Malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva is a rare tumor with incidence of 0.5 cases/year per million population. It may also occur as de novo, as on the basis ofpreexisting melanocytic lesions (nevus or freckle) or most often from the so-called primary acquired melanosis of the conjuctiva (PAM). It metastasizes mainly lymphogenic and hematogenous. The size of the primary tumor lesion, histopathological findings and absolute tumor thickness are essential for unfavorable prognosis. Conjunctival auto transplantation from the other eye is modern and innovative, but also a seldomly feasible method of reconstruction after conjunctival excision of tumors in this area. We present a rare case of a 75-year-old patient with epithelioid cell malignant melanoma of the bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye, which de novo occurred, successfully treated by excision of the primary tumor and subsequent reconstruction by conjunctival auto transplant from the other eye. A very good therapeutic and aesthetic result was achieved.Ocular localization of malignant melanoma (MM) is the second most common form after the cutaneous one (1). Intraocular malignant melanoma originates from the anterior uvea (the iris or ciliary body) or posterior uvea (choroid layer) and it is the most common primary malignant tumor in adults. Cases of conjunctival malignant melanoma are far more rare, with an incidence of approximately 0.5 cases/year per million population (1, 2). Unlike uveal MM, whose frequency showed no significant change over the last three decades, the incidence of conjunctival MM has become more frequent over the past decade (1).MM of the conjunctiva may occur de novo, from apparently normal conjuctiva, or on the basis ofa preexisting melanocytic lesion such us nevus/freckle, or most often, from existing so-called primary acquired melanosis (PAM) (2).
BackgroundMastocytosis is a rare disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. In cutaneous mastocytosis the mast cell infiltration is limited to the skin, but is often associated with systemic symptoms due to the release of mast cell mediators.Case ReportWe report a 6-month-old male infant who had skin lesions of various morphologies (macules, papules, plaques, and nodules) and sizes, persistent blistering and frequent flushing episodes for half a year. Vital signs and physical examinations were unremarkable. No abnormalities in the laboratory tests were found except for a serum tryptase level (STL) of 11.8 ng/ml. The histological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytosis. The patient was first treated with methylprednisolone, oral levocetirizine, and topical fusidic acid/betamethasone cream. Subsequently the treatment was tapered and stopped within 9 weeks. The child’s symptoms improved and were successfully controlled with intermittent courses of ketotifen and topical hydrocortisone over 3 years.ConclusionChildhood cutaneous mastocytosis usually has a favorable prognosis, but in some cases the disease can progress with skin manifestations necessitating a more active systemic and topical treatment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0073-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Background: Invasive mucinous lung adenocarcinomas are rare and account for 2%-10% of all lung adenocarcinoma cases. It is believed that Napsin A exhibits a weaker expression in mucinous adenocarcinomas compared with TTF1, but such correlation is still poorly researched. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of mucinous to nonmucinous adenocarcinomas and compare specifi city and sensitivity of monoclonal Napsin A with TTF1 in mucinous adenocarcinomas and defi ne the frequency of EGFR mutations. Materials and methods: Eighty-four resected lung carcinomas were prospectively evaluated. All biopsies were analysed with p63, TTF1, monoclonal Napsin A, CK7, CK20 and CDX2 and were studied with real-time PCR technology. Results: In resected material we detected 49/84 (58.3%) adenocarcinomas and selected 21 mucinous adenocarcinomas out of 46 non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (45.6%). The most common pattern of mucinous adenocarcinomas is papillary -24% and colloidal -24%, followed by acinar -19.2% and lepidic -19.2%. mNapsin A was positive in 18/21 (85.7%) mucinous adenocarcinomas v/s 17/21 TTF1 positive (80.9%). EGFR mutations were detected in 3/21 cases with mucinous adenocarcinomas (14.3%): mucinous papillary, mucinous acinar and "salivary gland-like". Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a high proportion of primary mucinous lung adenocarcinomas to primary non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. Sensitivity and specifi city of mNapsin A and TTF1 did not show signifi cant diff erence in pulmonary mucinous and non-mucinous adenocarcinomas, as mNapsin A gave greater sensitivity to mucinous adenocarcinomas. Our results indicate the same mutation frequency of EGFR in mucinous adenocarcinomas as mutation frequency detected in non-mucinous adenocarcinomas in the Bulgarian region.
Introduction: Onychomycosis is a frequent nail disorder, accounting for up to 50% of all nail problems. Treatment of onychomycosis is expensive and requires a long time of antifungal medications. Consequently, a proper and faster diagnosis is necessary. Especially for those patients with diabetes mellitus, where onychomycosis is among the most significant predictors of foot ulcer and possible severe complications.
Aim: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time between direct microscopy, culture, histology, and real-time PCR. In addition, to compare the frequency and etiology of onychomycosis in patients with and without DM.
Materials and methods: This study included 102 patients, divided into two groups. One group consisted of patients with diabetes mellitus and the other – without diabetes. Nail samples were collected and examined by direct KOH microscopic examination, culture, histology, and real-time PCR.
Results: From the 102 patients with clinical onychomycosis, positive KOH was found in 38 (37.3%). Culture – 82 out of 102 samples (80.4%) were positive for dermatophytes, yeasts, and/or NDM. Positive histology samples were 32 (41.6%). The PCR was positive in 57 (55.9%) out of the 102. We discovered that there is no significant statistical difference in the etiology of the fungal infections between the two groups.
Conclusions: All mycological investigations have their place in the diagnosis of onychomycosis. Direct microscopy, culture, and histology are useful methods for clinicians to diagnose and follow up the post-treatment period. The advantages of RT-PCR include obtaining results faster and accurately identifying fungi, thus becoming more valued in the diagnosis of OM.
Sporadic spinal extramedullary hemangioblastomas of the conus medullaris are extremely rare. We present the case of a 40-year-old male with symptoms of severe back pain and monoradiculopathy. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intradural extramedullary tumor attached to the conus medullaris. Total tumor removal was achieved via a typical posterior midline approach through laminectomy of L1 and L2 vertebrae, resulting in complete resolution of the preoperative symptoms. The histological examination was consistent with hemangioblastoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth case reported in the literature. We performed a brief literature review outlining the mainstay of diagnosis and therapeutic approach to these challenging lesions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.