Histiocytoid Melanoma.

While most melanomas display well-characterised and readily recognised architectural and cytomorphological features, unusual variants can create diagnostic difficulties. Variants which mimic benign or reactive processes are particularly problematic. We report 5 cases of melanoma characterised by a subtle microscopic appearance reminiscent of a benign dermal histiocytic infiltrate, which we refer to as "histiocytoid melanoma.

Cortical ependymoma or monomorphous angiocentric glioma?

Ependymoma is the third most common childhood intracranial tumor after medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma. Most ependymomas occur in the posterior fossa and spinal cord but only five cases confined to the cerebral cortex have been reported. The current case is a 5-year-old boy with a somewhat ill-defined cortical tumor diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma on biopsy, and treated with radiotherapy.

Surgical approach, histopathology, and pathogenesis in cataract associated with true lens exfoliation.

We report a case of true exfoliation of the crystalline lens in a 53-year-old baker who presented with reduced vision due to cataract. Phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed, and the anterior capsule was analyzed histologically. Preoperative clinical and anterior segment optical coherence tomography observations are presented, with a description of the modified phacoemulsification technique and histopathology.

Peritoneal metastases from an atypical fibroxanthoma.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a mesenchymal neoplasm usually occurring in sun-exposed skin of elderly patients. The majority have an excellent prognosis, as recurrences are uncommon and metastases are rare. We present a case of an 81-year-old man who developed widespread peritoneal metastases from an AFX on his scalp, which was completely excised 3 years earlier.

Tuberculosis in Auckland autopsies, revisited.

Aims: To review the cases of tuberculosis found at autopsy in the Auckland Coronial Autopsy Service in the previous 10 years, and compare the results with that of a similar study for the period 1975 to 1992. Cases which were not diagnosed prior to autopsy are scrutinised as to why the diagnosis may have been missed.

Methods: A computerised search of the Forensic Pathology Department database at Auckland Hospital for cases of tuberculosis or atypical mycobacterial infection found at autopsy was done.