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Volume 39, Issue 2, 2025

Online ISSN: 3042-3511

ISSN: 3042-3503

Volume 39 , Issue 2, (2025)

Published: 12.11.2025.

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01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Gaucher disease in association with soft tissue sarcoma: a case report

Introduction: GD is the commonest lysosomal storage disease worldwide. The majority of the patients have Type1 GD which is the non-neuronopathic form of disease. There are data of increased risk of cancer in GD patients, such as: multiple myeloma and other haematological malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma and renal carcinoma. Factors of cancerogenesis in GD are accumulation of bioactive lipids, alternatively activated macrophages, immune dysregulation, genetic modifiers underlying the GD, splenectomy and enzyme replacement therapy. Extra-osseous soft tissue masses are described in GD patients, like localised deposition od Gaucher macrophages (Gaucheroma). To the best of our knowledge, no other case of extra-osseous soft tissue sarcoma in association with GD has been described in literature. To present very rare case of high grade leiomiosarcoma in association with Gaucher disease (GD). Case report: The case concerns 81 years old female with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia since year 2000. In 2014 she was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with prominent inflammation on her thigh, which was not completely surgically removed. She was diagnosed with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly in 2014 on control examination. Bone marrow biopsy was performed and histologically and immunohistochemically was diagnosed GD. The diagnosis was confirmed by enzyme activity test. In 2018 revision of pathohistological finding of thigh tumour was performed. High grade leiomiosarcoma was diagnosed. She is alive and refuses any treatment. Conclusion: GD is rarely diagnosed in older age. All soft tissue masses in GD should be carefully examined because of increased risk of cancer in GD patients.

Novica Boricic, Tatjana Terzic, Jelena Sopta, Nada Suvajzic-Vukovic

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Detection of co-expression of ATRX and HIF-1alfa in renal tumors - pilot study

Aim: To investigate co-expression of ATRX and HIF-1α in kidney neoplasm in relation to its origin. Introduction: A heterogenous group of kidney tumors is believed to arise from a variety of specialized cells along the nephron – proximal tubules [Clear cell Renal Cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC)] and collecting tubules [chromophobe RCC (chRCC) and oncocytoma]. ATP-dependent helicase (ATRX) is a chromatin remodeling protein involved in gene regulation and aberrant DNA methylation during cancerogenesis. Activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) is an early event in most RCC following inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene. Material and Methods: A total of 46 kidney tumors (n=33 ccRCC, n=1 mRCC, n=4 pRCC, n=5 chRCC and n=3 oncocytomas) was immunohistochemically analyzed for ATRX and HIF-1α expression. Results: Diffuse and focal positivity of ATRX expression was found in 51.5% of ccRCC, while 54.5% had HIF-1α positivity. Co-expression of ATRX/HIF-1α was not related to nuclear grade and stage of ccRCC. Metastatic ccRCC had strong expression of both markers. pRCC type II showed weak ATRX/HIF-1α expression, while pRCC type I was negative for both markers. Interestingly, all analyzed oncocytomas and chromophobe RCC were negative for ATRX/HIF-1α. Conclusion: Our results suggest that signaling pathways have different patterns of activation/suppression of ATRX/HIF-1α in oncocytomas and chRCC compared to other RCC types. Downregulation or loss of ATRX/HIF-1α coexpression in benign tumors should be further investigated in order to determinate mechanisms of ATRX/ HIF-1α signaling transport renal neoplasm with different origin.

Gorana Nikolic, Sanja Cirovic, Sanja Radojevic Skodric

01.04.2018.

