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Expression of KIT (CD117) in neoplasms of the head and neck: an ancillary marker for adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is an indolent salivary gland malignancy that is associated with a poor long-term prognosis. The distinction of adenoid cystic carcinoma from other head and neck neoplasms can occasionally be problematic, particularly in small biopsies. Recent studies suggest that KIT (CD117) might be useful as an ancillary marker for adenoid cystic carcinoma; however, the expression of KIT in other benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms, including those that might mimic adenoid cystic carcinoma, has not been well studied. Here we use two different antibodies against KIT to evaluate its expression in a series of 66 adenoid cystic carcinomas compared with its expression in 98 other neoplasms of the head and neck. Overall, 94% (n = 62) of adenoid cystic carcinomas from various anatomic sites and of various histologic subtypes were positive for at least one of the KIT antibodies, and 77% (n = 50) of adenoid cystic carcinoma cases were positive for both antibodies. This contrasted with only 8% (n = 8) of other head and neck neoplasms that were positive for both KIT antibodies (P <.001). It was of note that certain neoplasms, including pleomorphic adenoma, basal cell adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, that can show histologic overlap with adenoid cystic carcinoma had significantly less KIT immunoreactivity than did adenoid cystic carcinoma (P <.001). In contrast, KIT expression did not reliably distinguish adenoid cystic carcinoma from basal cell adenocarcinoma and basaloid squamous carcinoma (P >.05). The overall sensitivity of the two KIT antibodies for adenoid cystic carcinoma was 82-89%, and the specificity was 87-88%. The findings in this study support the potential use of KIT immunoexpression for distinguishing adenoid cystic carcinoma from many other benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

Endocrine neoplasm scintigraphy: added value of fusing SPECT/CT images compared with traditional side-by-side analysis.

PURPOSE: Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging integrates physiology and anatomy, providing a powerful dual-modality approach. Analogously, fusing independently acquired single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and CT images can overcome interpretive challenges in characterizing and localizing abnormalities by either modality alone, potentially enhancing diagnostic confidence. This study explores the added value of SPECT/CT image fusion compared with traditional "side-by-side" SPECT/CT image review for a variety of endocrine neoplasms. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We identified 11 abnormal endocrine neoplasm SPECT scans in 10 patients with contemporary relevant CT scans. These cases included: 4 I-131 (posttherapy thyroid cancer), 2 I-123 (pretherapy thyroid cancer), 2 In-111 OctreoScan (neuroendocrine neoplasm), one Tc-99m sestamibi (thyroid cancer), one Tc-99m tetrofosmin (parathyroid adenoma), and one I-123 MIBG (adrenergic neoplasm). SPECT and CT images were uploaded onto side-by-side workstations, one with fusion software. Two experienced nuclear radiologists first reviewed "side-by-side" SPECT/CT images followed by fused SPECT/CT images. They scored 2 parameters-anatomic localization and diagnostic confidence-using a 4-point scale (1 "not helpful" to 4 "very helpful"). Score differences > or =1 indicated "added value"; < or =0 indicated "lack of added value." RESULTS: Compared with "side-by-side" SPECT/CT images, fused SPECT/CT images yielded "added value" for anatomic localization and diagnostic confidence in two thirds of cases. Fusion led to altered diagnoses in 4 of 11 examinations. Greater confidence was also achieved in 3 of 4 when the interpretation was changed and in 4 of 7 cases when it was not. CONCLUSIONS: CT correlation can be helpful in interpreting endocrine neoplasm SPECT imaging. SPECT/CT image fusion outperformed "side-by-side" SPECT/CT analysis for neoplasm anatomic localization and diagnostic confidence. Therefore, SPECT/CT fusion should be performed routinely because it potentially influences clinical decision-making and patient management.

