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Metastasis to inguinal lymph nodes from breast cancer is extremely rare and only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature to date. We report a case of a postmenopausal female patient who was a treated case of right breast cancer and developed inguinal metastases after 9 months. An excisional biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis. A positron emission tomography–CT scan revealed retropectoral and pelvic lymphadenopathy. The patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy to the inguinal and pelvic regions followed by palliative chemotherapy. The patient survived for 4 months after the detection of inguinal metastasis.

A 72-year-old woman noted a lump in her left supraclavicular fossa with no other symptoms or other signs on physical exam. A cervical biopsy indicated metastatic carcinoma. On the diagnostic workup: thoracic–abdominal–pelvic CT revealed augmented lymph nodes (LNs) in the retroperitoneum; Positron Emission Tomography–CT showed uptake in the LNs described and in two small areas in the pelvis; blood tests showed elevated CA125 and CA72.4. Another biopsy, considering a para-aortic LN, proved to be metastasis of a high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Gynaecological exam and pelvic imaging were innocent. Diagnostic laparoscopy, including hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy, was performed and anatomopathological examination confirmed a HGSC in the fallopian tube (FT), in a tiny focus of 1.5 mm. The patient continued treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. Literature review indicates that supraclavicular LN as first manifestation of FT carcinoma is not usual, and widespread lymphadenopathies with no macroscopic pelvic disease at diagnosis are even rarer.

Objective — to improve the surgical treatment of patients with thyroid cancer with metastatic lesions of the neck lymph nodes by means of an individual approach to diagnostics, intraoperative imaging, and choice of optimal surgical technique. Materials and methods. The analysis involved results of examinations and treatment of 749 patients. The following was taken into account: complaints, thyroid and lymph nodes ultrasound, thyroid hormones level, results of general clinical examinations. Levels of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, magnesium, total and ionic calcium were determined at the preoperative stage. In some cases, computer tomography results were included. Afine‑needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy was performed to all patients. Women prevailed: 607 from 749(81.0%; 95% CI 78.0—83.8). The mean age of the patients was 51.3% (45.6—59.1) years. The causes of disease included: colloid nodular goiter 566(75.6%; 95% CI 72.3—78.6), nodular (adenomatous) goiter with follicular neoplasm 72(9.6%; 95% CI 7.6—12.0), papillary carcinoma 54(7.2%; 95% CI 5.5—9.3), suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (according to the cytology results) 17(2.3%; 95% CI 1.3—3.6), medullary carcinoma 12(1.6%; 95% CI 0.8—2.8), anaplastic thyroid cancer 6(0.8%; 95% CI 0.3—1.7), other tumors 22(2.9%; 95% CI 1.8—4.4). Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out by using the standard program package «Statistica 6.0 for Windows» (StatSoft, USA). Results. Surgical interventions were performed in 89 of 749(11.9%; 95% CI 9.7—14.4) patients with malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. The variety of surgical procedures performed on the thyroid gland: thyroidectomy performed in 81 of 89 patients (91%; 95% CI 83.1—96.0), hemithyroidectomy in 8 of 89 patients (9.0%; 95% CI 4.0—16.9). The reasons for the hemithyroidectomy: in 2 of 89 patients (2.2%; 95% CI 0.3—7.9) the diagnosis was not confirmed by express histological examination with suspicion for papillary thyroid carcinoma. In 6 other cases, single micro adenocarcinomas that ranged in size from 0.4 to 0.8 mm were found, without invasion into the tumor capsule, which was confirmed during aplanned pathological examination. Lymphodisection of the central tissue, as an addition to thyroidectomy, was performed by us in 76 of 89 cases (85.4%; 95% CI 76.3—92.0). Metastatic lesions of the central tissue during pathological examination were found in 29(32.6%; 95% CI 23.0—43.3) patients with papillary carcinoma, in 5 with medullary cancer (5.6%; 95% CI 1.8—12.6), in 6 cases with anaplastic thyroid cancer (6.7%; 95% CI 2.5—14.1). In 11 patients (12.4%; 95% CI 6.3—21.0) due to the metastatic spread to the platysma of the lateral triangle of the neck, its excision was performed. In 9(10%; 95% CI 4.7—18.3) patients were performed thyroidectomy with sheath‑fascial excision (removal) of the neck tissue. The precession method was used to visualize the upper laryngeal nerve in order to prevent traumatization. The upper parathyroid glands served as the first anatomical landmark of the recurrent nerve, which were identified in 72(80.9%; 95% CI 71.2—88.5) patients. Temporary unilateral vocal fold paresis was observed in 3(3.4%; 95% CI 0.7—9.5) patients. Wound drainage was carried out separately by leaving micro‑drainage, for active aspiration, which was evacuated in 2 days. Соnclusions. One of the main prerequisites for the high‑quality performance surgery of thyroid gland is the precise nature of surgical manipulations with careful observance of tactical and technical requirements for asurgeon: timely identify and precisely mobilize. The choice of the final surgical intervention on lymphatic collectors in thyroid cancer is directly dependent on the preoperative and intraoperative pathological examination. However, given the substantial proportion of metastatic lesions of the central zone lymph nodes (level VI), the technical complexity of repeated operative interventions in this area, it is recommended to perform apreventive removal of the central fiber., Мета роботи— поліпшити результати хірургічного лікування хворих на рак щитоподібної залози (ЩЗ), ускладнений метастатичним ураженням лімфатичних вузлів шиї, шляхом індивідуального підходу до діагностики, інтраопераційної візуалізації та вибору оптимального операційного доступу. Матеріали та методи. Проаналізовано результати обстеження та лікування 749 пацієнтів. Ураховували скарги, результати ультразвукового дослідження ЩЗ ілімфатичних вузлів шиї, рівень гормонів ЩЗ, атакож загальноклінічних досліджень. На доопереційному етапі проводили визначення рівня загального та іонізованого кальцію, паратгормону, вітаміну Dі магнію. Вокремих випадках використовували комп’ютерну та магнітно‑резонансну томографію. Усім пацієнтам виконували тонкоголкову аспіраційну пункційну біопсію. Серед пацієнтів переважали жінки: 607 із 749(81,0%, 95% довірчий інтервал (ДІ) 78,0—83,8). Вік пацієнтів становив від 45,6 до 59,1 року (середній вік— 51,3 року). Причинами захворювань були вузловий колоїдний зоб у566(75,6%, 95% ДІ 72,3—78,6) пацієнтів, вузловий аденоматозний зоб зфолікулярною неоплазією— у72(9,6%, 95% ДІ 7,6—12,0), папілярна карцинома— у54(7,2%, 95% ДІ 5,5—9,3), підозра на папілярну карциному— у17(2,3%, 95% ДІ 1,3—3,6), за даними цитологічного дослідження, медулярна карцинома— у12(1,6%, 95% ДІ 0,8—2,8), анапластичний рак— у6(0,8%, 95% ДІ 0,3—1,7), інші пухлини— у22(2,9%, 95% ДІ 1,8—4,4). Статистичне опрацювання отриманих результатів проводили звикористанням стандартного пакета програм «Statistica 6.0 for Windows» (StatSoft, США). Результати. Хірургічне втручання проведено у89 із 749(11,9%, 95% ДІ 9,7—14,4) хворих зі злоякісними пухлинами ЩЗ: тиреоїдектомію— у81(91%, 95% ДІ 83,1—96,0) пацієнтів, гемітиреоїдектомію— у8(9,0%, 95% ДІ 4,0—16,9). Гемітиреоїдектомії виконані у2(2,2%, 95% ДІ 0,3—7,9) хворих зпідозрою на папілярну карциному, оскільки при експрес‑гістологічному дослідженні діагноз не підтвердився. У6 пацієнтів виявлено поодинокі мікроаденокарциноми розміром від 0,4 до 0,8 мм без інвазії вкапсулу пухлини, що підтверджено при плановому патогістологічному дослідженні. Лімфодисекцію центральної клітковини як доповнення до тиреоїдектомії проведено у76 із 89(85,4%, 95% ДІ 76,3—92,0) хворих. Метастатичне ураження центральної клітковини при патогістологічному дослідженні виявлено у29(32,6%, 95% ДІ 23,0—43,3) пацієнтів зпапілярною карциномою, 5(5,6%, 95% ДІ1,8—12,6) змедулярним раком та 6(6,7%, 95% ДІ 2,5—14,1) занапластичним раком ЩЗ. У11(12,4%, 95% ДІ 6,3—21,0) хворих узв’язку зпоширенням метастазів на платизму бічного трикутника шиї проведено її висічення. У9(10%, 95% ДІ 4,7—18,3) хворих проведено тиреоїдектомію зфутлярно‑фасціальним висіченням клітковини шиї. Для запобігання травматизації верхнього гортанного нерва проводили візуалізацію його звикористанням прецизійної техніки. Першим анатомічним орієнтиром зворотного нерва слугували верхні прищитоподібні залози, які ідентифікували в72(80,9%, 95% ДІ 71,2—88,5) хворих. Тимчасовий однобічний парез голосових складок зареєстровано в3(3,4%, 95% ДІ 0,7—9,5) пацієнтів. Дренування рани здійснювали із залишенням мікродренажів для активної аспірації, які евакуйовували на другу добу. Висновки. Однією зголовних передумов якісного виконання операції на ЩЗ єпрецизійний характер хірургічних маніпуляцій зретельним дотриманням тактико‑технічних вимог до хірурга: вчасно ідентифікувати та прецизійно їх мобілізувати. Вибір обсягу кінцевого хірургічного втручання на лімфатичних колекторах при раку ЩЗ залежить від результатів доопераційного та інтраопераційного патогістологічного дослідження. Зогляду на значну частку метастатичного ураження лімфатичних вузлів центральної зони (VI) ітехнічну складність повторних оперативних втручань на цій ділянці рекомендовано проводити превентивне видалення центральної клітковини. &nbsp

