The Microbiome's Influence on Head and Neck Cancers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Head and neck tumors (HNC) rank sixth among cancers worldwide. Due to their late diagnosis and poor prognosis, they are a clinical challenge. However, recent years have seen a dynamic development of science on the microbiome. The aim of the study is to discuss the role of the microbiome in HNC, the impact of the microbiome on oncogenesis, the course of the disease, as well as on treatment, and its toxicity. RECENT FINDINGS: The microbiome's influence on oncogenesis, the course of the disease, and the effectiveness of oncological treatment have been confirmed in cancers of the colon, pancreas, lungs, and prostate. There is no solid literature on HNC. Many studies indicate disruption of the oral microbiome and periodontal disease as potential cancer risk factors. Disruption of the microbiome increases radiotherapy's toxicity, intensifying radiation reactions. The microbiome plays an important role in cancer. It is a new target in research into new therapies. It may also be a prognostic marker of cancer development. Changes in the composition of the microbiome modulate the effectiveness of oncological treatment. More research is needed on the microbiome and its effects on HNC.

Surgical management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: We present the methods and results of the surgical management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECCA). Postoperative complications including early and late neurological events were analysed. Correlation between reconstruction techniques and morphology of ECCA was assessed in this retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 32 reconstructions of ECCA were performed in 31 symptomatic patients with a mean age of 59.2 (range 33-84) years. The causes of ECCA were divided among atherosclerosis (n = 25; 78.1%), previous carotid endarterectomy with Dacron patch (n = 4; 12.5%), iatrogenic injury (n = 2; 6.3%) and infection (n = 1; 3.1%). In 23 cases, intervention consisted of carotid bypass. Aneurysmectomy with end-to-end suture was performed in 4 cases. Aneurysmal resection with patching was done in 2 cases and aneurysmorrhaphy without patching in another 2 cases. In 1 case, ligature of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was required. RESULTS: Technical success defined as the preservation of ICA patency was achieved in 31 cases (96.9%). There was one perioperative death due to major stroke (3.1%). Two cases of minor stroke occurred in the 30-day observation period (6.3%). Three patients had a transient hypoglossal nerve palsy that subsided spontaneously (9.4%). At a mean long-term follow-up of 68 months, there were no major or minor ipsilateral strokes or surgery-related deaths reported. In all 30 surviving patients (96.9%), long-term clinical outcomes were free from ipsilateral neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery is a relatively safe method in the therapy of ECCA. Surgical repair of ECCAs can be associated with an acceptable major stroke rate and moderate minor stroke rate. Complication-free long-term outcomes can be achieved in as many as 96.9 % of patients. Aneurysmectomy with end-to-end anastomosis or bypass surgery can be implemented during open repair of ECCA.

The presence of some cytokines and Chlamydia pneumoniae in the atherosclerotic carotid plaque in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few years the role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been widely discussed. Chlamydia pneumoniae activates immune cells to produce cytokines that are responsible for the formation of atheromatous carotid lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out at the Department of Vascular, General and Transplantation Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, in 2002-2003, on 100 consecutive symptomatic patients with internal carotid stenosis, who underwent an endarterectomy procedure. Each patient had their carotid artery sampled in order to find C. pneumoniae DNA using the nested PCR method and some cytokines (TGF-ß, VEGF, FGF, TNF-α) using immunohistochemical examination. The control group consisted of 20 young organ donors who had been diagnosed with brain death and who had their healthy carotid artery harvested. Analogous genetic and immunohistochemical tests were performed. RESULTS: We did not confirm the presence of either cytokines or C. pneumoniae in the healthy carotid arteries. The presence of FGF was probably due to intima fibroblast activity, which is responsible for elastin and collagen synthesis for the extracellular matrix. C. pneumoniae was discovered in 68% of patients with carotid plaques. Three cytokines (TGF-ß, FGF, TNF-α) were detected in atherosclerotic internal carotid arteries as well. CONCLUSION: Chronic infection by C. pneumoniae may exacerbate carotid plaque development and may lead to its destabilization.

[Treatment failure as a consequence of the diagnostic difficulties in a 52-year-old patient treated for the pancreatic abscess]. / Katastrofa terapeutyczna jako nastepstwo trudnosci diagnostycznych u 52-letniego pacjenta leczonego z powodu ropnia trzustki.

