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Biomedical subjects

J Kulka

Publications and source records attributed to J Kulka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Difficulties in the diagnosis of intracystic tumors of the female breast.

The objective of the current study was to determine the accuracy of radiological and cytological diagnoses of intracystic and papillary lesions in distinguishing between true papillary benign and malignant lesions. Seventy cytological reports of intracystic proliferations were selected from our cytopathological database at the Breast Health Corporation, Budapest, Hungary, dating back to the last 7 years. Retrospective analysis of the diagnostic approaches--mammography, ultrasonography, clinical examination and cytology--was performed in selected cases. The results of imaging and cytological examination are routinely reported on a categorical scale ranging from 1 to 5. 44 patients underwent surgical excision: histology showed benign lesions in 21 and malignant lesions in 23 cases. Twelve patients, who did not undergo biopsy and presented a stable disease at follow-ups, were also included in the group of benign lesion. Fifteen patients were not available for follow-up. Concerning the total investigated cases the mean categorical values of mammography, ultrasonography and cytology were 2.24, 2.78 and 3.05 respectively. The malignant and benign groups significantly differ from each other concerning the mean age of the patients (p=0.0216), the distribution of the coded mammographical results (p= 0.0171) the cytological results (p=0.0001), and average tumor size measured on mammogram images (p=0.0199). The two group does not significantly differ over the distribution of mammographical density patterns (p=0.1075), radiomorphological appearance (p=0.1101), average tumor size measured on ultrasonography (p=0.2665), and patient complaints (p=0.2634). The evaluation of ultrasonography shows borderline significance (Pearson Chi-square test: p=0.0616, M-L Chi-square test: p=0.0404) between the malignant and benign groups. Differential diagnosis between malignant and benign intracystic and papillary lesions is feasible using common radiological diagnostics. However, more efficient teamwork is needed with the cooperation of a well-trained cytologist and radiologist, who are able to produce precise images of the lesions, and guides the aspiration of the adequate samples for cytology, which is the most valuable examination.

Biopsy↗

Consistency of staining and reporting of oestrogen receptor immunocytochemistry within the European Union--an inter-laboratory study.

To assess the variability of oestrogen receptor (ER) testing using immunocytochemistry, centrally stained and unstained slides from breast cancers were circulated to the members of the European Working Group for Breast Screening Pathology, who were asked to report on both slides. The results showed that there was almost complete concordance among readers (kappa=0.95) in ER-negative tumours on the stained slide and excellent concordance among readers (kappa=0.82) on the slides stained in each individual laboratory. Tumours showing strong positivity were reasonably well assessed (kappa=0.57 and 0.4, respectively), but there was less concordance in tumours with moderate and low levels of ER, especially when these were heterogeneous in their staining. Because of the variation, the Working Group recommends that laboratories performing these stains should take part in a external quality assurance scheme for immunocytochemistry, should include a tumour with low ER levels as a weak positive control and should audit the percentage positive tumours in their laboratory against the accepted norms annually. The Quick score method of receptor assessment may also have too many categories for good concordance, and grouping of these into fewer categories may remove some of the variation among laboratories.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Discrepancies in current practice of pathological evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. Results of a questionnaire based survey by the European Working Group for Breast Screening Pathology.

AIMS: To evaluate aspects of the current practice of sentinel lymph node (SLN) pathology in breast cancer via a questionnaire based survey, to recognise major issues that the European guidelines for mammography screening should address in the next revision. METHODS: A questionnaire was circulated by mail or electronically by the authors in their respective countries. Replies from pathology units dealing with SLN specimens were evaluated further. RESULTS: Of the 382 respondents, 240 European pathology units were dealing with SLN specimens. Sixty per cent of these units carried out intraoperative assessment, most commonly consisting of frozen sections. Most units slice larger SLNs into pieces and only 12% assess these slices on a single haematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained slide. Seventy one per cent of the units routinely use immunohistochemistry in all cases negative by HE. The terms micrometastasis, submicrometastasis, and isolated tumour cells (ITCs) are used in 93%, 22%, and 71% of units, respectively, but have a rather heterogeneous interpretation. Molecular SLN staging was reported by only 10 units (4%). Most institutions have their own guidelines for SLN processing, but some countries also have well recognised national guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological examination of SLNs throughout Europe varies considerably and is not standardised. The European guidelines should focus on standardising examination. They should recommend techniques that identify metastases > 2 mm as a minimum standard. Uniform reporting of additional findings may also be important, because micrometastases and ITCs may in the future be shown to have clinical relevance.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Pathological work-up of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. Review of current data to be considered for the formulation of guidelines.

