Immunohistochemistry in breast cancer. Tool needed today

Molecular studies development in breast cancer has provided arguments to establish subclassifications of diagnostic and therapeutic importance, which are bringing to the daily practice the desirability of a patients personalized therapy, to better identify the type of neoplasia. Most current studies seek to phenotypically relate these subtypes to the classic factors reported in the breast cancer anatomopathological report, using conventional hematoxylin and eosin techniques. Immunohistochemistry is a reliable tool that allows subclassification of these neoplasms in different categories using markers, which can establish necessary parameters in diagnosis and prognosis. In this paper the main immunohistochemical markers used in Cienfuegos are presented as well as their usefulness

Autopsy considerations from a science, technology and society perspectiva

Autopsy or necropsy is a method of anatomical-pathological study with a proven scientific and social value that arose in certain social conditions. Its development has been influenced by changing cultural, religious, ethical, political and economic values according to time and country, and as all technologies, is not exempt from social and environmental risks. In spite of this, in the reviewed literature, any work has been found in which a study is made on the subject of autopsy with a focus on science, technology and society. This is the purpose of the present work. For that, an updated review was carried out on the subject and it specifies the social conditions that made possible its emergence and development, the influence of culture and religion, its risks and, finally, some ethical considerations on its practice are made

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the Heart. Case Presentation

The heart is very uncommonly affected by neoplasms, most of the times of metastatic nature; they are followed in order of frequency by the benign primary neoplasms and finally the malignant ones. Leiomyosarcomas are in the third place within the latter ones. Case Reports with this diagnosis are scarce, so it was decided to put at the scientific community disposal the case of a 79-year-old female patient, of urban origin, type II diabetic for more than 20 years and in addition, a previous history of heart failure about 25 years ago for which she was regularly treated. She was assisted at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital in Cienfuegos, where she died. The work presents the case clinical and morphological characteristics and makes a brief allusion to the distinguishing characteristics of this neoplasm in general, in this unusual location

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the Heart. Case Presentation

The heart is very uncommonly affected by neoplasms, most of the times of metastatic nature; they are followed in order of frequency by the benign primary neoplasms and finally the malignant ones. Leiomyosarcomas are in the third place within the latter ones. Case Reports with this diagnosis are scarce, so it was decided to put at the scientific community disposal the case of a 79-year-old female patient, of urban origin, type II diabetic for more than 20 years and in addition, a previous history of heart failure about 25 years ago for which she was regularly treated. She was assisted at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital in Cienfuegos, where she died. The work presents the case clinical and morphological characteristics and makes a brief allusion to the distinguishing characteristics of this neoplasm in general, in this unusual location

Pathological study methods from a historical, social and contextualized perspective

The emergence and development of pathological study methods is closely related to the scientific-technical development achieved by society. The traditional methods used for the pathological study of diseases have been enriched with new technologies, which has favored their deepest knowledge, particularly that of neoplasms, one of the leading causes of death in Cuba and in the world. In this paper, an overview is made of the historical development of the different anatomopathological study methods and their impact on the processes of medical assistance and education. A reflection is made on the need to strengthen training for the proper use of the clinical method and for the justified indication and correct interpretation of the results of the examinations that, in a traditional way, have made possible the diagnosis and the assessment of the prognosis and the therapeutic, thus avoiding the irrational use of other technologies that make medical care more expensive

Immunohistochemistry in breast cancer. Tool needed today

Molecular studies development in breast cancer has provided arguments to establish subclassifications of diagnostic and therapeutic importance, which are bringing to the daily practice the desirability of a patients personalized therapy, to better identify the type of neoplasia. Most current studies seek to phenotypically relate these subtypes to the classic factors reported in the breast cancer anatomopathological report, using conventional hematoxylin and eosin techniques. Immunohistochemistry is a reliable tool that allows subclassification of these neoplasms in different categories using markers, which can establish necessary parameters in diagnosis and prognosis. In this paper the main immunohistochemical markers used in Cienfuegos are presented as well as their usefulness

A Methodology to Assess Diagnostic Competence in Anatomical Pathology Examinations for Pathology Residents

Background: For years, the tools for learning assessment of physicians in specialization programs have had an empirical character, leading to problems in the quality of the process. Very often, these tools do not measure the fulfilment of proposed educational objectives and grades awarded to students do not reflect their practical achievements and professional skills. Objective: To develop a methodology to assess diagnostic competence in anatomical pathology examinations for Pathology residents. Method: Development research conducted in the University Hospital of Cienfuegos between 2008 and 2010. In addition to theoretical and empirical methods, experts’ criteria were applied to validate the proposal. Results: A logical, stages-based design of a general methodology was created. A tool including indicators and standards was conformed to assess skills and knowledge while interns performe key activities of their specialty. The methodology was validated through experts’ criteria. Conclusions: Teachers and tutors of this specialty are now provided with an unprecedented methodological tool. Its usefulness lies in a more objective assessment of knowledge and skills for diagnostic biopsies, cytology and autopsies. This procedures support diagnostic competence in pathological examinations, which is ultimately pathologists’ key role. The present methodological design can be adapted and applied in the evaluation of interns from other specialties

Malignant mixed Müllerian tumor

Uterine carcinosarcomas or malignant mixed Müllerian tumors are rare neoplasms. They have an aggressive behavior and the prognosis depends mainly on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. The progression of these tumors is unfavorable despite being diagnosed and treated in early stages, because they have a greater tendency to early lymphatic dissemination and to pelvic or abdominal recurrence than other endometrial neoplasms. This study presents the case of a 39-year-old, obese and smoker female patient complaining of dark red profuse vaginal bleeding not related to the menstrual cycle and with seven days of progression. She had a history of vaginal bleedings of a 2-year progression and a previous diagnosis of endometrial cystic hyperplasia. The patient was attended to at the ob-gyn department. A total double-adnexectomy abdominal hysterectomy was performed. The anatomopathologic study of the anatomical piece sent to the pathology department confirmed that it was a malignant mixed Müllerian tumor with deep myometrial invasion in more than 50 % of the wall, and a high mitotic index. It was decided to report this case to the medical community given the low frequency of this type of neoplasm, its histopathologic features and the diagnostic challenges it represents for the attending physicians and even for the specialists in pathology.</p