PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D R Mody

Publications and source records attributed to D R Mody.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Should the cytologic diagnosis of "atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance" be qualified? An assessment including comparison between conventional and liquid-based technologies.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) remains an enigma for the treating physician, because it encompasses both benign, reactive, as well as preneoplastic and possibly neoplastic conditions. To address this problem, The Bethesda System recommends qualifying the ASCUS diagnosis. This study analyzes the difference in the follow-up results between the various groups of patients with an ASCUS diagnosis as outlined by the Criteria Committee: favor premalignant (ASCUS-P), favor reactive (ASCUS-R), and unqualified (ASCUS-C). The outcome, based on follow-up biopsies and/or cytologies, for both the conventional Papanicolaou smear (CS) and liquid-based (LB) methodologies is compared. METHODS: The CS and LB biopsies and/or cytologies included 590 patients and 137 patients, respectively, who had an initial diagnosis of ASCUS. The final outcome after subsequent biopsy and cytology within a 1-year period for each methodology was tabulated. Furthermore, the addition of qualifiers for each diagnosis was tabulated for both cytology and biopsy follow-up and compared between CS and LB technologies. RESULTS: For CS, 29 patients (8.6%) were found to have squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) on subsequent cytologic smears, and 176 patients (63.7%) had SIL on biopsy follow-up. For LB, these numbers were 17 patients (19.1%) and 56 patients (65.1%), respectively. Regardless of the qualification used in the initial CS biopsy or cytology, over 90% of the subsequent smears resulted in a benign diagnosis. Biopsy outcomes after CS diagnoses of ASCUS-P, ASCUS-R, and ASCUS-C showed SIL in 80%, 53%, and 66% of patients, respectively. For LB diagnoses, subsequent smears detected SIL in 33% of patients with a diagnosis of ASCUS-P, 22% of patients with a diagnosis of ASCUS-R, and 12% of patients with a diagnosis of ASCUS-C. Biopsy outcomes after LB diagnoses of ASCUS-P, ASCUS-R, and ASCUS-C showed SIL in 68%, 64%, and 66% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no statistically valid benefit from a clinical point of view in qualifying an ASCUS interpretation by either CS or LB, except for CS evaluation of patients with a diagnosis of ASCUS-P.

Biopsy↗

The effects of early mobilization in the healing of achilles tendon repair.

Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits underwent suture repair of a tenotomy of the left achilles tendon. The rabbits were randomized into two groups of 12 animals; in group (A), the ankle was immobilized by pinning for 35 days, while in the group (B), the ankle was immobilized for only 14 days followed by active mobilization. Following sacrifice at 35 days postoperatively, the retrieved tendons were evaluated by biomechanical testing and histologic examination. Approximately 50% of stretching occurred in the first four days; average overall elongation was 9.5+/-1.0 mm and 12.7+/-1.5 mm (p=0.102) and average stiffness recovery was 67.4+/- 2.0% and 82.9 +/- 1.9% (p=0.0004) for groups A and B respectively. Histologically both groups demonstrated traces of disorganized neo-collagen fibers at the repair site as early as the fourth day with subsequent appearance of more mature collagen. The results obtained from our study favor early mobilization of the repaired tendon, which seems to restore the functional properties of the tendons more rapidly than continuous immobilization of an identical surgical repair.

Achilles Tendon↗

Open versus closed repair of the Achilles tendon: an experimental animal study.

This experimental animal study compared the healing patterns between open and closed treatments of Achilles tendon tenotomies. Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits underwent tenotomy of the left Achilles tendon and were randomized into two groups, treated with either open surgical repair or closed management. After the death of the animal, the retrieved tendons were submitted for biomechanical and histological testing. The total elongation of the open treatment group was 9.5+/-1.0 mm compared with 21.2+/-3.4 mm for the closed treatment group (P = 0.008), and the regain of stiffness was 67.4+/-2.0% and 48.9+/-5.3%, respectively (P = 0.132). Histological evaluation demonstrated similar healing patterns in both groups.

Achilles Tendon↗

Innervation of the human vertebral body: a histologic study.

