Synchronous carcinoma and sarcoma in a burn scar: a treatment conundrum

Marjolijn's ulcer is a malignant ulcer in a burn scar. Types of malignancy are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Soft tissue sarcoma case reports indicate only one type of cancer. We present a patient in her 60s with a 10-year-old burn scar developing a biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma on the lateral aspect of the left thigh with metastatic superficial inguinal node. A wide excision and grafting of ulcer with ilioinguinal dissection done on left side. On the 12th postoperative day 2, subcutaneous swellings adjacent to the grafted area developed, on biopsy revealed to be pleomorphic sarcoma. PET CT scan revealed tumour deposits in the muscles of the left lower limb, liver and lung. There are no case reports of synchronous carcinoma and sarcoma in a burn scar. The case is reported for its rarity and the decision-making dilemma.

Nodular cystic fat necrosis: a distinctive rare soft-tissue mass

We report the case of a 34-year-old female who was evaluated for a right lower extremity soft-tissue mass, found to be a large cystic lesion bound by fibrous tissue containing innumerable, freely mobile nodules of fat. Her presentation suggested the diagnosis of nodular cystic fat necrosis (NCFN), a rare entity that likely represents a morphological subset of fat necrosis potentially caused by vascular insufficiency secondary to local trauma. Her lesion was best visualized using MRI, which revealed characteristic imaging features of NCFN including nodular lipid-signal foci that suppress on fat-saturated sequences, intralesional fluid with high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging, and a contrast-enhancing outer capsule with low signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging. Ultrasound imaging offered the advantage of showing mobile hyperechogenic foci within the anechoic cystic structure, and the lesion was otherwise visualized on radiography as a nonspecific soft-tissue radiopacity. She was managed with complete surgical excision with pathologic evaluation demonstrating, similar to the radiologic features, innumerable free-floating, 1-5 mm, smooth, nearly uniform spherical nodules of mature fat with widespread necrosis contained within a thick fibrous pseudocapsule. Follow-up imaging revealed no evidence of remaining or recurrent disease on postoperative follow-up MRI. The differential diagnosis includes lipoma with fat necrosis, lipoma variant, atypical lipomatous tumor, and a Morel-Lavallée lesion. There is overlap in the imaging features between fat necrosis and both benign and malignant adipocytic tumors, occasionally making this distinction based solely on imaging findings challenging. To our knowledge, this is the largest example of NCFN ever reported.

Explainable Model Using Shapley Additive Explanations Approach on Wound Infection after Wide Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection: "Big Data" Analysis Based on Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Hub

Background and Objectives: Soft tissue sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignant mesenchymal tissues. Despite their low prevalence, soft tissue sarcomas present clinical challenges for orthopedic surgeons owing to their aggressive nature, and perioperative wound infections. However, the low prevalence of soft tissue sarcomas has hindered the availability of large-scale studies. This study aimed to analyze wound infections after wide resection in patients with soft tissue sarcomas by employing big data analytics from the Hub of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent wide excision of soft tissue sarcomas between 2010 and 2021 were included. Data were collected from the HIRA database of approximately 50 million individuals' information in the Republic of Korea. The data collected included demographic information, diagnoses, prescribed medications, and surgical procedures. Random forest has been used to analyze the major associated determinants. A total of 10,906 observations with complete data were divided into training and validation sets in an 80:20 ratio (8773 vs. 2193 cases). Random forest permutation importance was employed to identify the major predictors of infection and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values were derived to analyze the directions of associations with predictors. Results: A total of 10,969 patients who underwent wide excision of soft tissue sarcomas were included. Among the study population, 886 (8.08%) patients had post-operative infections requiring surgery. The overall transfusion rate for wide excision was 20.67% (2267 patients). Risk factors among the comorbidities of each patient with wound infection were analyzed and dependence plots of individual features were visualized. The transfusion dependence plot reveals a distinctive pattern, with SHAP values displaying a negative trend for individuals without blood transfusions and a positive trend for those who received blood transfusions, emphasizing the substantial impact of blood transfusions on the likelihood of wound infection. Conclusions: Using the machine learning random forest model and the SHAP values, the perioperative transfusion, male sex, old age, and low SES were important features of wound infection in soft-tissue sarcoma patients.

RAF1-rearranged Spindle Cell Mesenchymal Tumor With Calcification and Heterotopic Ossification: A Case Report and Review of Literature

We report an exceptional case of a spindle cell mesenchymal tumor with S100 and CD34 co-reactivity, which harbored a SLMAP::RAF1 fusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of a spindle cell mesenchymal tumor with S100 and CD34 co-reactivity with this specific fusion. Remarkable is the presence of calcification and heterotopic ossification in the center of our lesion, a feature that, to our knowledge, has not been described yet in RAF1-rearranged spindle cell mesenchymal tumors.

Don't miss it: Extremity-located cyst hydatid may mimic soft tissue tumors

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we present our experience in patients with hydatid cysts located intramuscularly.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 2018 and May 2023, a total of 11 patients (3 males, 8 females; mean age: 29.1±13.6 years; range, 8 to 56 years) with intramuscular hydatid cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, laboratory values, serological test results, location and size of the cyst, radiological imaging findings, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 44.3±17.3 (range, 5 to 60) months. The mean mass size at the time of admission was 5.4±3.3 (range, 2 to 14) cm. Serologic tests were positive in the majority of cases (72.7%). Eosinophilia was negative in 72.7% patients. The rate of isolated muscle involvement was 81.8%. The rate of lower extremity involvement was 72.7%. The most common involvement was leg (36.4%), thigh (18.2%), and shoulder (18.2%). One patient developed compartment syndrome after cyst rupture during neoadjuvant antihelmintic therapy. There was no recurrence in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slowly growing, deeply located, painless soft tissue masses, particularly in endemic areas. Although it is a rare complication, compartment syndrome may develop after spontaneous cyst rupture. Neoadjuvant antihelmintic chemotherapy can reduce complications. The combination of total surgical excision and chemotherapy yields successful results in the treatment of hydatid cysts located in the muscle.

