Neoadjuvant radiation therapy for the management of myoepithelial carcinoma of the upper extremity.

Myoepithelial tumors of the soft tissue are a rare tumor displaying myoepithelial elements and lacking obvious ductal differentiation. The rarity of these precludes any evidence-based consensus regarding optimal management. Nevertheless, the current approach to these lesions begins with amputation or complete excision. The efficacy of neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy has not been established. Here, we present the first report to the authors' knowledge of neoadjuvant radiation therapy for the treatment of this rare soft tissue neoplasm and review the management and outcomes of published cases of myoepithelial carcinoma. A patient with a soft tissue myoepithelial carcinoma that declined both amputation and chemotherapy was treated with neoadjuvant radiation therapy and wide surgical excision followed by a brachytherapy boost to the resected tumor bed. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy resulted in an excellent response with extensive treatment-related changes consisting predominantly of fibrosis, hyalinization and hemorrhage and only 10% residual viable myoepithelial carcinoma present in the surgical specimen.

Upper extremity surgery in children with cerebral palsy.

Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy present unique challenges. Any treatment regimen must take into account potential growth, possible sequelae of surgery, and, in some cases, significant behavioral issues. Careful evaluation of motor and sensory function of the extremity and of use patterns is imperative because these findings play a critical role in determining the ultimate success of any intervention. Every patient is addressed independently and treatment individualized. The patient and parents must understand that surgery can address only the function or position of the anatomic area. Surgery will not correct the underlying problem.