What does the Data of 354,725 Patients from Turkey Tell Us About Cervical Smear Epithelial Cell Abnormalities? - The Epithelial Cell Abnormality Rate is Increasing - Quality Control Studies and Corrective Activity are Musts

OBJECTIVE

There is no other screening program close to the success rate of PAP test. Cervical cytology constitutes a large workload so that quality control in cervical cytology is important for the quality assurance of pathology laboratories.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In this study, we collected the cervical cytology results from all over Turkey and discussed the parameters influencing the quality of the PAP test. The study was conducted with Turkish gynaecopathology working group and 38 centers (totally 45 hospitals) agreed to contribute from 24 different cities. The study was designed to cover the cervical cytology results during 2013. The results were evaluated from the data based on an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

The total number of Epithelial Cell Abnormality was 18,020 and the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate was 5.08% in the total 354,725 smears and ranging between 0.3% to 16.64% among centers. The Atypical squamous cells /Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratios changed within the range of 0.21-13.94 with an average of 2.61. When the centers were asked whether they performed quality assurance studies, only 14 out of 28 centers, which shared the information, had such a control study and some quality parameters were better in these centers.

CONCLUSION

There is an increase in the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate and there are great differences among centers. Quality control studies including the Atypical squamous cells/Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratio are important. Corrective and preventive action according to quality control parameters is a must. A cervical cytology subspecialist in every center can be utopic but a dedicated pathologist in the center is certainly needed.

Diagnostic and Treatment Reproducibility of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia / Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and Factors Affecting the Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Inter-observer differences in the diagnosis of HPV related cervical lesions are problematic and response of gynecologists to these diagnostic entities is non-standardized. This study evaluated the diagnostic reproducibility of "cervical intraepithelial neoplasia" (CIN) and "squamous intraepithelial lesion" (SIL) diagnoses.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

19 pathologists evaluated 66 cases once using H&E slides and once with immunohistochemical studies (p16, Ki-67 and Pro-ExC). Management response to diagnoses was evaluated amongst 12 gynecologists. Pathologists and gynecologists were also given a questionnaire about how additional information like smear results and age modify diagnosis and management.

RESULTS

We show moderate interobserver diagnostic reproducibility amongst pathologists. The overall kappa value was 0.50 and 0.59 using the CIN and SIL classifications respectively. Impact of immunohistochemical evaluation on interpretation of cases differed and there was lack of statistically significant improvement of interobserver diagnostic reproducibility with the addition of immunohistochemistry. We saw that choice of treatment methods amongst gynecologists varied and overall concordance was only fair to moderate. The CIN2 diagnostic category was seen to have the lowest percentage agreement amongst both pathologists and gynecologists. We showed that pathologists had diagnostic "styles" and gynecologists had management "styles".

CONCLUSION

In summary each pathologist had different diagnostic tendencies which were affected not only by histopathology and marker studies, but also by the patient management tendencies of the gynecologist that the pathologist worked with. The two-tiered modified Bethesda system improved diagnostic agreement. We concluded that immunohistochemistry should be used only to resolve problems in select cases and not for every case.

Longer biopsy cores do not increase prostate cancer detection rate: A large-scale cohort study refuting cut-off values indicated in the literature

OBJECTIVE

Only a few papers in the literature aimed to evaluate biopsy core lengths. Additionally, studies evaluated the core length with different approaches. We aimed to determine whether prostate cancer (PCa) detection is affected from core lengths according to three different approaches in a large standard cohort and compare our cut-off values with the published cut-offs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,523 initial consecutive transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core prostate biopsies. Biopsies were evaluated with respect to total core length (total length of each patients' core) average core length (total core length divided by total number of cores in each patient), and mean core length (mean length of all cores pooled), and compared our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. The prostate volumes were categorized into four groups (<30, 30-59.99, 60-119.99, ≥120 cm³) and PCa detection rates in these categories were examined.

RESULTS

PCa was found in 41.5% patients. There was no difference between benign and malignant mean core lengths of the pooled cores (p>0.05). Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa in multivariate logistic regression analyses (p>0.05). The core lengths (mean, average and total core lengths) increased (p<0.001) and PCa rates decreased (p<0.001) steadily with increasing prostate volume categories. PCa percentages decreased in all categories above the utilized cut-offs for mean (p>0.05), average (p<0.05), and total core lengths (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference between mean core lengths of benign and malignant cores. Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa. Contrary to the cut-offs used for mean and average core lengths in the published studies, PCa rates decrease as these core lengths increase. Larger studies are necessary for the determination and acceptance of accurate cut-offs.