Glomus Tumor Within the Tensor Fascia Lata: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Glomus tumors are rare, benign, soft-tissue lesions, usually occurring in the hand, but they can occur in other regions of the body, such as the thigh. Most of the time, extradigital glomus tumors are difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can persist for a long time. The usual clinical presentations consist of pain, tenderness at the site of the tumor, and hypersensitivity to cold. CASE REPORT We report a case of a GT of the proximal thigh in a 39-year-old man with left thigh pain without palpable mass for several years, without clear diagnosis. He had pain and hyperesthesia exacerbated by running. The patient was diagnosed initially by ultrasound imaging, which revealed a round, solid, hypoechoic, homogeneous mass in the left upper thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast showed a well-defined intramuscular lesion in the tensor fascia lata. A percutaneous biopsy was done through ultrasound guidance, followed by excisional biopsy and immediate pain relief. CONCLUSIONS Glomus tumors of the thigh are a rare neoplasm, especially in the proximal thigh; they are difficult to diagnose and are associated with morbidity. Diagnosis can be made through a systematic approach and simple investigation, such as via ultrasonography. A percutaneous biopsy can help in drawing up a management plan, and malignancy must be considered if the lesion is suspicious. Symptoms can persist in case of incomplete resection or unrecognized synchronous satellite lesions; thus, symptomatic neuroma should be considered.

[Surgical treatment of cervical neurovascular bundle tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the main principles of a patient-oriented individual approach to diagnosis and surgical treatment of cervical neurovascular bundle tumors considering the capabilities of neurosurgical hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 92 patients with cervical soft tissue tumors affecting neurovascular bundle. Age of patients ranged from 9 to 81 years (mean 47). There were 65.1% women and 34.9% men. We found chemodectoma (47.4%), neurofibroma (15.8%), neurinoma (13.2%), papillary thyroid cancer (5.3%), salivary gland heterotopia (5.3%), salivary gland adenocarcinoma (5.3%), Hodgkin lymphoma (2.6%), hemangioendothelioma (2.6%) and cavernous lymphangioma (2.6%). Diagnostic algorithm included neurological examinations, Doppler ultrasound of supra-aortic arteries, transcranial ultrasound of cerebral vessels, MRI of cervical soft tissues, CT-AG, MR-AG, CT-perfusion, direct selective angiography.

RESULTS

A total of 94 surgical interventions were performed. All surgeries were performed using surgical optics and neurophysiological monitoring of cranial nerves IX, X, XII. We chose resection technique depending on localization, histological features and blood supply of tumor. En-bloc resection was performed in 46 cases, removal of fragments - in 23 cases, intracapsular resection of tumor followed by resection of the capsule - in 26 cases. Total and subtotal resection was performed in 68 (72%) and 23 (24%) cases, respectively. Three (4%) patients underwent partial resection of infiltrative tumors for carotid artery decompression and histological analysis. In 76% of cases, baseline symptoms of disease regressed after surgery. Persistent moderate bulbar disorders were observed in 16 patients (17%). Ischemic complications with additional surgical interventions were observed in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cervical soft tissue tumors require individual approach regarding choosing the optimal surgical treatment including possible preoperative embolization of tumor, en-bloc or intracapsular resection and carotid artery repair.

Pain management of newly diagnosed sarcoma patients at a single center

BACKGROUND

Systematic pain management of children is insufficient in China, and there is no literature on pain in children with sarcoma.

METHODS

Clinical data of 188 patients with newly diagnosed sarcoma admitted to the Medical Oncology Department of Beijing Children's Hospital was collected from October 2018 to December 2020. Children experiencing pain received analgesic treatment and regular assessment.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (19.7%) suffered from pain. Six cases (16.2%) had mild pain, 17 (46.0%) moderate, and 14 (37.8%) severe. Daily lives of 31 patients were affected by pain. Twenty-six cases had bone invasion. The analgesic rate was 54.1% before admission and 89.2% after admission. Nine cases were treated with oral morphine regularly, and their pain was relieved before chemotherapy; the dose of morphine was 0.14 ± 0.034 mg/kgQ4H when the target was reached. No serious adverse reactions were observed. The period of morphine application after chemotherapy was 5 to 9 days, and there was no withdrawal reaction.

CONCLUSION

Pain in children with newly diagnosed sarcoma was mainly moderate to severe, and the incidence of pain in sarcoma with bone invasion was higher, with greater intensity. Patients who received standardized pain assessment and regular analgesics reached pain relief quickly, and no serious adverse reactions were observed within the recommended dosage.

Subsequent malignant neoplasms in the pediatric age in retinoblastoma survivors in Argentina

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma survivors in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to high-intensity treatments that potentially place them at higher risk of early subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs).