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios created by the contrast medium in detecting lymph nodes. METHODS: In this study, 57 short-axis subcentimeter lymph nodes in 40 cardiac computed tomography patients with noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced phases were evaluated. The contrast-to-noise ratios and signal-to-noise ratios of noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced lymph node-mediastinal fat and aortic-mediastinal fat tissues were determined. In addition, lymph nodes in noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced series were evaluated subjectively. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in lymph node-mediastinal fat signal-to-noise values between the contrast and noncontrast phases (p=0.0002). In the contrast phase, aortic density values were found to be 322.04±18.51 HU, lymph node density values were 76.41±23.41 HU, and mediastinal adipose tissue density values were −65.73±22.96 HU. Aortic-mediastinal fat contrast-to-noise ratio value was 20.23±6.92 and the lymph node-mediastinal fat contrast-to-noise ratio value was 6.43±2.07. A significant and moderate correlation was observed between aortic-mediastinal fat and lymph node-mediastinal fat contrast-to-noise ratio values in the contrast phase (r=0.605; p

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare low-grade sarcoma of mesenchymal origin. It involves the lymph nodes more commonly and rarely extranodal sites. The most common lymph node is cervical and usually presents as a painless asymptomatic mass. More often, it is a misdiagnosis, and there is a delay in treatment. It is rarely associated with Castleman disease, myasthenia gravis. Diagnosis of this condition is by histopathology and immunochemistry. Surgery is the primary modality of treatment, and adjuvant therapy has been tried with no definite trials due to the rarity of the disease. Here, we report a case of concomitant follicular dendritic sarcoma of the right cervical lymph node and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid managed in our institute. There was a line of investigations approaching towards a diagnosis, and she underwent total thyroidectomy and right modified radical neck dissection.

A 12-y-old Himalayan black bear suddenly developed depression, anorexia, cough, and dyspnea and died at the Ordos Zoo, China. At autopsy, the mesenteric and cranial mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) were enlarged; the largest cranial mediastinal LN was ~13 cm in diameter. Scattered-to-diffuse, rounded-or-oval, gray, firm 1–6-mm nodules were observed on the surfaces of the spleen, liver, lungs, and small intestine. Histologically, the enlarged cranial mediastinal and mesenteric LNs, spleen, small intestine, lungs, and liver contained dense populations of neoplastic lymphoid cells (NLCs). The NLCs were round-or-oval with small amounts of mildly eosinophilic cytoplasm and round-or-oval hyperchromatic nuclei with indistinct nucleoli; the mitotic count was 55 in 2.37 mm2. Immunohistochemically, cell membranes and the cytoplasm of NLCs were CD3+, CD79a−, CD20−, CD15−, CD30−, and CD45RA−; hence, the NLCs were derived from T lymphocytes. To our knowledge, T-cell lymphoma has not been reported previously in a Himalayan black bear.

While vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT) has gained popularity, there are a lack of prospective long-term studies and standardized outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VLNT using all available outcome measures.This was a prospective study on all consecutive patients who underwent VLNT. Outcomes were assessed with 2 patient-reported outcome metrics, limb volume, bioimpedance, need for compression, and incidence of cellulitis.There were 89 patients with the following donor sites: omentum (73%), axilla (13%), supraclavicular (7%), groin (3.5%). The mean follow-up was 23.7±12 months. There was a significant improvement at 2 years postoperatively across all outcome measures: 28.4% improvement in the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, 20% average reduction in limb volume, 27.5% improvement in bioimpedance score, 93% reduction in cellulitis, and 34% of patients no longer required compression. Complications were transient and low without any donor site lymphedema.VLNT is a safe and effective treatment for lymphedema with significant benefits fully manifesting at 2 years postoperatively. Omentum does not have any donor site lymphedema risk making it an attractive first choice.

ImportanceIn clinically localized (T1-2) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), regional lymph node metastasis is associated with a poor prognosis. Given the high propensity of subclinical nodal disease in these patients, upfront elective neck dissections (END) for patients with clinically node-negative disease are common and associated with better outcomes. Unfortunately, even with this risk-adverse treatment paradigm, disease recurrence still occurs, and our understanding of the factors that modulate this risk and alter survival have yet to be fully elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic value of lymph node yield (LNY), lymph node ratio (LNR), and weighted LNR (wLNR) in patients with clinically node-negative T1-2 OCSCC.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cohort study, data were collected retrospectively from 7 tertiary care academic medical centers. Overall, 523 patients with cT1-2N0 OCSCC who underwent elective neck dissections after primary surgical extirpation were identified.ExposuresLymph node yield was defined as the number of lymph nodes recovered from elective neck dissection. Lymph node ratio was defined as the ratio of positive nodes against total LNY. Weighted LNR incorporated information from both LNY and LNR into a single continuous metric.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLocoregional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) were both evaluated using nonparametric Kaplan-Meier estimators and semiparametric Cox regression.ResultsOn multivariable analysis, LNY less than or equal to 18 lymph nodes was found to be significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.24) and DFS (aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.92) in patients with pN0 disease, but not those with pN-positive disease. Importantly, patients with pN0 disease with LNY less than or equal to 18 and those with pN1 diseasehad nearly identical 5-year LRC (69.7% vs 71.4%) and DFS (58.2% vs 55.7%). For patients with pN-positive disease, LNR greater than 0.06 was significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.28-5.55) and DFS (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.07-2.53). Overall, wLNR was a robust prognostic variable across all patients with cN0 disease, regardless of pathologic nodal status. Risk stratification via wLNR thresholds demonstrated greater optimism-corrected concordance compared with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition nodal staging for both LRC (0.61 vs 0.57) and DFS (0.61 vs 0.58).Conclusions and RelevanceMovement toward more robust metrics that incorporate quantitative measures of neck dissection quality and regional disease burden, such as wLNR, could greatly augment prognostication in cT1-2N0 OCSCC by providing more reliable and accurate risk estimations.

