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Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Sep 2023Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a solid fibroepithelial breast lesion with proliferation of stromal and epithelial elements, usually presents with a rapidly expanding feature....
BACKGROUND
Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a solid fibroepithelial breast lesion with proliferation of stromal and epithelial elements, usually presents with a rapidly expanding feature. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been reported to increase the burden in terms of mortality and morbidity of malignant tumor, and associate with worsened survival. However, benign PTs with silent thromboembolism that have not yet been reported, we report an unusual case of massive benign PT that grew on the left side of the breast in a cauliflower-shaped form and presented severe chronic blood loss and deep VTE.
CASE
A 37-year-old woman with uncontrolled pain presented a rapidly enlarging left breast mass, measuring approximately 30 × 20 × 15 cm that first started 25 years ago. color Doppler ultrasound showed a large mass lesion on the left breast and deep VTE, several enlarged lymph nodes in the left axilla and mediastinum, which presented a malignant character. However, the biopsies of the mass did not show evidence of malignancy and the pathology result was considered to be benign PT. The patient was treated with an inferior vena cava and anticoagulation, the operation was arranged according to the surgical procedure, the patient recovered very well after mastectomy.
CONCLUSION
This case is unique in that the giant breast mass presented with malignant character, was eventually pathologically confirmed to be benign PT, and it's rare that the benign tumor accompanied with silent thromboembolism. This finding describes the atypia features of giant benign PT and reminds the surgeon to consider the factor of VTE and risk when encountering ulcerative benign breast tumor and avoid excessive treatment.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Phyllodes Tumor; Venous Thromboembolism; Breast
PubMed: 37580942
DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1865 -
JTCVS Open Dec 2023Chest tubes are frequently placed after thymectomy, without data to support this common practice. We report our experience in eliminating them after robotic thymectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Chest tubes are frequently placed after thymectomy, without data to support this common practice. We report our experience in eliminating them after robotic thymectomy.
METHODS
This is a retrospective database review of patients who underwent robotic thymectomy performed by a single surgeon in which intraoperative chest tube insertion was not planned. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes are presented.
RESULTS
Between January 2018 and October 2022, 75 patients underwent robotic thymectomy performed by a single surgeon. Of those, 64 (85.3%) underwent a left-sided thoracic approach. The most common indication for resection was a suspicious anterior mediastinal mass. There were no conversions to an open operation. The median operative time was 72 minutes (range, 38-164 minutes), and the median estimated blood loss was 20 cc (range, 10-60 cc). Ten patients (13.3%) went home on the day of surgery, and all others (86.7%) were discharged on postoperative day 1. A chest tube was placed in 1 patient at time of closure because of a persistent air leak after extensive adhesiolysis from a prior thoracotomy; the tube was removed on the day of surgery after resolution of the air leak. No other patient required chest tube placement intraoperatively, immediately postoperatively, or within 60 days postoperation. Two patients underwent outpatient thoracentesis within 1 month postoperation for effusions. There were no 30- or 90-day mortality and no major morbidities.
CONCLUSIONS
A chest tube after robotic thymectomy is not necessary in almost all patients and can be safely omitted. The dogmatic routine practice of chest tube placement should be questioned.
PubMed: 38204665
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2023.09.041 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Nov 2023Thymic carcinomas are rare and aggressive tumours. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours with various histological patterns and subtypes resembling epithelial...
BACKGROUND
Thymic carcinomas are rare and aggressive tumours. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours with various histological patterns and subtypes resembling epithelial tumours arising from other organs.
CASE PRESENTATION
We hereby represent a case of primary thymic carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features (TCACC) which is an extremely rare variant of thymic adenocarcinoma. To date and to the best of our knowledge, there are nine reported cases in literature and ours is the tenth. Our case was treated surgically but the implementation of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been reported in few of the published cases.