Aortic valve replacement for papillary fibroelastoma

Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients with papillary fibroelastomas (PFE) on the aortic valve. The valve is commonly spared during tumor excision. Rarely, aortic valve replacement (AVR) is needed. We present a case requiring AVR for an aortic valve PFE and review the literature to determine the risk factors for failure of aortic valve-sparing techniques in patients with PFE.

A rare tumor of nasal bone in a child: osteoblastoma

Benign osteoblastoma is an uncommon bone tumor, representing 1% of all benign tumors and 3% of all primary bone tumors. Intranasal or paranasal osteoblastoma is particularly rare. Osteoblastoma occurs more frequently in males, at a peak age between 10 and 20 years. We report an osteoblastoma of the nasal septum in an 11-year-old boy who presented with swelling of the nasal septum. The diagnosis and management of this unusual lesion, as well as the histopathology and imaging characteristics, are reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a solid midline nasal mass originating from the septum with intense contrast enhancement. There was no evidence of osteoid or chondroid matrix mineralization on computed tomography (CT). Biopsy was performed. Histologically, the tumor contained abundant plump osteoblast-like cells, with eosinophilic cytoplasm and large nuclei that were frequently juxtaposed to the newly formed osteoid. Conservative excision was performed. The literature concerning occurrence of osteoblastoma in this unusual location is reviewed.

Oligodendroglioma arising in a mature cystic ovarian teratoma in a child

In childhood mature cystic teratomas are the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumors. Tumors of neuroepithelial origin are extremely rare in mature teratomas. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report oligodendroglioma arising in a mature cystic ovarian teratoma in children. A 13-year-old girl presented with a history of pelvic pain for 2 months. An ultrasound examination showed a monolateral multicystic, calcific ovarian mass, measuring approximately 6 x 5 cm, arising in the left over and adnexia, suggesting a teratoma. An exploratorative laparotomy and ooferectomy were performed. On histopatological examination, various samples from cystic areas had mature tissues from all 3 germ cell layers, including skin, bone, bronchial structures, and cerebellum. Sections from solid areas showed uniform population of monotonous, rounded cells with indistinct cytoplasm and having perinuclear halo (fried-egg appearance) on a fibrillary, neuropilic background. Microcalcifications as calcospherites were noted in the stroma. Based on the typical morphological features, the cased was diagnosed as mature cystic teratoma with low-grade oligodendroglioma. To the authors' knowledge, there are a few reports in the literature of an oligodendroglioma arising in an ovarian teratoma in adults and this presented patient is the first case in childhood.

The effect of copper intrauterine devices on the expression of mucin 1 and integrin β1 in the luteal phase endometrium

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a copper intrauterine device on the expression of mucin- 1 (MUC1) and İntegrin β1 in the luteal phase endometrium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25 regularly menstruating women (25-35 years) who were willing to use copper intrauterine device contraception participated in this study. Endometrial sampling via a Pipelle canulla was performed on the 24(th) day of their cycle and repeated three months after insertion of TCu380A IUD. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for MUC1 and integrin β1 in the endometrial sections. Staining intensity was graded under the conventional light microscope.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 32.8±5.3 years (25-35). MUC1 expression of the endometrial luminal epithelium cytoplasm and the luminal epithelium increased significantly after three months of IUD usage (p=0.01; p<0.001 respectively). Neither integrin β1 expression of endometrial luminal epithelium cytoplasma nor of the endometrial stroma changed after three months of IUD usage (p=0.16; p=0.22 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The increase of the embryo implantation inhibitor MUC1 synthesis may be responsible for the IUD's mechanism of action for pregnancy prevention. Integrin β1 expression of the endometrial luminal epithelium cytoplasm and stroma are not affected by the use of copper IUD.

