Ulipristal acetate on quality of life and sexual function of women with uterine fibromatosis.

To evaluate quality of life and sexual function of childbearing-age women, affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing medical treatment with ulipristal acetate. The data obtained by filling the questionnaires European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale and modified Female Sexual Function Index, were analyzed to assess UPA usefulness in improving QoL and sexual activity. A total of 139 patients affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing conservative ulipristal acetate treatment were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Seventy-one women (average age 46.5 years) answered the questionnaires: QoL and sexuality were evaluated before and after ulipristal acetate treatment. 59 patients (83.1%) had an improvement of QoL and general health state, with a reduction of VAS score after ulipristal acetate treatment. EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement of usual act impairment, mobility, discomfort, anxiety/depression (p < .0005). There was no difference in personal care management after therapy. Modified FSFI showed a statistically significant improvement (p < .0001) of sexual satisfaction and sexual life. A not statistically significant improvement in dyspareunia was also highlighted. This study provides a clear picture about QoL impact on women and confirms the effectiveness of the ulipristal acetate in improving different aspects of daily and sexual life of patients undergoing medical treatment.

Cardiac overload resolved by resection of a large plexiform neurofibroma on both the buttocks and upper posterior thighs in a patient with neurofibromatosis type I: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A large plexiform neurofibroma in patients with neurofibromatosis type I can be life threatening due to possible massive bleeding within the lesion. Although the literature includes many reports that describe the plexiform neurofibroma size and weight or strategies for their surgical treatment, few have discussed their possible physical or mental benefits, such as reducing cardiac stress. In addition, resection of these large tumors can result in impaired wound healing, partly due to massive blood loss during surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old man was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type I and burdened with a large plexiform neurofibroma on the buttocks and upper posterior thighs. The patient was 159 cm in height and 70.0 kg in weight at the first visit. Cardiac overload was indicated by an echocardiography before surgery. His cardiac output was 5.2 L/min with mild tricuspid regurgitation. After embolism of the arteries feeding the tumor, the patient underwent surgery to remove the neurofibroma, followed by skin grafting. Follow-up echocardiography, performed 6 months after the final surgery, indicated a decreased cardiac output (3.6 L/min) with improvement of tricuspid regurgitation. Because the blood loss during the first surgery was over 3.8 L, malnutrition with albuminemia was induced and half of the skin graft did not attach. Nutritional support to improve the albuminemia produced better results following a second surgery to repair the skin wound. CONCLUSION: Cardiac overload may be latent in patients with neurofibromatosis type I with large plexiform neurofibromas. As in pregnancy, the body may compensate for this burden. In these patients, one stage total excision may improve quality of life and reduce cardiac overload. In addition, nutritional support is likely needed following a major surgery that results in either an extensive skin wound or excessive blood loss during treatment.

Clinical pattern of Retinoblastoma in Pakistani population: Review of 403 eyes in 295 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To document clinical pattern of retinoblastoma in Pakistani population. METHODS: This retrospective study, which was conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, reviewed clinical records of patients with retinoblastoma from 1997 to 2012. Staging of disease was done by referring to retinal diagrams, RetCam images, and first magnetic resonance imaging. Ophthalmic notes, imaging reports and histopathology reports of enucleated eyes established optic nerve involvement. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Clinical records of 295 patients with retinoblastoma in 403 eyes were reviewed, and male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Retinoblastoma was bilateral in 106(35.93%) patients, while 118(40%) patients had hereditary pattern. Mean age at presentation was 35.98+27.63 months, while mean follow-up was 3±2 months. Leucokoria was the most common presenting feature 173(58.64%) followed by proptosis 72(24.41%). Optic nerve involvement was seen on magnetic resonance imaging or histopathology in 81(20.10%) eyes. Distant metastasis was noted in 32(10.85%) patients on first presentation. Chemotherapy with or without adjuvant treatment was given to 238(80.68%) patients. Enucleation and exentration were performed in 164(40.69%) and 12(2.98%) eyes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most common presenting symptom was leucokoria followed by proptosis. Hereditary retinoblastoma was frequently seen in Pakistani children. .

