Raja Parthiban

Abstract

Breast carcinoma ranks one among the leading causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality in Indian women closely following carcinoma cervix in order of incidence. Fine needle aspiration cytology has emerged as one of the preliminary investigations besides mammography and clinical examination for the initial assessment of breast masses. Nuclear morphometry can be used as a quantitative adjuvant to FNAC in diagnosing breast lesions, especially the ones in the “gray zone”. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of nuclear morphometry as an adjuvant in the cytological diagnosis, categorization of breast lesions and grading of malignant lesions. Materials and Methods: Nuclear parameters were assessed in fine needle aspirates of 49 cases, for which histopathological correlation was available. Morphometric parameters analyzed were nuclear area, nuclear perimeter, minimal nuclear diameter, maximum nuclear diameter, axis ratio, nuclear shape factor and nuclear compactness. Results: Morphometric parameters showed progressive and significant increase in nuclear size parameters from benign to malignant lesions. Nuclear shape parameters also showed a significant increase from grade I to grade III malignant lesions. However these shape factors could not be used to differentiate benign and malignant lesions in our study. Conclusion: Nuclear morphometry is a valuable tool in diagnosis of breast masses. It provides data in a more objective and reproducible form unlike the conventional cytological analysis. Keywords: Breast lesions, FNAC, Nuclear morphometry.

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Abstract

Kidney is involved in many pathological conditions which include both non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions; some of lesions may require nephrectomy.1 Knowledge of a disease pattern in the local population is important to monitor the people at risk and to impart valuable information to treat patients as well as to implement various health programmes. Aim: To analyze the pattern of the renal disease encountered at a tertiary rural hospital setup and to compare these findings with studies done in other parts of India and other neighboring countries where data is available. Materials and Methods: A 5 year retrospective and prospective analysis of renal specimen received from Jan 2012 – Dec 2017. Relevant clinical data, gross, microscopic findings were collected and analyzed. Core needle biopsy samples and pelvi-uretric junction specimens were excluded from the study. Result: Most common lesions encountered were non-neoplastic (55.3%), of which a majority were chronic pyelonephritis (26.3%). Neoplastic lesion accounted for 44.7% of which 28.9% were malignant neoplasms. Most common age group was 50-60 years followed by 40-50 years for all the lesions. Hydatid cyst kidney, Solitary fibrous tumor & transitional cell carcinoma in kidney were some rare lesions encountered. Conclusion: Non-neoplastic conditions like chronic pyelonephritis were the common renal conditions observed. Implementation of health education and screening programmes including management of common conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal calculi will definitely reduce the indication for nephrectomies. This baseline data can be utilized for further studies in future. Keywords: Nephrectomy, Pyelonephritis, Renal cell carcinoma, Solitary fibrous tumor.

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