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Introduction. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines in 1996, breast lesions are categorized as C1 to C5 on fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Very few studies are available in the English literature analyzing histopathology outcome of C3 (atypical, probably benign) and C4 (suspicious, probably malignant) lesions. Our study aims to correlate FNA cytology of breast lump diagnosed as C3 and C4 lesion with histopathological examination. Methods. During a period of 2 years, 59 cases of C3 and 26 cases of C4 were retrieved from total 1093 cases of breast FNA. All the cases were reviewed by two cytopathologists independently. The final 24 cases of C3 and 16 cases of C4 categories were correlated with histopathological diagnosis. Result. Among C3 category, 37.5% revealed malignant findings, whereas of C4 category, 87.5% were malignant on histopathology. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0017). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive value of C4 category in diagnosing breast malignancy were 60.8%, 88.2%, 87.5%, and 62.5%, respectively. Conclusion. Although FNAC is simple, safe, cost-effective and accurate method for diagnosis of breast masses, one must be aware of its limitations particularly in C3 and C4 categories. Also, since both these categories carry different probabilities of malignancy and thus different management, we therefore, support maintaining C3 and C4 categories.

Hydatid cyst (HC) is a parasitic infection caused by larva form of Echinococcus. It occurs frequently in liver and lungs. Primary HC of neck is extremely rare occurrence and here we report it with unusual presentation. A 35-year-old male presented with slowly growing painless swelling in right side of neck for 6-7 years. The swelling measured 11 × 6 cm and cough impulse elicited on local examination. MRI scan revealed a multiloculated cystic lesion in neck. Fine needle aspiration cytology yielded fluid aspirate and smear showed fragment of laminated membrane, suggestive of HC. The intact cyst was removed surgically and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of HC. Both clinicians and radiologists should consider HC in differential diagnosis of head and neck swelling for proper management.

Background. Few parasitic infestations present as only superficial palpable subcutaneous or intramuscular nodule. The current study highlights the role of FNAC in the diagnosis of superficial palpable parasitic lesions. Methods. This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed the FNAC record of all patients over a period of two years from September 2011 to August 2013. During this period, FNA was performed on 5954 cases which presented as superficial palpable lump at various sites of body. There were 41 cases diagnosed as parasitic lesion or suspicious of parasitic lesion on cytology which were included in the study. Results. In the present study, most of the patients were children and young adults. The lesions were located over trunk in 18 (43.9%) cases, extremities in 12 (29.3%) cases, and head and neck region in 11 (26.8%) cases. Out of 41 cases, 27 (65.8%) cases were confirmed on cytology and/or histopathology as parasitic lesions, including 21 (51.2%) cases of cysticercosis, 5 (12.2%) cases of filariasis, and one (2.4%) case of hydatid cyst. Cytological findings of remaining cases were suggestive of parasitic lesion. Conclusion. Careful assessment of cytological material is helpful to detect parasite or inflammatory response to parasite even in asymptomatic patients.

Gossypol profoundly sensitizes thoracic cancer cells to the cytotoxic effect of Apo2L/TRAIL via activation of the mitochondria-dependent death signaling pathway. This study provides evidence for the profound anticancer activity of this drug combination and should be further evaluated as a novel targeted molecular therapeutic for thoracic cancers.

Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) also referred to as touch me not, live and die, shame plant and humble plant is a prostrate or semi-erect subshrub of tropical America and Australia, also found in India heavily armed with recurved thorns and having sensitive soft grey green leaflets that fold and droop at night or when touched and cooled. These unique bending movements have earned it a status of ‘curiosity plant’. It appears to be a promising herbal candidate to undergo further exploration as evident from its pharmacological profile. It majorly possesses antibacterial, antivenom, antifertility, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and various other pharmacological activities. The herb has been used traditionally for ages, in the treatment of urogenital disorders, piles, dysentery, sinus, and also applied on wounds. This work is an attempt to explore and compile the different pharmacognostic aspects of the action plant M. pudica reported till date.

Clear cell hidradenoma (CCH) is an uncommon skin adnexal tumor arising from eccrine glands. Although several kind of skin adnexal tumors arise in the breast tissue, CCH of the breast is an extremely rare entity. Failure to identify its cytomorphologic features and rarity of this tumor may lead to misdiagnosis on fine needle aspiration cytology. Hereby we report a case of 30-year-old female who presented with painless lump in left breast since 10 months. Fine needle aspiration cytology of lump yielded fluid material. On May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained smears, a possibility of atypical breast lesion was considered and patient was advised a biopsy examination. Final diagnosis of CCH was made on histopathologic examination. Awareness of cytomorphologic features of breast CCH will prevent misdiagnosis as malignant or atypical breast lesions and will allow for correct management of the patients.

R-BNP is a graded, rather than all-or-none outcome. An increasing degree of R-BNP is associated with an earlier return to continence, without compromising oncologic outcomes.