Red tattoos, ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer in mice.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces skin cancer. The combination of UVR and red tattoos may be associated with increased risk of skin cancer due to potential carcinogens in tattoo inks. This combination has not been studied previously. Immunocompetent C3.Cg/TifBomTac hairless mice (n=99) were tattooed on their back with a popular red tattoo ink. This often used ink is banned for use on humans because of high content of the potential carcinogen 2-anisidine. Half of the mice were irradiated with three standard erythema doses UVR thrice weekly. Time to induction of first, second and third squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was measured. All UV-irradiated mice developed SCCs. The time to the onset of the first and second tumor was identical in the red-tattooed group compared with the control group (182 vs 186 days and 196 vs 203 days, P=ns). Statistically, the third tumor appeared slightly faster in the red-tattooed group than in the controls (214 vs 224 days, P=.043). For the second and third tumor, the growth rate was faster in the red-tattooed group compared with the control (31 vs 49 days, P=.009 and 30 vs 38 days, P=.036). In conclusion, no spontaneous cancers were observed in skin tattooed with a red ink containing 2-anisidine. However, red tattoos exposed to UVR showed faster tumor onset regarding the third tumor, and faster growth rate of the second and third tumor indicating red ink acts as a cocarcinogen with UVR. The cocarcinogenic effect was weak and may not be clinically relevant.

[The cross-plastic correction of the soft tissue defect on the neck with the use of a pectoral flap harvested from the opposite side]. / Perekrestnaya plastika defekta myagkikh tkanei shei pektoral'nym loskutom s protivopolozhnoi storony.

The authors describe a patient presenting with initially multiple metachronous cancer spreading over the right-handed side of the mouth floor and the right-handed part of the lower jaw. The patient who underwent cross-plastic surgery for the correction of the extensive soft tissue defect on the neck with the use of the musculocutaneous pectoral flap with the axial blood supply is described. The observation during the 14 year follow-up period confirmed the good functional outcome of the treatment.

Neuropsychological outcome in patients with childhood craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic involvement.

OBJECTIVE: To test memory performance and executive functions in patients with childhood craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic involvement. STUDY DESIGN: Using standardized neuropsychological tests, we compared cognitive performance in a group of 15 patients with childhood craniopharyngioma and known hypothalamic involvement and a group of 24 age- and intelligence-matched control subjects. In addition, we compared individual patients' results with normative data to detect abnormal performance in the clinically relevant range. Within the patient group, we further tested whether the grade of hypothalamic involvement had an impact on cognitive performance and quality of life. RESULTS: Relative to healthy controls, the patients demonstrated significantly lower performance scores in tests of memory and executive functioning. On the individual performance level, delayed recall performance was severely impaired in one-third of the patients. Compared with patients with low-grade hypothalamic involvement, those with high-grade hypothalamic involvement showed worse performance in executive functions and reduced functional capabilities for daily life actions, indicating lower quality of life. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that hypothalamic involvement is related to impairments in memory and executive functioning in patients with childhood craniopharyngioma and indicate that a high grade of hypothalamic involvement is related to worse outcomes.

Carotid body tumors are not associated with an increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing.

PURPOSE: Tumors in the carotid bodies may interfere with their function as peripheral chemoreceptors. An altered control of ventilation may predispose to sleep-disordered breathing. This study aimed to assess whether patients with unilateral or bilateral carotid body tumors (uCBT or bCBT, respectively) or bilateral CBT resection (bCBR) display sleep-disordered breathing and to evaluate the global contribution of the peripheral chemoreceptor to the hypercapnic ventilatory response. METHODS: Eight uCBT, eight bCBT, and nine bCBR patients and matched controls underwent polysomnography. The peripheral chemoreflex drive was assessed using euoxic and hyperoxic CO2 rebreathing tests. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue were assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Multidimensional Fatigue Index. RESULTS: All patient groups reported significant fatigue-related complaints, but no differences in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) were found. The apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) did not differ significantly between patient groups and controls. Only in bCBT patients, a trend towards a higher AHI was observed, but this did not reach significance (p=0.06). No differences in the peripheral chemoreflex drive were found between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with (resection of) CBTs have more complaints of fatigue but are not at risk for EDS. The presence or resection of CBTs is neither associated with an altered peripheral chemoreflex drive nor with sleep-disordered breathing.

