How Frequently Benign Uterine Myomas Appear Suspicious for Sarcoma as Assessed by Transvaginal Ultrasound?

BACKGROUND: Uterine myomas may resemble uterine sarcomas in some cases. However, the rate of benign myomas appearing as sarcomas at an ultrasound examination is not known. The objective of this study is to determine the percentage of benign myomas that appear suspicious for uterine sarcoma on ultrasound examination. This is a prospective observational multicenter study (June 2019-December 2021) comprising a consecutive series of patients with histologically proven uterine myoma after hysterectomy or myomectomy who underwent transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound prior to surgery. All ultrasound examinations were performed by expert examiners. MUSA criteria were used to describe the lesions (1). Suspicion of sarcoma was established when three or more sonographic features, described by Ludovisi et al. as "frequently seen in uterine sarcoma", were present (2). These features are no visible myometrium, irregular cystic areas, non-uniform echogenicity, irregular contour, "cooked" appearance, and a Doppler color score of 3-4. In addition, the examiners had to classify the lesion as suspicious based on her/his impression, independent of the number of features present. Eight hundred and ten women were included. The median maximum diameter of the myomas was 58.7 mm (range: 10.0-263.0 mm). Three hundred and forty-nine (43.1%) of the patients had more than one myoma. Using the criterion of >3 suspicious features, 40 (4.9%) of the myomas had suspicious appearance. By subjective impression, the examiners considered 40 (4.9%) cases suspicious. The cases were not exactly the same. We conclude that approximately 5% of benign uterine myomas may exhibit sonographic suspicion of sarcoma. Although it is a small percentage, it is not negligible.

Prognostic factors in patients with vulvar cancer: the VULCAN study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors for overall and progression-free survival in patients with vulvar cancer. METHODS: This international, multicenter, retrospective study included 2453 patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer at 100 different institutions. Inclusion criteria were institutional review board approval from each collaborating center, pathologic diagnosis of invasive carcinoma of the vulva, and primary treatment performed at the participating center. Patients with intraepithelial neoplasia or primary treatment at non-participating centers were excluded. Global survival analysis and squamous cell histology subanalysis was performed. RESULTS: After excluding patients due to incomplete data entry, 1727 patients treated for vulvar cancer between January 2001 and December 2005 were registered for analysis (1535 squamous, 42 melanomas, 38 Paget's disease and 112 other histologic types). Melanomas had the worse prognosis (p=0.02). In squamous vulvar tumors, independent factors for increase in local recurrence of vulvar cancer were: no prior radiotherapy (p<0.001) or chemotherapy (p=0.006), and for distant recurrence were the number of positive inguinal nodes (p=0.025), and not having undergone lymphadenectomy (p=0.03) or radiotherapy (p<0.001), with a HR of 1.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.21), 2.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 6.1), and 3.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 5.7), respectively. Number of positive nodes (p=0.008), FIGO stage (p<0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.001), tumor resection margins (p=0.045), and stromal invasion >5 mm (p=0.001) were correlated with poor overall survival, and large case volume (≥9 vs <9 cases per year) correlated with more favorable overall survival (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced patient age, number of positive inguinal lymph nodes, and lack of adjuvant treatment are significantly associated with a higher risk of relapse in patients with squamous cell vulvar cancer. Case volume per treating institution, FIGO stage, and stromal invasion appear to impact overall survival significantly. Future prospective trials are warranted to establish these prognostic factors for vulvar cancer.

Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Adnexal Cysts With a Low Risk of Malignancy: Our Experience and Recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration for the management of low-risk adnexal cysts. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort of women with a low-risk adnexal cyst who underwent transvaginal US-guided aspiration from January 2012 to April 2018 were included. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis, without anesthesia, sedation, or antibiotics. The posttreatment follow-up protocol included transvaginal US at 3 and 12 months. Potential risk factors for recurrence (ie, age, menopausal status, comorbidities, symptoms, cyst diameter, incomplete emptying, and location) were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients were included. The median (interquartile range) cyst diameter was 66 (58-80) mm. Fifty-seven (36.5%) cases were resolved by US-guided aspiration. The median follow-up time was 556.5 (344-1070.25) days. The complication rate of the procedure was 2.6% (n = 4), with 3 cases of a major complication due to a pelvic abscess and 1 case of a minor complication due to self-limited vaginal spotting. A larger cyst size (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.07; P = .002) and an older age (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.05; P = .007) at diagnosis were independent factors related to recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the low resolution rate, US-guided aspiration is not an effective option for the treatment of low-risk adnexal cysts. Risk factors associated with recurrence were age and cyst size at diagnosis. Larger randomized studies are necessary to assess predictive factors for cyst recurrence.

True umbilical cord knot, an emergency during labor.

An umbilical cord knot is an unexpected event that should not change obstetric approach for delivery.

Bulky Bartholin's gland cyst: Case report of an incidental finding.

INTRODUCTION: Distal blockage of the Bartholin's gland duct can result in the retention of secretions, with consequent formation of a cyst or abscess. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old woman, in whom a bulky vulvar mass in the left labia majora was detected during cystoscopy for urinary symptoms, was referred to the gynaecology clinic. We performed complete removal of the mass as well as ipsilateral vulvar reconstruction. Histological analysis confirmed a large benign Bartholin's duct cyst without acute infection. DISCUSSION: Epidermoid cysts take a long time to develop and so large cysts are rare. The differential diagnosis of a Bartholin's cystic mass should be considered among many other pathologies in the vulvovaginal area. Treatment with complete surgical excision should be carefully performed, under prophylactic antibiotic coverage if required. CONCLUSION: Urogynaecological complaints require a careful consideration of the symptoms and an adequate physical examination before additional tests are requested. Although a differential diagnosis can be made preoperatively, confirmation is necessarily histological.

Increasing survival of metastatic breast cancer through locoregional surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for the primary tumor in metastatic breast cancer is usually not recommended, assuming that local therapy provides no advantage. Recent reports suggest a survival improvement after locoregional treatment, but this is still controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of locoregional treatment in primary metastatic breast cancer and to determine associated factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 39 women with de-novo metastatic breast cancer at La Paz University Hospital, from January 2012 to June 2016, grouped by locoregional treatment (n=23) or not (n=16). Multivariate assessment of prognostic factors was performed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 6 cm. Eighteen patients (46.2%) had multifocal tumors, 29 (74.4%) multicentric and 10 (25.7%) bilateral breast cancer. Eighteen patients (46.2%) had an oligometastatic disease and 21 (53.8%) multiorgan metastatic disease. The average time from diagnosis to surgery was 7.7 months, without delay in the start of systemic treatment compared to the no-surgery group. The main surgical procedure was mastectomy in 18 (78.3%) patients. Half of the patients survived 48 months (95% CI: 39-57). In the multivariate analysis, we have not detailed differences in survival by age, chemotherapy, neoadjuvancy, number of systemic treatment lines, radiotherapy, and tumor histology or grade. However, surgery (HR=0.2; 95% CI: 0.07-0.57) and high tumor burden (HR=2.96, 95% CI: 1.23-7.13) have acted as a protective and a risk factor respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort supports that locoregional treatment in selected patients with de-novo MBC significantly improved survival, so it might be considered in combination with systemic therapy.

Cirugía y reconstrucción mamaria en el cáncer de mama metastásico, una aproximación a la situación en España mediante encuesta y revisión de la literatura / Surgery and breast reconstruction in metastatic breast cancer: An approximation of the situation in Spain through a survey and literature review