ImportanceSeveral less-invasive staging procedures have been proposed to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with initially clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer, but these procedures may fail to detect residual disease. Owing to the lack of high-level evidence, it is not yet clear which procedure is most optimal to replace ALND.ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of radioactive iodine seed placement in the axilla with sentinel lymph node biopsy (RISAS), a targeted axillary dissection procedure.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a prospective, multicenter, noninferiority, diagnostic accuracy trial conducted from March 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. Patients were included within 14 institutions (general, teaching, and academic) throughout the Netherlands. Patients with breast cancer clinical tumor categories 1 through 4 (cT1-4; tumor diameter 5 cm or extension to the chest wall or skin) and pathologically proven positive axillary lymph nodes (ie, clinical node categories cN1, metastases to movable ipsilateral level I and/or level II axillary nodes; cN2, metastases to fixed or matted ipsilateral level I and/or level II axillary nodes; cN3b, metastases to ipsilateral level I and/or level II axillary nodes with metastases to internal mammary nodes) who were treated with NAC were eligible for inclusion. Data were analyzed from July 2020 to December 2021.InterventionPre-NAC, the marking of a pathologically confirmed positive axillary lymph node with radioactive iodine seed (MARI) procedure, was performed and after NAC, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) combined with excision of the marked lymph node (ie, RISAS procedure) was performed, followed by ALND.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe identification rate, false-negative rate (FNR), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for all 3 procedures: RISAS, SLNB, and MARI. The noninferiority margin of the observed FNR was 6.25% for the RISAS procedure.ResultsA total of 212 patients (median [range] age, 52 [22-77] years) who had cN+ breast cancer underwent the RISAS procedure and ALND. The identification rate of the RISAS procedure was 98.2% (223 of 227). The identification rates of SLNB and MARI were 86.4% (197 of 228) and 94.1% (224 of 238), respectively. FNR of the RISAS procedure was 3.5% (5 of 144; 90% CI, 1.38-7.16), and NPV was 92.8% (64 of 69; 90% CI, 85.37-97.10), compared with an FNR of 17.9% (22 of 123; 90% CI, 12.4%-24.5%) and NPV of 72.8% (59 of 81; 90% CI, 63.5%-80.8%) for SLNB and an FNR of 7.0% (10 of 143; 90% CI, 3.8%-11.6%) and NPV of 86.3% (63 of 73; 90% CI, 77.9%-92.4%) for the MARI procedure. In a subgroup of 174 patients in whom SLNB and the MARI procedure were successful and ALND was performed, FNR of the RISAS procedure was 2.5% (3 of 118; 90% CI, 0.7%-6.4%), compared with 18.6% (22 of 118; 90% CI, 13.0%-25.5%) for SLNB (P P = .03).Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this diagnostic study suggest that the RISAS procedure was the most feasible and accurate less-invasive procedure for axillary staging after NAC in patients with cN+ breast cancer.

Superior mediastinal lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer are uncommon. The clinical characteristics and surgical strategy of superior mediastinal lymph node metastases remain unclear. Superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can be accomplished either by a transcervical or transsternal approach. Transsternal approach for superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can cause great damage; transcervical approach sometimes results in inadequate exposure. Here we report our experience of a papillary thyroid cancer patient with superior mediastinal lymph node metastases who underwent video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A 49-year-old woman diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in left thyroid underwent unilateral lobectomy and ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection in the local hospital 4 years ago. Currently lymph node metastases were found in mediastinum and the right neck, some of which were adjacent to the right innominate vein. Unilateral lobectomy, ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection, and video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy were successfully performed by transcervical approach. Subsequently, the patient received thyroxine suppression therapy and adjuvant radioiodine treatment. Video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, providing adequate exposure for a complete superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, is proved to be safe and feasible.

Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic remodeling has long been accepted as a hallmark of cancer development and progression; however, the impacts of this remodeling on immunological responses, which are paramount to the responses to immunotherapeutic treatments, are underexplored. As immunotherapies represent one of the most promising new classes of cancer therapy, in this study, we explore the effects of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization on dissemination of molecules injected into the tumor microenvironment to immune cells in lymph nodes draining the tumor as well as in systemically distributed tissues. A system of fluorescent tracers, size-matched to biomolecules of interest, was implemented to track different mechanisms of tumor transport and access to immune cells. This revealed that the presence of a tumor, and either angiogenic or lymphangiogenic remodeling, altered local retention of model biomolecules, trended toward normalizing dissemination to systemic organs, and modified access to lymph node-resident immune cells in manners dependent on mechanism of transport. More specifically, active cell migration by skin-derived antigen presenting cells was enhanced by both the presence of a tumor and lymphangiogenic normalization, while both angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization restored patterns of immune cell access to passively draining species. As a whole, this work uncovers the potential ramifications of tumor-induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, along with impacts of interrogation into these pathways, on access of tumor-derived species to immune cells. Impact Statement Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization strategies have been utilized clinically to interrogate tumor vasculature with some success. In the age of immunotherapy, the impacts of these therapeutic interventions on immune remodeling are unclear. This work utilizes mouse models of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization, along with a system of fluorescently tagged tracers, to uncover the impacts of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on access of tumor-derived species to immune cell subsets within various organs.

Radiation treatment is a well-established component of breast cancer treatment, in both breast conservation and also for many patients who have had mastectomy as well as those with metastatic disease. The basis for this was established in multiple large meta-analyses, and multiple modern studies have further defined the role of radiation. The radiation must be delivered to the area at risk, which can include the partial breast, whole breast, chest wall, and/or regional lymph nodes. There are a number of acceptable radiation treatment techniques and dose-fractionation schedules that can be individualized to each patient. Radiation can also play an important role in patients with metastatic cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the agreement between pathological and radiological staging in oropharyngeal cancer by comparing the 7th and the 8th edition of the AJCC TNM system. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 57 cases of oropharyngeal cancer with lymph node metastases staged with the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC TNM system. Comparison between clinical and radiological features and differences in agreement rates were calculated between radiological and pathological staging for the primary tumor (T) and lymph nodes (N) in HPVpos and HPVneg cases. Results: Comparison of HPVpos and HPVneg revealed a significantly different distribution between early and advanced stages in the 8 th edition, with a relevant number of HPVpos patients redefined from advanced stages whit the 7 th ed. to early stages with 8 th ed. (p < 0.01); no significant differences were found when comparing all diagnostic methods for T and N. Conclusions: The 8th edition of the AJCC TNM seems to lead to better pretreatment staging. For both HPVpos and HPVneg, the agreement between pretreatment radiological and pathological staging.