Parathyroid carcinoma and oxyphil parathyroid adenoma: an uncommon case of misinterpretation in clinical practice.

A 46 year-old male presented with persistently high level of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), despite successful resection of an oxyphilic cell parathyroid adenoma of the left lower gland. Renal function and serum calcium were normal, leading to vitamin D deficiency being considered. Tc99m-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy showed no capitation, but a cervical ultrasound demonstrated an increase in the lower parathyroids. Surgery confirmed that the right gland was normal but the left corresponded to parathyroid carcinoma. The patient developed severe hypocalcemia, with PTH values being consistent with hypoparathyroidism for a few months. However, a progressive increase in calcium and PTH serum levels indicated recurrence of disease. Tc99m-sestamibi scintigraphy demonstrated hyperfixation in topography of the left inferior parathyroid and the patient was subjected to a third and more extensive surgery, with removal of lymph nodes and adjacent thyroid tissue. Serum calcium and PTH remained elevated, requiring loop diuretics and intravenous bisphosphonates to control hypercalcemia. Cervical radiotherapy was implemented as adjuvant therapy. After two months the patient complained of dyspnea, and a CT scan of the chest demonstrated areas of parenchymal condensation, suggestive of actinic pneumonitis. At the 2-year follow-up no major issues were evident.

Head-and-neck paragangliomas are associated with sleep-related complaints, especially in the presence of carotid body tumors.

OBJECTIVES: The carotid body functions as a chemoreceptor. We hypothesized that head-and-neck paragangliomas (HNP) may disturb the function of these peripheral chemoreceptors and play a role in sleep-disordered breathing. DESIGN: This is a case-control study. SETTING: This study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. PARTICIPANTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed fatigue, sleep, and exercise capacity in 74 HNP patients using three questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, and a standard clinical sleep assessment questionnaire). Outcomes were compared to those of age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Activity, disturbance of psychosocial function, and total score were worse compared to controls (15.4 ± 18.5 vs. 7.2 ± 9.9, P = 0.007; 5.3 ± 10.5 vs. 1.2 ± 2.6, P = 0.008; and 10.4 ± 12.9 vs. 5.0 ± 4.8, P = 0.006, respectively). Patients reported more daytime fatigue, concentration difficulties, and depression (51% vs. 24%, P = 0.006; 31% vs. 10%, P = 0.010; and 19% vs. 2%, P = 0.012). Waking up was reported to be less refreshing in HNP patients (53% vs. 73%, P = 0.038). Dysphonia was a predictor of symptoms, activity, disturbance of psychosocial function, and total scores. Remarkably, the presence of a carotid body tumor was an independent predictor of increased daytime sleepiness (ß = 0.287, P = 0.029). In conclusion, patients with HNP have remarkable sleep-related complaints. Especially the presence of carotid body tumors appears to be associated with increased daytime somnolence.

[Pigmentary lesions in patients with increased DNA damage due to defective DNA repair]. / Lésions pigmentaires et maladies de la réparation de l'ADN.

The occurrence of abnormally pigmented skin lesions is a common phenomenon and often associated with the influence of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and other sources of DNA damage. Pigmentary lesions induced by UV radiation and other sources of DNA damage occur in healthy individuals, but human diseases with defective DNA repair represent important models which allow the investigation of possible underlying molecular mechanisms leading to hypo- and hyperpigmentations. There are several hereditary diseases which are known to go along with genetic defects of DNA repair mechanisms comprising Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), Werner syndrome (WS), Bloom syndrome (BS), Fanconi anemia (FA) and Ataxia telangiectasia (AT). These diseases share clinical characteristics including poikilodermatic skin changes such as hypo-and hyperpigmentation. Since UV radiation is the most common source of DNA damage which can cause pigmentary lesions both in healthy individuals and in patients with genetic deficiency in DNA repair, in the present article, we focus on pigmentary lesions in patients with XP as an example of a disease associated with genetic defects in DNA repair.

Simultaneous tumors: acute myeloid leukemia infiltrating mediastinal ganglioneuroblastoma.