Adult↗

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms: observe or operate.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this analysis were to define the incidence, natural history, and predictors of neoplasia in pancreatic cysts to determine which patients can safely be observed and which should undergo an operation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: With advancements in imaging technology, cystic lesions of the pancreas are being detected with increased frequency. Many of these lesions are small and asymptomatic, but they may be associated with pancreatitis or have malignant potential. Therefore, the management of these patients is complex, and knowledge of pancreatic cyst natural history and predictors of neoplasia are important. METHODS: From January 1995 through December 2002, all radiologic, surgical, and pathology records were reviewed for the presence of pancreatic cysts. In determining natural history, only patients with 2 scans more than 1 month apart at our institution were included. Patients with a clinical history and laboratory evidence of pancreatitis and/or pathologic confirmation of a pseudocyst were excluded. Factors analyzed as potential predictors of neoplasia included age, gender, cyst size, and symptoms. Serous cystadenomas, solid and cystic papillary (Hamoudi) tumors, lymphoepithelial cysts and simple cysts were all benign, whereas mucinous cystic neoplasms, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, cystic neuroendocrine tumors, and cystadenocarcinomas were considered to be premalignant or malignant. RESULTS: Among 24,039 CT or MR scans, 290 patients (1.2%) had pancreatic cysts, and 168 of these patients (0.7%) had no documentation of pancreatitis. Seventy-nine of these patients with 103 cysts had more than 1 scan with an average interval of 16 months. These cysts increased in size in 19%, did not change in 59% and decreased in 22% of patients. Forty-nine patients underwent surgery for 14 benign (serous cystadenomas = 10, Hamoudi = 2, lymphoepithelial = 1, simple = 1) 25 premalignant (mucinous cystic neoplasm =16, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm = 5, neuroendocrine tumors = 4), or 10 malignant (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm = 7, cystadenocarcinomas = 3) lesions. Gender and cyst size did not predict neoplasia. However, presence of symptoms predicted premalignant or malignant pathology (60% vs. 23%, P < 0.05), and age over 70 years was associated with malignancy (60% vs. 21%, P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that cystic pancreatic neoplasms 1) occur in 0.7% of patients, 2) increase in 19% over 16 months, and 3) are likely (60%) to be malignant in patients older than 70 years. Therefore, we recommend surgical excision for pancreatic cysts that are increasing under observation, symptomatic, or detected radiologically in fit older patients.

Aged↗

Clinical significance of microsatellite instability in the inflamed mucosa for the prediction of colonic neoplasms in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although molecular mechanisms underlying ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated neoplasms have been studied for years, understanding of these mechanisms remains incomplete and no good predictable marker for development of colonic neoplasms in patients with UC has been established. The aim of this study was to assess if microsatellite instability (MSI) contributes to the development of colonic neoplasms in patients with UC. METHODS: We have examined MSI in chronic inflamed and neoplastic colonic mucosa of UC patients. We have also obtained serial biopsied colonic tissues retrospectively 2-12 years before the final diagnosis from patients with high level MSI (MSI-H+) UC-associated neoplasms, and analyzed MSI using them at different periods. RESULTS: Eight of 12 UC-associated colon cancers (67%), four of six UC-associated high grade dysplasias (67%), and two of six UC-associated low grade dysplasias (33%) revealed MSI-H+ phenotypes. In contrast, 15 of 59 lesions (25%) in inflamed UC mucosa without colonic neoplasm revealed MSI-H +. Interestingly, all four patients with MSI-H+ phenotypes at the final diagnosis of UC-associated colon cancer or dysplasia had already had MSI-H+ at the stage of chronic colitis, 2-12 years before the final diagnosis. CONCLUSION: These results support the notion that MSI contributes to the carcinogenesis of UC-associated neoplasms, and indicate that this analysis in inflamed colonic mucosa at surveillance colonoscopy is useful for identifying UC patients who have high risk for neoplastic progression.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Assessment of rectal aberrant crypt foci by standard chromoscopy and its predictive value for colonic advanced neoplasms.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are thought to be preneoplastic lesions and are assessed by magnifying chromoscopy with methylene blue staining. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of rectal ACF recognized by conventional chromoscopy for colonic advanced neoplasms. METHODS: Total colonoscopy, involving rectal chromoscopy using indigo carmine with standard colonoscopies, was performed on 386 patients. Patients who showed no ACF were classified as Grade 0, and those who had 1-4, 5-9, and 10+ ACF were classified as Grades 1, 2, or 3, respectively. The correlation between ACF grading and the prevalence of colonic advanced neoplasm, any adenoma>or=1 cm in size and/or with villous or tubulovillous morphology, and/or with high-grade dysplasia or invasive cancer, was assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were classified as ACF Grade 0, 119 as Grade 1, 116 as Grade 2, and 88 as Grade 3. Colonic advanced neoplasm was observed in 4 patients (6.3%) for Grade 0, 43 (36.1%) for Grade 1, 61 (52.6%) for Grade 2, and 57 (64.8%) for Grade 3. As the ACF grade increased, the chance of a patient having a colonic advanced neoplasm increased. For multivariate analyses, compared with patients with Grade 0, those with Grades 1, 2, or 3 had a greater risk of colonic advanced neoplasm (odds ratio [OR] 9.18, 95% CI 3.08-27.33, OR 20.44, 95% CI 6.81-61.42, and OR 32.94, 95% CI 10.49-103.41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Chromoscopic assessment of rectal ACF by conventional techniques is useful for predicting colonic advanced neoplasms.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of ferritin in sweat gland and sweat gland neoplasms.

