[Mass on the neck].

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare. But especially in patients with known neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen), this entity of tumors should not be forgotten. The indication for open biopsy or excision should be made generously.

Survival in overweight patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma: a multicentre cohort study.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer. We investigated the impact of obesity on survival in patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods: In a multicentre, retrospective study, we included all patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer treated at four Swiss hospitals between 1994 and 2004.