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a neoplastic disease of the lymphatic system, primary involving lymph nodes and extranodular organs. Despite successful combined chemotherapy, a proper and prompt diagnosis remains a difficult challenge. The case report documents the case of a 52-year-old patient, who had been diagnosed in various internal medicine wards for nonspecific diseases during last two years. Due to the worsening of patient's general condition and suspected inflammatory, probably purulent, abdominal process, he was operated twice. Unexplained symptoms of the uncertain origin resulted in the further lack of successful diagnosis and therapy. The patient died from multiple organ failure on the 2nd day after the second operation. The final histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the liver biopsy revealed the primary cause of death, i.e. Hodgkin lymphoma. The thorough analysis of the patient's documentation revealed a full-featured image of the classic HL. A special emphasis was placed upon misleading symptoms and difficulties in correct interpretation of more sophisticated diagnostic methods. The significant features of these patients can provide sufficient guidance to proper diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease.

[Bilateral squamous carcinoma of the external auditory canal--a case report]. / Obustronny rak plaskonablonkowy przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego--opis przypadku.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a very rare and unusual malignancy, representing less than 0.2% of all head and neck cancers. The authors present a case of 78-year-old patient with bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal-cT4N0M0 G2, pT4N2bM0, initially treated as a chronic otitis external. The patient was qualifies for the one-step removal of cancer of the earlobe and the external auditory canal. Because of complications during the operation, the plan of treatment was changed. The patient is under oncological control for 13 months.

Gene Therapy of Thromboangiitis Obliterans with Growth Factor Plasmid (VEGF165) and Autologous Bone Marrow Cells.

BACKGROUND: We performed gene therapy for critical limb ischemia in thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) by the intramuscular administration of plasmids of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF 165) with or without bone marrow-derived stem cells. METHODS: The 21 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: A-with dual therapy, cells and plasmid; B-plasmid only; and C-control group, where patients received intramuscular injections of saline. Serum VEGF levels, the ankle-brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), and the rest pain measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) were determined sequentially before treatment, and then 1 and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: In the treatment groups, serum VEGF levels increased by 4 weeks and returned to baseline values after 3 months. ABI after 12 weeks increased by an average of 0.18 in group A, and 0.09 in group B and group C. TcPO2 increased by an average of 17.3 mmHg in group A, 14.1 mmHg in group B, and 10.7 mmHg in group C. The largest pain decrease was observed in group A and averaged 5.43 less pain intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Gene therapy using the VEGF plasmid along with or without bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells administered intramuscularly into an ischemic limb in TAO is a safe and effective therapy.

Complementary Gene Therapy after Revascularization with the Saphenous Vein in Diabetic Foot Syndrome.

Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is one of the most serious macroangiopathic complications of diabetes. The primary treatment option is revascularization, but complementary therapies are still being sought. The study group consisted of 18 patients diagnosed with ischemic ulcerative and necrotic lesions in DFS. Patients underwent revascularization procedures and, due to unsatisfactory healing of the lesions, were randomly allocated to two groups: a group in which bicistronic VEGF165/HGF plasmid was administered and a control group in which saline placebo was administered. Before gene therapy administration and after 7, 30, 90, and 180 days, color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) was performed, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) were measured, and DFS changes were described and documented photographically. In the gene therapy group, four out of eight patients (50%) healed their DFS lesions before 12 weeks. During this time, the ABI increased by an average of 0.25 and TcPO2 by 30.4 mmHg. In the control group, healing of the lesions by week 12 occurred in six out of nine patients (66.67%), and the ABI increased by an average of 0.14 and TcPO2 by 27.1 mmHg. One major amputation occurred in each group. Gene therapy may be an attractive option for complementary treatment in DFS.

Review on Selected Aggression Causes and the Role of Neurocognitive Science in the Diagnosis.

Aggression as a behavior is not always desirable, often ends in abandonment and/or euthanasia. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unwanted aggression in domestic dogs. Aggression is not a fully understood phenomenon. In recent years, many studies have focused on the influence of diet and physiology (including the endocrine system) on the emergence of behavioral disorders. In particular, the emphasis was put on nutritional additives such as fatty acids, amino acids, and probiotics. In addition, the possibility of using neurocognition in the observation of abnormal behavior in dogs has also been discussed, which may allow for a more detailed determination of the basis of aggressive behavior in dogs. In this review, the concepts related to aggression and its potential causes have been gathered. In addition, the possible influence of diet and hormones on aggression in dogs has been discussed, as well as the application of neurocognition in the possibility of its diagnosis.

Doxycycline in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Therapy.

Acute respiratory syndrome, associated with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the most important medical and epidemic problem of today. The biggest challenge is to find an effective treatment and to reduce the need for hospitalisation. In the article, the patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treated with doxycycline with significant improvement have been discussed. Doxycycline is a known antibiotic, but also an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug, so it seems to be ideal for the treatment of COVID-19. Doxycycline, as an easily available and low-cost medication, should be considered as a COVID-19 therapy in all patients in the first days of the symptoms of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and antiviral effects, it seems to be an ideal drug for patients with mild, moderate and severe disease. A large multicentre study is needed to evaluate the effects of this medication.