Objetivo. Conocer la situación actual de la cirugía locorregional y reconstrucción mamaria (RM) en pacientes con cáncer de mama metastásico (CMM) en España. Método. Desde abril a septiembre de 2016 se recogieron datos de una encuesta online difundida a médicos implicados en el tratamiento de este grupo de pacientes. Resultados. Hubo un total de 124 encuestados: 46% cirujanos plásticos, 17,5% cirujanos generales, 30% ginecólogos especializados en enfermedad mamaria y 6,5% de otras especialidades no quirúrgicas. El 47,5% de los encuestados indicó la cirugía locorregional en el CMM al diagnóstico. El 80% de los encuestados aceptó la RM en el CMM, de los cuales un 71,5% lo consideraría previa solicitud por la paciente. En pacientes que no recibirán radioterapia, el 84% de los encuestados optó por RM inmediata, el 72,5% mediante prótesis. En pacientes radiadas, el 77,5% de los encuestados optó por reconstrucción autóloga, un 74,5% con colgajo miocutáneo dorsal ancho; no hubo diferencias entre RM inmediata o RM diferida. Factores considerados para aceptar la RM fueron una expectativa de vida de al menos 2 años, las comorbilidades, la carga tumoral, la respuesta al tratamiento sistémico o un tiempo de enfermedad estable superior a 6 meses. Motivos para no realizar la RM fueron un mal pronóstico asociado y el riesgo de progresión metastásica ante la suspensión temporal del tratamiento sistémico. Conclusión. La mitad de los encuestados consideró la RM en una paciente con CMM al diagnóstico, valorando la carga tumoral, la expectativa de vida y la enfermedad estable. Se necesitan protocolos de actuación al respecto (AU)

Objective. To identify the current situation of locoregional surgery and breast reconstruction (BR) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in Spain. Method. From April to September 2016, data were collected from an online survey sent to physicians involved in treating this group of patients. Results. There were 124 respondents: 46% plastic surgeons, 17.5% general surgeons, 30% gynecologists specialized in breast disease and 6.5% physicians from other specialties. A total of 47.5% of the respondents recommended locoregional surgery in MBC at the time of diagnosis. Eighty percent of respondents performed BR in MBC, of which 71.5% would consider it after a patient request. In patients not receiving radiotherapy, 84% of respondents chose immediate BR, 72.5% of them with a prosthesis. In irradiated patients, 77.5% of respondents preferred autologous reconstruction, 74.5% of them with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. There were no differences between immediate BR or delayed-BR. Factors important in the decision to accept or refuse BR were a life expectancy of at least 2 years, the patient's comorbidities, tumor burden, response to systemic treatment, or more than 6 months of stable disease. The reasons for not performing BR were a poor prognosis and the risk of metastatic progression due to a temporary suspension of systemic treatment. Conclusion. Half of the respondents considered BR in a patient with MBC at diagnosis, assessing tumor burden, life expectancy, and stable disease. Protocols are required in this regard (AU)

Ascitis quilosa secundaria a carcinomatosis peritoneal en paciente con cáncer de mama diseminado, un hallazgo inesperado / Chylous ascites secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis in a patient with metastasic breast cancer: an unexpected finding

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Lymphovascular Space Invasion for Endometrial Cancer: Undertreatment and Overtreatment Risks: A Survey of the Spanish Gynecologic Oncology Group.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to asses the impact of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) present in early-stage endometrial cancer, regarding its therapeutic management and prognosis knowledge, based on a survey among Spanish oncologic gynecologist. METHODS/MATERIALS: Between October and November 2014, the Young Spanish Onco-gynecologist Group carried out a survey to perform a cross-sectional study about the management of LVSI. All active members in the oncology field of the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics were invited to participate in the survey. RESULTS: Most respondents consider LVSI a bad prognosis factor for endometrial cancer (66%) and also consider that it should be included in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification (56%). Seventy-five percent of all gynecologists did not modify their surgical treatment. Regarding follow-up, 38% of the respondents do not change their surveillance, 28% modify it, and 31% reported any change only with additional factors. Forty-seven percent of respondents advise systemic treatment with chemotherapy.Data were dichotomized between less than or equal to 20 versus greater than 20 years of OB-GYN specialist and less than or equal to 5 versus greater than 5 years of main dedication to gynecology oncology, but it was not possible to show any significant differences among the groups. The response rate (34 individuals) was too low to expect any significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that LVSI remains a controversial issue in the management of patients with endometrial cancer. Acquiring a deeper knowledge and uniform criteria could avoid the risk of undertreatment and overtreatment in this group of patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. The identification of vascular pseudoinvasion is recommended, although the clinical and prognostic implications still need to be determined.