Special Session

Application of the 8th revision of TNM classification of lung carcinoma

In preparation for the 8th edition of the TNM classification for lung cancer the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) collected data on 94,708 cases of lung cancer diagnosed between 1999 and 2010, donated by 35 institutions in 16 countries. After exclusions, 77,156 remained for analysis: 70, 967 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 6,189 cases of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Analysis of the cases of NSCLC has allowed proposals for revisions to the T, N and M descriptors and TNM Stage groupings. Size remained an important determinant and a descriptor for all of the T categories. A new cut points at 1 and 4 cm have been proposed and as a result new T categories have been created: T1a ≤1 cm, T1b > 1 to 2 cm, T1c > 2 to 3 cm, T2a > 3 to 4 cm, T2b > 4 to 5 cm, T3 > 5 to 7 cm and T4 > 7 cm. However, measuring precise tumor size can be challenging since it is known that tumor gross size depends on whether the size measurement is performed on fresh or formalin-fixed specimen. In about 10% of cases, formalin fixation can cause down-staging of pathologic T category as a result of tumor shrinking. Tumors invading the diaphragm have been reclassified as T4, and tumors extending within 2cms of the carina without its invasion, or tumors associated with collapse or consolidation of the whole lung have been down-staged to T2. Tis and T1mi were introduced for adenocarcinoma in situ, squamous cell carcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, respectively. Visceral pleural invasion, defined as the involvement of its elastic layer, remains unchanged as T2 category, but specific analysis of visceral pleural invasion, showed that there is two types of invasion: PL1 where tumor invades beyond the elastic layer and PL2 where tumor invades pleural surface and that these two had different prognosis, PL2 being associated with the worst outcome. Elastic stains are recommended to clarify the status of visceral pleural invasion for cases in which initial hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained slides failed to show presence of invasion. Mediastinal pleura invasion disappears as a T descriptor. N categories remained the same as in 7th edition. 8th did not bring guidelines about the minimum number of lymph nodes that should be assessed for pathohistological analysis. In M descriptor category M1a retained, while M1b has been reassigned to describe a form of limited disease with a single metastatic deposit in one distant organ. A new category of M1c has been proposed and it is reserved for situations in which there are multiple metastases in one or more distant sites. Assessment of multifocal lung tumors and the distinction of synchronous primary tumors from intrapulmonary metastases represent an important problem as this decision significantly influences tumor staging, as well as treatment approach. Four different clinical presentation of lung cancer with multifocal lung involvement are described: second primary cancer, intrapulmonary metastasis, multifocal lung adenocarcinoma with ground glass/lepidic features, and pneumonic-type lung adenocarcinoma. The tumors are considered second primary tumor if it have clearly a different histology or have a different radiographic appearance, metabolic uptake growth pattern or different biomarkers. Each tumor is staged separately based on current TNM staging system. The nodules are considered to be intrapulmonary metastasis if exact matching breakpoints are identified by genetic hybridization or have similar clinical features such as radiographic appearance, growth pattern or significant nodal and systemic SPECIAL SESSION: DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, MEDICAL FACULTY, UNIVERSITY NOVI SAD, SERBIA 32 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. metastasis. TNM staging depends on location of the nodule relative to the primary tumor site. If it is in the same lobe, the tumor is designated as T3, if it is in the same lung, but in different lobe as T4, and it it is in the contralateral lung as M1a. Tumors are considered multifocal lung adenocarcinoma if there are multiple subsolid nodules with at least one suspected or proven to be a cancer. Ground glass nodule <5 mm or lesion suspected to be AAH is excluded. T stage is based on highest T lesion with indicating the multiplicity. Tumor is categorized as a pneumonic-type adenocarcinoma if there is a diffuse pneumonic infiltrate or consolidation with regional distribution. Stage IA is divided into IA1, IA2 and IA3 to accommodate T1a, T1b and T1cN0M0 tumors. All N1 disease is staged IIB except for T3-T4N1M0 tumors which are stage IIIA. A new stage IIIC is created for T3-T4N3M0 tumors and stage IV is divided into IVA (M1a and M1b) and IVB (M1c). In conclusion, multi-disciplinary approach and the close cooperation among medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists is important in properly staging of lung cancer as well as, in treatment plans.

Aleksandra Lovrenski

01.04.2018.

Special Session

Histopathologic assessment of tumor regression in non-small cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant therapy

