Gastric neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and type 1 tumours occurring within gastric hyperplastic polyps.

We wish to highlight the unusual occurrence of gastric neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and type I neuroendocrine tumours within three hyperplastic polyps. In all cases, the neuroendocrine component was present within and between the hyperplastic foveolar glands of the polyps and overall formed the minor part of the polyps. Two of the patients presented with epigastric pain and the other with fatigue from anaemia, and on endoscopy, all three were found to have superficially ulcerated gastric polyps in the body (cases 1 and 2) and fundus (case 3).

The role of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration cytology in the investigation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses, the North Tees experience.

Aim: To assess the diagnostic role of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA) cytology, in the investigation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses, with emphasis on pathology, criteria for adequacy, and use of liquid based cytology (LBC).

Methods: In January 2008, EBUS guided TBNA was introduced for the staging of lung cancers and for the investigation of unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses. Initially, the material was processed conventionally.

Impact of a national external quality assessment scheme for breast pathology in the UK.

Background: This article presents the results and observed effects of the UK National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) external quality assurance scheme in breast histopathology.

Aims/methods: The major objectives were to monitor and improve the consistency of diagnoses made by pathologists and the quality of prognostic information in pathology reports. The scheme is based on a twice yearly circulation of 12 cases to over 600 registered participants.

The NHS breast screening programme (pathology) EQA: experience in recent years relating to issues involved in individual performance appraisal.

Background: The original role of the National Health Service breast screening programme (pathology) external quality assessment (EQA) scheme was educational; it aimed to raise standards, reinforce use of common terminology, and assess the consistency of pathology reporting of breast disease in the UK.

Aims/methods: To examine the performance (scores) of pathologists participating in the scheme in recent years. The scheme has evolved to help identify poor performers, reliant upon setting an acceptable cutpoint.

All radial scars/complex sclerosing lesions seen on breast screening mammograms should be excised.

Aim: To determine the incidence of pre-malignant and malignant conditions in radial scars identified from screening mammograms in women taking part in the UK NHS breast cancer screening programme.

Methods: All women in our screening population from 1988 to 2002 with a radiological diagnosis of radial scar or complex sclerosing lesion confirmed on subsequent histopathology were included in this study. Patients were investigated with fine needle aspiration cytology then localisation biopsy (n=46) or straight to localisation biopsy (n=78).