HER-2 neu expression in surface epithelial ovarian tumors and its relationship with clinic-pathological parameters: a pilot study

Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the major source of morbidity and mortality in women among all gynecological malignancies. Her2/neu expression in ovarian carcinoma has not been studied extensively in ovarian surface epithelial carcinoma. It's can be utilized towards future proposed studies as a targeted therapy in new era of treatment for ovarian malignancies.Methods: It was a prospective study carried for 2 years. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was studied, grading, staging was evaluated for all the cases. Immunohistochemical staining with HER2/neu was done, evaluation done by 3 independent pathologists, correlation of HER2/neu with histological type, grade and stage was done.  Results: The present study included 33 cases of histologically proven epithelial ovarian neoplasm with mean age of 44.5±25.55 years. Serous type constitutes majority of cases (48.48%), maximum number of cases was in high grade (57.57%) and high stage (40.74%). Majority of tumors showed negative expression of HER2/neu i.e. 42.42%. The current study found no significant correlation between HER2/neu expression and histological type, histological grade, extent of tumor (T stage) and distant metastasis. But we found a significant correlation between nodal metastasis and HER2/neu expression.Conclusions: HER2/neu therapy can be given in borderline and low grade tumor compared to high grade tumor

Comparison of quality parameters in conventional Pap smears made by endocervical brush smear and Ayre spatula

Background: Cervical Pap smear is a form of exfoliative cytology and has been widely accepted as a screening tool for cervical cancers. Among the various devices for collecting samples from cervix, wooden Ayre spatula and cytobrush are used commonly. Ayre spatula collects cells from the ectocervix whereas cytobrush from the transformation zone (TZ) and this study compares both techniques.Methods: A retrospective study was done by comparing two conventional Pap smears from all consecutive samples received in the cytopathology section of department of pathology (n=388); one with Ayre spatula and one with endocervical brush.  They were compared for quality parameters like spreading and staining of cells, morphologic preservation, presence of TZ component, degree of inflammation, presence of infection and predominant cell population. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed.Results: The smears made out of Ayre spatula showed better spreading (p≤0.00001) and staining (p=0.00022) as compared with those made using endocervical brush. However, the morphological preservation was equally comparable in both. The TZ component was significantly higher in the endocervical brush smear (p=0.00001). Inflammation was comparable in both (p=0.1916). Infection was detected more in ectocervical smears (p=0.00001). The cytobrush smears showed a significantly higher detection rate of endocervical cells (p≤0.00001).Conclusions: Based on our study, we conclude that the use of both Ayre spatula and endocervical brush together ensures higher efficiency than using a single method

Co-existence of Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and morphoea along Lines of Blaschko

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory dermatitis of unknown etiology that mostly affects the genital region in both the sexes. In active cases the histopathologic changes differentiate between LS and morphoea though in chronic cases it is very difficult to diagnose with certainty. Coexistence of both the conditions in a single patient indicates that these lesions represent a spectrum of similar pathologic process. Coexistence of both the conditions along Blaschko′s lines is so far not described in literature. We report an Indian patient with both LS and morphoea occurring along Blaschko′s lines

Extramedullary hematopoiesis in case of hemoglobin E Beta-thalassemia: An unusual cause of paraplegia

Hemoglobin E (HbE) beta-thalassemia is common in Asian countries. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a chronic complication of this condition, which is a rare cause of paraplegia. Here, we discuss an uncommon presentation of HbE beta-thalassemia with EMH. A 32-year-old male patient presented with spastic paraplegia at C7 level. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging showed epidural extramedullary soft-tissue clumps at D2–D7 vertebra. Histology section showed numerous pleomorphic large cells admixed with colonies of small cells having rounded contour. A relook at the history revealed a history of hemolytic anemia diagnosed at the age of 12 years, for which he was on 1–2 transfusions/year. HbE beta-thalassemia had been diagnosed 20 years before. Hence, a final diagnosis of EMH was made. Although such case reports have been documented, the amount of available data is limited. A high index of suspicion for EMH should be held in patients with hematological disease who present with neurological disorders