TAFRO syndrome was first described in 2010, standing for thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis and organomegaly. Because the lymph node histopathology of TAFRO syndrome mimics idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), some researchers consider TAFRO syndrome to be a subtype of iMCD. However, the clinical features of TAFRO syndrome considerably differ from those of iMCD without TAFRO. The clinical features of patients with TAFRO syndrome with or without iMCD-histopathology are similar, and these patients require an accurate diagnosis and urgent treatment. Although a histological diagnosis, including a differential diagnosis, is important, lymph node involvement in patients with TAFRO syndrome is usually modest or sometimes absent. Furthermore, a bleeding tendency due to thrombocytopenia and severe anasarca hampers performing a biopsy. Nonetheless, patients with various other disorders may manifest TAFRO syndrome-like symptoms, making the differential diagnosis in borderline cases difficult. Therefore, the establishment of precise and specific biomarkers is important.

Background Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is an essential step in both treatment and staging of several malignancies including penile and vulvar cancers. Various open, video endoscopic, and robotic-assisted techniques have been utilized so far. In this review, we aim to describe available minimally invasive surgical approaches for ILND, and review their outcomes and complications. Methods The PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct databases were reviewed in February 2020 to find relevant studies published in English within 2000–2020. Findings There are different minimally invasive platforms available to accomplish dissection of inguinal nodes without jeopardizing oncological results while minimizing postoperative complications. Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy and Robotic Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy are safe and achieve the same nodal yield, a surrogate metric for oncological adequacy. When compared to open technique, Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy and Robotic Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy may offer faster postoperative recovery and fewer postoperative complications including wound dehiscence, necrosis, and infection. The relatively high rate and severity of postoperative complications hinders utilization of recommended ILND for oncologic indications. Minimally invasive approaches, using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted platforms, show some promise in reducing the morbidity of this procedure while achieving adequate short and intermediate term oncological outcomes.

Background Sentinel node biopsy in vulvar cancer is associated with much less morbidity than inguinofemoral node dissection. Our study focused on describing the morphology of superficial lymphatic drainage of the vulva and its relationship to regional nodes, which may facilitate orientation during surgery. Materials and methods In 24 female cadavers, injections of patent blue (at various localizations mediallyunilaterally and bilaterally) were used to visualize the lymphatic drainage of the vulva. After dissection of lymphatic vessels and nodes, their course was documented by photograph and then analyzed. Subsequently, a map of vulvar superficial lymphatics was created. Results The cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the vulva primarily drained to superficial inguinal nodes. There was no evidence of a solitary lymph node that drained the unilateral vulva. Each area of the vulva drained to its own lymph node, which was variably localized in the subcutaneous groin around the great saphenous vein. Anastomoses between individual inguinal superficial lymph nodes are likely. Right-left symmetry in the course of lymphatic collectors was not detected. Natural drainage of the medial and paramedial areas to contralateral inguinal nodes was also not detected. The drainage pattern to ipsilateral inguinal nodes was consistent in cadavers without evidence of vulvar disease and may be applicable in the early stages of vulvar cancer. Conclusions There was no evidence of a solitary node that drained the unilateral vulva. Each part of the vulva may drain to a corresponding lymph node in a different localization of the groin. The surgeon should take this variability into account.

Axillary and inguinal lymph node dissection (LND) are performed in metastatic skin tumors with several local complications, such as lymphorrhea, lymphoceles, and lymphedema. The purpose of this study is to determine whether negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applied as a preventive measure could improve outcomes.A monocentric study included patients who underwent axillary or inguinal LND from May 2010 to March 2020, with a retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data. Patients were divided into two groups: the conventional wound care (CWC) and the NPWT groups. Patients were systematically reviewed at D7, D30, and at 1 year postoperative, and data regarding lymphorrhea, lymphoceles, and lymphedema were collected.A total of 109 axillary and inguinal LND were performed. NPWT was applied on 68 LND and CWC on 41 LND. The variables, diabetes, smoking, gender, associated treatments, and primary pathology (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or Merkel tumors) were similar in both groups. Analyses have shown a significant difference in the rate of scar disunion during the first month between the two groups (p=0.045 between D1 and D7; p=0.011 between D8 and D30), as well as the presence of lymphorrhea (p=0.000 between D1 and D7; p=0.002 between D8 and D30). The rate of lymphoedema was significantly reduced in the NPWT group versus CWC (p=0.000 between D8 and D30; p=0.034 between D31 and 1 year).NPWT reduces local complications (scar disunion, lymphorrhea, and lymphedema) during the first year following LND in the management of node metastatic skin tumors.

Preoperative staging of lymph node metastasis in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is difficult because inflammation can lead to false-positive imaging findings and clinical upstaging. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in nodal staging of NSCLC in patients with and without UIP.Between November 2016 and June 2018, 198 patients underwent both preoperative CT and PET/CT and anatomic lung resection with mediastinal nodal dissection at our institute. Diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia (IP) was based on the presence of UIP or probable UIP pattern on CT. We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of PET/CT in nodal staging of NSCLC in patients with and without IP, with or withoutThe sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for nodal staging were 36%, 94%, and 77%, respectively, in patients without IP and 25%, 89%, and 73%, respectively, in those with IP. Of 49 patients with IP, 23 had FDG uptake in the lung. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 13%, 93%, and 65%, respectively, in patients with IP with FDG uptake and 50%, 86%, and 81%, respectively, in those without FDG uptake.We showed that the diagnostic performance of PET/CT in patients with IP was lower than that in patients without IP. Furthermore, the accuracy of nodal staging in patients with NSCLC and IP with FDG uptake was further decreased.

Great efforts have been made to manipulate nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 10-100 nm to passively target lymph nodes (LNs) to magnitude anti-tumor activity of T cells. However, no attention has been paid to increasing the retention of NPs with active affinity in order to induce a prolonged release of antigens or molecular adjuvants in the LNs mattering the immune response. Here, we formulated two NPs encapsulated with imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR7/8 agonist, and paclitaxel (PTX) and further modified them with tannic acid (TA), respectively, to generate IMQ NP and PTX NP with a final diameter of approximately 40 nm. Attributing a strong affinity of TA molecules to the elastin of LN conduits, the TA modified IMQ NPs can bypass the gaps in the layer of lymphatic endothelial cells and enter the paracortex through the lymph node capsule-associated (LNC) conduits. Similarly, the TA modified PTX NPs increased delivery of PTX to the metastatic tumor site in LNs, where the tumor-associated antigens were released and presented by conduits-lining dendritic cells to activate T cells. Thus, the NPs with deposition to LN conduits showed excellent performance in preventing lymphovascular invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells and lung metastasis thereafter. On the contrary, the NPs without TA flowed through the subcutaneous sinus existing LNs directly by efferent lymphatic vessels showing relatively poor therapeutic outcomes. This study reveals that TA may mediate the long retention of antigens and molecular adjuvants to be delivered to deep LNs for developing potent vaccination technology.

Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) is the choice procedure for axillary staging in Breast Cancer. Following the ACOSOG Z11 trial, axillary dissection is advised only in patients with more than 2 positive SNs. We aimed at exploring palpation-guided, intraoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the SN as a replacement for whole SN excision in node-negative BC patients to minimize side-effects.We included 80 patients with BC undergoing SNB between December 2020 and May 2022. After identification of the SN, the breast surgeon performed SN-FNAB. Results were compared with definitive pathological assessment. ResultsDiagnostic yield was 80%, including a "learning curve." 58 of 64 patients with suitable samples tested negative. In this group, the Negative Predictive Value was 77.6% (IC 64.7%-87.5 %). If micro metastasis is disregarded, the NPV would increase to 86.2% (IC 74.6%-93.9%). If we accept the Z11 criterion for axillary dissection, the NPV would rise to 100%. Six patients had a positive SN-FNAB. They were all confirmed as having macro metastatic-positive SNs at the final pathological assessment, and 3 of them also displayed extra nodal extension (ENE).We believe that intraoperative SN-FNAB is highly accurate for swiftly depicting both low axillary tumor burden/negative cases, in whom axillary dissection is to be omitted, as well as high axillary tumor burden cases.