METHODS

We followed 714 (403 [56.4%] nonhereditary and 311 [43.5%] hereditary) retinoblastoma survivors diagnosed from August 1987 to December 2016, up to the age of 16 years. We quantified risk of SMNs with cumulative incidence (CI) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) analysis. Multivariate regression Cox model was used to determine the association of treatments and risk of SMNs.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was of 9 years (range: 0.18-16.9) and 24 survivors (3.36%) developed 25 SMNs (n = 22 hereditary, n = 2 nonhereditary). SMNs included sarcomas (osteosarcomas, Ewing sarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas; n = 12), leukemias (n = 5), and central nervous system tumors (CNS; n = 3). All cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and most of Ewing sarcomas occurred within 5 years of retinoblastoma diagnosis. The type of SMN was the main indicator of mortality (five of five patients with leukemias, six of 12 with sarcomas, and zero of three with CNS tumors died). Compared to the general population, radiation increased the risk of Ewing sarcoma in hereditary survivors by 700-fold (95% CI = 252-2422.6) and chemotherapy increased the risk of AML by 140-fold (95% CI = 45.3-436). The CI of SMNs for hereditary survivors was 13.7% (95% CI = 8.4-22.1) at 15 years.

CONCLUSION

Retinoblastoma survivors from Argentina are at higher risk of developing SMNs early in life compared to the general Argentinean population, especially those treated with radiation plus chemotherapy. AML and Ewing sarcoma presented within 5 years of retinoblastoma diagnosis are associated with chemotherapy and radiation exposure.

The transformation of isolated gastric myeloid sarcoma into acute myeloid leukemia presenting with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG gene fusion: A case report

RATIONALE

Isolated myeloid sarcoma (MS) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of myeloblasts of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), without any blood or bone marrow involvement. This disease can manifest with extramedullary organ involvement, such as the skin, lymph nodes, bone, brain, breast cervix, and visceral organs, while the occurrence of myeloid sarcomas in the stomach is rare. Isolated MS has been associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the rapid progression of MS to acute myeloid leukemia with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG fusion gene is even rarer.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 33-year-old woman suffered from persistent epigastric pain accompanied by two months of anorexia and nausea, as well as 1-week of melena.

DIAGNOSIS

This patient was initially diagnosed with gastric MS that eventually transformed into AML with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG fusion gene, 4 months later.

INTERVENTIONS

Only palliative care, including nutrition support, antacids, blood transfusion, anti-infection methods were used on this patient to determine the cachexia status and the family's requirement.

OUTCOMES

Routine follow-up results demonstrated this patient had died due to cerebral hemorrhage five months after the diagnosis of MS.

LESSONS

Comprehensive integration of patient history, imaging features, mass and bone marrow biopsy, and molecular cytogenetic may provide insights that could help us avoid the misdiagnosis of gastric MS. Isolated gastric MS can rapidly progress to AML with a poor prognosis if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment.

Is early change in systemic inflammatory markers associated with treatment response in patients who received pazopanib?

PURPOSE

To demonstrate whether early changes in systemic inflammatory markers are related with pazopanib treatment response in soft tissue sarcoma and renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma (mRCC) (n=22) and advanced stage soft tissue sarcoma (STS) (n=19) were assessed. Systemic inflammatory markers such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, c-reactive protein (CRP), mean platelet volume (MPV), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at both baseline and 1-month of pazopanib treatment were obtained and their relation with the first radiological response about 3-months later after pazopanib treatment was evaluated.

RESULTS

Disease control rate (DCR) at the first initial radiological evaluation was 58.5 % for all, it was 77.3% for the RCC group and 36.8% in the STS group. Serum neutrophil, NLR and CRP levels were significantly decreased from baseline in RCC patients who had DCR with pazopanib treatment. Also, serum CRP levels after pazopanib treatment was significantly lower in RCC patients who had DCR (+) rather than those who progressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Early decline in serum CRP, neutrophil and NLR levels in RCC patients who received pazopanib at the first month was significantly associated with disease control, assuming a predictive role for the first radiological assessment. However, there was no significant association between change in serum inflammatory marker levels and disease control in STS patients.

Persistent phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor causing tumor-induced osteomalacia treated with image-guided ablation

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) can present with vague symptoms of diffuse bone pain with pathologic fractures that often lead to a delayed diagnosis. We present a 60-year-old patient with a PMT that was persistently hypophosphatemic after resection, who was then successfully treated with cryoablation of the tumor. Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare cause of hypophosphatemia characterized by vague symptoms of gradual muscle weakness and diffuse bone pain with pathologic fractures that often lead to a delayed diagnosis. This condition is usually caused by benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). Here, we present a case of persistent PMT after surgical resection treated with image-guided ablation. We present the patient's clinical examinations and laboratory findings (phosphorus, 1,25 (OH)₂D, FGF-23, Intact PTH). Representative histologic images of a PMT are also presented. A 61-year-old male was evaluated for persistent hypophosphatemia and presumed osteomalacia. Six years earlier, he underwent surgical excision of a left ischial mass after presenting with TIO. The pathology was consistent with a PMT; however, hypophosphatemia persisted suggesting incomplete resection. He was treated with calcitriol and phosphate salts. A PET Ga68 dotatate scan of the patient revealed an avid left ischial mixed lytic and sclerotic lesions with marked amount of radiotracer uptake, suggesting persistent tumor. The patient was resistant to re-excision of the tumor due to the extended recovery period from his prior surgery and was treated instead with cryoablation of the tumor. His biochemical findings of hypophosphatemia and elevated FGF23 resolved after the ablation and have remained normal for 5 months after surgery. In patients with TIO, wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice. When this is not possible, image-guided ablation is an alternative therapeutic option.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma around posterior tibialis tendon in an elderly patient with flatfoot: A case report

RATIONALE

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) is a rare benign fibroblastic tumor that is commonly in the hand or foot of children or adolescents.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 74-year-old female presented with a progressive pain on the medial foot for 3 years ago. The pain aggravated while walking or in a standing position for more than 20 minutes. She also complained of skin contact along the medial aspect of the foot while trying to wear a shoe.