The histology of 69 human vertebral bodies from 23 individuals was studied by hematoxylin and eosin staining using a technique that allowed the creation of complete, large histologic sections of individual vertebral bodies. Particular attention was directed toward the documentation of intraosseous nerves. The vertebral bodies were dissected free of soft tissue, and then sectioned using a diamond wafering saw into 3-mm sagittal segments. Sections were then decalcified and whole-mounted in paraffin blocks before tissue sectioning using a very-large-format microtome. One hundred thirty-eight tissue sections were prepared for evaluation. Neurovascular bundles and intraosseous nerves were routinely identified within human vertebral bone. Nerves were noted to enter the vertebral body via the centrally located posterior vascular foramen and were found to accompany the basivertebral vessels. Branches from these nerves coursed to both central and peripheral areas of the vertebral body. Nerves were also documented that entered the vertebral body by penetrating the anterior cortex to course into the marrow. Although previous studies have documented nerves within long bones, and others have described the histology of the intervertebral disc and associated soft tissues, previous literature that documents the innervation of the human vertebral body has been very sparse. The documentation of nerve tissue within normal human vertebrae further supports the proposed role of neuronal factors in the regulation of bone physiology. Furthermore, it is possible that such intraosseous nerves may play a role in the clinical problem of back pain.

Adult↗

Heterotopic calcification in abdominal wounds.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic bone formation in abdominal incisions is a recognized but uncommon sequela of abdominal surgery. The condition of heterotopic bone formation in the abdominal scar may not only cause physical and/or emotional discomfort for the patient but also mimic a retained foreign body or recurrence of a malignant condition. All cases of two surgeons representing a wide variety of general and thoracic surgery were reviewed, and three primary cases and one recurrent case of heterotopic bone formation in an abdominal wound were identified. These cases are compared with the cases available in the English literature to enhance the recognition, appropriate diagnosis, and treatment options available for the patient with this unusual condition. METHODS: All cases for two surgeons representing a variety of general and thoracic surgery were reviewed. Three patients with painful heterotopic calcification of an abdominal incision requiring excision were identified. One patient had undergone an upper midline laparotomy for pancreatitis and the other two had undergone median sternotomy for cardiac surgery. One of these patients developed a painful recurrence of upper linea alba calcification. All patients were male and ranged in age from 51 to 74 years. Primary heterotopic calcification of the upper linea alba occurred between 2 and 4 months for all patients. All cases were treated with excision and primary tissue closure. The case of recurrent calcification occurred 1 1/2 months after primary closure, and was treated with re-excision and 1,200 centirads of postoperative radiotherapy to the incision area over 3 days, starting on postoperative day 1. The 2 cases of primary heterotopic calcification successfully treated with the initial excision have been followed for 2 and 6 years respectively without recurrence. The case of recurrent heterotopic calcification treated with re-excision and postoperative radiotherapy has been followed for 10 months without recurrence.

Abdomen↗

p53 protein accumulation in tumors of the ampulla of Vater.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative diagnosis of tumors of the ampulla of Vater is difficult because ampullary biopsies have a high false-negative rate. Recently, it has been suggested that p53 mutations in tumors of the ampulla of Vater are associated with the transformation of adenomas and low grade carcinomas to high grade carcinomas. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of p53 protein accumulation in tumors of the ampulla of Vater, and to determine whether p53 accumulation can be detected in false-negative biopsies. METHODS: Using a monoclonal anti-p53 antibody, sections of 4 normal ampullas, 5 adenomas, 17 carcinomas, and 9 initial biopsies of 9 of the tumors of the ampulla of Vater that had no morphologic evidence of carcinoma were immunostained. RESULTS: None of the 4 normal ampullas (0%), 2 of 5 adenomas (40%), and 16 of 17 carcinomas (94%) were positive for p53. This p53 positivity was present through all stages of ampullary carcinoma. Of the nine initial biopsies negative for carcinoma, seven were positive for p53 and, of these, six (86%) were found to be carcinomas upon resection. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The molecular events leading to p53 accumulation in tumors of the ampulla of Vater occur early in the neoplastic process. 2) Tumors of the ampulla of Vater with biopsies negative for malignancy but positive for p53 are very likely to be carcinomas.

Adenoma↗

A histologic study of soft-tissue reactions to spinal implants.

OBJECTIVES: The biologic reactions to orthopedic spinal implants were determined. METHODS: Biopsies of soft tissue immediately adjacent to spinal implants were done in 36 consecutive patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal hardware removal and was studied histologically. RESULTS: A fibrous tissue matrix was noted in all specimens. In 11 of 36 specimens, a discrete layer of cells with epithelial characteristics was noted on the surface immediately opposed to the metal implant. Results of immunohistochemical staining were negative using antibodies to markers, which suggests that these unique cell layers are probably of histiocytic origin. Black amorphous metallic debris was seen in nine of the specimens. In seven of these specimens, this material was associated with an inflammatory foreign-body reaction. Refractile non-biorefringent crystalline bodies were noted in five specimens. These crystalline deposits provoked a local foreign-body reaction in all cases. CONCLUSION: The role of soft-tissue inflammatory reactions in the production of clinical symptoms of pain is discussed.

