Biomedical subjects

Bernard Y P Chang

Publications and source records attributed to Bernard Y P Chang.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Outcome of periocular basal cell carcinoma managed by overnight paraffin section.

BACKGROUND: Surgical excision of periocular skin cancer allows for optimum control in terms of tumour recurrence. Although Mohs' technique gives the best outcome, it is not widely available. Processing paraffin sections is slower but histologically superior to Mohs' frozen sections. We report the results of using a standard paraffin section (non-Mohs') technique to confirm histological clearance. METHOD: A retrospective study between 1/6/95 and 1/6/99 of all consecutive patients who had excision of periocular cancer was performed. All patients had surgical excision of the tumour with a 3-mm margin. Rapid (24-hour) paraffin sections were done and reconstruction performed if histological clearance was confirmed. If tumour was still present, a further 3-mm margin was excised at the appropriate edge(s) before reconstruction took place. RESULTS: This study yielded 93 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of which 86 were of primary origin and 7 were recurrent tumours. The tumour characteristics were as follows: 88% nodular BCCs, 82% had a maximum surface measurement less than or equal to 10 mm, 39.8% were inner canthal and 49.5% were localised to the lower lid. In the 30 (35.4%) cases that required further excision based on the initial histological reports, tumour was seen in only four (11.4%) cases. Overall histological clearance for primary BCCs was achieved in 81/86 (94.2%) cases. There was only one late recurrence at 4 years and 5 months. Among recurrent BCCs, there was one recurrence (12.5%) and this was despite histological clearance having been reported. CONCLUSION: For primary BCCs the recurrence rate in this study was low and comparable to that following Mohs' technique. This approach, using routine pathological facilities, therefore offers a viable technique for managing periocular BCCs.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Beware the empty curette!

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chalazions are a common occurrence in the eyelids due to chronic inflammation in the tarsal plate. Treatment of non-resolving cases may involve incision and curettage. Chalazions that are recurrent should arouse suspicion. We present a case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland, which was misdiagnosed as a chalazion. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 41-year-old Caucasian lady initially presented with a swelling in the outer part of her right upper eyelid. A diagnosis of chalazion was made and two attempts at incision and curettage failed to resolve the lesion. She was then referred to the oculoplastics/adnexal unit. A more detailed examination revealed involvement of the palpebral part of her lacrimal gland. A CT-scan confirmed this and she proceeded to have a lateral orbitotomy to remove the tumour. RESULTS: Histological confirmation of a pleomorphic adenoma of the palpebral portion of the lacrimal gland was obtained. The lacrimal gland had been completely excised. CONCLUSION: Persistent or recurrent meibomian cyst should be treated with suspicion. A careful orbital examination including lid eversion should always be performed to outrule a more sinister pathology.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

PubMed2002

Enophthalmos associated with primary breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The most common source of metastases to the orbit is from breast carcinoma. The orbital presentation can be the presenting sign of the cancer. Proptosis or exophthalmos is the more usual way metastases present, associated with ocular motility problems or diplopia. We present a case of enophthalmos associated with breast carcinoma whereby there is as yet no radiological evidence of an actual orbital metastatic lesion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 51-year-old Caucasian woman with a known history of breast cancer presented with a 10-month history of vertical diplopia, particularly on upgaze. She noted that her left eye was becoming more "sunken" and examination confirmed an 8-mm enophthalmos on that side with restricted vertical eye movements and abduction. RESULTS: A provisional diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer was made. CT and MRI scans were performed. The main feature noted was that of orbital fat atrophy with no evidence of an orbital mass. She has been followed up for a period of 2(1/2) years with 6-monthly scans. There has been no progression of her clinical signs and no orbital lesion found so far. We are continuing to review her. CONCLUSION: Although no actual orbital mass has been found yet, we are treating her case as enophthalmos associated with scirrhosing breast carcinoma; she may, however, have spontaneous orbital fat atrophy, triggered by the cancer.

Breast Neoplasms↗