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination revealed a firm, immobile, nontender mass accompanied with flexible flatfoot. On the single heel raise test, loss of the balance and intensification of the pain were observed. Faintly calcified soft tissue mass is shown in plain radiographs without bone involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subcutaneous mass with ill-defined circumscribed subcutaneous mass adherent to the thickened PTT.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent a complete excisional biopsy, followed by medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy.

OUTCOMES

The excised mass was diagnosed to be CAF on the histologic examination. At the 1-year follow-up, patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence and all the radiographic parameters demonstrating flat foot improved.

LESSONS

This is the first case of CAF located at PTT presenting with both foot pain and functional disability. In this case, complete excision of the causative structure along with alignment correction can contribute to successful postoperative outcome.

Impact of sarcopenia in advanced and metastatic soft tissue sarcoma

Introduction

Advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (a/mSTS) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Patient counseling on treatment aggressiveness is pivotal to avoid over- or undertreatment. Recently, evaluation of body composition markers like the skeletal muscle index (SMI) became focus of interest in a variety of cancers. This study focuses on the prognostic impact of SMI in a/mSTS, retrospectively.

Methods

181 a/mSTS patients were identified, 89 were eligible due to prespecified criteria for SMI assessment. Baseline CT-Scans were analyzed using an institutional software solution. Sarcopenia defining cut-off values for the SMI were established by optimal fitting method. Primary end point was overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), overall response rate (ORR). Descriptive statistics as well as Kaplan Meier- and Cox regression analyses were administered.

Results

28/89 a/mSTS patients showed sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients were significantly older, generally tended to receive less multimodal therapies (62 vs. 57 years, P = 0.025; respectively median 2.5 vs. 4, P = 0.132) and showed a significantly lower median OS (4 months [95%CI 1.9–6.0] vs. 16 months [95%CI 8.8–23.2], Log-rank P = 0.002). Sarcopenia was identified as independent prognostic parameter of impaired OS (HR 2.40 [95%-CI 1.4–4.0], P < 0.001). Moreover, DCR of first palliative medical treatment was superior in non-sarcopenic patients (49.2% vs. 25%, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

This study identifies sarcopenia as a prognostic parameter in a/mSTS. Further on, the data suggest that sarcopenia shows a trend of being associated with first line therapy response. SMI is a promising prognostic parameter, which needs further validation.

An unusual case of chest wall glomus tumor presenting with axillary pain: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Glomus tumor is an uncommon soft tissue tumor. However, as the tumor causes significant disability, its early diagnosis is essential. It involves subungual areas of fingers and toes in most cases, and its extra-digital involvement is rarely seen. To the best of the authors' knowledge, only a few chest wall involvement cases have been reported in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this paper, we describe a 63-year-old patient with a chest wall glomus tumor presenting with axillary paroxysmal pain and limitation in his shoulder range of motion that had been missed for nearly 15 years. His symptoms were relieved immediately following surgical excision.

CONCLUSION

Glomus tumors may involve any part of the human body. It is curable with surgical excision in most cases. Therefore, a correct early diagnosis has paramount importance. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis, especially when the tumor involves uncommon anatomic areas.

Evaluation of Absolute Lymphocyte Count at Diagnosis and Mortality Among Patients With Localized Bone or Soft Tissue Sarcoma

IMPORTANCE

Host-related immune factors have been implicated in the development and progression of diverse malignant neoplasms. Identifying associations between immunologic laboratory parameters and overall survival may inform novel prognostic biomarkers and mechanisms of antitumor immunity in localized bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether lymphopenia at diagnosis is associated with overall survival among patients with localized bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients from the Stanford Cancer Institute with localized bone and soft tissue sarcoma between September 1, 1998, and November 1, 2018. Patients were included if laboratory values were available within 60 days of diagnosis and, if applicable, prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed from January 1, 2019, to November 1, 2020.

EXPOSURES

Absolute lymphocyte count within 60 days of diagnosis and antimicrobial exposure, defined by the number of antimicrobial agent prescriptions and the cumulative duration of antimicrobial administration within 60 days of diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The association between minimum absolute lymphocyte count at diagnosis and 5-year overall survival probability was characterized with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to evaluate whether patients with lymphopenia were at greater risk of increased antimicrobial exposure.

RESULTS

Among 634 patients, the median age at diagnosis was 53.7 years (interquartile range, 37.5-66.8 years), and 290 patients (45.7%) were women, with a 5-year survival probability of 67.9%. There was a significant inverse association between lymphopenia at diagnosis and overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.82; 95% CI, 1.39-1.40), resulting in a 13.5% 5-year survival probability difference compared with patients who did not have lymphopenia at diagnosis (60.2% vs 73.7% for those who never had lymphopenia). In addition, poorer survival was observed with higher-grade lymphopenia (grades 3 and 4: HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.68-3.55; grades 1 and 2: HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.18-2.18). In an exploratory analysis, patients with increased antibiotic exposure were more likely to have lymphopenia (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.26-3.07 for total number of antimicrobial agents; odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.57 for antimicrobial duration) than antimicrobial-naive patients.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study suggests that an abnormally low absolute lymphocyte count at diagnosis is associated with higher mortality among patients with localized bone and soft tissue sarcoma; therefore, lymphopenia may serve as a reliable prognostic biomarker. Potential mechanisms associated with host immunity and overall survival include a suppressed antitumor response and increased infectious complications, which merit future investigation.

