Expression of BRCA1 by immunohistochemistry and its association with ER, PR, Her2neu status in infiltrative ductal carcinoma of breast

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which differs in its clinical behaviors and responses to treatment and outcome. The prognosis of breast cancer depends on histopathological parameters and molecular subtypes. Among more than 300 genes, which are involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer tumor suppressor gene such as BRCA1 is known to play a significant role in hereditary cancers. However, its role in sporadic cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma is yet to be established.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the expression of BRCA1 in infiltrative ductal carcinoma and to analyze the association of BRCA1 with histopathological parameters and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (Her2) neu expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a laboratory-based exploratory study in which 56 patients with infiltrative ductal carcinoma who underwent radical mastectomy from October 2019 to July 2021 were included. Patients with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, trucut biopsies, and incomplete patient details were excluded. Immunostaining for BRCA1 was performed. Individual clinicopathological parameters were compared with the BRCA1 mutation. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Among 56 cases of IDC, 18 cases (32.1%) showed BRCA1 mutation. BRCA1 mutation was associated with postmenopausal age, larger tumor size, lower tumor grade, and higher tumor staging. When we analyzed the biomarkers with BRCA1 mutation, it showed a negative association with ER, PR, and Her2 neu and a high Ki67 proliferation index. No family history of breast carcinoma was seen in 34/56 patients where history was available.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed BRCA1 mutation in 32.1% and associated with postmenopausal age group, larger tumor size, and higher staging and negative hormonal status of breast carcinoma.

Prognostic value of pre-treatment routine hematological parameters in breast carcinoma: Advantageous or deleterious?

Introduction: The most common malignancy which endangers the quality of life in females is breast cancer. It is also the major public problem in society and despite advances in treatment strategies, it still leads to high mortality. In all breast cancer patients, the first assessment done before surgery is the complete blood count (CBC). There exists a strong relationship between immune response of the body and clinical staging of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the most reliable hematological markers for the prognosis of breast cancer, and to evaluate the correlation between hematological parameters and disease staging. Methods: This study was a case control study conducted for a period of 3 years from Jan 2016 to December 2018 in the Department of Pathology (R.L. hospital and Research Center attached to Sri Devaraj Urs medical college, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka). The comparison of the hematological parameters was done between the study group (70 cases) and the control group (20 cases). The relation between the hematological parameters and the various stages of breast cancer was analyzed before initiating the treatment. Results: The majority of the breast cancer patients were of stage 2. The hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, lymphocyte count, and were reduced in the study group, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to the controls. Hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, and absolute lymphocyte count were inversely proportional to the stage of breast cancer. The absolute count, ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were directly proportional to the progression of disease. Conclusion: Hemoglobin, RBC count, WBC count (including differential count), NLR, and PLR are the key hematological indicators which predict the severity and mortality risk of breast carcinoma.  

Gluteal region musculoskeletal hydatid cyst: Case report and review of literature

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation of humans and herbivorous animals, caused by Echinococcu granulosus. Dogs and some wild carnivores, like foxes, are definitive hosts, harboring worms in their intestines. Musculoskeletal cysts account for 0.7-3% of total cases of hydatidosis. Primarymuscular hydatidosis without involving the thoracic or abdominal organs is extremely rare. Intramuscular infestation may mimic a soft tissue tumor leading to inappropriate cyst rupture with the attendant risks of anaphylaxis and dissemination to other organs. So preoperative evaluation is critical to avoid lifethreatening complications. We report a case of 34-year-old male patient with a cystic gluteal swelling turning out to be hydatid cyst on surgical exploration. Surgical excision with a pharmacology complementary treatment with antihelementhics is necessary to achieve the complete healing.

Parathyroid cyst: a rare case report

Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions arising in the neck and anterior mediastinum. Fewer than 250 cases have been pub lished in the literature. Parathyroid cysts constitute only 0.6% of all thyroid and parathyroid lesions, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anterior neck masses, particularly in the presence of hypercalcaemia.

Spigelion hernia: fascia lata repair is an alternative option in absence of prolene mesh

Spigelian hernia is rare. Seven cases of Spigelian hernia are presented. These include two recurrent Spigelian hernias. Incisional hernias through Spigelian aponeurosis after Pfannensteil incision are not included. Clinical examination is the mainstay of diagnosis. The true incidence is possibly higher, as a low Spigelian hernia is not recognised and often diagnosed as a direct inguinal hernia. Ultrasound scanning is recommended, as it is non-invasive and easily available and can detect the hernial orifice in the Spigelian fascia at an early stage. Recurrence of Spigelian hernia took place in two cases through the site of prolene stitch of a previous repair. Hernioplasty with tension free fascia lata graft/prolene mesh was carried out in all cases. The cost of fascia lata graft is only a scar in the thigh. In a mean follow-up of 3.1 -year no patient has reported back with recurrence This is the ideal substitute for the patients in developing countries where synthetic meshes are still not freely available.