen section is useful in situations where the nature of the ovarian tumor is uncertain. However, borderline ovarian tumors are more likely to be over-diagnosed. About a fifth of patients received inappropriate treatments based on the frozen section report.

The Impact of Narrow Band Imaging in the Detection and Resection of Bladder Tumor in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Prospective, Blinded, Sequential Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in detection and resection of tumors during transurethral resection of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center randomized prospective interventional study with a sequential intervention design. Patients with bladder tumors were randomized into 2 arms where they were resected under white light (WL) first followed by NBI in arm A, or NBI followed by WL in arm B. The number of patients in whom additional lesions were detected by the second light source, in both arms, was analyzed. The feasibility of initial resection of tumor under NBI was also studied. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were randomized. Of 54 patients in arm A (WL first) additional lesions were identified at the second look in 20 patients (37%). In contrast, of 56 patients in arm B (NBI first), additional lesions were identified in 5(9%) patients. This difference of 28% was statistically significant (P value <.001). In arm B (NBI first), there were 7 breaches in protocol, and all these patients had high risk (more than or equal to 3 in number or 3 cm in size) tumors (P value <.002). CONCLUSION: Narrowband imaging is superior to WL in the detection of tumors, thus allowing a more complete resection. However, initial resection under NBI is difficult due to poor visibility, especially for high-risk tumors.

Is there a role for second transurethral resection in pTa high-grade urothelial bladder cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Evidence for second transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for pTa high-grade lesions is limited. This study aims to examine the role of a second TURBT in the pTa high-grade group and to generate recurrence and progression data for this group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the clinical profiles and outcomes of all patients diagnosed with high-grade pTa lesions at first TURBT, between the years 2006-2015. Firstly, in patients who underwent a complete first TURBT, we calculated the proportion of patients with positive findings on second TURBT. Secondly, we assessed whether those who underwent a second TURBT had a longer recurrence-free survival compared to those who underwent a single TURBT. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve patients had a pTa high-grade urothelial bladder tumor (WHO 2004 classification) at first TURBT, out of whom 43 (38.3%) had a second TURBT. Indications for second TURBT were high-grade lesions (n = 36), absence of detrusor muscle (n = 2), and incomplete resection (n = 5). Out of the 36 patients who had a complete first TURBT and underwent a second look TURBT, 7 patients had positive findings (3 carcinoma in situ, 2 pTa low-grade lesions and 2 pTa high-grade lesions) and there was no upstaging. Of the 5 patients with an incomplete first TURBT, one upstaged to pT1 on second TURBT. Of the 81 patients who followed up with us, 25.9% had a recurrence and 8.6% progressed. The estimated median recurrence free survival was 60 months (95% CI 29.2-90.7) for the whole group and 76 months vs. 45 months for the second and single TURBT group respectively - a difference that was clinically, though not statistically, significant. Multiple (≥2) tumours had a lower recurrence free survival (HR of 4.60, CI 1.67-12.63, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients with pTa high-grade tumours who had a second TURBT after a complete first TURBT, 19.4% had a positive finding. Multiple tumours are four times as likely to recur as solitary tumours. The role of a second TURBT in this group needs to be studied in larger patient cohorts before a recommendation regarding its lack of clinical utility can be made conclusively.

Does asymptomatic prostatic inflammation alter the outcome of transurethral resection of prostate?

INTRODUCTION: There is contradictory evidence in literature with respect to the association of asymptomatic prostatic inflammation on biopsy with complications of Transurethral Resection of Prostate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of prostatitis in biopsy specimens of patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate with bladder neck contracture (the primary end point) and other complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone transurethral resection at a single centre between 2005 and 2010, with a minimum of 3 months follow-up were included. The study population was divided into two cohorts: those with inflammation on prostatic biopsy (Group A) and those without (Group B). These two groups were compared with respect to demographic data and pre-operative and intraoperative confounding factors. Immediate complications were documented using the modified Clavien-Dindo system and compared. Long term complications like bladder neck contracture, meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, and recurrent adenoma were also compared. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable except for Group A patients having a higher median resected weight (20 vs. 14 gms, p = 0.009). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the rate of bladder neck contracture and other long-term and short term complications on univariate and multivariate analysis. Larger resected weight of gland was associated with lower rate of bladder neck contracture on multivariate analysis (p = 0.019, Odds ratio: 0.937). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of histologically confirmed prostatic inflammation is not associated with bladder neck contracture or other complications following transurethral resection. Smaller resected prostatic weight was associated with higher incidence of bladder neck contracture.