Using a rabbit anti-human liver ferritin antibody, we examined the binding patterns of this reagent in normal skin and observed a unique binding pattern limited to the outermost layer of the eccrine duct. Examination of a variety of sweat gland neoplasms revealed 2 distinct patterns. One was the binding of this antibody to the outermost layer of cells in the epithelial cords of syringoma, producing a characteristic ring when seen in cross-section. This pattern of binding did not occur in other neoplasms known to be related to the eccrine duct such as dermal duct tumor and eccrine poroma. Only sparse sporadic binding occurred in other eccrine and apocrine neoplasms. A second characteristic binding pattern, not related to that noted in syringoma and diffuse in pattern, was seen in acrospiroma and in a number of adnexal carcinomas. Diffuse ferritin expression has been described in malignant neoplasms in tissues other than skin. Diffuse ferritin staining of certain sweat gland neoplasms may be an indication of biologic activity and potential aggressivity of these neoplasms.

Biopsy↗

Second malignant neoplasms after cancer in childhood or adolescence. Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Association of the Nordic Cancer Registries.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative risk of developing a second malignant neoplasm in people with a diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence. DESIGN: Register based follow up study. SETTING: Populations of Nordic countries. SUBJECTS: 30,880 people under the age of 20 with a first malignant neoplasm diagnosed during the period 1943-87. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relative and attributable risks of second malignant neoplasms by type of first cancer, age at first diagnosis, calendar period, sex, and country. Expected figures were based on the appropriate national incidence rates for cancer. RESULTS: 247 cases of second malignant neoplasms were observed in 238 patients, yielding a relative risk for cancer of 3.6 (95% confidence interval 3.1 to 4.1). The risk changed significantly from 2.6 in people first diagnosed during the 1940s and 1950s to 6.9 among cohort members included in the late 1970s and 1980s. Increases were observed for most types of cancer. Highest levels of the relative risk were seen during the 10 years immediately after first malignant diagnosis. The incidence of second malignant neoplasms attributable to the first cancer and associated treatments, however, showed a consistent rise throughout the 45 years of follow up. CONCLUSION: The estimated risks for a second malignant neoplasm were significantly lower than those found in most large hospital based studies but compatible with the results from a similar population based study in the United Kingdom. Extent of risk and cancer pattern were similar among the Nordic countries and are believed to be representative for a large part of the European population.

Adolescent↗

Adrenocortical neoplasms in children: radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Primary neoplasms of the adrenal cortex are rare in children and differ significantly in epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and biologic features from their counterparts in adults. In children, the inclusive term adrenocortical neoplasm is applied because adrenal adenoma and adrenal carcinoma may be difficult to distinguish histopathologically. Pediatric adrenocortical neoplasms typically occur before 5 years of age, affect young girls more commonly than boys, and are associated with hemihypertrophy and Beckwith-Wiedemann and Li-Fraumeni syndromes. Most children with an adrenocortical neoplasm present with signs and symptoms of endocrine abnormality, including virilization and Cushing syndrome. Cross-sectional imaging studies typically demonstrate a large, circumscribed, predominantly solid suprarenal mass with variable heterogeneity due to hemorrhage and necrosis. Calcification is not uncommon. Local invasion and metastases to the lungs, liver, and regional lymph nodes may be present at diagnosis. When friable tumor thrombus extends into the inferior vena cava, it poses a high risk of pulmonary embolization. The finding of increased retroperitoneal fat due to hypercortisolism on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images of children with an adrenal mass favors the diagnosis of adrenocortical neoplasm. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy, with chemotherapy used for patients with metastases or persistent elevated hormone levels following surgery. Patients younger than 5 years with aggressive adrenocortical neoplasms fare better than older children.

Adolescent↗

Primary malignant neoplasms of the liver: detection with helical CT during arterial portography.

