Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) downregulates thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) expression in thyroid papillary carcinoma cells.

This study investigates the expression of thrombospondin-1 in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and the role of Met-HGF interaction in TSP-1 regulation. In tissue sections, immunostaining for TSP-1 was associated with the fibrous tumour stroma, and showed areas of marked intensity adjacent to the basal membrane of tumour cells. Investigation of TSP-1 RNA expression showed that, in 10 of 14 cases, TSP-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in tumour tissue (20-100% reduction; mean = 55% +/- 20; p = 0.

Incidentally detected giant oncocytoma arising in retroperitoneal heterotopic adrenal tissue.

A nonfunctional retroperitoneal oncocytoma incidentally discovered in a 40-year-old woman is described. The tumor, which was 17 cm in largest dimension, was completely separated from the kidneys and adrenal glands and consisted of nests of polygonal cells with large, granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Significant nuclear atypia, necrosis, and mitosis were absent.

The management of retrorectal congenital tumors.

Although retrorectal congenital tumors are still rare, the number of the observed ones is destined to increase, as methods by imaging become routinely used in the clinical practice. By presenting three clinical cases the authors describe the surgical technique of the anterior route they performed for the management of such formations. The abdominal approach had no postoperative complications, short hospital stay, no neurological consequences and good long-term results.