Biopsy↗

A histologic study of lumbar pseudarthrosis.

Biopsy specimens were obtained from 35 consecutive patients undergoing pseudarthrosis repair after failed posterior spinal fusions. Biopsy specimens were obtained when possible from the fusion mass, from areas of motion, and from the lumbar facet remnant where identifiable. Tissue found between adjacent bony segments was noted to contain predominantly fibrous tissue often accompanied by signs of local fibrocartilaginous metaplasia. In addition, small fragments of impacted bone, sometimes seen to be undergoing active resorption, also were noted frequently in these areas. The bone adjacent to the areas of motion was sclerotic and poorly organized, containing a mixture of woven and lamellar bone. Interestingly, multiple microtrabecular fracture with appositional new bone formation was a frequently seen feature. All facet joint biopsies were noted to have evidence of degenerative disease. Both cartilage fissuring and significant chondrocyte cloning were noted. Subchondral bony sclerosis was also a consistent feature.

Biopsy↗

Papillary fibroelastoma. A right atrial presentation.

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare cardiac tumor arising most frequently from valvular endocardium. These tumors are clinically important because of their tendency to embolize. Emphasis is therefore placed on early detection and surgical excision. We describe a case of a papillary fibroelastoma arising from the right atrium. To our knowledge, only 2 such cases have been reported in the English literature. Our case illustrates the discovery of a rare, but potentially fatal cardiac tumor, successfully removed by surgery.

Aged↗

Gynecologic cytology. Practical considerations and limitations.

Diagnostic problems arise as a result of overlap of cytologic criteria of some squamous and glandular lesions of the female genital tract, lack of experience, or an overzealous attempt to interpret some features. This article emphasizes the role and limitations of cytology in the diagnosis of neoplasia and preneoplasia of squamous and glandular elements of the uterus. Sampling techniques greatly influence the pathologist's ability to interpret the material. The classifications and cytologic features of preneoplastic and neoplastic squamous and glandular epithelia, including the new Bethesda System for reporting, are reviewed. Problems in interpretation, particularly of nondysplastic conditions that mimic true neoplasia, and reasons for false-negative and false-positive results are discussed.

Chlamydia Infections↗

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in bronchogenic carcinoma.

Although the lung is not usually considered a major target organ of sex hormones, epidemiological observations, studies of pulmonary neoplasms in laboratory animals, and investigations of carcinomas derived from other "nontarget" organs suggest that sex hormones may have a role in the pathogenesis of bronchogenic carcinoma. To confirm that estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors are present in human lung cancers, 19 resected lung cancers were examined for receptors using a prelabeled sucrose gradient method. Three squamous cell carcinomas were positive for ER (greater than 6.9 fmol/mg cytosol protein). Three squamous cell carcinomas, two adenocarcinomas, and one small cell carcinoma were positive for progesterone receptors (greater than 6.9 fmol/mg cytosol protein). One tumor, a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a woman who smoked, had an ER level of 301 fmol/mg, a highly positive level even for breast cancers. These observations may provide a basis for adjuvant hormonal therapy in selected lung cancer patients.

Aged↗

Thymic carcinoma. A clinicopathologic study of 13 cases.

Thymic carcinoma (TCA) is a thymic epithelial neoplasm with obvious cytologic atypia. We studied 13 cases of TCA by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy and correlated the findings with clinical features. The patients' mean age was 54.2 years (range 30-74); the male/female ratio was 7/6. Twelve of the 13 patients presented with signs and symptoms caused by compression of mediastinal organs; the other patient was asymptomatic. Paraneoplastic syndromes were never seen. At thoracotomy, 11 tumors invaded or adhered to surrounding structures; the other two were encapsulated. The histologic types include squamous carcinoma including the lymphoepithelioma-like subtype (seven cases), small cell carcinoma (four cases), clear cell carcinoma (one case), and adenosquamous carcinoma (one case). Positive immunoperoxidase studies were as follows: keratin (13 cases), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) (13 cases), leukocyte common antigen (none), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (five cases), B72.3 (seven cases), Leu 7 (two cases), human placental alkaline phosphatase (none), vimentin (none), and chromogranin (one case). This profile is similar to those of normal thymus and thymoma except for the absence of CEA, B72.3, EMA in normal thymus, and the absence of CEA and B72.3 in thymoma. Electron-microscopic studies performed on eight cases showed glandular and squamous differentiation in one adenosquamous carcinoma, squamous differentiation in five squamous carcinomas, and neuroendocrine differentiation in one small-cell carcinoma. Nine patients died (three due to postoperative complications and six due to recurrences or metastasis at 3-36 months). Four patients (all with squamous carcinoma) were alive without disease at 2-60 months. The clinical and pathologic features were comparable with those of approximately 62 other cases of TCA previously reported. There are a number of well-defined histologic types of TCA that allow the pathologist to make a differential diagnosis of TCA from tumors extending or metastatic to thymus or other primary mediastinal tumors. Although neither asymptomatic presentation nor encapsulation improves the poor prognosis of TCA, the squamous carcinoma subtype is associated with a better outcome than the other subtypes. Based on the electronmicroscopic and immunohistochemical findings, the presence of normal thymic tissue at the periphery of several tumors, and the observation that several TCA arose from preexisting thymomas or thymic cysts, we conclude that TCA is derived from thymic epithelium.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Signet-ring-cell carcinoma of the prostate. Electron-microscopic and immunohistochemical studies of eight cases.

