Clinical Follow-up of Atypical Spitzoid Tumors Analyzed by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization.

Many neoplasms with spitzoid features remain enigmatic, especially those with intermediate grade features or "atypical spitzoid tumors" (ASTs). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has emerged as a complementary technique to conventional microscopy, with certain chromosomal patterns conveying diagnostic information. In this study, we examined 36 ASTs analyzed by FISH for specific abnormalities in chromosomes 6, 9, and 11.

The impact of biopsy technique on upstaging, residual disease, and outcome in cutaneous melanoma.

Background: After skin biopsy of malignant melanoma, the findings in the subsequent wide local excision (WLE) sometimes result in upgrading of the T-category. Herein, we examine the influence of biopsy technique on residual disease in melanoma WLE specimens and on upstaging.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of data from malignant melanoma patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy between 1997 and 2010.

Prostate brachytherapy seed migration to the left testicular vein.

Purpose: Prostate brachytherapy seeds may detach from their initial insertion sites and migrate to lungs, heart, coronary artery, liver, kidney, and vertebral venous plexus. The authors present the left testicular vein as additional site of seed embolization.

Methods And Materials: The authors report a 68-year-old man with seed migration to the left testicular vein shortly after brachytherapeutic procedure.