Differentiation of Endometriomas from Ovarian Hemorrhagic Cysts at Magnetic Resonance: The Role of Texture Analysis

Background and Objectives: To assess ovarian cysts with texture analysis (TA) in magnetic resonance (MRI) images for establishing a differentiation criterion for endometriomas and functional hemorrhagic cysts (HCs) that could potentially outperform their classic MRI diagnostic features. Materials and Methods: Forty-three patients with known ovarian cysts who underwent MRI were retrospectively included (endometriomas, n = 29; HCs, n = 14). TA was performed using dedicated software based on T2-weighted images, by incorporating the whole lesions in a three-dimensional region of interest. The most discriminative texture features were highlighted by three selection methods (Fisher, probability of classification error and average correlation coefficients, and mutual information). The absolute values of these parameters were compared through univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristic analyses. The ability of the two classic diagnostic signs (“T2 shading” and “T2 dark spots”) to diagnose endometriomas was assessed by quantifying their sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), following their conventional assessment on T1-and T2-weighted images by two radiologists. Results: The diagnostic power of the one texture parameter that was an independent predictor of endometriomas (entropy, 75% Se and 100% Sp) and of the predictive model composed of all parameters that showed statistically significant results at the univariate analysis (100% Se, 100% Sp) outperformed the ones shown by the classic MRI endometrioma features (“T2 shading”, 75.86% Se and 35.71% Sp; “T2 dark spots”, 55.17% Se and 64.29% Sp). Conclusion: Whole-lesion MRI TA has the potential to offer a superior discrimination criterion between endometriomas and HCs compared to the classic evaluation of the two lesions’ MRI signal behaviors

Risk Factors in a Sample of Patients with Advanced Cervical Cancer

The estimated burden of neoplasia of uterine cervix in the 27 EU member states sums up to 34300 cases and 16200 death, with higher incidence and mortality in eastern countries. A number of risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. Even if the risk factors significantly increase the chances of developing cervical cancer, a large number of women with risk factors do not develop the disease, and when a woman develops cancer or precancerous lesions in the cervix may be difficult to establish the causal relationship with certain risk factors. The present study aimed to appreciate the presence and magnitude of risk factors for patients diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and to outline best strategies to reduce the incidence of this neoplasia, and improve prognosis. Risk factors have been investigated in 42 patients diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer using HPV genotyped determination and a questionnaire for the evaluation of cervical cancer risk factors. In our sample of patients a high risk profile is shaping for low socio-economical level, modulated by the impact of HPV infection with high risk stains of virus, overweight-obesity, smoking and inadequate cervical cancer screening. In this frame a special alarm signal is represented by the very high percentage of patients with overweight and obesity. From the public health perspective, we consider that efforts should be focused on preventing weight gain, regular screening and health education field

Report from the OECI Oncology days 2014

The 2014 OECI Oncology Days was held at the 'Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta' Oncology Institute in Cluj, Romania, from 12 to 13 June. The focus of this year's gathering was on developments in personalised medicine and other treatment advances which have made the cost of cancer care too high for many regions throughout Europe.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe