Lymphedema, a complication resulting after breast cancer surgery, is caused by the decreased tissue distensibility around joints and the increased weight of extremity. Early symptoms of lymphedema include heaviness in the limb, numbness, tingling sensation and puffiness of the skin. The new techniques of treating cancer, such as sentinel node biopsy and intra-operative radiotherapy, may have si...

In oncology, the term 'hyperthermia' refers to the treatment of malignant diseases by administering heat in various ways. Hyperthermia is usually applied as an adjunct to an already established treatment modality (especially radiotherapy and chemotherapy), where tumor temperatures in the range of 40-43 degrees C are aspired. In several clinical phase-III trials, an improvement of both local con...

This short note investigates the energy response characteristics of a relatively new high sensitivity radiochromic film (XR type T) and compares it to other radiochromic and radiographic films and thermoluminescent dosimeters. Results show that the energy response of the new XR type T film is relatively large over the range of therapeutic energies from 50 kVp superficial x-ray treatment to 18 M...

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma is an indolent primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma originating from the follicle center cells, composed of a combination of centrocytes (small and large cleaved cells) and centroblasts (large noncleaved cells) with a follicular, follicular/diffuse, or diffuse growth pattern. Lesions are mostly located on the head, neck and trunk. A case is presented of a...

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is difficult to diagnose both clinically and histologically due to its indolent presentation, and because of its morphological diversity that includes several microscopic patterns. The aggressive biologic behavior seen in minor salivary glands as compared to major glands is apparently associated histologically to a predominance of the papillary patte...

There is evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that PDT is an effective treatment for selected patients with actinic keratoses of the scalp compared with placebo or cryotherapy. The evidence to date suggests that PDT is less effective than surgery and radiotherapy and of similar efficacy to cryotherapy for treating low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (e.g., superficial and nodular)....

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a common malignancy worldwide that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although superficial tumors can often be treated effectively, invasive cancers not only require invasive surgery, but are also refractory to aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this issue of Genes & Development, Puzio-Kuter and colleagues (pp. 675-680...

We discuss the optimal treatment and outcomes for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands by reviewing the pertinent literature. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm. It is found mostly in the parotid gland in middle-aged women. It progresses slowly and, left untreated, can produce significant morbidity and, rarely, death. The optimal treatment is superficial...

Acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary glands is a rare cancer representing a low grade malignancy. The recurrence of a tumor is sometimes encountered, usually within 5 years of initial operation. We describe an unusual recurrence after a long interval following primary surgery. In 1987, a 60-year-old woman underwent excision of a mass in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland under the...

Deep-seated, hemangiomatous lesions may be treated by surgical excision, sclerosing therapy, laser treatment and possibly by radiotherapy. An intense, non-coherent pulsed light source, the PhotoDerm® VL, offers an innovative therapeutic concept. We report on two of our patients, who suffered from benign, but extensive, vascular venous malformations, which had not been amenable to other treatmen...