Occasional diagnosis of synchronous renal cell carcinoma during staging of other primary tumors.

Synchronous renal cell cancer (RCC) associated with primary neoplasms of other organs or tissues represents a rare diagnostic report during life. Recently, the widespread use of new diagnostic techniques (echography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) has permitted diagnosis of clinically silent RCC. We report 6 RCC cases occasionally diagnosed during initial staging of a primary cancer of other organs: 1 rhinopharyngeal carcinoma, 1 gastric cancer, 1 Waldenström's disease, 1 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2 breast cancer, RCC was clinically silent in all patients. The diagnostic problems related to a report of a renal mass in patients with neoplastic disease at other sites and the consequent therapeutic implications are discussed.

Multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with 5-fluorouracil and levamisole adjuvant therapy for colon cancer. A report of two cases and review of the literature. The INTACC. Intergruppo Nazionale Terpia Adiuvante Colon Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Since 1990 the combination of 5-fluorouracil plus levamisole has been considered the standard therapy for stage B2-C resected colon cancer in the adjuvant setting. Since 1992, 14 cases of multifocal leukoencefalopathy following 5-fluorouracil and levamisole therapy have been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two cases of this rare but severe neurological syndrome, observed at our Institution within the scope of the INTACC (Intergruppo Nazionale Terapia Adiuvante Colon Carcinoma, Italy) 01 study, are described. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiological features of the syndrome and the relationships between therapy (with the possible pivotal role played by levamisole) and onset of the multifocal leukoencephalopathy are analyzed in light of the literature data.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the pleura.

A 52 year old man developed an extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (ESMC) arising from the pleura. Clinically, the tumour mimicked a mesothelioma. Fine needle biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Histological examination of multiple tumour samples, supported by immunohistochemical characterization, made it possible to correctly diagnose extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma.

A case-control study on selenium, zinc, and copper in plasma and hair of subjects affected by breast and lung cancer.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between plasma and hair levels of Se, Zn, and Cu, and cancer. We selected a total of 66 patients affected by either breast (38) or lung (28) cancer. They entered into the study at the onset of disease, and before any chemical or radiotherapy. Controls were randomly selected among healthy people and were matched for sex, age, smoking habits, and residence. In the group of breast cancer, a significant decrease in hair Se was found compared to controls (p < 0.01), whereas plasma Se was only slightly decreased. No difference between cases and controls was detected in both hair and plasma levels of Zn and Cu. Subjects who developed lung cancer were significantly lower in hair Zn (p < 0.05) and Cu (p < 0.01) than controls, whereas there was no difference with regard to Se. In addition, plasma Cu of these patients was increased as compared to controls.