Proliferative fasciitis: A rare cause of disturbances in an adolescent hand

We report a case of hand soft tissue tumor-proliferative fasciitis (PF)-in a 12-year-old patient that presented as a painful lump causing trigger finger. After meticulous diagnostic workup, a surgical excision led to immediate amelioration of symptoms. PF is a rare benign pseudosarcomatous lesion arising typically in the subcutaneous tissue and fascia in adults. It is very uncommon in the hand. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a trigger finger being caused due to this pathology. In this report, the authors review PF lesions on hands, advice careful evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging features, and recommend surgical management.

A case report of paravertebral low-grade malignant fibrous myxoid sarcoma

RATIONALE

Low-grade malignant fibrous myxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a malignant tumor that originates from soft tissues and has specific clinical and histopathological characteristics. Paravertebral LGFMS is rarely reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 60-year-old woman had pain in the lower back and right anterior thigh for more than 3 years.

DIAGNOSIS

Paravertebral LGFMS.

INTERVENTIONS

Tumor resection, vertebral canal decompression and pedicle screw fixation.

OUTCOMES

The tumor was excised, and the vertebral arch was fixed with pedicle screws at the root. Chemoradiotherapy was not performed. Her postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased from 7 points at admission to 2 points at follow-up. The patient was discharged at postoperative day 13, and no recurrence was observed at the 6-month follow-up.

LESSONS

Although LGFMS is rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosis of other soft tissue tumors to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Severe Leukemoid Reaction in a Case of Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Report

CASE

A 62-year-old woman presented with severe leukocytosis and systemic symptoms including fatigue, low appetite, and weight loss. After 4 months of evaluation by doctors with extensive laboratory tests and imaging studies, a soft tissue sarcoma in the left posterior distal thigh was revealed. Quickly after surgical excision of the soft tissue sarcoma, the leukocytosis and systemic symptoms were dramatically resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Leukemoid reaction can present as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Awareness of soft tissue sarcoma as a possible cause of leukemoid reaction may help improve the early diagnosis and subsequent early intervention in future cases.

Successful treatment of tumor-induced osteomalacia causing by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the foot

Tumor-induced osteomalacia causing by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the foot is exceedingly rare, thus may bring great challenges to the timely and proper diagnosis and treatment of clinicians. The only definitive management is removal of the phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor completely. The objective of this article is to report 2 unusual cases with tumor-induced osteomalacia causing by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the foot.We describe 2 patients with phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor involving the foot who were successfully treated with tumor resection. On presentation to our institution, the patients both had signs of severe osteomalacia, and the patients' most outstanding complaints were diffuse bone pain, general weakness, and disabled walking. A 53-year-old female underwent surgical excision of pathogenic tumor on the sole of left foot. A 62-year-old female underwent complete excision of pathogenic tumor of right plantar. The patients showed appropriate destruction of the tumor, adequate pain relief, and the elevated blood phosphorus levels compared with the previous status.Surgical resection is the most effective treatment option for patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia who can undergo appropriate surgical treatment. This represents a safe and reasonable approach to sustainably relieve pain and other symptoms with tumor-induced osteomalacia in the foot.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Soft Tissues in a Patient with Nevoid Basal-Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

A 57-year-old man was admitted with complaints of progressive anorexia, weight loss and right flank pain. He had been treated for basal-cell carcinoma of the skin 19 years before. On physical examination, eight moles in the face, back and left thigh were found along with palmar pits. In addition, a painful induration in his right thigh was evident. Biopsy proved that six moles were basal-cell carcinomas and the thigh mass a high-grade leiomyosarcoma. Computed tomographs revealed multiple metastases in the lungs and the liver. The patient was treated with epirubicin, with partial response, and subsequently with ifosfamide. He died 17 months after diagnosis. Whereas the world literature records several cases of soft tissue tumors in patients with nevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome, this is the first report of a simultaneous occurrence of leiomyosarcoma and nevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome.

Soft Tissues Sarcoma with Acute Paraneoplastic Hepatic Dysfunction: Case Report

A case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissues of the right scapula associated with transitory hepatic dysfunction in the absence of liver metastases is reported. After primary radiation therapy, the patient manifested fever, anemia, thrombocytosis and hepatic dysfunction. All the abnormalities disappeared immediately after complete removal of the tumor. The patient was well, with no evidence of distant metastases, at more than 12 months later. It is concluded that the abnormalities of laboratory data were indirectly induced by the tumor, although the exact mechanism of this paraneoplastic syndrome was not clarified.

Hemothorax in Congenital Neuroblastoma

The authors report a case of massive left hemothorax in a 15-day-old baby girl, caused by the rupture of a thoracic neuroblastoma.

Parosteal lipoma as a rare cause of peripheral neuropathy and local irritation: A report of 12 cases

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and functional results of patients with parosteal lipomas.