Role of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Derived Parameters as Imaging Biomarkers and Correlation with Clinicopathological Features in Carcinoma of Uterine Cervix.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is emerging as a powerful tool in the evaluation and management of cervical cancer. The role of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) with Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) as a non-invasive imaging biomarker is promising in characterization of the tumour and prediction of response. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of conventional MRI and diffusion weighted MRI in predicting clinicopathological prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The data of 100 cervical cancer patients who had MRI with DWI was retrieved from the database and analysed. Clinico pathological details were collected from the computerized hospital information system. SPSS version 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean tumour dimensions on MRI in x, y and z axes were 43.04 mm (±13.93, range: 17-85), 37.05mm (±11.83, range: 9-80) and 39.63 mm (±14.81, range: 14 -76). The mean T2W MRI based tumour volume (TV) was 48.18 (±34.3, range: 7-206) and on DWI images was 36.68(±33.72, range: 2.5-200). The mean ADC value in patients with squamous cell carcinoma was 0.694 (±0.125, n=88), adenocarcinoma was 0.989 (±0.309, n=6), adenosquamous was 0.894 (±0.324, n=4). There was statistical significant difference in mean ADC between squamous vs. non squamous histology (p = 0.02). The mean ADC values of well differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated tumours were 0.841(±0.227, n= 26), 0.729 (±0.125, n=28), 0.648 (±0.099, n=46) respectively. There was significant statistical difference of mean ADC between well differentiated, moderately differentiated (p=0.020) and poorly differentiated tumours (p=0.0001). Difference between the mean ADC values between the node positive and node negative disease was statistically significant (p=0.0001). There was no correlation between the tumour volumes on T2W and DWI images and ADC values. Sixteen patients had residual/recurrent disease at a median follow up of 12 months (range: 3-59 months). The mean ADC values in this group was 0.71 (n=16) and was not significantly different from the disease free group (mean ADC =0.72, n=74). CONCLUSION: Higher ADC values are associated with favourable histology and differentiation. Adenocarcinomas have higher ADC values followed by adenosquamous followed by squamous cell carcinomas. Well differentiated tumours had higher ADC values than moderately followed by poorly differentiated tumours. DWI with ADC have a potential role as an imaging biomarker for prognostication and needs further studies for routine clinical applications.

Gastric Glomus Tumour Misdiagnosed as Gastric Carcinoid: An Unfamiliar Entity with Aids to Diagnosis and Review of Literature.

Glomus tumour (GT) is a rare mesenchymal tumour of the stomach with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), leiomyoma and schwannoma being far more common and comprising more than 90% of all gastric mesenchymal tumours. As glomus bodies are located in the peripheral parts of the human body, these tumours are peripherally located, classically the subungual region, hands, feet and trunk. While being evaluated for renal problems, a middle aged lady was incidentally found to have a gastric tumour. This was submucosal in location and was excised by a wedge resection and reported elsewhere as carcinoid tumour. The patient came to our hospital for further management. The biopsy was reviewed here and the modified diagnosis given was GT, confirmed by panel of immunohistochemistry. Two years after regular clinical follow up the patient is free of disease or any distant metastasis. In this paper the authors discuss the potential pitfalls, differential diagnoses and diagnostic clues that help in diagnosing this gastric tumour.

Giant seminal vesicle cyst: an unusual site for a malignant extragastrointestinal stromal tumour.

Mesenchymal tumours with clinicopathological and molecular profiles similar to gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are, on occasion, found in extragastrointestinal locations. Extra GIST (EGIST) is a singular occurrence in the genitourinary tract. A 30-year-old man, catheterised following urinary retention, was found to have a complex pelvic retrovesical cyst on imaging. At operation, origin from the right seminal vesicle was evident with histopathology confirming a GIST. The patient received adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is currently disease free at 2 years. This is only the second report of an EGIST at this anatomic locale. The current literature presents significant uncertainty in defining the true origin of EGISTs, particularly those in the pelvis. We propose the designation origin indeterminate stromal tumour (OIST), to facilitate disambiguation and advance accurate profiling of EGIST; a subject in evolution.

Role of conventional and diffusion weighted MRI in predicting treatment response after low dose radiation and chemotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of conventional and diffusion weighted (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting response in locally advanced cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 24 patients with stage IIB-IIIB squamous cell carcinoma cervix were treated with initial two cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin and concurrent low dose radiotherapy prior to standard chemoradiation. Response was assessed clinically and radiologically after 3 weeks of initial treatment. Volumetric and functional parameters derived from conventional and diffusion weighted MRI, due to treatment were measured. RESULTS: Significant reduction of GTV was noted in MRI (54 cm(3) vs. 11 cm(3), p < 0.01) and DWI (44 cm(3) vs. 6 cm(3), p < 0.01, ΔADC = 0.49 × 10(-3)mm(2)/sec, p < 0.01) after treatment. Tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) in DWI was significantly higher in pathological good responders (p = 0.03). In this group both mean post treatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and ΔADC were significantly higher (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03). ADC was a good predictor for pathological response (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) 0.814). CONCLUSION: TVRR (DWI) and ΔADC can be used as a predictor of early pathological response. Complete response based on DWI, could be a useful predictor of long term disease control.

Synchronous presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia with carcinoma penis: a rare presentation.

We report here a case of 52-year-old male presenting with penile ulcer. On evaluation, he was diagnosed to have Carcinoma penis with concurrent CML in chronic phase. Clinical examination showed pallor, bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy, bilateral pitting pedal oedema and hepatosplenomegaly. He was diagnosed to have chronic myeloid leukemia based on peripheral smear examination showing raised counts with shift to left and fluorescence in situ hydridisation (FISH) showing t (9:22). The ilio-inguinal block dissection specimen showed inguinal metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This case is being presented here in view of the rarity in combination of CML with another malignancy.

Primary renal large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in a young man.

Neuroendocrine tumours are usually located in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract. A 23-year-old man was evaluated for loss of weight and a palpable left loin mass. CECT showed a large heterogeneously enhancing mass with calcification arising from the left kidney. He underwent an open radical nephrectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). LCNEC of the kidney is extremely rare and portends poor prognosis. It is usually a histopathological surprise and requires immunohistochemistry for confirmation.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the adrenal: Case report and review of literature.

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is common in the spleen, liver and lymph nodes, or in para osseus sites. EMH in the adrenal is rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported. We report the case of a 40-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for an incidentally detected adrenal mass. The histology showed extramedullary hematopoesis. In patients with a known history of haemolytic anaemia, an enlarged adrenal gland in an asymptomatic individual could represent extramedullary haematopoesis. A confirmatory biopsy would be all that is necessary to avoid adrenalectomy.