Diffuse plexiform neurofibroma of the back: report of a case.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting the ras proto-oncogene. It is characterized by the overgrowth of nervous tissue and skin discoloration. While it is associated with a variety of phenotypic presentations, it is the plexiform variant that is particular concerning, as it can become extremely disfiguring and has a propensity for malignant degeneration.

Surgical extirpation of a chest wall desmoid tumor: a case report.

A case is described of an anterior chest wall desmoid tumor in a 20-year-old Micronesian male that had been previously incompletely resected one year prior to presentation. A radical chest wall resection was performed with reconstruction accomplished using a gortex patch and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. The patient developed a massive local recurrence within eight months following surgery.

Does telomerase activity add to the value of fine needle aspirations in evaluating thyroid nodules?

Background: Telomerase replaces DNA sequences that are lost with cell division. Increased activity has been documented in malignant cells. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has a 90% sensitivity for diagnosis of papillary carcinomas, but a specificity of 52%.

Case of the Month. Giant multiple intraductal papilloma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature.

A case is described of multiple intraductal papilloma of the breast in a 39 year old Micronesian female who presented to our institution with a 2 year history of spontaneous bloody nipple discharge with an associated giant cystic breast mass. This case report illustrates an unusual presentation of a rare benign breast lesion. The clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of this disease process are discussed; the literature is reviewed; and management options are discussed.