Methods

A total of 12 patients (8 females and 4 males; mean age: 45 (10–62) years) with parosteal lipomas who were treated between April 1986 and April 2014, were included into the study. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to analyze the clinical features and functional results of the patients.

Results

Of the 12 lipomas, 5 were localized in the proximal arm, 4 in the forearm, 1 in the distal arm, 1 in the distal thigh and 1 in the distal tibia. All patients presented with a progressive, slow-growing mass that was associated with thumb extension weakness in 1 case, and brachialgia-like symptoms in 1 case. Plain radiographs showed a juxtacortical mass in all cases and irregular ossification in 3 cases. In all cases, marginal excision was performed and no clinical recurrence was observed after a mean follow-up of 16 months.

Conclusion

Parosteal lipomas are uncommon tumors that can be diagnosed with their characteristic radiological features. Parosteal lipomas occurring in the proximal radius may easily cause paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve or muscle weakness.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, Therapeutic study

Granulated sugar for adjuvant treatment of surgical wound infection due to multi-drug-resistant pathogens in a child with sarcoma: a case report and literature review

The use of sugar for treating wounds which are difficult to heal and positive to resistant pathogens has already been documented. The authors describe the successful treatment by direct instillation of granular sugar in the antibiotic-resistant infected surgical site wound of a child with sarcoma. Sugar instillation in the extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacter cloacae positive wound, in addition to systemic treatment with meropenem and levofloxacin, allowed culture negativization in six days and complete wound healing in 30 days. These results make the use of sugar an attractive option for wounds which are difficult to treat, even in an immunocompromised child.

Masson's tumor and calcifying aponeurotic fibroma: two rare softtissue lesions in the same finger. High-resolution ultrasound features with histopathological correlations

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Infiltrative tumor growth patterns on magnetic resonance imaging associated with systemic inflammation and oncological outcome in patients with high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the tumor infiltrative growth pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was associated with blood inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein; CRP and Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio; NLR) and survival in patients with high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma (STS).

Methods

The cohort for this retrospective study included 81 patients with a mean age of 63 years. The tumor depth was superficial or deep in 15 and 66 patients, respectively. The mean CRP and NLR were 1.31 mg/dL and 2.81, respectively. The assessment of a peripheral growth pattern which divided into three patterns on MRI was based on the largest midsection of the tumor.

Results

On MRI scans, diffuse-type, focal-type, and pushing-type growth patterns were observed in 18, 33, and 30 patients, respectively. Superficial high-grade STS were prone to show a focal-type pattern on MRI. There were no correlations between growth pattern type and clinicopathological factors such as age, sex, tumor size, and histological grade. However, the incidence of infiltrative growth was significantly higher in patients with elevated CRP (p = 0.0002). In multivariate analysis, growth pattern and CRP were independent prognostic factors for disease-specific survival, metastasis-free survival. Growth pattern was also related to local tumor control.

Conclusions

There were significant associations between the tumor growth pattern and CRP levels in patients with high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma. An infiltrative growth pattern and elevated CRP may be associated with inferior disease-specific and metastasis-free survival rates in these patients. Therefore, careful post-treatment follow-up should be conducted in such patients.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia: experience from a South American academic center

The majority of tumor-induced osteomalacia cases have been reported in the Northern Hemisphere and Asia. In this first series of South American patients, we show that the clinical presentation and sensitivity of plasmatic fibroblast growth factor 23 and somatostatin analog-based imaging are similar to those described in other populations.

INTRODUCTION

Describe the experience of clinical presentation, diagnostic study, and treatment of patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) in a South American academic center in comparison to literature.

METHODS

Analysis of the records of patients diagnosed with TIO. The clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and treatment were analyzed. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Six patients were diagnosed with TIO during the studied period. The patients' median age was 53 years (range 22-64). All patients presented with weakness and pain in the extremities. Four experienced fractures during their evolution. The median time to diagnosis was 4.5 years (1-20). Biochemical studies showed hypophosphatemia, median of 1.4 mg/dL (1.2-1.6), with low maximum rates of tubular reabsorption of phosphate adjusted for glomerular filtration rate. FGF23 was elevated in 4/6 patients and inappropriately normal in the other two. In three patients, the location of the tumor was clinically evident and confirmed with anatomical imaging. In the remaining patients, two tumors were located with ⁶⁸Ga DOTATATE-PET/CT and one with OctreoScan. The causal tumors were located in the lower extremities in five patients and invading the frontal sinus in one patient. In all patients, tumors were successfully removed. Within 14 days, there was normalization of phosphate and FGF23 levels and resolution of clinical symptoms in all patients. In all cases, the histopathology was compatible with a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation, delay time to diagnosis, FGF23 diagnostic sensitivity and histopathology in this first series of South American patients is similar to those described in other populations. The success of localization by somatostatin analog-based imaging, suggests this may the optimal imaging modality.

Case Report: Metastatic Infratemporal Soft Tissue Myeloma Presenting as a Numb Lower Lip

This is a case of a patient presenting to his general dental practitioner (GDP) with altered sensation in his lower lip with no obvious cause. Due to a prompt referral, the patient was investigated and diagnosed with an extramedullary presentation of multiple myeloma. A numb lip can present in general dental practice, although this is not common. There are several causes, for example, dental infection or fractured mandible. Clinical relevance: It is very important for the dental practitioner to recognize when there could be a potential sinister underlying cause and prompt referral, under the two week rule referral system, is indicated

Elastofibroma dorsi: a forgotten cause of chest pain

OBJECTIVES

Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon benign tumor, typically located in the subscapularis region. Our goal is to describe the main features of elastofibroma dorsi to increase awareness of its existence and proper management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with bilateral Elastofibroma dorsi and made a brief review of the epidemiological, clinical and radiodiagnostic features of this entity.