CONCLUSIONS
TCACC constitutes a rare entity of thymic adenocarcinoma with limited available literature. The current data is derived from few case reports and case series. The histological overlap of these tumours and primary ACC of salivary glands poses a diagnostic challenge. Radiological investigations, immunohistochemical phenotyping and genetic analysis are crucial in establishing the diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Thymus Gland; Adenocarcinoma; Thymoma; Thymus Neoplasms
PubMed: 37946236
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02432-w -
Journal of Imaging Nov 2023This study establishes typical Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) values and assesses patient doses in computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures. The Effective...
This study establishes typical Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) values and assesses patient doses in computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures. The Effective Dose (ED), Entrance Skin Dose (ESD), and Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) were calculated using the relevant literature-derived conversion factors. A retrospective analysis of 226 CT-guided biopsies across five categories (Iliac bone, liver, lung, mediastinum, and para-aortic lymph nodes) was conducted. Typical DRL values were computed as median distributions, following guidelines from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 135. DRLs for helical mode CT acquisitions were set at 9.7 mGy for Iliac bone, 8.9 mGy for liver, 8.8 mGy for lung, 7.9 mGy for mediastinal mass, and 9 mGy for para-aortic lymph nodes biopsies. In contrast, DRLs for biopsy acquisitions were 7.3 mGy, 7.7 mGy, 5.6 mGy, 5.6 mGy, and 7.4 mGy, respectively. Median SSDE values varied from 7.6 mGy to 10 mGy for biopsy acquisitions and from 11.3 mGy to 12.6 mGy for helical scans. Median ED values ranged from 1.6 mSv to 5.7 mSv for biopsy scans and from 3.9 mSv to 9.3 mSv for helical scans. The study highlights the significance of using DRLs for optimizing CT-guided biopsy procedures, revealing notable variations in radiation exposure between helical scans covering entire anatomical regions and localized biopsy acquisitions.
PubMed: 38132685
DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9120267 -
JFMS Open Reports 2023A 9-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of a cranial mediastinal mass. Moderate peripheral eosinophilia and mild-to-moderate...
CASE SUMMARY
A 9-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of a cranial mediastinal mass. Moderate peripheral eosinophilia and mild-to-moderate polyclonal gammopathy were identified. A thoracoabdominal CT scan documented a cranial mediastinal mass encircling the trachea. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy were performed, but cytology and histopathology were inconclusive. Surgical debulking was performed. Further histological samples identified severe pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic fibrosing mediastinitis, consistent with feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. Gram staining and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) identified numerous Gram-positive coccoid bacteria. Eosinophilia and hyperglobulinaemia resolved after surgery and combined antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy. The cat died 3 months later after developing acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea and dyspnoea.
RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION
Eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia is reportedly mainly confined to the gastrointestinal tract in cats. Less commonly, extragastrointestinal cases have been described. Lesions in the mediastinal or sternal lymph nodes have been reported, all in association with evident gastrointestinal involvement. The presence of pleural effusion was variable in these cases. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia presenting due to lower respiratory signs in a cat. Intralesional bacteria were identified using Gram staining and FISH examination. The presence of intralesional bacteria in the normally sterile mediastinal tissue may support the involvement of penetrating injuries in the pathogenesis of the disease. Eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia should be suspected in any cat with abdominal and/or thoracic masses, particularly if associated with peripheral eosinophilia and polyclonal gammopathy.