Effect of the prostacyclin derivate iloprost in experimental caustic esophageal burn

Previous experimental studies have suggested that administration of antithrombotic, antioxidant, and cytoprotective agents have protective effects in caustic injury of the esophagus. Therefore, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of iloprost, a stable analogue of prostacyclin, on the esophagus after caustic burns. Sixty Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each. In group A, animals were uninjured and untreated. In group B, animals were injured but untreated. In group C, rats were injured and administered intravenous iloprost for 3 days. Caustic esophageal burn was produced by 1 ml of 15% NaOH. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by measuring the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels with biochemical methods on the 3rd postoperative day. Histopathological evaluation was done on the 28th postoperative day. The level of MDA was significantly increased in group B compared with the other groups. In group B, the histopathological damage score was significantly higher than in groups A and C. There was also a significant difference between groups A and C regarding the histopathologic damage. These results indicate that iloprost has a preventive effect in experimental caustic esophageal burn in rats.

Skin metastasis: an unusual localization from laryngeal carcinoma

Skin metastasis from laryngeal carcinoma is rare and indicates a poor prognosis. A case of laryngeal carcinoma with unusual metastasis to the skin of the hand is reported. The patient underwent total laryngectomy, left radical neck dissection, and right functional neck dissection. After the operation, the patient received radiotherapy. In the postoperative 18th month, a mass was observed in the left hand. It was found to be a metastatic tumor from laryngeal carcinoma, histopathologically as well as immunohistochemically. Metastatic potential in malignant neoplasms is generally correlated with reduced cellular adhesiveness. We investigated the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and E-cadherin. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical expression characteristics of such an aggressive tumor were not positive.

Esophagitis impairs esophageal smooth muscle reactivity in the rat model: an in vitro study

The present study investigated how reflux-induced esophagitis affects the smooth muscle reactivity of the esophageal body. Two different esophagitis models were used: acid gastric and mixed duodenogastric reflux. All test animals apart from the controls developed gross and histologic evidence of esophagitis. Contractile (carbachol and KCI) and relaxant (isoproterenol) esophageal smooth muscle responses were significantly decreased in the presence of acid- and mixed reflux-induced esophagitis. Similar relaxant responses to serotonin and papaverine were found in the three groups. Our study demonstrated impaired esophageal smooth muscle reactivity when esophagitis was induced by acid or mixed reflux. These changes may correspond to the functional motor abnormalities of the esophagus seen in patients with reflux esophagitis.

Central giant cell granuloma

The central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign bony lesion that accounts for less than 7% of all benign lesions of the jaws in tooth-bearing areas. Its etiology is unknown and its biological behavior is poorly understood. This condition is a slow-growing, asymptomatic lesion that usually affects children and young adults, predominantly females. The following report illustrates the differential diagnosis, surgery, final diagnosis and pathology of a fast-growing CGCG in a 4-year-old girl.

Encapsulated cystic papillary variant of medullary carcinoma of thyroid gland

Papillary variant of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT) is an unusual histologic pattern with some diagnostic difficulties. A case of encapsulated papillary variant of MCT with extensive cystic appearance is reported. A euthyroid, 43-yr-old woman with bone pain was incidentally found to have a 4.0-cm solitary, cold nodule on her left thyroid lobe. Histopathologic examination revealed an encapsulated tumor composed of a large cystic cavity with small papillary projections. The papillae were lined by multiple layers of neoplastic cells with small and regular nuclei containing condensed chromatin and lacking the characteristic "ground glass" appearance of the papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Immunohistochemical studies revealed specific cytoplasmic staining of the tumor cells for calcitonin, chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, carcinoembryogenic antigen, and cytokeratin. Specific staining for thyroglobulin was not observed in any neoplastic cell. Staining with Congo red disclosed amyloid deposits within the stroma. The case was diagnosed as papillary variant of MCT. Medullary thyroid carcinomas may show a papillary pattern with a totally cystic gross appearance. Thyroid carcinomas should be classified according to their major immunoreactivity pattern rather than their morphologic pattern. Immunohistochemical and/or histochemical studies should be performed in all thyroid tumors that show unusual histologic features.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Report of a case diagnosed with fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign, inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology. Although it is rare, it frequently presents in a manner similar to that of breast carcinoma.

CASE

A 41-year-old female developed unilateral idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. The clinical presentation and mammographic findings were suspicious for carcinoma. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed granulomatous inflammation. Histopathologic examination revealed a noncaseating, granulomatous lesion. Further clinical, radiologic and laboratory investigations disclosed no etiology. Therefore, we considered the case to be idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

CONCLUSION

Cytologically it may be difficult to distinguish IGM from carcinoma of the breast. Typical cytologic findings of the lesion are helpful to rule out cancer. In the differential diagnosis, all known causes of granulomatous changes have to be excluded before a diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is made.