We report the case of a child presenting with concurrent thoracic ganglioneuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia. The peculiarity was the close relation between the two tumors with the latter infiltrating the former one. Histological and genomic studies indicate the different clonal origins of the malignancies in the patient, and we hypothesized that GNB and AML developed independently. Our observation suggests that in patients with more than one tumor, though discovered at different times, one neoplasm is not always secondary.

Chordoma coexisting with Rathke's cleft cyst: case report and literature review.

Both chordoma and Rathke's cleft cyst are relatively rare diseases in the central nervous system. In this paper we report the first case of a chordoma coexisting with a Rathke's cleft cyst. A 49-year-old man presented with a 19-month history of distending pain, movement dysfunction and diplopia of the left eye. The preoperative diagnosis was consistent with chordoma with cystic change. Final pathological diagnosis of chordoma coexisting with Rathke's cleft cyst was made according to histological and immunohistochemical studies and the clinical and radiological features are discussed. Considering the close relationship between the notochordal tissue and Rathke's pouch during early embryogenic development, a possible mechanism is also discussed with the literature review.

Retrospective analysis on coexisting ovarian cancer in 976 patients with clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate the safety of ovarian preservation at the time of operation in clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of patients with and without coexisting ovarian cancers were retrospectively collected and clinic-pathologic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 20 (2.05%) were histologically diagnosed as coexisting ovarian cancer, including 17 (1.74%) ovarian metastases and three (0.31%) synchronous ovarian primary cancers in 976 patients. Fifty percent (10 of 20) were microscopic ovarian involvements. Ovarian involvement was significantly associated with histological type, depth of myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, uterine serosa extension, fallopian tube involvement, retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, positive peritoneal cytology and CA125 level by univariate analysis (all P<0.05); while cervical invasion, uterine serosa extension, and fallopian tube involvement were independent high-risk factors by multivariate analysis (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of coexisting ovarian cancer in clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma is low, but the decision for ovary preservation at the time of operation still needs to be made with caution because of occult ovarian metastasis, especially for patients with high-risk factors.

Surgical treatment for synchronous multiple primary lung cancer: Is it possible to achieve both curability and preservation of the pulmonary function?

BACKGROUND: With the advent of high-resolution chest imaging, the number of patients diagnosed with multiple primary lung cancers is increasing. For the treatment of multiple lung cancers, a surgical procedure that preserves pulmonary function while ensuring curability is required. METHODS: The study population included 85 patients with synchronous multiple primary lung cancer who received surgical resection between January 2010 and September 2020. Patients with synchronous lung cancer within the same lobe were excluded, and only patients with ≥2 involved lobes were included. The postoperative pulmonary function was examined at 3-6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients had cancers within the ipsilateral lobe, and 18 patients had cancers in bilateral lobes. Seventy-six patients (89.4%) underwent combination surgery with limited resection (e.g., segmentectomy and wedge resection). The preoperative pulmonary functions (mean VC/%VC, mean FEV1 /%FEV1 , and mean %DLCO) were 3.06 L/100.2%, 2.23 L/96.1%, and 117.2%, respectively, and the postoperative pulmonary functions were 2.45 L/81.4%, 1.87 L/81.2%, and 102.6%. In each parameter, the predicted reductions of pulmonary function were almost the same as the predicted values. The 5-year survival rate was 85.0%. The 5-year survival rate according to the most advanced pathological stage was 94.9% for stage I disease, and 62.6% for stage ≥II, which was a significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment including limited resection, especially segmentectomy and wedge resection, for synchronous multiple primary lung cancer can preserve pulmonary function while ensuring curability.

Surgical management of bilateral synchronous kidney tumors: functional and oncological outcomes.