Comparison of Perfusion Pressure in Aorta Using High-Pressure Perfusion and Gravity Perfusion During the Kidney Transplant Procedure.

Organ perfusion is an element of organ donation aimed at cooling the organ, washing out morphotic elements, and creating favorable conditions for the storage and transport of organs. Depending on the method used, perfusion is performed under gravity perfusion (GP) or perfusion under high pressure (HPP). This study aimed to measure the pressure of the perfusion fluid in the abdominal aorta during the use of GP and HPP. The study was performed during 35 organ procurements from deceased donors. The direct proportional increase of pressure in the aorta, depending on the applied perfusion method, was observed. GP was on average 37.8 mm Hg; using a pressure of 50 mm Hg in the HPP, an average of 57 mm Hg was obtained, and using a pressure of 200 mm Hg, 99.4 mm Hg was obtained. The study found that during the application of GP, the pressure generated in the abdominal aorta is low, which may lead to inadequate perfusion of organs. HPP is a faster method that leads to a proper perfusion of the procured organs and is also a safe method because, despite the use of high pressure, no damage to the transplanted kidneys was observed.

The assessment of the balance system in cranial artery stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Vertigo and balance disorders are a significant clinical problem, especially in elderly patients. The narrowing of cranial vessels may be asymptomatic or produce neurological symptoms. Very often nonspecific signs of ischemia occur, such as headache, vertigo, or dizziness. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of carotid and vertebral arteries stenosis on the function of the equilibrium organ on the basis of electronystagmography and posturography. MATERIAL: The study was conducted in 63 patients, presenting with carotid and vertebral arteries stenosis. The control group consisted of 32 healthy persons. METHODS: All patients were subjected to precise audiological and otoneurological diagnostic examinations. Prior to being qualified for the study, patients were subjected to the assessment of arteries by means of Doppler ultrasonography. The vestibular organ was assessed by means of physical examination as well as by electronystagmography and posturography testing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed statistically significant reduction in the results of the equilibrium organ assessments in patients with carotid and vertebral arteries sclerosis as compared to the control group. Abnormal ENG records in the study group patients were observed particularly in the pendulum test, optokinetic test, and the assessment of positional nystagmus, possibly indicating disturbances within the central part of the equilibrium system. Disturbed blood flow in arteries had also an important impact on spinovestibular reflexes and resulted in disturbed postural stability control. On the basis of the conducted studies, it is concluded that diagnostic examinations for carotid and vertebral artery stenosis should be performed in patients with equilibrium system disorders.

The evaluation of the sense of hearing in patients with carotid artery stenosis within the extracranial segments.

Stenosis of arteries that supplies blood to the brain is one of the main causes of ischemic stroke which is the third most common cause of deaths in Europe. Atherosclerosis of carotid and vertebral arteries is responsible for 20% of the ischemic stroke cases. Stenosis may be either asymptomatic or manifested with typical neurological symptoms including motor and sensory disturbances as well as disturbances in vision and speech. However, discrete non-specific symptoms of ischemia, including headaches and vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, are also quite common. These symptoms may be indicative of a clinically significant stenosis of carotid and vertebral arteries, particularly within the internal carotid artery region, as well as of a risk of ischemic stroke. To date, research reports were unable to provide exact explanation of correlations between impaired hearing and the stenosis of carotid and vertebral arteries. Despite this, numerous articles list these symptoms as one of the first non-specific symptoms of this disorder. The ischemic mechanism within the inner ear region may lead to early symptoms of atherosclerosis of large vessels. However, no evidence of relationship and no explanation could be provided with this regard. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of carotid and vertebral artery stenosis on the function of the hearing and equilibrium organ on the basis of diagnostic audiological examinations including pure-tone threshold audiometry, impedance audiometry, otoacoustic emission tests and brainstem auditory evoked potential tests. The study was conducted in 63 patients (32 males, 31 females) aged 45-75 years, presenting with carotid and vertebral artery stenosis and treated at the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw. Patients were stratified into two subgroups according to their age (45-60 years, 61-75 years). Patients were also divided into subgroups according to the stenotic arteries and to the symptomatic/asymptomatic status of the disorder. All patients were homogeneous in terms of the degree of artery stenosis. The control group consisted of 32 healthy persons (14 males, 18 females) aged 48-75 years. Patients qualified to the control group reported no history of middle or inner ear disorders, disturbed hearing, vertigo and balance disorders, as well as cardiovascular diseases; they also presented with unremarkable ultrasound scans of the arteries. All patients were subjected to precise audiological examinations. Prior to being qualified for the study, patients were subjected to the assessment of arteries by means of Doppler ultrasonography. The hearing organ function was assessed by means of pure-tone threshold audiometry, impedance audiometry, otoacoustic emission tests and brainstem auditory evoked potential tests. Reduction of the flow through the carotid arteries causes problems in the organ of hearing; abnormalities are reported especially in tone threshold audiometry, examinations of the stapedius muscle reflexes and brainstem auditory evoked potentials, which prove the presence of receptive cochlear-extracochlear hearing damage. Disturbances of the organ of hearing have similar severity in stenosis of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. Abnormalities found in audiologic examinations in patients with carotid artery stenosis are not always explicitly clinically expressed in patients with hearing loss; we should consider diagnostics for carotid artery stenosis.

