Presentation of Axillary Metastases from Occult Breast Carcinoma

Axillary presentation from occult breast cancer is uncommon and continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians. Once the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma metastatic to an axillary lymph node has been confi rmed, a preoperative workup should be done. The current experience is based on several relatively small retrospective reviews and case reports. It is diffi cult to determine the best management of occult breast cancer. However, treatment of axillary lymph node dissection is recommended for local control and complete staging information. Treatment of breast should be a choice between breast conservation with whole-breast radiotherapy and mastectomy. Adjuvant systemic treatment should be offered.

DIAGNOSIS OF To CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST (A REPORT OF 74 CASES)

From 1978 through 1986, 74 cases (77 lesions) of T0 carcinoma of the breast were studied. All of these cases were treated with mastectomy. Pathologically, 52 cases (67.5%) were early carcinoma, including non-invasive (30), early invasive (19) and specific type (3). Axillary lymph node metastasis was present in 12.9% of the cases. Follow-up study revealed that 46 patients have been living and in good health for 3-5 years. For successful detection, the following prerequisites are indispensable: (1) physicians concerned must be aware of the new concept that most early breast carcinoma may not be palpable; (2) physicians must be well familiarized with the clinical manifestations of nonpalpable carcinoma of the breast; (3) any abnormalities of the breast must be thoroughly investigated until proven otherwise; and <4) combined diagnostic procedures must be used.

Crucial role of Anxa2 in cancer progression:highlights on its novel regulatory mechanism

Anxa2 is the most studied member of the calcium-mediated phospholipid-binding protein family annexins and is a biomarker in cancers.In this review,we listed clinical findings and confirmed the value of Anxa2 in early diagnosis and prognostic prediction due to its overexpression and adverse effect on the outcome in most tumors.Anxa2 plays a pivotal role in cancer cell proliferation,migration,invasion,metastasis,and treatment resistance.Improved understanding of its cancer-promoting function might make it an ideal target for cancer therapy.Here,we systematically summarized the mechanism of Anxa2 in regulating epithelialmesenchymal transition(EMT),cytoskeleton dynamicity,cell cycle,apoptosis,angiogenesis,and immunology by using various tumor models.These data emphasize the potential of Anxa2 for targeted intervention in tumors.Altering Anxa2 expression,neutralizing the cell surface Anxa2,or inhibiting its activation,such as through Tyr23 phosphorylation,could be considered based on the regulatory mechanism of Anxa2 in tumor progression.

Anatomical Study of the Intercostobrachial Nerve in Sprague-Dawlay Rats

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to explore the anatomy of the in-tercostobrachial nerve in rats. METHODS Dissections of 8 Sprague-dawley rats were performed to examine the intercostobrachial nerve. Fifteen dissections were successful. The position of the nerve, origin, termination, length and diameter were measured and recorded. RESULTS 1) 80% of the nerves originated from the second intercostal space and 20% from the first intercostal space; 2) 60% of the nerves terminated in the latissimus dorsi and 40% in the axillary skin 3) the branches of the nerves only were divided into 2 types, single and double; 4) the length of the nerves ranged from 2.4 to 3.4 cm with an average of 2.97±0.90 cm; 5) the diameter of the nerves was thicker at their origin compared to their termination. CONCLUSION The intercostobrachial nerve is simple in rats with 60% terminating in the latissimus dorsi.

Traumatic Neuromas in Breast Cancer Patients after Mastectomy

OBJECTIVE Traumatic neuromas are rare benign lesions occurring post-mastectomy,which are usually suspected as tumour recurrences before excision biopsy.We report six cases presenting with palpable nodules post-mastectomy,to emphasize the differential diagnosis of traumatic neuroma from recurrent cancer.METHODS Six cases were reviewed.The age of patients ranged from 33 to 61 years.Nodular masses were found close to the mastectomy scar during follow-up over a period of 2.8 to 8 years.RESULTS In one patient three nodular masses were detected.Five patients had received chemotherapy,three of which had also received ra-diotherapy.Ultrasound examinations showed a well-circumscribed,homoge-neous,hypo-echoic subcutaneous nodular lesion in four cases,and a poorly defined hypo-echoic nodule with good conduction in two cases.No obvious distant metastases had been identified.Each patient underwent surgical excisional biopsy.All of nodules had a diameter less than 1 cm.Histopatho-logical examination showed proliferation of nerve fibre bundles,which were disordered,oriented and well circumscribed in fibro-adipose tissue.CONCLUSION It was concluded that all of the lesions were traumatic neuromas,independent from the initial tumor.Traumatic neuromas occur-ring in mastectomy scars are difficult to distinguish from a tumor recurrence.Although radiological evaluation of the mass with ultrasound is of value,the diagnosis can only be confirmed following a histopathological evaluation.

Breast Carcinoma Associated with Poland's Syndrome:One Case Report and Literatures Review

IntroductionPoland＇s syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by abnormalities of the chest wall, breast, spine and upper limb. The incidence of this syndrome has been estimated to be 1：30000. The pathogenesis is still unclear.

Determination of glucose deficiency-induced cell death by mitochondrial ATP generation-driven proton homeostasis

Glucose is one of major nutrients and its catabolism provides energy and/or building bricks for cell proliferation. Glucose deficiency results in cell death. However, the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. By using our recently developed method to monitor real-time cellular apoptosis and necrosis, we show that glucose deprivation can directly elicit necrosis, which is promoted by mito- chondrial impairment, depending on mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate （ATP） generation instead of ATP depletion. We demon- strate that glucose metabolism is the major source to produce protons. Glucose deficiency leads to lack of proton provision while mitochondda[ electron transfer chain continues consuming protons to generate energy, which provokes a compensatory lysosomal proton efflux and resultant increased lysosomal pH. This [ysosomal aikaUnization can trigger apoptosis or necrosis depending on the extent of alkalinization. Taken together, our results build up a metabolic connection between glycolysis, mitochondrion, and iysosome, and reveal an essential role of glucose metabolism in maintaining proton homeostasis to support cell survival.