摘要:

The distinction of Spitz tumors from melanoma is a major challenge to pathologists at least for a subset of cases. Herein the authors review a recent study utilizing the techniques of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to aid in the latter distinction. The limitations of the study and two techniques as applied to solid tumors are reviewed.

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

There are two approaches to the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Almost all current efforts are focused on improving the detection of small cancers and their treatment. Breast cancers, even when detected at their smallest visible size, still carry a substantial risk of claiming the life of a patient. The alternative is to focus on the identification of cancer precursor lesions. Effective identification and treatment of precursor lesions would prevent all breast cancer deaths. This requires scientific assessment of the effectiveness of prevention strategies in high-risk women. Certain groups of women are known to be at high risk for development of breast cancer. These include women with a personal and/or family history of previous breast cancer, women carrying certain genes, and women with atypical hyperplasia. Detection of atypical hyperplasia by surgical biopsy in a symptomatic population for risk assessment is not practical. The alternative is the use of noninvasive procedures such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy in order to sample and monitor the earliest changes associated with breast cancer. This requires adequate recognition of the cytomorphology of breast cancer precursor lesions and the ability to distinguish between prognostically relevant morphologic alterations and atypias associated with various benign breast diseases.

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

A typical feature of many sarcomas is the consistent presence of balanced chromosomal translocations, originating novel gene fusions. Two recent reports show gene fusions with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in two unexpected entities: EWS-FLI-1 in giant cell tumor of bone and SYT-SSX in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. This commentary discusses several items that can be of help in performing a critical evaluation of these reports and similar ones.

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The diagnosis of malignant melanoma is sometimes challenging. Immunohistochemistry for specific markers of melanocytic differentiation such as HMB-45 and Melan-A can be very valuable in proving melanocytic differentiation in poorly differentiated or spindled forms of melanoma. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF) is the most recently described and the only nuclear melanocytic marker. This article reviews the biology of MiTF and those published studies that have addressed its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. MiTF may be very valuable for the diagnosis of melanoma, including desmoplastic variants; melanocytic soft tissue tumors, such as clear cell sarcoma; and the unusual group of tumors that show combined melanocytic and myoid differentiation, the perivascular epithelioid cell family of tumors (PEComas).

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Nephrogenic rests are the consequence of residual metanephric tissue in a fully developed kidney. They usually occur along the perimeter of a mature renal lobe (i.e., perilobar), within the lobe itself (i.e., intralobar), or both (i.e., combined). Nephrogenic rests can be grossly obvious or microscopically discrete. Nephroblastomatosis designates nephrogenic rests that are multifocal or diffuse, and implies more extensive disease. Universal (panlobar) nephroblastomatosis denotes complete replacement of the renal lobe by nephrogenic tissue. The fate of nephrogenic rests and nephroblastomatosis varies and includes obsolescence, sclerosis, dormancy, hyperplasia, or neoplasia. Evidence strongly suggests that neoplastic transformation of nephrogenic rests results in Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). Nephrogenic rests almost always occur in the setting of Wilms' tumor; perilobar rests show a strong association with synchronous bilateral Wilms' tumors, whereas intralobar rests are more strongly associated with metachronous tumors. Genetic studies have shown that nephrogenic rests often share many of the same chromosomal defects as Wilms' tumor, which provides further evidence that they are precursors to nephroblastoma. Thus, nephrogenic rests are recognized as clinically significant entities requiring adequate detection and close surveillance. Heightened awareness regarding the clinical relevance of nephrogenic rests and nephroblastomatosis (1) has led to improved detection of these precancerous lesions, (2) fostered more intensive investigation into their biologic behavior, and (3) initiated in-depth discussions about potentially new treatment regimens. The pathologists' ability to identify and detect nephrogenic rests has benefited from the more efficient Beckwith classification. Radiologists have deployed high-resolution radiologic/imaging modalities to improve detection of nephrogenic restsin situ. Clinicians and surgeons are more aware of the impact that nephrogenic rests have upon patient management. Despite this progress, more data is needed to further define these lesions.

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The Internet has revolutionized the computer and communications world. It has grown to become a worldwide mechanism for information exchange without regard for geographic boundaries. The tremendous growth in this wealth of information poses several questions regarding the utility of this powerful tool in pathology practice and education. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet in pathology resident education, in general, and how it has impacted the repertoire of educational opportunities at our own institution. The various Internet resources of educational value for pathology trainees are outlined. Basic Internet concepts are also elucidated.

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1072-4109    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID