Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K Uehlinger.
The pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumor) of the mammary gland is a rare benign tumor. Clinically, mammographically and histologically it can, on the basis of a quick-biopsy examination, be confounded with a carcinoma. We relate on a case of our own where the diagnostic difficulties conducted to an inadequate amputation of the mammary gland.
The typical radiologic finding of a "non-ossifying fibroma" of the distal femoral metaphysis was seen in a 17-year-old female patient with pain in the distal femur. The rapid development of this lesion was confirmed on the basis of earlier radiographs performed to clarify other complaints. Since the lesion had developed in no more than 34 months, with pronounced scintigraphic and MRI signal intensity, particularly in the late phase, and pain had prompted the patient to seek examination, the cause was assumed to be a neoplasia rather than a growth disorder. Histopathological examination revealed a proliferative fibrohistiocytic lesion which was histologically different from a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The finding indicates that in the differential diagnosis between non-ossifying fibroma and benign fibrous histiocytoma in cases with identical localization, pain and the intensity of the scintigraphic signal may well be the key to further action: since benign fibrous histiocytomas may be regarded as genuine neoplasias, the question of malignancy should also be clarified beyond doubt.
We herewith report on our experience with dorsal, intercorporal fusion of the lumbar spine, according to Cloward, that has been performed on twenty-five cases from 1974 to 1980. The most suitable indication for this procedure has proved to be acute herniated disc, and spinal stenosis, whereas less favourable results have been obtained in cases with spondylolisthesis and spondylitis. In ten cases a pseudarthrosis developed. The report discusses whether the period of postoperative immobilisation by means of a plaster bed or plaster cast, or other factors such as a well vascularised graft substrate, or intercorporal compression, are of prime importance in affecting successful fusion. The method is still employed but now only in combination with stabilising metallic implants.