Recurrent Ameloblastoma: A Surgical Challenge

Ameloblastoma is locally aggressive benign odontogenic tumour with increased risk of recurrence rate. The choice of treatment depends on the histologic subtype. Radical therapy is the recommended modality for solid ameloblastomas. The possibilities of recurrence even after enbloc resection are still high. The author presents two case reports of recurrent ameloblastomas postradical resection. First case describes the recurrence of ameloblastoma in the bone graft which was used for reconstruction, and the second case depicts recurrence in the infratemporal fossa. Intraoperative radiography of the frozen section of the soft tissue margin plays an important role in the holistic management of these lesions.

A Nonpalpable Nodule in Ectopic Axillary Breast Tissue: Consider Phyllodes Tumor

Benign and malignant pathology can develop in ectopic axillary breast tissue, such as fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumors, and breast cancer. We present a rare case of an asymptomatic 43-year-old woman with an axillary nodule which was identified during screening mammography within ectopic axillary breast tissue, initially considered as a suspicious lymph node. Radiologic studies were considered as Breast Imaging-Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) 4. A hyperdense, lobular, and well-circumscribed nodule was identified in mammogram while the nodule by ultrasound (US) was hypoechoic with indistinct microlobular margins, without vascularity by Doppler, and measuring 1.26×1 cm. Core-needle biopsy reported a fibroepithelial neoplasm. The patient was submitted to local wide-needle excision located in intraoperative radiography of the surgical specimen and margin evaluation. Final histopathological study reported a 1.8×1.2 cm benign phyllodes tumor, with irregular, pushing, and clear wide margins within normal ectopic breast tissue. The patient without surgical complications continued annual screening without recurrence during a follow-up that took place 24 months later.

A Simplified Technique for Tumor Localization Using Preoperative Endoscopic Clipping and Radio-opaque Markers during Totally Laparoscopic Gastrectomy

Tumor localization during intracorporeal anastomosis after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the simplicity and feasibility of locating tumors in the stomach using radio-opaque markers and preoperative endoscopic clipping. The intra- and postoperative findings of 29 patients who underwent TLDG with intracorporeal anastomosis between January 2012 and March 2013 were reviewed. Preoperative endoscopic clips were applied just proximal to the tumor by specialized endoscopists, and surgical gauze with an attached radio-opaque marker (3 mm x 60 mm) was prepared. The marker was fixed to either the anterior or posterior of the stomach, above the predicted site of the tumor, using suture ties. Portable abdominal radiography was used during the laparoscopic surgery, and the stomach was resected using guidance by the radiomarker. The radio-opaque marker and the endoscopic clips were clearly visible by intraoperative abdominal radiography. All patients received curative resection. No complications or deaths were encountered. The mean distance between the endoscopic clips and the radiomarker by portable intraoperative radiography was 21.3 ± 18.3 mm, whereas the actual in situ mean distance was 20.7 ± 17.6 mm. This difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). It is imperative that preoperative endoscopic clips are applied just proximal to the tumor by specialized endoscopists. The use of a radio-opaque marker is a simple and feasible way to locate tumors during totally laparoscopic gastrectomy.