Ruptured Deep Femoral Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report.

A deep femoral artery (DFA) aneurysm is a very rare pathology of the vascular system. Peripheral arterial aneurysms constitute 4.6% of all aneurysms, of which 0.13% are DFA aneurysms. In the literature, there are still few reports on this vascular system pathology. As a result, its diagnosis and treatment remain a serious clinical problem. This case study is of a 95-year-old patient admitted to our Department with anemia, swelling, and lower left leg pain. Generally, open surgery seems to be the treatment of choice for DFA aneurysms although the possibilities of intravascular therapy require further investigation.

Management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A 10-year experience of a single surgical department.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive system. The primary location of GISTs is mainly the gastrointestinal system. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific and mainly depend on the location and size of the tumor. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conduct a clinical and pathological analysis of 18 cases of GISTs from the medical records of the Department of Surgery at the 4th Military Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records were of women and men at the age of 36-84 years who were treated in the Surgical Clinic. The medical data that was gathered included clinical records, histopathological results and the type of surgical treatment. The study also encompassed the anatomical location and size of the tumor as well as microscopic examination of the tumor. RESULTS: In most cases, GISTs were located in the stomach. The most common symptoms were stomachaches and signs of bleeding into the digestive system. Usually, the tumor presented a diameter of <5 cm and a low grade of malignancy. Out of 18 patients, 16 were treated with laparoscopic resection, whereas in the remaining 2 cases, multiorgan resections were carried out, because the tumor was locally advanced. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to distinguish stromal tumors from other mesenchymal tumors, since GISTs are among the cancers that have a high risk of malignant progression. The conditions for successful treatment are a properly established histopathological diagnosis, accompanied by immunohistochemical tests for CD117, and a combination of antibodies for a differential diagnosis of other mesenchymal tumors.

Carotid artery stenting versus endarterectomy for the treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis: 2 years' experience in a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are the 2 current standard treatments for carotid artery stenosis. There is still no well-defined consensus with regard to their superiority. However, the minimally invasive nature of endovascular treatment makes CAS increasingly popular among vascular surgeons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to compare the safety and efficacy of CEA and CAS in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of patients who were treated for carotid artery stenosis using CAS or CEA between January 2014 and December 2015 was carried out. There were 471 patients (266 CEA and 205 CAS) who were eligible for inclusion. The vast majority of the patients had significant (>70%) stenosis of the internal carotid artery (92.1% of CEA and 87.8% of CAS). The occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery was observed in 9.8% of all cases (2.6% of CEA vs 17.7% of CAS). RESULTS: The occurrence of complications, such as stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and death, did not vary statistically between the groups. There were 9 events of stroke in the CEA group (3.4%) and 8 in the CAS group (3.9%), 3 of which were fatal. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (χ2 = 0.76; p > 0.05). There was no higher risk of mortality in any group (Fisher's exact test; p = 0.08). Symptomatic patients had a higher incidence of stroke than asymptomatic patients across both groups (χ2 = 6.36; p < 0.05; hazard ratio 3.03 (1.26-7.33)). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid endarterectomy is equally effective as CAS in stroke prevention, but is associated with a higher incidence of cranial nerve palsy, access site hematoma and other non-stroke complications. Symptomatic patients had a higher incidence of stroke, regardless of the treatment method.

Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: Single-centre experiences.

