Fine needle aspiration cytology of adult perineal rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report

Soft tissue tumors of the anorectum: rare, complex and misunderstood

Anorectal soft tissue tumors are uncommon and often present both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although many of these tumors are identified with imaging performed for unrelated reasons, most present with nonspecific symptoms that can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Historically, radical surgery (abdominoperineal resection) has been the mainstay of treatment for both benign and malignant anorectal soft tissue tumors. However, a lack of proven benefit in benign disease along with changes in technology has called this practice into question. In addition, the role of radiation and/or chemotherapy remains controversial. In this manuscript, we review the history and current status of anorectal soft tissue tumor management, with a particular focus on challenges in optimizing survival.

A rare case of paratesticular pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: a case report

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of children and young adults. It represents 6.5% of all malignant tumors in pediatrics with an annual incidence of 4 to 7 cases per million children. Embryonal RMS arising in paratesticular region in young males is a common entity, however pleomorphic RMS in such location is quite rare. An eighteen year old male presented with painless right scrotal mass measuring 7 x 6 x 5 cm of two year duration, which was reported on ultrasonography as extratesticular tumor. Fine needle aspiration showed cellular smears comprising of pleomorphic population of mostly singly scattered cells and few cell aggregates. Few isolated large cells with whip like cytoplasmic processes and faint cross-striations were also seen. A diagnosis of paratesticular malignant mesenchymal tumor probably RMS was made. Tumor was removed surgically with right sided orchidectomy. On histopathology, it was reported as pleomorphic RMS. There was focal lymphatic invasion and involvement of rete testis. Immunostaining of tumor cells revealed myogenin and desmin positivity. The case is being presented because of diagnosis of RMS on Fine needle aspiration and rare occurrence of pleomorphic RMS in paratesticular location.

Extraconal orbital tumors in children--a spectrum

Orbital masses in children are uncommon but extremely challenging problems for clinicians and pathologists due to their critical location and availability of limited diagnostic material. We analyzed 47 specimens comprising biopsies, excision specimens, and FNAC of extraconal pediatric orbital masses (excluding retinoblastoma) accessioned in the pathology department over 5 years in a tertiary referral cancer center. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-74%) and molecular methods (one case) were done where necessary. The chief presenting symptom was proptosis in 55.3% patients and radiologically 53.8% malignant tumors showed extraorbital extension. A diagnostic algorithm was formulated to assess which cases needed pathology evaluation. Malignant round cell tumors (76.6%), chiefly embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (51%), benign spindle cell neoplasms, and infectious lesions (tuberculosis, fungal infections), were seen. Of the malignant tumors, those confined to the orbit achieved good treatment response and had an event-free follow-up while those with extraorbital spread had poor outcome. Pediatric orbital masses range from completely treatable infectious lesions, surgically resectable benign neoplasms to aggressive malignancies requiring chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pathologists play a key role in distinguishing these on small biopsy material and expediating accurate treatment thus saving the vision or life of a patient.

High-content screening moves to the front of the line

High-content screening (HCS) has been used in late-stage drug discovery for a decade. In the past few years, technological advances have expanded the role of HCS into the early stages of drug discovery, including high-throughput screening and hit-to-lead studies. More recently, computational advances in image analysis and technological advancements in general cell biology have extended the utility of HCS into target validation and basic biological studies, including RNAi screening. The use of HCS in target validation is expanding the work that can be done at this stage, especially the range of targets that can be characterized, and putting it into a more biological context.