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a less common form of cutaneous melanoma that has been described for decades; however, controversy remains regarding the management and use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The purpose of this study is to identify whether SLNB is indicated in all cases of DM, including the pure subtype.A systematic review was conducted using PubMed (with access to MEDLINE) along with the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 2001 to 2019. Case series and case-control studies were included.Eighteen studies were included for a total population of 3,914 patients. SLNB was performed in 2229 patients. The percentage of positive SLNB results was 8.5%. However, patients with pure DM (90% desmoplastic component) were found to have a significantly lower rate of occult metastatic node positivity when compared with that of mixed DM (4.9% and 14.8%, respectively).Our findings underscore the importance of the pathologist reporting percentage of desmoplastic component in melanoma. SLNB should be strongly considered for patients with mixed DM. However, the low rate of occult metastatic node positivity in pure DM is beneath the threshold for using SLNB as a staging procedure.Previous studies have suggested that desmoplastic melanoma is less likely to metastasize to regional lymph nodes when compared with conventional melanoma. This review suggests that it is imperative to distinguish the histologic subtype of desmoplastic melanoma to determine if staging procedure is indicated.

Lymph node sampling is critical to surgical staging in Wilms tumor; failure to sample lymph nodes is associated with under-staging and an increased incidence of local relapse. However, no standard lymphatic mapping method is currently being utilized for Wilms tumor to aid identification of regional draining lymph nodes. Herein, we describe the use of fluorescence-guided lymphatic mapping for Wilms tumor.Two tertiary level referral centers independently began indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-guided nodal mapping. In one center, this was achieved with ipsilateral intra-parenchymal (IP) injection of ICG during minimally invasive tumor nephrectomy (MIN) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in the other, with Peri‑Hilar (PH) injection during upfront, open tumor nephrectomy (ON). Successful lymph node mapping was defined as the presence of fluorescence signal in draining lymph nodes.Eight patients (median age of 2.5 years) underwent fluorescence-guided lymphatic mapping (four IP and four PH injection). Lymphatic mapping was successful in seven patients (88%) including each of the four patients with IP injection.Fluorescence-guided lymphatic mapping of Wilms tumor drainage is feasible by both IP injection and PH injection techniques. However, whether lymphatic mapping improves the precision of lymph node sampling is unknown and should be studied in prospective trials.

Develop a prediction model to determine the probability of no lymph node metastasis (pN0) in patients with colorectal cancer.We used data from four Danish health databases on patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2019. The registries were harmonized into one common data model (CDM). Patients with clinical T4 tumors, undergoing palliative or acute surgery, and patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. Preoperative data was used to train the model. A postoperative model including tumor-specific variables potentially available after local tumor resection was also developed. Additionally, both models were compared with a model based on age, sex, and clinical N stage to resemble current standards. A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis for prediction was used.In total, 35,812 patients with 16,802 variables were identified in the CDM, and 194 variables affected the probability of pN0 preoperative. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.64 (95% CI 0.63-0.66), and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) was 0.75 (95% CI 0.74-0.76). The mean predicted risk was 0.649, observed risk was 0.650, and calibration-in-large was 0.998. Adding histopathological data from the tumor improved the model slightly by increasing AUROC to 0.69. In comparison, the AUROC of the current standard clinical staging model was 0.57.Using Danish National Patient Registry data in a machine learning-based predictive model showed acceptable results and outperforms current tools for clinical staging in predicting pN0 status in patients scheduled for CRC surgery.

The elderly are particularly susceptible to infectious and neoplastic diseases of the lung and it is unclear how lifelong exposure to environmental pollutants affects respiratory immune function. In an analysis of human lymph nodes (LNs) from 84 organ donors aged 11-93years, we found a specific age-related decline in lung-associated, but not gut-associated, LN immune function linked to the accumulation of inhaled atmospheric particulate matter. Increasing densities of particulates were found in lung-associated LNs with age, but not in the corresponding gut-associated LNs. Particulates were specifically contained within CD68(+)CD169(−) macrophages, which exhibited reduced activation, phagocytic capacity, and altered cytokine production compared to non-particulate-containing macrophages. The structures of B cell follicles and lymphatic drainage were disrupted in lung-associated LN with particulates. Our results reveal that the cumulative effects of environmental exposure with age may compromise immune surveillance of the lung via direct effects on immune cell function and lymphoid architecture.

Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of lymph node metastasis in early-stage ovarian carcinoma after systematic lymph node dissection and its impact on indication of adjuvant chemotherapy.We evaluated a series of 765 patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment from February 2007 to December 2019. Patients with peritoneal disease and incomplete surgical staging were excluded. All cases underwent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to the renal vessels.A total of 142 cases were analyzed. Median pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissected were 30 (range, 6-81) and 21 (range, 3-86), respectively. Twelve (8.4%) patients had metastatic lymph nodes - high-grade serous, 10.4% (5/48); clear cell, 17.2% (5/29) and endometrioid, 5.7% (2/35). Any other histology (low grade serous, mucinous, carcinosarcoma or mixed) had lymph node metastasis. Notably, 50% of patients with positive lymph nodes had preoperative suspicious lymph nodes in imaging. The median hospital stay length was 6 days (range, 2-33) and 4.2% cases had grade ≥ 3 complications. A total of 110 (77.6%) patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and all cases had indication of adjuvant chemotherapy after histological type, despite the lymph node status. After a median follow-up of 52.5 months, we noted 24 (16.9%) recurrences. The 5-year recurrence-free survival and overall survival were 86.4% and 98.1%, respectively. High grade histology was the only variable that negatively impacted disease-free survival in univariate analysis [HR 4.70 (95%CI: 1.09-20); p = 0.037].We found a positive lymph node rate of less than 10% after lymphadenectomy in presumed early-stage ovarian carcinoma. Lymph node status was not determinant for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the optimal extent of lymph node dissection is still under debate. We specifically address several controversies regarding lymph node dissection, for example, recurrent laryngeal node lymphadenectomy, cervical lymphadenectomy, and thoracic duct resection, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We also describe new concepts in surgical anatomy of the upper mediastinum and technologies, for example, near-infrared image-guided lymphatic mapping and intraoperative neural monitoring that facilitate recurrent laryngeal node lymphadenectomy.

Cancer immunotherapies such as tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and immune checkpoint blockades, have attracted tremendous attention. Among them, tumor vaccines prime immune response by delivering antigens and adjuvants to the antigen presenting cells (APCs), thus enhancing antitumor immunotherapy. Despite tumor vaccines have made considerable achievements in tumor immunotherapy, it remains challenging to efficiently deliver tumor vaccines to activate the dendritic cells (DCs) in lymph nodes (LNs). Rational design of nanovaccines on the basis of biomedical nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for boosting the outcomes of cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, great efforts have been made in exploiting various nanocarrier-based LNs-targeting tumor nanovaccines. In view of the rapid advances in this field, we here aim to summarize the latest progression in LNs-targeting nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy, with special attention to various nano-vehicles developed for LNs-targeting delivery of tumor vaccines, including lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanocarriers, inorganic nanocarriers and biomimetic nanosystems. Moreover, the recent trends in nanovaccines-based combination cancer immunotherapy are provided. Finally, the rationality, advantages and challenges of LNs-targeting nanovaccines for clinical translation and application are spotlighted.

