Observer variability in histopathological reporting of transitional cell carcinoma and epithelial dysplasia in bladders

Article Abstract:

Classification and tumor grading are frequently inconsistent and interpretation of tissue sections may vary among pathologists, which can present a serious diagnostic problem. Part of the classification for bladder carcinoma depends on assessment of stage and grade of the cells. Many consider these two characteristics as the best prognostic indicators. Furthermore, the kind and extent of treatment depends on appropriate assessment. This study discusses the evaluation of 90 urinary bladder biopsy specimens by 11 consulting histopathologists, all educated and trained in Scotland with 5 to 25 years of consulting experience. Tissue sections from four different sites in and around the tumor were prepared from each patient and prescreened by one of the authors before inclusion in the study set. Random sets were prepared and examined by the pathologists. The level of agreement by the pathologists on the slide batches examined was statistically evaluated. Analysis of the results showed agreement among the pathologists in the application of descriptive terminology, in the grading and staging of transitional cell carcinoma, and in the diagnosis of dysplasia in areas adjacent to tumor. The diagnoses of altered histological structures in other areas of the bladder were varied. It is concluded that the present classification criteria for bladder carcinomas are reliable, and that pathologists can reliably determine stages and grades of these lesions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Diagnosis, Pathologists, Bladder cancer

---

Breast carcinoma cellularity and its relation to oestrogen receptor content

Article Abstract:

The presence of estrogen (a female hormone) receptors (ER) in breast cancer tumors is helpful in predicting the response to hormone therapy and the patient's outcome, but there have been difficulties in determining the proportion of ER in the tumor itself. There is evidence that the amount of ER in tumor cells may help in determining the prognosis, therefore the development of a technique that can establish the ER content of a tumor is important. Tissue samples from 104 women with breast cancer (primary infiltrating breast carcinoma) were studied in order to compare older biochemical methods with semiautomated image analysis for determining the relationship between cellularity (number and type of cells) and ER content. The results of the various analytical methods were similar. One unusual finding was that an increase in cellularity was accompanied by a decrease in ER content, but this relationship was weak and only occurred when tested by enzyme immunoassay. This raises interesting questions about the possible role of the cells of the connective tissue in stimulating the cancer cells to produce estrogen receptors. Image analysis proved to be an accurate method of quantifying this information, and can show the true relationship between estrogen receptors and cellularity. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical examination, Breast cancer, Cancer cells

---

Oestrogen receptors in conjunctival malignant melanoma: immunocytochemical study using formalin fixed paraffin wax sections

Article Abstract:

Melanoma is a cancer of cells known as melanocytes, or pigment-containing cells. Melanomas can occur in the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the lining of the inner surfaces of the eyelids and the sclera (white of the eye). The receptor for the hormone estrogen was found in 40 percent of women (6 of 15) with conjunctival malignant melanoma. This was shown by an immunohistological technique, where molecules known as antibodies react specifically with other molecules in the tissues known as antigens. An antibody to the estrogen receptor was tested on tissue from the conjunctival tumor; the tissue was then processed for analysis. The evidence that hormones are involved in the growth of melanomas is controversial. Some studies have shown that estrogen can cause growth of melanomas. Tumors in the breast, kidney and endometrium (lining of the uterus) have been shown to be affected by estrogen. Tumors that are estrogen- dependent can be treated with drugs that inhibit hormones, such as the anti-estrogen agent tamoxifen. Further research is needed to determine if melanomas are estrogen-dependent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Estrogen, Melanoma, Estrogen receptors, Eye cancer

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Histological features of uteroplacental vessels in normal and hypertensive patients in relation to birthweight
• Abstracts: Prognostic implications of DNA histogram, DNA content, and histological changes of regional lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer
• Abstracts: Serological diagnosis of HIV infection: practice and performance in western Europe. Serological screening tests for syphilis in pregnancy: results of a five year study (1983-87) in the Oxford region
• Abstracts: Myocardial contusion without creatine kinase-MB elevation. Blood antibodies and uncrossmatched type O blood. Electrocardiographic response to ice water ingestion
• Abstracts: Pathologic correlates of survival in 378 lymph node-negative infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas: mitotic count is the best single predictor

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.