Primary Ovarian Malignant PEComa: A Case Report.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm characterized by expression of both melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. PEComas are rarely encountered in the female genital tract. We report a case of malignant primary PEComa of the ovary, and discuss the differential diagnosis. This represents the first case of primary typical malignant PEComa of the ovary.

Differential expression of E-cadherin and catenins in ovarian sex cord stromal tumours.

AIMS: Sex cord stromal tumours (SCSTs) of the ovary encompass several histological tumour subtypes that are defined by characteristic histological features. Some can show morphological overlap with other subtypes of SCSTs, as well as with non-SCSTs. The E-cadherin/catenin complex constitutes the adherens junction, which is well developed in epithelial tissue, but the constituent molecules are also expressed in several non-epithelial tumours. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression patterns of E-cadherin and catenins in ovarian SCSTs can be of diagnostic utility. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied the expression of E-cadherin, α-, ß- and γ-catenin in 55 tumours using immunohistochemistry. We found that all tumour subtypes showed nuclear expression of E-cadherin, while only microcystic stromal tumours (MCSTs) displayed a distinct profile, with nuclear localization of all three catenins in almost all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the E-cadherin expression profile in SCSTs can assist in distinguishing between SCSTs and non-SCSTs in which there is no nuclear expression of E-cadherin. The nuclear localization of catenins may be of potential use in distinguishing MCST from other subtypes of SCST.

Rare Skin Adnexal and Melanocytic Tumors Arising in Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratomas: A Report of 3 Cases and Review of the Literature.

Mature teratoma of the ovary is the most common primary ovarian tumor accounting for 15% (10%-20%) of all ovarian neoplasms. Skin and skin adnexal structures are the most common elements identified in mature teratomas. Benign and malignant skin tumors can arise in ovarian teratomas, the most common being epithelial tumors. Melanocytic and adnexal tumors developing in a teratoma are rare and can be easily overlooked. We report 3 cases and review melanocytic and skin adnexal tumors encountered in ovarian teratomas.

Primary Osteosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder Metastatic to Lung.

Extra-skeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a rare neoplasm that represents less than 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Common reported sites of involvement include limbs, retroperitoneum, chest wall and buttocks. ESOS arising primarily in parenchymatous organs are extremely uncommon, with the involvement of the urinary bladder is even rarer. We herein report a case of primary ESOS of the urinary bladder in a 48 year-old male patient.

Metastatic Breast Lobular Carcinoma to Unusual Sites: A Report of Three Cases and Review of Literature.

Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast is the second most common type of invasive breast carcinoma. Invasive lobular carcinoma has an unusual pattern of metastases, which poses a diagnostic challenge for both clinicians and pathologists. We herein present three cases of breast invasive lobular carcinoma presented with metastasis to unusual sites, namely, uterus, colon and stomach. We recommend a higher index of suspicion in any case with breast cancer developing gastrointestinal tract or genital tract symptoms.

Invasive duct carcinoma of the forearm: a rare case of distant, isolated 'carcinoma en cuirasse'.

Cutaneous metastasis (carcinoma en cuirasse) is a condition that results from a tumor spreading via lymphatic or vascular embolization, direct implant during surgery or skin involvement by contiguity. Contralateral distant cutaneous breast cancer has never been reported before and hence, the nature and management of such rare cases remains challenging. We aim to present a case of left-sided 'distant' cutaneous metastatic invasive duct carcinoma affecting the distal upper extremity (contralateral side) two and half years (disease-free) following treatment for right breast cancer (right mastectomy + chemoradiation). A complete metastatic work-up excluded the presence of any underlying disease. Clinical examination revealed a fungating, irregular ulcer that bled easily on touch involving the left forearm. The ulcer was excised totally and the raw area reconstructed using a split thickness graft. The patient had uneventful postoperative course and now remains disease-free for almost 1 year with no evidence of local recurrence.

The role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-8 receptors in platinum response in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

Platinum based drugs are the cornerstone of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, however the development of chemoresistance hinders its success. IL-8 is involved in regulating several pro-survival pathways in cancer. We studied the expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors in platinum sensitive and resistant cell lines. Using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, both platinum sensitive (PEA1, PEO14) and resistant (PEA2, PEO23) show increased expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors. IL-8RA shows nuclear and cytoplasmic expression, whilst IL-8RB is present solely in the cytoplasm. Knockdown of IL-8 increased sensitivity to cisplatin in platinum sensitive and reversed platinum resistance in resistant cell lines, decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and decreased inhibitory phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic Bad. IL-8 receptor antagonist treatment also enhanced platinum sensitivity. Nuclear localisation of IL-8RA was only detected in platinum resistant tumours. Inhibition of IL-8 signalling can enhance response in platinum sensitive and resistant disease. Nuclear IL-8RA may have potential as a biomarker of resistant disease.