The prognostic significance of micrometastases in node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

Nodal involvement is one of the most significant prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 31 women with histologically node-negative SCC from a population-based cohort of Grampian women. Median follow-up was 42 months after radical vulvectomy with groin node dissection. In total, 13 women (42%) were found to have micrometastases on immunohistochemistry. The risk of recurrence was almost 20-fold higher in those with micrometastases compared to those without (hazard ratio=19.6 (95% CI 2.3–171)

Thalidomide-Related Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A case report and brief literature review

Thalidomide has regained value in the multimodality treatment of leprosy, multiple myeloma, prostate, ovarian and renal cancer. Complications related to arterial and venous complications are well described. However, pulmonary complications remain relatively uncommon. The most common pulmonary side-effect reported is non-specific dyspnea. We report a patient with multiple myeloma, who developed an eosinophilic pneumonia, shortly after starting thalidomide. She had complete resolution of her symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates on discontinuation of the drug and treatment with corticosteroids. Physicians should be cognizant of this potential complication in patients receiving thalidomide who present with dyspnea and pulmonary infiltrates