Breast Neoplasms: Venizelos J

Tamiolakis D, Venizelos J, Prassopoulos P, Simopoulos S, Bolioti S, Tsiapali M, Papadopoulos N. · Department of Cytology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. · Onkologie. · Pubmed #15007251 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is associated with a number of diseases in which the normal function of the bone marrow is disturbed. While organs with hemopoietic capacity like the liver and spleen are most commonly involved, EMH has also occasionally been found in other organs like the adrenal gland, lymph nodes, breast, thymus, small bowel and central nervous system. However, presentation of a myeloproliferative disorder, such as EMH in these organs is a rare event. CASE REPORT: We report clinical and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) findings in a patient who presented with intrahepatic EMH which mimicked metastatic carcinoma from a colonic primary. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided FNA of the intrahepatic mass revealed megakaryocytes and myelocytes thus establishing the diagnosis of EMH. CONCLUSIONS: EMH is an unusual condition that can mimic other solid masses of the liver. Because radiologic findings are not specific, EMH should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with a myeloproliferative disorder. FNA and subsequent cytopathological interpretation of the aspirates enables avoidance of unnecessary potentially hazardous surgery.

Tamiolakis D, Papadopoulos N, Venizelos J, Lambropoulou M, Romanidis C, Petrakis G, Limberis V, Galazios G, Koutsougeras G, Simopoulos C. · Department of Cytology, Regional Hospital of Chania, Greece. · Onkologie. · Pubmed #16974114 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Imprint cytology may provide a fast and accurate method for intraoperative screening of sentinel lymph nodes, so a decision can be made regarding whether to perform axillary clearance during primary surgery. If the findings are negative, in many cases axillary dissection can be omitted. Patients and METHODS: 128 sentinel nodes from a cohort of 87 patients that had been identified using technetium-99m nanocolloid as a radioactive tracer and Patent blue dye were dissected for rapid Diff-Quick stained touch preparations. Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel node status by imprint cytology was correlated with histopathological results of permanent sections. Tumor-negative nodes in routine paraffin sections were further investigated with the employment of an anti-cytokeratin antibody. RESULTS: 36 of all sentinel nodes harbored metastases in the paraffin sections, of which 32 were identified by imprint cytology (sensitivity 88.8%). 3 sentinel nodes were positive by imprint cytology and negative by histopathology of the paraffin sections. Comparison of the results of the touch preparations with the final histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin and anticytokeratin antibody stains) demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.3% and a negative predictive value of 92.5%. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100% each. CONCLUSIONS: Touch imprint cytology is potentially useful for intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.