PURPOSE: We evaluated renal functional and oncological outcomes after sequential partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy in patients with bilateral synchronous kidney tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 220 patients treated from June 1994 to July 2008 were included in the study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, and overall, cancer specific and recurrence-free survival were assessed. RESULTS: Patients underwent sequential partial nephrectomy (134), partial nephrectomy followed by radical nephrectomy (60) or radical nephrectomy followed by partial nephrectomy (26). Final estimated glomerular filtration rate after bilateral surgery was 59, 36 and 35 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) in these 3 groups, respectively (p <0.001). The order in which partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy were conducted did not affect functional outcomes. Overall survival of patients with bilateral cancer was 86% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years, cancer specific survival was 96% at 5 and 10 years, and recurrence-free survival was 73% at 5 years and 44% at 10 years. Overall survival was decreased in patients with tumors larger than 7 cm (p = 0.003). Patients with postoperative stage III or greater chronic kidney disease had decreased overall survival due to noncancer causes (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with sequential surgery for bilateral synchronous kidney tumors have 5 and 10-year oncological outcomes comparable to those of patients with unilateral kidney cancer. Decreased overall survival was significantly associated with tumor size larger than 7 cm and postoperative stage III or greater chronic kidney disease. Nephron sparing surgery should be conducted for all amenable bilateral kidney masses given the negative impact of renal functional decline on overall survival.

A composite pheochromocytoma/ganglioneuroblastoma of the adrenal gland.

A 9-year-old female presented with a large abdominal mass. At surgery, the mass was noted to arise from the right adrenal gland. As the mass was manipulated, the patient developed severe hypertension. The final diagnosis was a cystic composite-pheochromocytoma/ganglioneuroblastoma. This compound adrenal tumor is only the fourth case reported in a child. Because composite pheochromocytomas are rare in the pediatric population, the management, optimal surveillance schedule and outcomes have not been characterized.

Concurrent diagnoses of Hodgkin lymphoma and biclonal myeloma in the bone marrow.

The diagnoses of Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma have rarely been made simultaneously in the same patient. We present a case of an 82-year-old man who rapidly developed pancytopenia and liver failure with coagulopathy. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation revealed an unequivocal immunoglobulin Gkappa and immunoglobulin Glambda biclonal gammopathy. Bone marrow biopsy showed involvement by classic Hodgkin lymphoma with an inflammatory background including 49% mature plasma cells. Unfortunately, the patient died 14 days after admission. To our knowledge, a case of concurrent Hodgkin lymphoma and biclonal multiple myeloma has not previously been reported. Detection of severe bone marrow plasmacytosis in the background of Hodgkin lymphoma should alert the pathologist to the possibility of collision with a plasma cell neoplasm, warranting a complete diagnostic workup.

Synchronous collision malignant melanoma and adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

"Collision tumors" consist of two independent but coexisting tumors. This uncommon situation might be easily mistaken for a composite tumor where one histogenetic event originates from two apparently distinct neoplasms. Colorectal collisions are particularly unusual; here, we report the exceedingly rare case of a 61-year-old man with malignant melanoma and adenocarcinoma colliding in the rectum. Collision tumors have an idiopathic pathophysiology and in fact "accidental meeting" is accepted by many authors. This article discusses the concepts about cancer development, which are overlooked by this hypothesis, another theory to explain that this rare occurrence involves microenvironment changes.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic analysis of 77 patients with multiple primary cancers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment principles and prognosis of multiple primary cancers (MPC). METHODS: A total of 77 patients with MPC admitted in the Central Hospital of Changsha from December 2013 to December 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. The survival of these 77 patients with complete follow-up data was calculated. RESULTS: There were 77 patients with multiple primary cancers, including 70 patients with double primary cancers, 6 patients with three primary cancers, and 1 patient with four primary cancers. Among the 77 MPC patients, there were 4 synchronous carcinomas (SC), 58 metachronous carcinomas (MC), and 15 unknown cases. The 3, 5, and 10-year overall survival rates of 77 patients with follow-up data were 86.5%, 18.2%, and 12.9%, respectively. The median survival time of 4 SC and 58 MC patients was 12 months and 108 months, respectively. The median survival time was 48.5 months in 23 patients with an interval of less than 5 years, and 108 months in 29 patients with first and second primary cancers whose interval was more than 5 years. The median survival time of 26 patients with second primary lung cancer was 84 months, and that of 23 patients with second primary non-lung cancer was 156 months. CONCLUSIONS: MPCs are more likely to occur in the colorectum, and the prognosis of patients with metachronous cancer is better than that of patients with synchronous cancer. The longer the interval between two cancers, the better the prognosis will be. The prognosis of the second primary non-lung cancer patients is better than that of the lung cancer patients.