PURPOSE: To assess the sensitivity of helical computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP) in the detection of primary malignant neoplasms of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative helical CTAP examinations of 19 patients (13 men, six women, aged 33-78 years) with primary malignant neoplasms of the liver (hepatoma, n = 12; cholangiocarcinoma, n = 4; angiosarcoma, n = 1; biliary cystadenoma, n = 1; hepatoblastoma, n = 1) were retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists. Imaging findings were correlated with intraoperative and pathologic findings. RESULTS: A total of 29 separate malignant neoplastic nodules (mean diameter, 6.6 cm) were identified in the resected specimens (16 patients) or intraoperatively in three patients. The overall sensitivity of helical CTAP was 72%; for neoplasms with a diameter less than 1.0 cm, 25%; for neoplasms 1.1-2.0 cm and 2.1-4.0 cm, 25% and 67%, respectively; and for neoplasms over 4.0 cm, 100%. CONCLUSION: The overall sensitivity of helical CTAP in the preoperative detection of primary malignant hepatic neoplasms is low.

Adult↗

Mucin Hypersecreting Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the pancreas.

Mucin Hypersecreting Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm is a rare neoplasm that arises from ductal epithelial cells. This entity is distinct from the more commonly known Mucinous Cystadenoma or Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma. Despite this distinction, it has been erroneously categorized with these more common cystic neoplasms. Characteristic clinical presentation, radiographic, and endoscopic findings help distinguish this neoplasm from the cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas. Histopathologic identification is not crucial to the preoperative diagnosis. This neoplasm is considered to represent a premalignant condition and, therefore, surgical resection is warranted. Prognosis, following resection, is felt to be curative for the majority of patients. We present two cases of Mucin Hypersecreting Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm and discuss their diagnosis and surgical therapy.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

Risk of malignancy in serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, which are known to have considerable malignant potential, the serous variant is generally thought to be benign. There are, however, several reports of malignancy in serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. AIMS: To assess the risk of malignancy of serous cystic tumors of the pancreas and to investigate specific clinical and histological features. METHODS: Clinical and pathological characteristics of benign and malignant serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas were investigated by a review of the literature and documented by a case of a serous cystadenocarcinoma and immunohistochemical analysis of a series of serous cystadenomas. Reviewing the literature prevalence, age and sex distribution of serous cystic neoplasms were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of cancer among serous cystic neoplasms reported since 1989 was 3%. Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas present at an earlier age (61 years) than serous cystadenocarcinoma (66 years; p = 0.056) and are symptomatic in the majority of patients. Pathological examination of the primary tumor was not able to distinguish cystadenoma from cystadenocarcinoma in 38% of cases. In 25% the diagnosis of cancer was established only after growth of metachronous metastases. In the present case, nuclear atypia, papillary structures, proliferation marker Ki-67 and p53 protein were increased in the primary tumor and/or metachronous metastasis. CONCLUSION: Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas do have malignant potential with a risk of malignancy of 3% and should be surgically treated if the operative risk is acceptable. Routine analysis of genetic and proliferation markers may improve diagnosis of malignancy in these tumors.

Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous↗

Experiences with nonfunctioning neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas.

AIM: We present our experiences in the treatment of nonfunctioning neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas to define the natural history and to suggest proper management. METHOD: From August 1993 to June 2005, the medical records of 19 patients with the diagnosis of nonfunctioning neuroendocrine (islet cell) neoplasms of the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed with respect to patient characteristics, characteristics of neoplasms, surgical procedures, and long-term outcomes in the Yonsei University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. RESULTS: The median age of the patients (10 males and 9 females) was 51 years. Abdominal pain and discomfort (58%) were the most frequent symptoms. Tumors with a median size of 3.5 cm were noted in the head of the pancreas in 9 patients and in the body or in the tail of the pancreas in 10 patients. Thirteen patients (68%) had neoplasms with malignant features. Twelve patients (63%) underwent surgical resection, and curative resection was performed in 10 patients (53%). Unresectable neoplasms (p=0.0055), distant metastases (p=0.0124), and macroinvasion to adjacent organs (p=0.024) had significantly adverse effects on the mean survival. Neither palliative surgery nor adjuvant chemoradiation therapy seemed to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of nonfunctioning neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas is important, and curative resection should be attempted for a good prognosis.

Adult↗

Exocrine pancreatic neoplasms in the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) from a creosote-contaminated site.