PubMed: 37927535
DOI: 10.1177/20551169231199447 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Dec 2023Mediastinal teratoma is the most common mediastinal germ cell tumor. Mature mediastinal teratomas are infrequent and often found incidentally.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Mediastinal teratoma is the most common mediastinal germ cell tumor. Mature mediastinal teratomas are infrequent and often found incidentally.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who was presented dyspnea for 2 years. A computed tomography of the chest revealed a 19 cm heterogenous right-sided anterior mediastinal mass suggesting mature teratoma. The mass compressed vital structures. The tumor was considered resectable. By hemiclamshell approach, we punctured the tumor and aspirated its contents. The tumor was totally resected en bloc with a cuff of pericardium, phrenic nerve and azygos vena. The pericardial defect was repaired using Mersilene mesh. Histopathology of the tumor revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Postoperative course was uneventful.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for mediastinal mature teratoma. The choice of incision for removing the tumor depend on the tumor size, location and the relashionships with the associated vital structures. Lengthy incisions were required for the safe mobilization of the tumor. In addition, contents aspiration through a small incision in the giant tumor wall helped improve tumor mobilization.
CONCLUSION
Appropriate surgical strategy for a well selected case maintains functional status and results total tumor resection.
PubMed: 37952494
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.109003 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Resection of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma is difficult and technically demanding, especially for large retroperitoneal tumors accompanied by a diaphragmatic...
BACKGROUND
Resection of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma is difficult and technically demanding, especially for large retroperitoneal tumors accompanied by a diaphragmatic hernia. Technically, the open abdominal approach can be time-consuming and difficult to perform, with possible intraoperative complications and other factors bringing psychological and physical difficulties to the patient. This study reports a safe and feasible approach for the complete resection of a large retroperitoneal tumor complicated by a diaphragmatic hernia.
METHODS
A 58-year-old male patient with persistent upper abdominal pain and distension was treated at a local hospital on 4 July 2022. Computed tomography showed a mixed-density mass on the right retroperitoneum, and liposarcoma was considered. On 6 July 2022, the patient was transferred to our hospital for further treatment. Computed tomography showed a mass with low-density fatty shadow in the right adrenal region. The boundary with the right adrenal gland was unclear. The mass was 102 mm × 74 mm, and the right lobe of the liver was compressed. Insufficiency of the right middle lobe of the liver was seen due to a right diaphragmatic hernia and left mediastinal deviation. We considered the traditional approach for tumor resection via laparotomy, but we opted to perform a comprehensive evaluation first. The tumor was close to the back of the right kidney and liver, causing the diaphragm to rise because of its proximity to these organs. Exposing the tumor through laparotomy would be difficult, making it challenging to remove. The patient had a diaphragmatic hernia and moderate pulmonary dysfunction; therefore, we decided to enter the abdomen through a thoracotomy of the ninth rib.
RESULTS
Using our technique, the tumor was easily visualized and completely removed in approximately 30 min. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 ml, and no postoperative bleeding, pneumothorax, intestinal fistula, infection, or other complications occurred.
CONCLUSION
The transthoracic approach may be a safer and more feasible resection method than the traditional open approach for patients with giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma with a diaphragmatic hernia.
PubMed: 37681019
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1239962 -
AME Case Reports 2023Gangliocytoma is an uncommon disease. In this report, we report a patient who was admitted to the hospital with a mediastinal tumor which is giant rarely.
BACKGROUND
Gangliocytoma is an uncommon disease. In this report, we report a patient who was admitted to the hospital with a mediastinal tumor which is giant rarely.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 30-year-old male patient was found to have a mediastinal mass 2 weeks ago during a routine examination. The patient occasionally had chest pain before 1 month. Computed tomography of the chest showed a mass occupying the posterior mediastinum and located anterior to the spine, above the diaphragm. The mass is removed by thoracoscopic surgery. In the surgical field of view, the tumor was loosely adhered to the surrounding organs and was freed by blunt-sharp combination Histologically confirmed mediastinal gangliocytoma with a size of 9.5 cm × 6.0 cm × 3.0 cm. The surgery was successful, and the patient's symptoms were completely relieved after the surgery. The patient underwent chest X-ray review at the 6th month after discharge, and no recurrence was found.