Vascular imaging with color and power Doppler is a useful tool in the assessment of various disease processes. Assessment of blood flow, from infarction and ischemia to hyperemia, in organs, neoplasms, and vessels, is used in nearly every US investigation. Recent developments in this area are sensitive to small-vessel low velocity flow without use of intravenous contrast agents, known as microvascular flow imaging (MVFI). MVFI is more sensitive in detection of small vessels than color, power, and spectral Doppler, reducing the need for follow-up contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), CT, and MRI, except when arterial and venous wash-in and washout characteristics would be helpful in diagnosis. Varying clinical applications of MVFI are reviewed in adult and pediatric populations, including its technical underpinnings. MVFI shows promise in assessment of several conditions including benign and malignant lesions in the liver and kidney, acute pathologic abnormalities in the gallbladder and testes, and superficial lymph nodes. Future potential of MVFI in different conditions (eg, endovascular repair) is discussed. Finally, clinical cases in which MVFI correlated and potentially obviated additional CEUS, CT, or MRI are shown.

The second part focuses on my practice of USGFNA of lymph nodes, salivary glands, lesions of the head and neck, and breast masses. My experience with the handling and triage of various sorts of specimens, core needle biopsies, and cytology report timelines, with real-life anecdotes, is provided at the end.

To analyze the influence of the lymph node ratio (LNR) in survival of patients with OSCC METHODS: Clinicopathologic data from patients with OSCC who were treated with curative surgery and neck dissection (ND) with or without adjuvant therapies from 1991 to 2015 was retrospectively assessed. The impact of LNR and other variables on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses.One hundred nineteen patients were included. In the univariate analysis the LNR had a significant impact on OS (p = 0.01) and DFS (p = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the LNR was the only significantly independent factor influencing in the OS (p = 0.03). The adjuvant therapies did not influence on the OS (p = 0.42) and DFS (p = 0.10).The LNR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with OSCC. The LNR alone is not recommended to indicate the performance of adjuvant therapies.

Axillary lymphadenopathy caused by the high immunogenicity of messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines presents radiologists with new diagnostic dilemmas in differentiating vaccine-related benign reactive lymphadenopathy from that due to malignant causes. Understanding axillary anatomy and lymphatic drainage is key to radiologic evaluation of the axilla. US plays a critical role in evaluation and classification of axillary lymph nodes on the basis of their cortical and hilar morphology, which allows prediction of metastatic disease. Guidelines for evaluation and management of axillary lymphadenopathy continue to evolve as radiologists gain more experience with axillary lymphadenopathy related to COVID-19 vaccines. General guidelines recommend documenting vaccination dates and laterality and administering all vaccine doses contralateral to the site of primary malignancy whenever applicable. Guidelines also recommend against postponing imaging for urgent clinical indications or for treatment planning in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Although conservative management approaches to axillary lymphadenopathy initially recommended universal short-interval imaging follow-up, updates to those approaches as well as risk-stratified approaches recommend interpreting lymphadenopathy in the context of both vaccination timing and the patient's overall risk of metastatic disease. Patients with active breast cancer in the pretreatment or peritreatment phase should be evaluated with standard imaging protocols regardless of vaccination status. Tissue sampling and multidisciplinary discussion remain useful in management of complex cases, including increasing lymphadenopathy at follow-up imaging, MRI evaluation of extent of disease, response to neoadjuvant treatment, and potentially confounding cases.

Half of the local regional recurrences from rectal cancer are nowadays located in the lateral compartments, most likely due to lateral lymph node (LLN) metastases. There is evidence that a lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) can lower the lateral local recurrence rate. An LLND without neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with or without suspected LLN metastases has been the standard of care in the East, while Western surgeons believed LLN metastases to be cured by neoadjuvant treatment and total mesorectal excision (TME) only. An LLND in patients without enlarged LLNs might result in overtreatment with low rates of pathological LLNs, but in patients with enlarged LLNs who are treated with (C)RT and TME only, the risk of a lateral local recurrence significantly increases to 20%. Certain Eastern and Western centers are increasingly performing a selective LLND after neoadjuvant treatment in the presence of suspicious LLNs due to new scientific insights, but (inter)national consensus on the indication and surgical approach of LLND is lacking. An LLND is an anatomically challenging procedure with intraoperative risks such as bleeding and postoperative morbidity. It is therefore essential to carefully select the patients who will benefit from this procedure and where possible to perform the LLND in a minimally invasive manner to limit these risks. This review gives an overview of the current evidence of the assessment of LLNs, the indications for LLND, the surgical technique, pitfalls in performing this procedure and the future studies are discussed, aiming to contribute to more (inter)national consensus.

Pathologic review of at least 12 lymph nodes is recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer following surgical resection of rectal cancer. However, implications of lymph node yield on prognosis are unclear. This study evaluates the impact of lymph node yield on survival among pathologic node-negative patients who received appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiation.The National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2016 was queried for clinical stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma with neoadjuvant chemoradiation, resection of the primary tumor, negative surgical margins, and pN0M0 pathologic stage. Data were analyzed with χInadequate lymph node yield (1-11 nodes on pathology) led to a 29% increased risk of mortality compared to adequate lymph node yield (≥12 nodes on pathology). Among patients with an incomplete pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy, 5-year survival was estimated to be 73% for inadequate lymph node yield and 78% for adequate lymph node yield (P = .002). Among patients with a complete pathologic response, 5-year survival estimated to be 82% for inadequate lymph node yield and 90% for adequate lymph node yield (P = .006). Among patients with inadequate lymph node yield and complete pathologic response, 5-year survival improved with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (90.4%), compared to those without adjuvant chemotherapy (78.5%, P.001).These findings suggest an inadequate lymph node yield can negatively impact survival, despite negative nodal status and a pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Pathologist-performed fine-needle aspiration, or interventional cytopathology, is a minimally invasive, highly accurate technique for sampling and diagnosing palpable lesions. Utilizing cytomorphologic patterns during rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) and final classification is one of many strategies that an interventional cytopathologist can employ to simplify the diagnostic approach. Herein, we provide an overview of the salient cytomorphologic patterns encountered in common specimens obtained by the interventional cytopathologist, including major salivary glands, the thyroid gland, and superficial lymph nodes. The topics covered should provide a primer for those interested in utilizing a site-specific, pattern-based approach to cytopathologic evaluation. In summary, cytomorphologic patterns can be used during ROSE to establish adequacy, build a differential diagnosis, and to appropriately triage the specimen for additional investigation, such as microbiology cultures, a liquid-based preparation, a cell block preparation, flow cytometry, chemical analysis, or molecular diagnostic tests. Finally, this approach can be applied at the time of diagnosis to suggest additional ancillary studies, such as immunohistochemistry, and to inform accurate and definitive classification.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a benign, self-limiting lymphohistiocytic disorder. Although this condition is uncommon in Spain, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with lymphadenopathies. Although the classical presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease usually involves the cervical lymph nodes, there are also atypical presentations, such as in the case presented here in which the patient had isolated axillary involvement.