A high prevalence of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms occurred in mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, from a creosote-contaminated site in the Elizabeth River, Virginia. A total of 20 neoplasms were found in a group of about 1,300 fish obtained at this site over a 2-yr period. Of 240 fish collected during October 1991, 3.3% had pancreatic neoplasms. Adjusted total lesion prevalence for large adult fish (Size Class III: total length = 75-85 mm; Size Class IV: total length > 85 mm) was 6.7%. Pancreatic neoplasms were not observed in 234 fish collected at this site during May 1991, nor were they found in 420 fish obtained during fall 1991 from 1 uncontaminated and 6 moderately contaminated localities. Lesions involved both mesenteric and intrahepatic exocrine pancreas and ranged from well-differentiated acinar cell adenomas to poorly differentiated acinar cell carcinomas. One fish had an atypical acinar cell focus. All specimens with pancreatic neoplasms also had hepatocellular lesions. This epizootic of exocrine pancreatic neoplasia is the first to be reported in a wild fish population. Based on chemical characterization of the site and limited experimental data on chemically induced pancreatic carcinogenesis in other small fish species, the neoplasms were probably caused by exposure of the mummichog to chemical carcinogens in their environment.

Adenoma↗

Influences of dietary deoxycholic acid on progression of hepatocellular neoplasms and expression of glutathione S-transferases in rats.

Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the influences of dietary deoxycholic acid (DCA) on the rate of progression of chemically induced hepatocellular neoplasms in rats. Male Fischer-344 rats with established persistent hepatocellular nodules generated by the Solt-Farber protocol were exposed to dietary DCA (0.3%) between 6 and 12 mo of age. Growth of nodules and carcinomas in vivo was measured by morphometric quantification of tumor images obtained every 6 wk. The final stages of neoplastic progression were determined by terminal histopathological examination and by expression and functional evaluation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzyme phenotypes. Dietary DCA increased the number of hepatocellular neoplasms per rat, accelerated the rate of growth of persistent nodules, and increased the histological progression of liver tumors. Expression of immunoreactive GST subunits Yf, Ya, and Yb1 was induced in early persistent nodules, a pattern that was maintained throughout the study in both basal diet and DCA-fed groups. However, 5% of early nodules and about 75% of advanced neoplasms were partially or completely deficient in GST Yb2 expression in both groups. DCA did not alter the cytosolic activity for the GST substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) or trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one (tPBO) in tumors or surrounding liver. However, in both groups, CDNB activity was increased in the tumors relative to the surrounding nonneoplastic tissue, whereas activity for tPBO, a substrate more specific for the Yb2 subunit, was reduced in the tumors. All advanced neoplasms were similarly more resistant than surrounding liver to DNA-binding metabolites of aflatoxin B1 or benzo[a]pyrene. These data demonstrate that DCA can increase the progression of established hepatocellular nodules to larger, more advanced neoplasms but does not preferentially select for a specific GST phenotype. Preferential loss of constitutively expressed GST Yb2 in both basal diet and DCA-fed groups may be an important aspect of progression from resistant nodules to advanced cancers in this model. These studies also demonstrate that serial MRI is a useful tool for measuring the rates of enlargement and patterns of growth in established hepatocellular neoplasms.

Animals↗

The surgical spectrum of pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to review our experience with the spectrum of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung with emphasis on the histopathologic classification and surgical therapy of each class of neoplasm. DESIGN: This retrospective review covers the entire spectrum of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung over an 11-year period (January 1985 to December 1995) in a university hospital setting. Only patients who underwent surgical resection were included in this review. PATIENTS: During this period, a total of 77 patients underwent lung resection for the following neuroendocrine neoplasms: typical carcinoid (TC), 50 patients; atypical carcinoid (AC), 5 patients; large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), 9 patients; mixed large-small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LSNEC), 4 patients; or small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCC), 9 patients. There were 37 men (48.1%) and 40 women (51.9%) among the patients, with a mean age of 57.9 years (range, 14 to 87 years). INTERVENTIONS: Primary surgical resection consisted of the following procedures: 52 lobectomies (67.5%); 10 pneumonectomies (13%); 13 limited resections (16.9%); 1 left main bronchus sleeve resection; and 1 carinal resection. Six patients had the following concomitant procedures: pericardiectomy, 2 patients; mediastinoscopy, 1 patient; chest wall resection, 1 patient; stapling blebs, 1 patient; and transdiaphragmatic liver biopsy, 1 patient. Four patients underwent bilobectomies, and two patients underwent multiple wedge resections. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was 2.6% (2 of 77 patients), and both patients died of pulmonary failure. Follow-up was obtained in 62 of 77 patients (80.9%) for an average of 38.1 months (range, 2 to 132 months). There were a total of 13 deaths, and 8 were disease-related (LCNEC, 4 deaths; SCC, 2 deaths; LSNEC, 1 death; and AC tumor, 1 death. The mean disease-free intervals for patients with these neoplasms were the following: TC tumor, 41.3 months; AC tumor, 20 months; LCNEC, 20.4 months; LSNEC, 25 months; and SCC, 48 months. The overall 3-year survival rate was 45.2% (28 of 62 patients). CONCLUSION: This report will emphasize the classification, surgical management, and treatment considerations of pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms. Despite the poor overall prognosis in high-grade neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, surgery remains a viable adjunct in the early stages of this disease.

Adolescent↗

Mutation analysis of Gsalpha, adrenocorticotropin receptor and p53 genes in Japanese patients with adrenocortical neoplasms: including a case of Gsalpha mutation.

While the mechanisms of tumorigenesis for adrenocortical neoplasms remain unknown, several genes, such as Gsalpha, ACTH receptor (MC2-R), p53, and p16 tumor suppressor genes, are considered to be candidates for adrenocortical neoplasms. Mutation analysis studies have documented these genes in adrenocortical neoplasms, but these studies focused on the mutation of only one of these genes. In the present study we examined the mutations of three of these genes (Gsalpha, MC2-R, and p53) in adrenocortical neoplasms in Japanese patients. We amplified these genes using polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced them in 30 functioning adrenocortical neoplasms. As for Gsalpha, we identified a heterogeneous substitution of glutamine to histidine at codon 227 and a gain of an Nru I restriction endonuclease site. The mutation was restricted to adenomatous tissue, and did not occur in the adjacent normal adrenal tissue or leukocytes of the patient. We did not find any mutations in MC2-R and p53. In conclusion, although the contribution of these three genes to adrenocortical tumorigenesis remains to be determined, it is suggested that the mutation of Gsalpha might play a role in functional adrenocortical neoplasms.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

CT of soft-tissue neoplasms.

The computed tomographic scans (CT) of 84 patients with untreated soft-tissue neoplasms were studied, 75 with primary and nine with secondary lesions. Each scan was evaluated using several criteria: homogeneity and density, presence and type of calcification, presence of bony destruction, involvement of multiple muscle groups, definition of adjacent fat, border definition, and vessel or nerve involvement. CT demonstrated the lesion in all 84 patients and showed excellent anatomic detail in 64 of the 75 patients with primary neoplasms. CT did not differentiate vessel or nerve entrapment from neurovascular structures that were simply applied to the pseudocapsule of the tumor. Blurring of adjacent fat was an infrequent finding, but when it was present, the tumor was malignant. The CT findings were characteristic enough to suggest the histology of the neoplasm in only 13 lesions (nine lipomas, three hemangiomas, one neurofibroma). No malignant neoplasm had CT characteristics specific enough to differentiate it from any other malignant tumor. However, malignant neoplasms could be differentiated from benign neoplasms in 88% of the cases.

Adipose Tissue↗

Malignant nerve-sheath neoplasms in neurofibromatosis: distinction from benign tumors by using imaging techniques.

Malignant peripheral nerve-sheath neoplasms frequently complicate neurofibromatosis causing pain, enlarging masses, or neurologic deficits. However, similar findings sometimes also occur with benign nerve neoplasms. Our study was done retrospectively to determine if imaging techniques can differentiate malignant from benign nerve tumors in neurofibromatosis. Eight patients with symptomatic neoplasms (three benign, five malignant) were studied by CT in eight, MR in six, and 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy in seven. Uptake of 67Ga occurred in all five malignant lesions but not in two benign neoplasms studied. On CT or MR, all eight lesions, including three benign neoplasms, showed inhomogeneities. Of five lesions with irregular, infiltrative margins on CT or MR, four were malignant and one was benign. Of three lesions with smooth margins, one was malignant and two were benign. One malignant neoplasm caused irregular bone destruction. Accordingly, CT and MR could not generally distinguish malignant from benign lesions with certainty. However, both CT and MR provided structural delineation to help surgical planning for both types of lesion. 67Ga scintigraphy appears promising as a screening technique to identify lesions with malignant degeneration in patients with neurofibromatosis. Any area of abnormal radiogallium uptake suggests malignancy warranting further evaluation by CT or MR. Biopsy of any questionable lesion is essential.

Adolescent↗