Mioepitelioma maligno recidivante de la mama, una evolución poco frecuente / Recurrent malignant myoepithelioma of the breast, an uncommon progression

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One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) for the detection of sentinel lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) for the diagnosis of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis compared with histopathological examination in patients with endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 94 SLNs from 34 patients with endometrial carcinoma were enrolled. The central 1-mm portion of each node was subjected to semi-serial sectioning, sliced at 200-µm intervals and examined by hematoxylin and eosin and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) immunohistochemical staining, and the remaining tissue was analysed by OSNA using CK19 mRNA. The accuracy of the OSNA assay was evaluated based on histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Histologically, 89 SLNs were determined to be metastasis negative, and the remaining five SLNs were metastasis positive. Using the breast cancer cutoff value for detecting lymph node metastasis (OSNA criteria for breast cancer, >250copies/µl) the sensitivity of the OSNA assay was 100%; specificity was 87.6%; diagnostic accuracy was 88.3%. Discordant results were recorded for 11 of 94 SLNs. In all 11 cases, a positive result was given by the OSNA assay but not by histopathological examination. In two SLNs from the same patient, histopathological examination revealed the presence of benign epithelial inclusions that were CK19 positive; both SLNs yielded a positive result in the OSNA assay (true-false positive). All remaining nine histologically-negative/OSNA-positive SLNs were classified as micrometastasis (+) by the OSNA assay. CONCLUSION: The OSNA assay shows high sensitivity and specificity, which suggests its utility as a novel tool for the molecular detection of SLN metastasis in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Prognostic Factors of Recurrence and Survival in Vulvar Melanoma: Subgroup Analysis of the VULvar CANcer Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors related to the recurrence rate and overall survival of vulval melanoma patients by means of a subgroup analysis of the VULvar CANcer study. METHODS: The international multicenter VULvar CANcer study involved 100 international centers, which contributed 2453 vulvar cancer cases. Of the 1727 patients finally included in the study, 42 were suffering from vulvar melanoma (2.4%). RESULTS: The mean follow-up for vulval melanoma patients was 44.1±35.7 months. Recurrence rate was 50%, and the mean recurrence-free survival was 43.5±6.6 months. For local recurrences, the mean recurrence-free interval was 63.3±8.6 months; for metastasis, 33.5±3.5 months. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 28.6%. The mean overall survival for vulvar melanomas was 45.9±4 months and the 5-year overall survival rate was 78.6%. The only factor with prognostic significance regarding local recurrence of vulvar melanoma was tumor size (P = 0.003). American Joint Committee on Cancer staging was the only prognostic factor associated with metastatic disease at recurrence (P < 0.001). Finally, age of patient was significantly associated with overall survival (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage were independent prognostic factors associated with local and distant recurrence, respectively. Patients' age was the only independent prognostic factor associated with overall survival.

Prognostic factors for recurrence and survival among patients with invasive vulvar Paget disease included in the VULCAN study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic factors associated with recurrence and overall survival among patients with invasive vulvar Paget disease. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of patients with invasive vulvar Paget disease included in VULCAN, an international multicenter retrospective study of patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005. Data regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were obtained from the patients' medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 1727 patients registered in the VULCAN database, 38 patients had invasive vulvar Paget disease. The mean follow-up time for these patients was 44.1±35.7 months, the overall recurrence rate (local lesions and distant metastases) was 58%, and the mean overall survival time was 58.5±0.5 months. Case load at the treating center inversely correlated with local recurrence (P=0.01). Tumor size and FIGO stage were associated with the presence of distant metastases (P<0.001 for both). Adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) was associated with a reduced risk of distant metastases and increased overall survival (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Local recurrences of invasive vulvar Paget disease were associated with the case load at the treating center. Distant recurrences were associated with tumor size and FIGO stage. It is possible that adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy could offer patients benefits by increasing overall survival rates.