CONCLUSIONS
Gangliocytomas are rare tumors of the peripheral nervous system. However, most of these tumors are retroperitoneal and are more common in children and young adults. Ganglioneuromas arise from neural crest cells. Most of these tumors are asymptomatic, but some may develop high blood pressure and flushing. Surgery is the best way to treat such tumors, and attention should be paid to protecting the normal tissue around the tumor during surgery to prevent postoperative complications.
PubMed: 37942043
DOI: 10.21037/acr-23-55 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2023This case report describes the successful surgical management of a 30-year-old male with a non-functional carotid body tumor and a mediastinal paraganglioma occupying...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
This case report describes the successful surgical management of a 30-year-old male with a non-functional carotid body tumor and a mediastinal paraganglioma occupying the aortopulmonary space. The report highlights the rarity of mediastinal paragangliomas and the challenges in their surgical management.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient underwent pre-op angioembolisation of the carotid body tumor, followed by excision and left cervical lymph node dissection. A large mediastinal mass was identified and resected during surgery without needing a cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient recovered well from surgery. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of clinically recurrent paraganglioma.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Mediastinal paragangliomas are rare and challenging to manage due to their proximity to major vascular structures. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment, but the risk of complications is high. In this case, the surgical approach involved resection of the mediastinal mass without cardiopulmonary bypass. This approach reduced the risk of complications associated with bypass procedures. The procedure's success underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention.
CONCLUSION
This case report highlights the successful surgical management of a rare and clinically challenging mediastinal paraganglioma without cardiopulmonary bypass. The report underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention in mediastinal paragangliomas.
PubMed: 37406536
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108448 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Nov 2023Hydatid cysts are most frequently located in the liver and lungs and very rarely can be found in the pericardium. Diagnosis and treatment are quite challenging, as the...
BACKGROUND
Hydatid cysts are most frequently located in the liver and lungs and very rarely can be found in the pericardium. Diagnosis and treatment are quite challenging, as the disease can present itself in many forms depending to the location and the complications that it might cause.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 22-year-old man presented to our hospital with ongoing dry cough for more than 1 month prior to admission. Other symptoms included chest pain, fatigue, low grade fever, and night sweats, which have worsened in the past 2 weeks. Physical examination revealed normal respiratory and heart function. Chest X-ray demonstrated mediastinal enlargement and left pleural effusion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography images showed a walled cystic mass lesion measuring up to 56 × 50 mm in close proximity to the upper left atrium, ascending aorta and pulmonary artery, potentially localized in the pericardium, with a 10 mm endoatrial filling defect, findings were compatible with hydatid cyst, left pleural effusion and peripheral pulmonary upper left lobe consolidation. Cardiac involvement was excluded on magnetic resonance imaging and trans-esophageal ultrasound. The patient underwent fine needle aspiration of the affected lung and thoracocentesis. No malignancy was found, meanwhile the biopsy confirmed the presence of pulmonary infarction. In view of the imaging findings were highly suspicious of a hydatid cyst, we performed a test of antibody titers that was negative. The patient underwent left anterolateral thoracotomy, and after the opening of the pericardium, a cystic mass of 5 cm in diameter was found next to the left atrium and in close proximity with the left pulmonary veins. The content of the cyst was completely removed after the surgical area was isolated with gauze impregnated with hypertonic solution (NaCl 10%). The mass resulted to be an echinococcal cyst with multiple daughter cysts within it that did not penetrate/involve (perforate) the cardiac wall.
CONCLUSION
Pericardial echinococcosis is a very rare pathology in which a high expertise multidisciplinary approach is required. The compression mass effect caused by the cyst can lead to complications, such as in our case where the pulmonary vein was compressed, leading to pulmonary infarction. The value of radiology studies and transoesophageal ultrasound are very important in the diagnosis. Surgery in these cases is always recommended, but preferred surgical approach is questionable. In cases such as ours, we recommend anterolateral thoracotomy.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Pulmonary Infarction; Echinococcosis; Pericardium; Mediastinal Cyst; Pleural Effusion
PubMed: 37986073
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02455-3