The objective:improve the quality of sentinel lymph nodes detection in patients with malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands. Materials and methods.At the period from 2009 to 2016, 400 patients with T1-T3N0M0 breast cancer were operated in Odessa Regional Clinical Hospital, using two dyes Patent Blue and ICG. The patients who had mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy were diagnosed T2-T3N0M0 breast cancer more frequently. The exceptions were T3-T4 tumors, tumor diameter > 5 cm, invasion into the skin and chest wall, palpable axillary lymph nodes, 3 or more affected lymph nodes during sentinel lymph node biopsy. 100 patients in the first group had sentinel lymph node biopsy. Lymph node staining was performed using Patent Blue dye. In the patients in the second group, sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed using Patent Blue dye and another fluorescent ICG dye, which was injected intravenously into the arm on the affected side of the mammary gland, along the outflow from the arm to the mammary gland. Results.The total five-year survival after axillary lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy was 91 % and 92 %, respectively. The five-year recurrence-free survival after axillary lymph node dissection was approximately 82.2 %, and after the sentinel lymph node biopsy – 83.9 %. Regional recurrence in the sentinel lymph nodes on the affected side was determined only in 1.1 %. The time of observation of the patients was from 60 to 180 months. The recurrence was registered in 0.2 % patients as isolated metastases into the axillary lymph nodes. Not a single case of lymphostasis of the upper limbs from the side of the biopsy was registered. Conclusions.The simplicity of fluorescent dyes usage makes it possible to implement this method in the everyday work of oncologists-surgeons, the advantages of which are the absence of radiation exposure and quick intraoperative detection of lymph nodes.

The number of patients undergoing additional surgery after endoscopic resection (ER) for T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Regarding high-risk histology of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in T1 CRC, a submucosal invasion depth ≥ 1000 μm (T1b) alone may be related to a low incidence of LNM. This study was conducted to clarify the incidence of LNM and to identify factors associated with LNM in T1 CRC with high-risk histology characterized only by T1b.We retrospectively investigated patients with pathological T1b CRC who underwent colorectal resection between 2010 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups with high-risk histology: those in whom the only high-risk feature was T1b (low-risk T1b group, n = 263), and those with T1b as well as lymphovascular invasion, tumor budding, or poorly differentiated or mucinous adenocarcinoma (high-risk T1b group, n = 289). The incidences of LNM and recurrence were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with LNM in the low-risk T1b group.The incidences of LNM were 3.8% and 21.6% in the Low- and High-risk T1b groups, respectively (p 0.01), while the 5-year recurrence rates in the two groups were 0.6% and 3.4%, respectively (p = 0.10). Multivariate analysis revealed that only a predominant histological type of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (p = 0.04) was independently associated with LNM in the low-risk T1b group.When considering the omission of additional surgery after ER in cases of T1 CRC whose only high-risk histological feature is T1b, attention should be paid to the predominant histological type.

Manifestation of ovarian carcinoma in the form of inguinal lymph node involvement represents a rare clinical situation described only by a limited number of case reports. Similarly, extraperitoneal dissemination of the tumor in the absence of advanced abdominal disease is uncommon. We report a 58-year-old female patient with a positive family history of ovarian cancer referred for lymph node enlargement in the left groin and elevation of CA 125. An ultrasound examination of the patient’s left groin revealed an enlarged lymph node of a size 4 × 3 cm, the biopsy of which confirmed a metastatic adenocarcinoma with origin in the female genital area (müllerian epithelium). The finding was suggestive of high-grade endometroid carcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent a PET/CT, with lesions suspect for the presence of viable malignant tissue in the left ovary (which was of normal size) and a lymph node conglomeration in the left groin. The patient was indicated for a radical cytoreductive surgery resulting in no macroscopic residual disease. Definitive histological examination confirmed high-grade endometroid adenocarcinoma of the left fallopian tube of histopathological stage FIGO IVB pT2b pN0 (17/0) pM1 (inguinal lymph node). The patient was diagnosed with somatic BRCA1 mutation. The patient was indicated for adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel/carboplatin, 16 cycles were administered, and for subsequent maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitor. Currently, one year after the primary cytoreductive procedure, the patient is in complete remission of the disease. Key words: fallopian tube cancer – lymphatic spread – inguinal lymph node metastases

Breast cancer patients having neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) who have a positive (clipped) lymph node (CN) at presentation must have that CN removed to assess pathologic response at later surgery. Multiple techniques for localizing the CN have been described. We describe a novel ROLL-based approach.Consecutive patients between 2018 and 2021, having NAST with biopsy proven positive lymph node(s), had a clip placed into the most abnormal node(s). At later surgery sentinel node and occult lesion localization (SNOLL) was performed with peritumoral radio-isotope (Thirty-eight patients underwent TAD. 20/38 CNs were SNs on SPECT-CT. 17/38 CN were localized separately. 1/38 CN was not a SN and could not be identified on ultrasound. The remaining 37/38 (97.4%) of the CNs were removed intra-operatively. Pathological complete response in the axilla was identified in 18/38 cases. The CN was the only positive node in 10/20 cases. In 18/20 cases the CN contained the largest tumour deposit.Combining SNOLL and ROLL techniques to identify the SNs and, if separate, the CN for TAD is very reliable and logistically robust, especially for units already performing peritumoral lymphoscintigraphy.

The need for axillary dissection (AD) is declining, but it is still essential for many patients with nodal involvement who risk developing breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) with lifelong consequences. Previous nonrandomized studies found axillary reverse mapping and selective axillary dissection (ARM-SAD) a safe and feasible way to preserve the arm's lymphatic drainage.The present two-arm prospective randomized clinical trial was held at a single comprehensive cancer center to ascertain whether ARM-SAD can reduce the risk of BCRL, compared with standard AD, in patients with node-positive breast cancer. Whatever the type of breast surgery or adjuvant treatments planned, 130 patients with nodal involvement met our inclusion criteria: 65 were randomized for AD and 65 for ARM-SAD. Twelve months after surgery, a physiatrist assessed patients for BCRL and calculated the excess volume of the operated arm. Lymphoscintigraphy was used to assess drainage impairment. Self-reports of any impairment were also recorded.The difference in the incidence of BCRL between the two groups was 21% (95% CI, 3-37; p = .03). A significantly lower rate of BCRL after ARM-SAD was confirmed by a multimodal analysis that included the physiatrist's findings, excess arm volume, and lymphoscintigraphic findings, but this was not matched by a significant difference in patients' self-reports.Our findings encourage a change of surgical approach when AD is still warranted. ARM-SAD may be an alternative to standard AD to reduce the treatment-related morbidity.

Treatment of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) is challenging due to their unique architecture and biophysical traits. Systemic chemotherapy fails to impede tumor progression in LNs due to poor drug uptake and retention by LNs, resulting in fatal systemic metastasis. To effectively treat LN metastasis, achieving specific and prolonged retention of chemotherapy drugs in the tumor-draining LNs is essential. The lymphatic drug-delivery system (LDDS) is an ultrasound-guided drug-delivery methodology for administration of drugs to LNs that addresses these requirements. However, early-stage metastatic LNs have an additional set of drug transport barriers, such as elevated intranodal pressure and viscosity, that negatively impact drug diffusion. In the present study, using formulations of elevated osmotic pressure and viscosity relative to saline, we sought to favorably alter the LN's physical environment and study its impact on pharmacokinetics and consequently the therapeutic efficacy of carboplatin delivered using the LDDS. Our study confirmed the capability of a drug formulation with elevated osmotic pressure and viscosity to alter the architecture of LNs, as it caused notable expansion of the lymphatic sinus. Additionally, the study delineated an optimal range of osmotic pressure and viscosity, centered around 1897 kPa and 11.5 mPa·s, above and below which therapeutic efficacy was found to decline markedly. These findings suggest that formulation osmotic pressure and viscosity are parameters that require critical consideration as they can both hinder and promote tumorigenesis. The facile formulation reported here has wide-ranging applicability across cancer spectrums and is thus anticipated to be of great clinical benefit.

Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with lymph node metastasis may be misclassified as pN0 due to an insufficient number of lymph nodes examined (LNE). The purpose of this study was to confirm that patients with ESCC are indeed pN0 and to propose an adequate number for the correct nodal stage using the nodal staging score (NSS) developed by the beta-binomial model.A total of 1249 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2017, and 1404 patients diagnosed with ESCC in our database between 2005 and 2018 were included. The NSS was developed to assess the probability of pN0 status based on both databases. The effectiveness of NSS was verified using survival analysis, including Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models.Many patients were misclassified as pN0 based on our algorithm due to insufficient LNE. As the number of LNE increased, false-negative findings dropped; accordingly, the NSS increased. In addition, NSS was an independent prognostic indicator for pN0 in patients with ESCC in the SEER database (hazard ratio [HR] 0.182, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.046-0.730, p = 0.016) and our database (HR 0.215, 95% CI 0.055-0.842, p = 0.027). A certain number of nodes must be examined to achieve 90% of the NSS.NSS could determine the probability of true pN0 status for patients, and it was sufficient in predicting survival and obtaining adequate numbers for lymphadenectomy.

Findings from randomized clinical trials have shown that survival in patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-negative breast cancer is noninferior with SLN biopsy (SLNB) alone versus further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, the long-term outcome of these two surgical approaches in pN0 breast cancer patients in real-world setting remains uncertain.We included patients diagnosed with pathologically staged T1-2N0M0 breast cancer between 2000 and 2015 in surveillance, epidemiology, and end results 18-registry database. Patients were considered to have undergone SLNB alone if they had ≤ 5 examined lymph nodes (ELNs), and ALND if they had ≥ 10 ELNs. The outcomes included overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival. Propensity score analyses by weighting and matching and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to minimize treatment selection bias.We included 309,430 patients (253,501 SLNB and 55,929 ALND). In the weighted cohort, ALND was associated with significantly lower OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.16) and BCSS (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.10-1.22) compared with SLNB alone. Both the propensity score-matching model and multivariable Cox model demonstrated a survival benefit for SLNB when compared with ALND. Subgroup analyses for key variables did not change these findings.We found statistically significant differences in OS and BCSS between SLNB and ALND, though the magnitude of these differences was small. Our findings further support that SLNB alone should be the standard of care for patients who do not have metastatic lymph nodes identified during breast cancer surgery.

Sentinel node biopsy is a key procedure to predict prognosis in melanoma. In a prospective study we compare reporting on melanoma cell densities in cytospin preparations with semiquantitative histopathology for predicting outcome.Sentinel nodes from 900 melanoma patients were bisected. One half of each node was disaggregated mechanically. The melanoma cell density (number of HMB45 positive cells per million lymphocytes with at least one cell showing morphological features of a melanoma cell) was recorded after examining two cytospins. For the second half the maximum diameter of metastasis was determined after haematoxylin and eosin (Hamp;E) and immunohistological staining of three slides.Cytospins were positive for melanoma in 218 of 900 patients (24%). Routine pathology was positive in 111 of 900 (12%) patients. A more extensive pathological workup in cytospin-only positive patients led to a revised diagnosis (from negative to positive) in 23 of 101 patients (22.7%). We found a moderate but significant correlation between melanoma cell densities (determined in cytospins) and the maximum diameter of metastasis (determined by pathology) (rho = 0.6284, p lt; 0.001). At a median follow-up of 37 months (IQR 25-53 months) melanoma cell density (cytospins) (p lt; 0.001), thickness of melanoma (p = 0.008) and ulceration status (p = 0.026) were significant predictors for melanoma specific survival by multivariable testing and were all confirmed as key predictive factors by the random forest model. Maximum diameter of metastases, age and sex were not significant by multivariable testing (all p gt; 0.05).Recording melanoma cell densities by examining two cytospins accurately predicts melanoma outcome and outperforms semiquantitative histopathology.

To develop and validate nomograms for preoperative prediction of precision lymph node (LN) dissection in lung cancer.The prediction models of each group LNs (LNx) were developed in a primary cohort that consisted of 1380 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed lung cancer. Clinical characteristics and CT reports were extracted. Patients with LNx dissection were divided into training cohort and testing cohort. Nomograms were built through univariate and multivariate regression analysis in the training cohort and internally verified in the testing cohort. The accuracy of the models was verified by constructing survival analysis in patients without LNx dissection.Due to the lack of sufficient patients for LN1, 8, 13, a total of 10 nomograms were constructed in this study, including LN-2 ∼ 7, 9 ∼ 12. According to the nomogram of each group LN, the most common independent risk factors predicting LN status were CT-reported lymphadenectasis, tumor diameter and location, and the others include age, gender, and whether there were multiple nodules, etc. All models showed good discrimination, with the average C-index of 0.738 in the training cohort and 0.707 in the testing cohort. Survival analysis in patients without LNx dissection all showed the high accuracy of each nomogram to predict LN metastasis status and TNM staging.We constructed nomograms to predict the metastasis status of each group of lymph nodes based on clinical characteristics and CT reports. Surgeons can accurately determine the extent of lymph node dissection in patients with lung cancer based on our nomogram models before surgery.

Lymphatic dissemination is thought to be a rare event in breast sarcomas. The decision to perform axillary clearance is challenging. In our prospective cohort, we aimed to evaluate the frequency and factors determining lymph node (LN) involvement in breast sarcomas, with the aim of proposing a decision tree/algorithm for the realization of LN clearance in breast sarcomas.Fourty-five women were surgically treated for breast sarcomas from 1982 to 2020. Angiosarcomas and other sarcomas were compared in terms of LN involvement, recurrence, and mortality.Twenty-three patients underwent axillary lymphadenectomy. Initial LN involvement was diagnosed in one case of D2-40 positive, primary angiosarcoma for which preoperative imaging detected a suspicious LN confirmed by preoperative histology. Among the 22 patients who had no initial axillary lymphadenectomy, two patients with D2-40 positive angiosarcoma had recurrent cancer in LN (internal mammary group in 1 and homolateral axilla in 1). The average follow-up in the overall population was 6.2 years (±8.3). The cohort's overall recurrence rate was 33% (15/45) and the time of recurrence after initial surgery was on average 2.4 years (±3.1). For the three patients with LN metastases, time to recurrence after surgery was 3.7 years (±4.5). There was no significant difference in the overall recurrence rate depending on whether or not lymphadenectomy was initially performed (respectively 26% vs 41% OR=1.11, P=0.29).Systematic axillary clearance leads to overtreatment in breast sarcomas. A decision tree, including radiological examination of the axilla, histological type of sarcoma, and D2-40 positivity, could be a decision aid in the choice of axillary clearance.

Lateral cervical lymph node metastases (LNM) for pediatric patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a poor prognostic factor. We aimed to identify risk factors for lateral LNM.This retrospective study had included 48 pediatric patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent total thyroidectomy and central cervical lymphadenectomy at K hospital from 2016 to 2020.The number of patients in each T stage was as follows: 24 (50.0%) in stage 1, 9 (18.7%) in Stage 2, 8 (16.7%) in Stage 3, and 7 (14.6%) in Stage 4. Most of the patients had LNM with N1a and N1b rates of 83.3% and 62.5%, respectively. Lung metastases were observed at presentation in three patients (6.3%). Univariate analysis revealed that age (p = 0.021), male (p = 0.011), tumor size10 mm (p = 0.002), multifocality (p0.001), extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001) and central LNM (p0.001) were factors that increase the risk of metastasis to lateral LNM.Approximately 62.5% of pediatric patients with PTC exhibited lateral LNM at the time of diagnosis. Our study confirmed that multifocality, maximum tumor diameter, extrathyroidal extension and central LNM were independent risk factors for lateral LNM in pediatric PTC.Level IV.