Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor. Although the parotid gland is the most common site of involvement, other major salivary glands and the minor salivary glands—most commonly of the palate—also can be involved. The management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma depends on the grade of the tumor and the adequacy of resection. We present the case of a 56-year-old female presenting a painless progressive cheek mass over 2 months. Imaging and fine-needle aspiration cytology provided the diagnosis of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A superficial parotidectomy was done, and the histopathology revealed a predominantly cystic tumor with a bilayered epithelium of oncocytic and basal cells. Moderate nuclear pleomorphism with infiltration of atypical squamous cells in few glandular cysts was seen. Special staining revealed the presence of intracellular mucin. A diagnosis of Warthin-like variant of MEC was made, based on these findings. After the surgical procedures, the patient is disease-free at 8 months of follow-up. The Warthin-like variant is a rare variant of MEC with fewer than 10 cases described in the English literature. Various differential diagnoses include the malignant transformation of Wartin tumor (WT), squamous metaplasia of WT, and metastasis from a distant primary. We emphasize the role of routine microscopy in identifying rare variants of common malignancies. Even though translocation studies are helpful in diagnosis, the typical histopathological findings should confirm it

Reporting trends, practices, and resource utilization in neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate gland: a survey among thirty-nine genitourinary pathologists

Background: Neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland ranges from clinically insignificant neuroendocrine differentiation detected with markers in an otherwise conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma to a lethal high-grade small/large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The concept of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic adenocarcinoma has gained considerable importance due to its prognostic and therapeutic ramifications and pathologists play a pivotal role in its recognition. However, its awareness, reporting, and resource utilization practice patterns among pathologists are largely unknown. Methods: Representative examples of different spectrums of neuroendocrine differentiation along with a detailed questionnaire were shared among 39 urologic pathologists using the survey monkey software. Participants were specifically questioned about the use and awareness of the 2016 WHO classification of neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate, understanding of the clinical significance of each entity, and use of different immunohistochemical (IHC) markers. De-identified respondent data were analyzed. Results: A vast majority (90%) of the participants utilize IHC markers to confirm the diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. A majority (87%) of the respondents were in agreement regarding the utilization of type of IHC markers for small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma for which 85% of the pathologists agreed that determination of the site of origin of a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma is not critical, as these are treated similarly. In the setting of mixed carcinomas, 62% of respondents indicated that they provide quantification and grading of the acinar component. There were varied responses regarding the prognostic implication of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and for Paneth cell-like differentiation. The classification of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was highly varied, with only 38% agreement in the illustrated case. Finally, despite the recommendation not to perform neuroendocrine markers in the absence of morphologic evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation, 62% would routinely utilize IHC in the work-up of a Gleason score 5 + 5 = 10 acinar adenocarcinoma and its differentiation from high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Conclusion: There is a disparity in the practice utilization patterns among the urologic pathologists with regard to diagnosing high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and in understanding the clinical significance of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and Paneth cell-like neuroendocrine differentiation. There seems to have a trend towards overutilization of IHC to determine neuroendocrine differentiation in the absence of neuroendocrine features on morphology. The survey results suggest a need for further refinement and development of standardized guidelines for the classification and reporting of neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland

Elastosis Perforans Serpiginosa: a D-penicillamine induced dermatoses in a patient with Wilson’s disease

Long term use of D-penicillamine for Wilson’s disease can be associated with many adverse reactions and systemic side effects. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient diagnosed with Wilson’s disease presenting with a serpiginous raised violaceous skin lesion in the anterior aspect of the neck over the last six months and two small papules with central umbilication during the last month. Histopathological examination of skin lesions demonstrated transepidermal perforating channel, and the Verhoeff’s-van Gieson stain showed marked increase number of irregular serrated elastic fibers suggesting the diagnosis of D- penicillamine induced elastosis perforans serpiginosa

Giant epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid: a rare occurrence

Epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC) of the thyroid is extremely rare in the clinical practice. A handful of cases have been documented in the past in the world literature. A giant EIC of the thyroid is hitherto unreported. This lesion may arise from the squamous metaplasia of the thyroid follicular cells. Though non-neoplastic, giant forms can cause compression of the vital structures of the neck. In the present case, we have described a giant epidermal inclusion cyst successfully managed with surgical management

Intraconal orbital dermoid cyst: a rare location

Intraconal dermoid cysts are very unusual in routine clinical practice. Clinical symptoms depend upon the site and extension of the lesion. Though rare, proptosis, diplopia, and orbital pain are the presenting symptoms encountered in patients with an intraorbital dermoid cyst. Although radiology can be diagnostic, a complete correlation with the final histopathology is always mandatory for its confirmation. Endoscopic excision of the cyst ensures a complete cure for the disease without any intraoperative/postoperative complications

Retroperitoneal sclerosing PEComa with melanin pigmentation and granulomatous inflammation-A rare association within an uncommon tumor

PEComa, defined as a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, displays a wide clinicopathological spectrum. Lately, a sclerosing PEComa has been identified as its distinct variant, but with limited documentation, in view of its rarity. Herein, we describe an uncommon case of a 53-year-old lady, who was referred to us with pain abdomen. Radiological imaging disclosed a well-defined, hypodense retroperitoneal mass. The excised tumor was a round, encapsulated soft tissue mass measuring 7 cm with a tan-brown cut surface. Microscopy showed uniform, epithelioid cells with clear cytoplasm, focal melanin pigmentation and mild nuclear atypia, arranged in sheets and nests around capillary-sized vessels in a dense sclerotic stroma. Additionally, co-existing epithelioid granulomas were noted. On immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells were diffusely positive for HMB45; focally for desmin and smooth muscle actin (SMA), while negative for EMA, CD10, S100-P, Melan A, CD34, AMACR and CK MNF116. This case reinforces sclerosing PEComa as an uncommon, but a distinct clinicopathological entity and exemplifies diagnostic challenge associated with it; necessitating application of IHC markers for its correct identification. Presence of melanin pigment and granulomatous inflammation in the present tumor constitute as novel histopathological findings in a sclerosing PEComa

Changes in undergraduate medical education practices during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The countrywide lockdown in response to COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from conventional teaching to online teaching. This study aimed to find the issues and challenges faced by medical teachers on the virtual platforms of teaching during lockdown. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the medical teachers of a tertiary care hospital between august to october 2020. A google form with study questionnaire was circulated among participants. Results: Online live lectures were major mode of online teaching. 36.5% of teachers felt that they were successful and only 19.2% felt, they were unsuccessful in engaging most of the students. Discrepancies between efforts and outcome (20.54%), absence of definite guidelines (20.54%), unwanted disturbances (19.17%), lack of technical expertise (19.17%), absence of uniform format (10.95%), and lack of knowledge (6.84%) were the challenges faced. A change in the content of slides (52.8%), increased use of videos, charts, and figures (41.5%), changes in lesson plan (32.1%), including assessments after each class (28.3%) and division of content into sub-topics for better understanding and easy upload (22.6%) were the modifications made by faculty for online teaching. Around half of the faculty members disagreed that teaching can be conducted online postlockdown. Conclusion: The pandemic is a situation that should encourage all medical educators to be trained and adapt to online teaching methodologies

Primary malignant giant cell tumor of the sternum

Primary malignant giant cell tumor (PMGCT) is a diagnosis based on the presence of a high-grade sarcomatous component along with a typical benign giant cell tumor (GCT). We report the first case of PMGCT of the sternum in a 28-year-old male with painless swelling over the manubrium sterni. The differential diagnoses of PMGCT and giant cell-rich osteosarcoma were considered. Surgical resection was performed, and the reconstruction was done with a neosternum using polymethyl methacrylate and prolene mesh. At 30 months follow-up, the patient is disease-free