BACKGROUND: One of the underestimated causes of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women may be pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) that is defined as the presence of varicose of ovarian and pelvic veins associated with chronic pain in the region of the pelvis. This pain is present longer than 6 months and intensifies with prolonged standing, coitus and menstruation. The disease constitutes a diagnostic as well as therapeutic problem, thus posing a challenge for the clinician. Transcatheter ovarian vein embolization might be a safe and effective option for PCS treatment. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian vein embolization ovarian as a method of the PCS treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2002-2012, 11 embolization procedures were performed in 10 women (age range: 34-43; median age 39) with the diagnosis of PCS. One patient underwent embolization procedure twice. In 1 case the combined therapy of endovascular embolization and surgical phlebectomy of vulvar varices was performed. RESULTS: There were no major intrainterventional complications. In all the patients (100%) a significant improvement in the clinical status was noted. The procedure improved the quality of life in the patients. Three women (30%) had a mild recurrence of the symptoms at mid-term follow-up. Among 8 women who had complained of dyspareunia prior to embolization 6 patients reported complete pain relief, in other 2 cases the pain subsided partially. There was a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. CONCLUSIONS: We consider embolization of insufficient ovarian veins an effective and safe way of treatment in a well-selected group of patients with PCS.

An evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in patients operated for a thyroid nodular goiter.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (TC) comprises 1% of all carcinomas and is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. The disease is more common in women, with its peak morbidity observed in 40-50-year-old patients. The main risk factors include radiation, iodine deficiency, hereditary background, and genetic mutations. Among all diagnosed thyroid nodules, 5%-30% will evolve into cancer. The gold-standard procedure in the preoperative evaluation of a nodular goiter, apart from ultrasonography, is fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The FNA biopsy is favored for its simplicity, safety, and high specificity and sensitivity rates. AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of FNA based on the patients' register. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the Department of Surgery at the 4th Military Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw, 2,133 patients underwent thyroid surgery for thyroid goiter between 1996 and 2015. One hundred and eight cases of TC were diagnosed and of these, 66 patients had a preoperative FNA. RESULTS: Fourteen FNA biopsies (21%) revealed cancer, all of which were confirmed in the postoperative histopathology, although six cases of FNA-diagnosed cancer revealed a different histological type postoperatively. Eighteen FNA biopsies (27%) were suspected of being malignant. A disturbingly high rate of "benign" FNA biopsies (32 cases; 48%) revealed TC after surgery. CONCLUSION: It is of great importance that the quality and quantity of FNA biopsies that are performed have been improved, especially due to the wide adoption of the Bethesda cytological evaluation system. FNA biopsy remains an obligatory and valuable diagnostic tool in thyroid nodules, but it is still insufficient as a standard procedure. A preoperative biopsy should always be related to all the available clinical data in order to provide the best treatment option for each patient individually.

Glomus Tumor of the Stomach - A Case Report and A Literature Review.

The study presented a case of a patient with a glomus tumor of the stomach, a mesenchymal neoplasm manifesting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (Forrest IB). The patient was operated twice. First, he underwent elective laparotomy, during which Billroth I (Rydygier's method) gastric resection was performed. This his was followed by Billroth II resection with Braun's anastomosis. Histopathological examination revealed glomus tumor tissue. Literature data on the glomus tumor of the stomach are presented.

Subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, chest, and abdomen as a symptom of colonic diverticular perforation into the retroperitoneum.

We describe a rare case of a patient with colonic diverticular perforation manifested only by subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, chest, and abdomen, as visualized by a computed tomography (CT) scan. The 76-year-old female patient with a history of internal diseases was urgently admitted to the Clinic of Internal Diseases due to a urinary tract infection. During the hospitalization, further diagnostic procedures were performed due to palpable subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, chest, and abdomen. Computed tomography examination revealed massive intra-abdominal, intramuscular, and subcutaneous emphysema. A decision was made to perform exploratory laparotomy; the procedure exposed an inveterate diverticular perforation of the sigmoid-rectal flexure as well as air-inflated retroperitoneal tissue. The perforated colon was resected, and a stoma was formed. On the 15(th) postoperative day, the patient died due to cardiorespiratory failure. Although subcutaneous emphysema is a common symptom in everyday medical practice, its etiology remains complex. One should consider this clinical presentation of colonic diverticular perforation, especially in elderly patients in whom the perforation signs may be clinically less marked.

A giant pleural poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (PDSS) in a 64-year-old woman.

The article presents the rare case of a 64-year-old woman, who was admitted to our thoracic surgery department with a giant tumor in a right hemithorax measuring 88 mm × 137 mm × 188 mm, revealed by a thoracic CT scan. An anterolateral thoracotomy with a radical tumor resection was performed. The final pathological diagnosis of the poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (PDSS) was made. The adjuvant radiotherapy of 60 Gy in 30 fractions was applied postoperatively. One year after operation patient remains in good health. The literature review on pleural synovial sarcoma has been shortly presented.