Controversies and inconsistencies regarding the pathological work-up of sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) led the European Working Group for Breast Screening Pathology (EWGBSP) to review published data and current evidence that can promote the formulation of European guidelines for the pathological work-up of SNs. After an evaluation of the accuracy of SN biopsy as a staging procedure, the yields of different sectioning methods and the immunohistochemical detection of metastatic cells are reviewed. Currently published data do not allow the significance of micrometastases or isolated tumour cells to be established, but it is suggested that approximately 18% of the cases may be associated with further nodal (non-SN) metastases, i.e. approximately 2% of all patients initially staged by SN biopsy. The methods for the intraoperative and molecular assessment of SNs are also surveyed.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Leiomyosarcoma of the female breast.

Leiomyosarcomas of the breast are rare tumors. Less than 15 such cases have been reported in the literature so far. In this paper authors describe a case of leiomyosarcoma of a female breast presenting as a firm lobulated mass, mimicking a phylloid tumor radiographically. By fine needle aspiration biopsy, on the smears discohesive malignant looking cells were conclusive to a poorly differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The mastectomy specimen contained a lobulated mass, microscopically showing a partly epithelioid spindle cell tumor, immunoreactive for vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin antibodies, and negative for epithelial markers, hormone and growth factor receptors. Axillary lymph nodes were free of tumor. A primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast was diagnosed.

Actins↗

Tenascin expression in primary and recurrent breast carcinomas and the effect of tenascin on breast tumor cell cultures.

Tenascin is generally classified as an anti-adhesive protein. Many cells do not adhere to tenascin or if they adhere they do not spread. In this study we analysed the stromal expression of tenascin-C in primary, second primary and recurrent breast carcinomas and the ability of tenascin-C to stimulate the focal adhesion plaques in MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cell line. To assess the tenascin-C expression formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of 20 specially selected breast carcinomas and their recurrences (14) or a second primary breast cancer of the same patient (6) were examined with immunohistochemical methods. We also studied the effect of tenascin-C on focal adhesion plaques added to MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cell line. During a median 2,9-year patient follow up 14 local recurrences and 6-second primary breast carcinomas developed in the 20 patients. In 3 cases a second recurrence occurred. The presence of tenascin in tumor cells, in the proliferating and some normal ducts, near to the tumor cell nests, in the stroma and in ductal carcinoma in situ component of the invasive carcinoma may suggest the role of tenascin played in tumor cell migration. Soluble tenascin added to the cell culture had minimal or no effect on focal adhesion plaques. Tenascin only seems not to be of prognostic value in predicting the local recurrence of breast cancer.

Adult↗

Leiomyosarcomas of great vessels.

Sarcomas of the great vessels are rare. Altogether 400 such cases have been described in the aorta, the pulmonary artery, and inferior vena cava. The clinical symptoms are generally related to embolic phenomena, aneurysm formation, and widespread metastases, especially to bones. With improved diagnostic modalities more cases are diagnosed and treated surgically. Resection of the tumor may prolong the patient s life. In this paper authors present two cases of such rare sarcomas. In our first case a tumor has developed in the thoracic aorta with symptoms of imminent aortic dissection. The tumorous nature of the lesion was revealed only histologically, since neither the operation, nor macroscopic picture gave any clue to its tumorous nature. The second case was a male patient with a huge retroperitoneal tumor arising from the inferior vena cava, which was clinically suspected to be a carcinomaarising in the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Tenascin expression and angiogenesis in breast cancers.

The expression and the distribution of tenascin as well as the extent of blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) were investigated in 70 invasive human breast carcinomas. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were stained with monoclonal antibody against tenascin-C (DAKO and Biogenex). Anti-CD31 antibody (Biogenex), an acknowledged marker of stromal angiogenesis, was used to detect endothelial cells. Tenascin immunostaining was positive in the tumours around the persisting normal ducts, around tumour-cell nests, in the neostroma, in some tumour cells, and it was found in or around vascular channels. Tumour vascularity was assessed by quantitative vascular grading (Chalkley point count) and was related to the localization and intensity of tenascin immunoreactivity. 19 tumours (27.1%) were scored as low, 35 (50%) as medium, and 16 (22.9%) as having a high vascular grade. The positive correlation between the vascular grade and the tenascin immunopositivity in tumour stroma was observed. Our results suggest that tenascin expression may be associated with endothelial cell activation and may play an important role in tumour angiogenesis.