RESULTS

Imaging features can confidently diagnose this lesion, especially MRI, in addition to physical examination, with no need for biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

This entity should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with chest pain in order to avoid unnecessary medical, radiological or surgical procedures and provide proper management of such lesions.

Ossifying Fibromyxoid Tumor May Express CD56 and CD99: A Case Report

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is an uncommon soft tissue neoplasm characterized by a combination of myxoid and/or fibrous stroma with areas of ossification. Although most authors postulate a neuroectodermal origin for this peculiar tumor, there is no agreement in the literature regarding its histogenesis. In this article, we present the immunohistochemical findings of a case of a 39-year-old white male with an OFMT of the soft tissue in the mandibular region. The tumor was positive to S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD99, CD56 and negative to smooth muscle actin, cytokeratins AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigen, and CD68. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported to be positive to CD56 and CD99. Immunoreactivity to these two antibodies, together with reactivity for S-100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, suggests that OFMT is of a neuroectodermal origin. In our opinion, in the absence of reactivity to at least one neuroectodermal marker one should seriously question a diagnosis of OFMT.

Synovial haemangioma of the knee joint: an unusual cause of knee pain in a 14-month old girl

We report a histologically proven case of synovial haemangioma of the knee in a 14-month old girl who presented to the emergency department with an acute 1-day history of refusing to weight-bear on the right leg and a preceding 3-week history of a right knee lump. Physical examination revealed a non-tender, soft lump over the lateral infrapatellar region. Radiographs revealed a poorly defined soft tissue density over the infrapatellar fat pad and a suprapatellar joint effusion. Ultrasound was used to confirm the presence of a vascular soft tissue mass compatible with a synovial haemangioma within the infrapatellar fat pad which showed both intra-articular and extra-articular extension. There was good correlation of the ultrasound findings with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting the potential clinical utility of ultrasound as an alternative imaging modality in establishing the pre-operative diagnosis and extent of a synovial haemangioma about the knee joint.

Delayed diagnosed intermuscular lipoma causing a posterior interosseous nerve palsy in a patient with cervical spondylosis: the "priceless" value of the clinical examination in the technological era

BACKGROUND

Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy may present with various symptoms, and may resemble cervical spondylosis.

CASE REPORT

We report about a 59-year-old patient with cervical spondylosis which delayed the diagnosis of posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy due to an intermuscular lipoma. Initial right hand paraesthesias and clumsiness, together with MR findings of right C5-C6 and C6-C7 foraminal stenosis, misled the diagnostic investigation. The progressive loss of extension of all right hand fingers brought to detect a painless mass compressing the PIN. Electrophysiological studies confirmed a right radial motor neuropathy at the level of the forearm.

RESULTS

Surgical tumor removal and nerve decompression resulted in a gradual motor deficits recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough clinical examination is paramount, and electrophysiology may differentiate between cervical and peripheral nerve lesions. Ultrasonography and MR offer an effective evaluation of lipomas, which represent a rare cause of PIN palsy. Surgical decompression and lipoma removal generally determine excellent prognoses, with very few recurrences.

Ultrasonographic findings of the various diseases presenting as calf pain

There are various causes of calf pain. The differential diagnoses affecting the lower leg include cystic lesions, trauma-related lesions, infection or inflammation, vascular lesions, neoplasms, and miscellaneous entities. Ultrasound (US) provide detailed anatomical information of the calf structures, and it offers the ability to confirm, other calf abnormalities, particularly when deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is ruled out. The purpose of this article is to review the causes of a painful calf presenting as DVT and incidental findings found as part of the work-up of DVT, and to provide a broad overview of US findings and clinical features of these pathologies.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour mixed connective tissue variant: report of three cases with unusual histological findings

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour mixed connective tissue variant (PMTMCT) is a rare tumour occurring in bone and soft tissue that usually behaves in a benign manner. Elaboration of biologically active substances by this tumour gives rise to a paraneoplastic syndrome known as oncogenic osteomalacia, manifesting clinically as bone pain, generalized weakness and pathological fractures. Recognition of PMTMCT and its associated syndrome is important, as resection of the tumour in most instances results in prompt resolution of symptoms. Previously reported cases of this tumour have emphasized the consistent presence of certain histological features that are considered prerequisite for making the diagnosis of PMTMCT. We describe three cases of PMTMCT, of which two first presented with progressive symptoms of osteomalacia and one remained clinically silent aside from the symptom of a palpable lump. Our cases highlight the wide-ranging histological patterns displayed by these tumours, and draw attention to certain microscopic findings that until now have been given little if any mention. Tentacular growth pattern and satellite nodules appear to be common findings in PMTMCTs, and can make complete surgical excision of these tumours challenging. The ability of this otherwise histologically benign tumour to permeate vascular spaces has to our knowledge never been described previously. One tumour lacked the characteristic calcifying matrix of PMTMCT, suggesting that in some tumours this defining feature may be focal if not entirely absent. PMTMCT shares features with and can resemble a variety of bone and soft tissue neoplasms, requiring the surgical pathologist to be familiar with this entity.

