Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands : reappraisal and update

Although relatively rare, polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is likely the second most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands (MiSG). The diagnosis is mainly based on an incisional biopsy. The optimal treatment comprises wide surgical excision, often with adjuvant radiotherapy. In general, PAC has a good prognosis. Previously, PAC was referred to as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), but the new WHO classification of salivary gland tumours has also included under the PAC subheading, the so-called cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG). This approach raised controversy, predominantly because of possible differences in clinical behaviour. For example, PLGA (PAC, classical variant) only rarely metastasizes, whereas CAMSG often shows metastases to the neck lymph nodes. Given the controversy, this review reappraises the definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, genetics, treatment modalities, and prognosis of PAC of the salivary glands with a particular focus on contrasting differences with CAMSG.Peer reviewe

Cartesian Foundation of Husserlian Phenomenology: A Critical Appraisal

The inquiry into Husserl’s phenomenology develops out of the philosophical concern that includes the fundamental problems of ontology, epistemology and philosophic methodology. However, the larger motivations for the subject matter of Husserl’s phenomenology lie with matters of epistemology and methodology. This could be traced through the philosophies of Descartes, Hume and Kant. Husserl shares the view of Descartes that the fundamental task of philosophy is that of providing the right epistemological method. It is against this background that this paper proposes an examination of Descartes epistemology as providing the ultimate foundation for Husserl’s phenomenology. It intends to show that there is a very strong affinity in the most basic core of Descartes and Husserl’s philosophies. It further posits that the ultimate interest of both philosophers is that of articulating a universal method that would guarantee the establishment of an absolute foundation of knowledge

In Search of the Meaning of Life: An Ethical Evaluation of Albert Camus’ Philosophy of Revolt

This contemporary age has been described as one characterized by a wave of revolts. Every part of the world, every segment of society is dotted with one form of revolt or another. The resultant turbulence and anomie have caused thinkers to raise fundamental questions concerning the meaning of life. What sense does it make for man to exist in a world as turbulent as this? If this seeming irrational life of revolt is what human existence is all about, wouldn’t it have been better not to be born at all? Though, philosophically, these questions form part of the perennial inquiry about existence, today’s global social order makes those questions most pertinent. It is in response to these fundamental questions of the meaning of human life that this paper proposes to examine Albert Camus’s philosophy of revolt. Life for Camus is absurd without meaning. In order to restore meaning, dignity and value to human life, three optionspresent themselves to Camus for consideration. The first is suicide; the  second is to take the leap of faith in God and the third is revolt. Camus rejects the first two options as not constituting the appropriate solutions. The first option he calls literal suicide and the second option he calls philosophical suicide. The third option which he calls revolt implies a rebellion against the monstrous absurdity and meaninglessness that have characterized human existence. This for Camus is the most authentic response to the absurdity of human life.Keywords: Revolt; Human Life; Absurd; Suicide; Rebellion

In Search of the Meaning of Life: An Ethical Evaluation of Albert Camus’ Philosophy of Revolt

This contemporary age has been described as one characterized by a wave of revolts. Every part of the world, every segment of society is dotted with one form of revolt or another . The resultant turbulence and anomie have caused thinkers to raise fundamental questions concerning the meaning of life. What sense does it make for man to exist in a world as turbulent as this? If this seeming irrational life of revolt is what human existence is all about, wouldn’t it have been better not to be born at all? Though, philosophically, these questions form part of the perennial inquiry about existence, today’s global social order makes those questions most pertinent. It is in response to these fundamental questions of the meaning of human life that this paper proposes to examine Albert Camus’s philosophy of revolt. Life for Camus is absurd without meaning. In order to restore meaning, dignity and value to human life, three options present themselves to Camus for consideration. The first is suicide; the second is to take the leap of faith in God and the third is revolt. Camus rejects the first two options as not constituting the appropriate solutions. The first option he calls literal suicide and the second option he calls philosophical suicide. The third option which he calls revolt implies a rebellion against the monstrous absurdity and meaninglessness that have characterized human existence. This for Camus is the most authentic response to the absurdity of human life