Adult↗

World Health organization (WHO) and the World Heart Federation (WHF) pathobiological determinants of atherosclerosis in youth study (WHO/WHF PBDAY Study) 1986-1996. Histomorphometry and histochemistry of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries and the aorta in a young population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present work is a chapter in an investigation directed by the World Health Organization on the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis In Youth (WHO-PBDAY). Our aim was to study the development of atherosclerotic lesions in a young population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of left anterior descending coronary artery (LDC) and thoracic (TA) and abdominal aorta (AA) from five Collaborating Centres (Budapest/Hungary, Havana/Cuba, Heidelberg/Germany, Mexico City/Mexico, Peradeniya/Sri Lanka) of 214 subjects who died aged 15 and 34 were analysed at the Budapest Reference Centre. Slides stained with haematoxylin-eosin and with stains for extracellular matrix were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Mean intima/media (I/M) ratio and the prevalence of type III-IV lesions (preatheroma; atheroma; calcified and fibrous atheroma) were determined and compared in different risk factor (high blood pressure, smoking) groups. High I/M ratio was found in the LDC and type III-IV lesions were frequently found both in the LDC and in the AA. I/M ratio and the occurrence of type III-IV lesions increased in all arteries by age. Atherosclerotic lesions in men were more severe, particularly in the LDC. Geographic origin had a limited effect on the histologic lesion parameters. Appearance of type III-IV lesions was associated with substantially different extracellular matrix changes. Myoelastic layer formation was found in each artery in both early and type III-IV lesions. Hypertension was associated with higher prevalence of type III-IV lesions in all arteries, in particular, in the TA; smoking showed a significant effect on the AA only. CONCLUSIONS: Atherosclerotic lesions were found in many of these young subjects. The effect of hypertension and smoking on their development suggests that control of risk factors, beginning in early adolescence, could help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Adolescent↗

Traumatic arterial damage after fine-needle aspirational cytology in mammary complex sclerosing lesions.

We retrospectively reviewed 107 consecutive cases of radial scar and complex sclerosing lesions in a 54 month period seeking vascular lesions using archival H & E stained 5 micron thick sections. Eight showed vascular abnormalities, five being false aneurysms which were limited to 62 lesions > 10 mm diameter; no false aneurysm was found in 45 radial scars < or = 10 mm. All cases displayed arterial lesions, but two also showed associated venous fibrosis. Traumatic false aneurysms with loss or severe thinning of the media and intimal, medial or extravascular spindle cell proliferation were found in the arteries of five cases with histological evidence of local reaction to previous fine-needle aspirational biopsy and clinical documentation of aspiration 18 to 121 days before. The diameters of the false aneurysms correlated with the original widths of the arteries. The other lesions with mature intimal fibrosis in arteries or veins lacked such local post-aspiration expansile reactive changes, or a history of fine needle aspiration. We conclude that traumatic false aneurysms found in complex sclerosing lesions seem to be iatrogenic, resulting from fine needle aspiration. Mature fibrosis in veins or arteries are probably unrelated processes.

Aged↗

[Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the nasolacrimal duct--a case report].

PATIENT: A 59-year-old patient with an extremely rare lymphoepithelioma of the nasolacrimal duct was treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. RESULTS: A complete remission was achieved. Serious side effects and late effects have, until now, not been observed. The patient has been free of tumor for two and a half years. CONCLUSIONS: With this case report, the authors wish to draw the attention of otorhinolaryngologists to this unusual tumorsite. They emphasize that good results can be achieved with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, if surgery is not possible.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Hamartomas of the breast: six novel diagnostic features in three-dimensional thick sections.

Fifteen hamartomas of the breast have been studied by dissecting microscopy of thick sections at a depth of 1.0 to 2.5 mm, and by conventional 5 microns deep sections. This combined approach has revealed six distinctive features, three in the parenchymal structure and three in the connective tissue components. Ducts (invariably of penetrating or arcuate configuration) and discrete lobules, neither of which are seen in lesions accepted as fibroadenomas, were invariably found. In one-third of hamartomas, up to 10% of the surface area was occupied by Herãti-style nodules composed of concentric rings of epithelium. In the hyaline interlobular connective tissue characteristic drifts of caraway seed-like fibrocytes, encasement of adipocytes by hyaline collagen, or spider-naevus vascular abnormalities were found in approximately half of the mammary hamartomas when examined in thick sections. Hitherto the positive diagnosis of hamartomas of the breast has relied on a combined clinical, radiological and pathological assessment. We suggest that the additional features described here, taken in conjunction with those already known, may facilitate the recognition of mammary hamartomas by histopathological examination alone.

Adult↗