Total hip arthroplasty after contralateral hip disarticulation: a challenging "simple primary"

Patients with lower limb amputation have a high incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis in both the residual limb and the contralateral limb. Hip disarticulation is a radical surgery usually performed in younger patients after malignancy or trauma. Compliance is poor with existing prostheses, resulting in increased dependency on and use of the remaining sound limb. We describe a case of a crutch-walking 51-year-old woman who presented with severe left hip arthritis 25 years after a right hip disarticulation, and was treated with total hip arthroplasty. Total hip arthroplasty without a contralateral hip joint is challenging. We discuss the complex technical considerations associated with the patient's arthroplasty, in particular the selection of prostheses and bearing surfaces, and the preoperative and intraoperative assessment of limb length and offset.

Epithelioid sarcoma resembling benign fibrous histiocytoma

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignancy notorious for its tendency to histologically mimic granuloma annulare and other palisading granulomatous processes. We report a case of ES on the right hand of a 23-year-old man that histopathologically resembled a benign fibrous histiocytoma. Superficial portions of the tumor were well differentiated, exhibiting spindled and ovoid cells with scant cytoplasm that surrounded sclerotic collagen bundles. More obvious atypia including greater cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic activity were mostly confined to the deep-seated regions of the tumor. In addition to palisading granulomatous processes, ES can mimic benign fibrous histiocytoma, and the superficial portions of ES may appear deceptively benign.

Tumour induced osteomalacia

Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome usually presenting with bone pain, fracture of bones and muscle weakness. It is caused by high serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF- 23), which is a hormone-regulating phosphate, and vitamin D. FGF-23 is secreted by several tumours, especially benign mesenchymal tumours which are very small and difficult to locate. There is a significant delay from onset of symptoms to the diagnosis of this entity dueto occult nature of this disease. We present a case of young male who presented with long history of progressively worsening muscular pain and weakness, rendering the patient confined to bed. Our aim of presenting this patient as a case report is to make physicians realise that any patient with unexplained muscular weakness and pain must undergo workup for TIO, including serum phosphate measurement, as this is a rare but potentially curable disease.

Arteriovenous synovial hemangioma of the popliteal fossa diagnosed in an adolescent with history of unilateral congenital clubfoot: case report and a single-institution retrospective review

Synovial hemangioma (SH) is a very rare soft tissue tumor; in our department, SH represented 0.07% from all soft tissue tumors (one case from 1311 soft tissue tumors), and 0.78% from all excised hemangiomas (one case from 128 hemangiomas) diagnosed over a five-year period. The aim of this paper was to present the clinicopathologic characteristics of hemangiomas and particularities of one SH of the popliteal fossa diagnosed in an athletic adolescent with previously corrected congenital clubfoot. To our knowledge, this is the 275 case of reported SH. A 13-year-old trick cyclist presented with two-year history of slowly growing mass of the left posterior fossa. The magnetic resonance imaging of the left knee showed a juxta-articular mass with intramuscular component. Open excision of the tumor and partial removal of the synovial membrane was the therapy of choice. Histopathological examination revealed clusters of large arteries and veins embedded in a fibrotic tissue, the tumor mass being lined by synovial membrane. Intramuscular growing was also confirmed. Without any other postoperative therapies, no recurrence or functional disorders were noted after 21 months of follow-up. SH of the knee should be excised as soon as possible to avoid complications such as muscle invasion and risk of recurrence.

Biphasic synovial sarcoma in a 19-year-old pregnant woman: a case report

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of mesenchymal multipotent cells. We hereby present a case of synovial sarcoma of the upper left thigh. A 19-year-old patient was referred to our clinic by another hospital in Bucharest, Romania, for a soft tissue mass in the left upper thigh. Local examination of the left thigh revealed a 15÷13 cm, ovoid, painful upon touch, soft tissue mass occupying the proximal-medial aspect of the thigh. Bilateral inguinal nodes' enlargement was noticed. Upon suspecting regional node involvement, the surgical team decided to perform left limb amputation due to tumor size and the proximity to major arterial and nervous trunks as well as the femoral shaft, making curative surgery and 'free of disease' resection margins improbable. The patient refused the operation. The surgical team (plastic surgeon, orthopedic surgeon) decided to attempt limb-sparing surgery. After tumor resection, free-of-disease surgical margins were achieved. The pathological examination as well as the immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnosed a large biphasic synovial sarcoma warranting oncologic treatment. The association between tumor growth and pregnancy poses important therapeutic problems, such as the use of preoperative chemotherapy, potential pregnancy termination, limb amputation versus limb salvage intervention and types of protocols of chemotherapy or radiotherapy indicated.

[A female runner with a painful knee]

A 36-year-old, healthy woman presented with pain in her left knee. The X-ray of this knee showed a lytic tumour. The MRI scan also revealed this lesion, which was highly suspicious for a giant cell tumour of the distal femur. She was treated in a specialised centre.

Recurrent painful perianal subcutaneous angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: a case report and review of the literature

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare, low-grade malignant soft-tissue tumor most commonly occurring in the extremities of children and young adults and has a low potential of local recurrence and metastasis. Here, we present a case of recurrent subcutaneous perianal AFH. After an initial diagnosis as a sebaceous cyst, we were able to use immunohistochemical findings to correctly identify the mass as an AFH. The patient was effectively treated after 3 surgical resections. This case emphasizes the need to correctly diagnose soft-tissue tumors using a variety of diagnostic modalities to ensure that the patient receives proper treatment.