Uncommon Detection of Leiomyoma in the Penile Corpus Spongiosum Using FDG PET/CT: A Case Report.

Primary tumors of the penile corpus spongiosum are rare. Hereby we describe the scintigraphic findings of a case of penile leiomyoma within the corpus spongiosum tissue, which was incidentally detected on FDG PET/CT. The benign neoplasm was growing in close proximity to the urethra showing increased focal FDG uptake on sequential PET/CT studies.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal and gastric cancer diagnosis, disease stage and mortality.

Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a significant decline in endoscopic procedures has been observed.

Aims: We investigated the change of incidence, clinical characteristics, disease stage and mortality of patients with gastric cancer (GC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed in 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019.

Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data on all patients diagnosed with GC or CRC at the Soroka University Medical Center were retrospectively collected and compared.

The Long-term Effect of Standardized Anal Dilatation for Chronic Anal Fissure on Anal Continence.

Purpose: For the past several decades, internal anal sphincterotomy has generally been considered to be the standard operation for an anal fissure. However, wound complications inherent in this operation forced surgeons to look for an alternative form of treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of anal dilatation for chronic anal fissure, especially possible negative impact on anal sphincter function.

Complete Reversion of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Phenotype Associated with Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment Following Kidney Transplantation.

Numerous germline mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor-suppressor gene are responsible for development of multiple adenomatous colorectal polyps with their inevitable progression to cancer. Multiple attempts at dietary and pharmacological prevention of colorectal carcinoma development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have provided conflicting results. Immunosuppressive treatment with tacrolimus is known to be associated with an increased risk of malignancy and should be avoided in patients with high propensity for development of neoplasia.

Human Colorectal Cancer Stage-dependent Global DNA Hypomethylation of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts.

Background/aim: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumor development and progression. The prevailing consensus favors the view that a specific epigenetic signature underpins the stable CAF phenotype. The aim of the present study was to assess global DNA methylation in CAFs during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in non-familial sporadic human colorectal cancer (CRC).

High occurrence of perianal abscess among Bedouin compared to Jews in the southern region of Israel.

Background: This study assessed the ethnic differences of perianal abscess between Bedouin and the general population in southern region of Israel. Israeli-born Arabs have much less colorectal cancer than Israeli-born Jews. It is not clear whether other colorectal diseases have the same ethnic occurrence.

A study of inflammation-based predictors of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: The ability of pretreatment laboratory markers of acute-phase inflammatory reactions like serum albumin level (SAL), hemoglobin (Hb), and absolute blood cell counts to predict complete pathological response (CPR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has not yet been fully studied.

Methods: We retrospectively examined the relation between SAL, Hb and absolute blood cell counts, and CPR rates in 140 LARC patients treated with NACRT.

Results: Univariate analysis showed a significantly higher probability of CPR to NACRT in patients with clinical stage (CS) III LARC who had SAL >3.

Total mesorectal excision and management of rectal cancer.

Treatment of rectal cancer over the last two decades has evolved with changes in techniques of surgery and radiation based on national and international trials. Preoperative adjuvant radiation is now preferred over postoperative adjuvant radiation, and total mesorectal excision with preservation of pelvic nerves is the gold standard for surgical treatment of rectal cancer. Preservation of the anal sphincter without compromising oncological outcome is an additional benefit for patients with carcinoma in the distal rectum.