Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the mediastinum

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumour with a predilection for the meninges and lower limb, especially the thigh region. This paper reports an extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma occurring in the posterior mediastinum, a previously undocumented site.

Hürthle cell medullary carcinomas of the thyroid gland

Two medullary carcinomas of the thyroid (MCTs) composed entirely of Hürthle (oncocytic or oxyphilic) cells and containing follicular structures are described. Immunocytochemical analysis showed these tumours to be calcitonin-, carcino-embryonic antigen- and neuron-specific enolase-positive. The essence of this communication is twofold. Firstly, it highlights and draws attention to this unusual variant of MCT, which may be encountered at frozen section and misdiagnosed as a Hürthle cell tumour of follicular cell origin. Secondly, it undertakes a concise overview of the immunocytochemistry of Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasms and MCT.

Giant cell hepatocellular carcinoma

A terminal case of giant cell hepatocellular carcinoma, subsequent to Hepatitis B-associated macronodular cirrhosis is presented, illustrated and discussed. The uncommon finding of malignant ascites, in itself atypical of hepatocellular carcinoma, with an almost exclusive content of giant cells as the cellular component, was a feature of this unusual variant of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Malignant transformation in fibrous dysplasia. A report of 3 cases

Three patients with fibrous dysplasia were encountered in whom osteosarcoma subsequently developed. A review of published reports and the authors' experience establishes fibrous dysplasia as a premalignant bone lesion. Radiation appears to enhance the inherent tendency towards malignant transformation.

Takayasu's aorto-arteritis. A report of 11 cases at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban

Eleven cases of histologically confirmed Takayasu's aorto-arteritis seen at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, are presented. The morphological features of the various histological stages are highlighted. The anatomical distribution of lesions is also discussed.

Rhinosporidiosis at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban--1976-1985. A report of 6 cases

Six cases of the fungal infection, rhinosporidiosis, are documented. Clinical, light microscopic and electron microscopic features of the causative organism (Rhinosporidium seeberi) are presented.