Lung cancers are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in the World. The neodjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced (IIIA-IIIB) lung cancer and affected N2 lymph nodes is one of the modes of multimodal treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in order to improve the outcome of their treatment. This involves converting patients from a higher to a lower stage of the disease - “downstaging”. There has been no significant connection between some forms of tumor response and types of therapy. Given the importance of complete pathological responses and tumor regression in the prediction of treatment outcomes, finding this relationship is of importance for the design of future neoadjuvant trails. In determining the histological tumor regression is very important measurement of area of residual tumor (ART). As the size of the tumor is one of the prognostic factors in patients with NSCLC who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy so the measurement of ART, as opposed to the macroscopic size of the tumor, one of the prognostic factors in patients with NSCLC, who had received neoadjuvant therapy. The ultimate goal of neoadjuvant therapy should be resectability and “downstaging” that could provide overall oncology benefit in specific clinical situations. The main objectives of this research were: to objectively estimate the size of ART in tumor tissue of lung and lymph nodes; to estimate the relation between the surface of ART with the size of the tumor on postoperative surgical material after neoadjuvant therapy; to analyze and estimate the relation between histomorphological parameters in tumor regression induced by neoadjuvant therapy and spontaneous tumor regression in tumors of the lung and lymph nodes in the postoperative surgical material and depending on the histological type of cancer; to estimate the relation between clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy according to criteria of the World Health Organization and histological parameters in lung tumors and lymph nodes in the postoperative surgical material after neoadjuvant therapy; to estimate the correlation of the pathological ypTN with clinical ycTN stage of the disease and the degree of tumor regression induced by neoadjuvant therapy and pathological ypTN and estimation of the relation between clinical and pathological involvement of N2 lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy. Measurement of the total size of the preserved ART is the most important objective parameter in the assessment of the grade of tumor regression. Size of residual tumor did not correlate with the size of the tumor after neoadjuvant therapy. There was a significant difference in the histological picture of tumor regression induced by neoadjuvant therapy and spontaneous tumor regression. There was no significant difference between the histologic type of tumor and histological tumor regression. There is no significant correlation between clinical response and the grade of tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy. There is no correlation between clinical and pathological staging of the diseaSPECIAL SESSION: DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, MEDICAL FACULTY, UNIVERSITY NOVI SAD, SERBIA 34 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. se after neoadjuvant therapy. There is no correlation between the grade of tumor regression induced by neoadjuvant therapy and ypTN stage of the disease. There is no correlation between the clinical and the pathological involvement of the N2 lymph nodes to neoadjuvant therapy. The grade of tumor regression and measurement ART after neoadjuvant therapy determined by histopathological analysis of the resected tumor is the most objective criterion for evaluation of chemotherapeutic response and prediction of treatment outcome in patients.

Golub Samardzija

01.04.2018.

Poster session

Analysis of immunohistochemical expression of Connexin-43 in lung carcinoma

Aim: To investigate immunohistochemical expression and the localization of connexin-43 (Cx-43) in primary lung cancer and its metastases. Introduction: Connexins are transmembrane proteins forming gap junctions that allow intercellular communication. Significance of gap junctions and connexins in lung cancer are not clear enough. Material and Methods: We analyzed autopsy samples of primary and metastatic lung carcinoma from Institute of Pathology in Belgrade. There were 11 primary lung carcinomas, 7 lung cancer metastases in lymph nodes, and 12 haematogenic metastases. We performed immunohistochemical staining for connexin-43 (Cx43) and measured expression (percentage of positive cells and intensity of staining) and localization of Cx43 in primary tumor and its metastases. Results: Lymphatic and hematogenous metastases of lung cancer showed a stronger expression of connexin-43 than primary tumor itself. Unlike 9% of primary carcinoma, 28% of lymphatic metastases and 50% of hematogenous metastases had expression of connexins in more than 50% of tumor cells (p=0.11). The intensity of connexin-43 expression was statistically significantly less in primary lung cancer than in all the metastases together(p=0.04). The expression of this marker was different in different histological types, where small cell carcinoma rarely expressed connexin, while the squamous carcinoma was mostly positive to immunohistochemical staining on Cx43. Dominant localization of expression was the combined cytoplasmic-membranous. Conclusion: Our results showed that lung cancer expresses connexin-43 mostly in cytoplasm as well as on the cell membrane. Further research on a larger sample is required to establish whether Cx-43 could be used as a prognostic biomarker in lung cancer.

Ivana Savic, Petar Milovanovic

01.04.2018.