Primary signet-ring-cell carcinoma of the prostate is extremely rare. We report eight patients with prostatic adenocarcinomas containing significant numbers of signet-ring cells, one of whom presented initially with supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. Patient ages ranged from 50 to 80 years (mean, 67.5). None of the patients had received any form of therapy before biopsy or surgery. All patients presented with advanced disease (five with stage C and three with stage D). All tumors were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, M.D. Anderson Hospital system grade IV, Gleason's combined score of 9 or 10. The signet-ring cells were negative for neutral and acid mucins but immunoreactive for prostatic-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase. Ultrastructurally, the signet-ring-cell appearance resulted either from the presence of intracytoplasmic lumina or from vacuoles. Signet-ring cells were also present at the metastatic sites. We conclude that (a) signet-ring-cell carcinoma of the prostate is a variant of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate; and (b) when a metastatic signet-ring-cell carcinoma with negative intracytoplasmic mucin is identified, a prostatic origin should be considered, and prostatic-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase immunostaining should be performed.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Aspiration biopsy of osseous metastasis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Report of a case with cytologic features and differential diagnostic considerations.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are uncommon tumors, only 10% of which are malignant, as evidenced by metastatic disease. It is rare for paraganglioma to present with symptomatic osseous metastases. CASE: A retroperitoneal paraganglioma presented in a 52-year-old man as painful metastases in the rib and vertebrae. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a lumbar vertebral lesion showed cells arranged singly and in loose clusters with fragile, vacuolated or finely granular cytoplasm, marked anisonucleosis and mitoses. Rare zellballen-type structures and intranuclear inclusions were present. Immunohistochemical studies of a subsequent FNA core biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass showed strong immunoreactivity with chromogranin and negative staining for keratin; that was helpful in differentiating this tumor from others in the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The cytologic diagnosis of paraganglioma is difficult as these tumors exhibit a plethora of features that overlap those of many other neoplasms. The diagnosis can be confirmed with appropriate immunohistochemical studies of corresponding core biopsies.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Quality assurance and risk reduction guidelines.

Cervical cancer continues to be a major cause of death in women worldwide. The major problem facing most women is the unavailability of screening Pap tests in poor and underdeveloped countries. While rates of cancer deaths have decreased 60-80% in developed countries since the Pap test became available, the accuracy of Paps was challenged recently. In order to instill public confidence and promote optimal patient care, measures to improve the quality of the entire screening process should be undertaken. Continuous quality improvement processes are more appropriate than traditional quality assurance monitors. Although no standards can be defined that are applicable to all laboratory settings and nations, this document provides current views on universal quality procedures and risk reduction. Procedure/policy manuals, workload assessment, hierarchic/peer review, discrepancy analysis, rescreening studies and cytohistologic correlation are examples of universally applicable quality tools. The variability in practices in different parts of the world is also discussed.

Female↗

Angiosarcoma at unusual sites. A report of two cases with aspiration cytology and diagnostic pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcomas are uncommon soft tissue neoplasms with a predilection for skin and superficial soft tissues. CASES: Two cases of angiosarcoma occurred at unusual sites, the parotid gland and lung. The parotid lesion was characterized by malignant cells present singly, in loose groups, in tight three-dimensional aggregates and in acinar formation initially misinterpreted as an adenocarcinoma. The lung mass showed malignant cells in association with vascular endothelium, suggestive of angiosarcoma. Both cases were negative for Ulex europaeus and Factor VIII-related protein but demonstrated strong immunopositivity for CD31, a highly specific endothelial marker. CONCLUSION: In the absence of vasoformative structures, important diagnostic pitfalls are pseudovascular adenoid squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, melanoma and lymphoma. Immunocytochemical studies and clinical history are essential to the correct diagnosis.

Aged↗