Poster session

Pneumotorax and subcutaneus emphysema as the first manifestation of miliary tuberculosis

Aim: We present a case of a patient with pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema as the first manifestation of miliary tuberculosis. Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis is the result of hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with weak immuno-defensive mechanisms. Pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema are possible complications of miliary tuberculosis. Case report: A woman aged 64 years old reported to the regional institution because of breathing difficulties. On the radiograph of the chest, pneumothorax was observed left, and the left thoracic drain was placed. Subcutaneous emphysema and global respiratory insufficiency were reported an hour later after which the patient was transferred to our facility. At the admission the patient was in poor general condition, intubated, hemodynamically unstable, markers of inflammation were elevated with the presence of electrolyte imbalance and severe anemia. On the chest radiogram, there was recorded: pneumothorax left, pneumonia right and generalized subcutaneous emphysema, and thoracal drain that was placed. Intensive therapy had improved the condition of the patient, after which she was extubated. Progression of respiratory insufficiency and lethal outcome occurred on the second day of admission. An autopsy was performed. A macroscopic examination and pathohistological analysis found: massive subcutaneous emphysema in the chest, well-placed thoracal drain, bilateral pleural effusion, bilateral acute tuberculous caverns in the lungs and necrotizing granulomas in: the lungs, liver, spleen and larynx which have led to asphyxiation and aviation outcome. Conclusion: In poorly-fed patients with the development of pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema and severe respiratory disorders, it is necessary to suspect tuberculosis.

Vladimir Zecev, Dragana Tegeltija, Tijana Vasiljevic, Bojan Radovanovic, Zivka Eri

01.04.2018.

Poster session

Metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma to the ureter

Aim: We present an interesting case of unexpected metastatic deposit “signet ring cell” of the gastric cancer in the ureter. Introduction: Ureteral obstruction caused by gastric cancer may occur by any of the following three mechanisms: direct extension from the primary site, peritoneal deposit or lymph node metastasis. Material and Methods: We report the case of a patient with ureteral metastasis as the first and sole manifestation of gastric cancer dissemination two years after he was first diagnosed with gastric cancer. Results: A 52-year old male patient was admitted to the Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zvezdara in Belgrade, with a 5-day history of right colic flank pain and high temperature. He had a partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer two years ago and received 8 cycles of chemotherapy. Routine blood test results were normal except elevated creatinine and C-reactive protein levels. An abdominal ultrasound examination and computed tomography revealed grade 3 hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Cystoscopy indicated a tumor measuring 2 cm in size which involved left ureteral orifice. A left nephroureterectomy and transurethral resection of bladder tumor were performed. Histopathological examination of surgical POSTER SESIJA 65 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. specimen revealed signet ring cell carcinoma infiltrating lamina propria and tunica muscularis of the left lower ureter. Histopathological examination of the bladder specimen revealed signet ring cell carcinoma identical to those of the ureteral tumor. Conclusion: Ureteral metastases from gastric cancer are extremely rare. Shimoyama reviewed 27 cases of the true ureteral metastasis from gastric cancer. The prognosis is generally poor and the survival for more than 2 years has not been reported in literature.

Marija Milic Perovic, Aleksandra Paunovic Markovic, Nata a Djurdjevic, Marija Cubrilo, Jelena Kuzmanovic, Jovan Juloski, Lidija Vuckovic Hardi

01.04.2018.

Poster session

Metastasis in the upper urinary tract as initial presentation of invasive lobular breast cancer

Aim: Reporting a patient with unusual metastatic site of invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) as initial presentation of the disease. Introduction: Due to specific growth pattern, ILC rarely forms an apparent tumor, which makes diagnosis very challenging at early stage. ILC is also known for unconventional metastatic spread, with deposits being discovered prior to the primary tumor in 3-10% of cases. Case report: While evaluating renal function in 51-year old female patient hospitalised at the Urology Clinic (Clinical centre of Montenegro), static scintigraphy revealed left kidney functional capacity of 7-8%. Nephrectomy was indicated. Kidney, 11x6x4cm in size, with slightly reduced, paler parenchyma, firmly attached fatty capsule and pyelocaliceal system and ureter of regular gross appearence, was delivered to the Centre for Pathology. Analysis of H E sections revealed chronic pyelonephritis. In a few sections taken from urether, pyelon and subcapsular parts of parenchyma, infiltrates of small, cuboid, atipical cells, mostly arranged in one-cell-thick files, were noted. Immunohistochemistry reveiled strong pozitivity for EMA, CK(ae1/ae3), CK7, estrogen and mammaglobin, with Ki67<10%. A few cells were progesteron positive, while vimentin, CK20 and neuroendocrine markers were negative. ILC metastasis was suspected. ILC, with axillary lymph POSTER SESIJA 66 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. node involvement, was confirmed later, although there was no macroscopically apparent tumor in the breast. Tumor cells were estrogen and progesterone positive, HER2 negative, with Ki67 of 3%. Conclusion: While assessing metastatic deposits in unconventional sites in women, primary ILC should be considered. Special diagnostic algorhytm is required for efficient initial detection of the primary tumor.

Jelena Vucinic, Janja Raonic, Ljiljana Vuckovic, Filip Vukmirovic, Mileta Golubovic, Tanja Nenezic, Petar Kavaric

01.04.2018.

Abstracts

Vulvar Paget disease and Fish tank granuloma -diagnostic challenge

The skin is the largest organ in our body.Receiving information from the environment allows the role barrier between the human organism and the environment. The histological structure of the skin is variable depending on the part of the organism. The diseases of skin also vary depending on the region. The reason is the local immune status and the external physical, chemical and microbiological environment. The histopathological diagnosis of skin lesions request detailed clinical information. On the other side the histopathological diagnosis of skin lesions provides information on local disease , as well as potential other associated pathological conditions.˝ Extramammary Paget‘s vulvar disease is rare. The pathology of the skin of the vulva is specific both for specific localization, as well as for specific friction and microbiological flora. It is clinically presented as erythematosus or eczematous lesion. It can be local or extensive. Histopathologically, it is characterized by relatively large glandular atypical Paget cells, which are pathognomonic for this disease. These cells have abundant cytoplasm that is granular or vacuolated. Tumor cells are typically localized individually or in groups in the basal and parabasal layers. Immunochemical analyzes are necessary in the diagnosis of Paget‘s disease. The main reason is that Paget‘s disease can be a primary skin disease or associated with non-cutaneous carcinoma primarily of the urothelial or rectal carcinoma . Therefore, it is necessary to recommend that a detailed clinical trial of a patient be conducted in all diagnosed cases of vulvar Paget‘s disease. Mycobacterium marinum is etiological factor of Fish tank granuloma.This Mycobacterium more often causes diseases of fish, both marine and river fish. The humans become infected with Mycobacterium marinuim after contact with skin after micro/trauma Infection is usually localized to the skin.In immunocompromised patients the infection may disseminate or spread to the subcutis and bone. After incubation of few weeks after infection the lesion appear as solitary nodules or plaques.In some cases the disease progresses like suppurative ulcers. Histopathologically there is a wider range of histopathological presentations. Most often you can see abscess, necrosis of wheat and fatty tissue. However, granuloma inflammation is a key morphological substrate. After granuloma inflammation, fibrosis occurs. Since the microscopic image may be somewhat non-specific, clinical data are of great importance for the diagnosis. Multidisciplinarity in the final diagnosis includes microbiological confirmation of the presence of Mycobacterium marinum.

Biserka Vukomanovic-Djurdjevic

01.12.2017.

Review Article

Intensity modulated radiation therapy vs 3D conformal radiotherapy in the radical treatment prostate cancer: Analysis of acute and late toxicity

Implementation of IMRT offers possibility to escalate radiation therapy dose without increased acute and late toxicity. The aim of this study is to compare acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity in patients treated with IMRT and 3DCRT technique. This study included 35 patients in study group A treated with IMRT technique, and 35 patients in study group B treated with 3DCRT technique. Patients were selected and referred to radical radiotherapy treatment prostate cancer. Acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity was evaluated during radiotherapy treatment according to recommendation of RTOG group. Late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity was evaluated during regular control exams after radical radiotherapy treatment for six months. Based on the results χ2 test there was no statistical significant difference (p>0,05) between study group A i B in terms of acute gastrointestinal and genitourinary despite escalated radiotherapy dose in study group B treated with IMRT technique. Based on the results χ2 test there was no statistical significant difference (p>0, 05) between study group A i B in terms of late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity. Intensity modulated radiation therapy is optimal technique in the radical treatment prostate cancer. This technique allows clinical benefit compared with 3D conformal radiotherapy-escalation of radiotherapy dose without increased toxicity in patients treated with IMRT technique.

Slavica Marić, Ljiljana Tadić-Latinović, Branislava Jakovljević, Milan Žigić, Pavle Banović, Aleksandar Kostovski, Goran Kolarević

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