Bethesda system is a system for reporting cervical and vaginal cytology or Pap smear results. It was developed during a workshop sponsored by the National Cancer Institute at Bethesda, Maryland in the United States. It was first introduced in 1988 and later revised in 1991 and 2001. The primary objective of this system was to […]
Oncology
Tumor – Causes, Types and Treatment
A tumor is a new growth of tissue (a mass). The tumor is also called neoplasm. But there is a slight difference between the usage. A neoplasm is an abnormal new growth of cells which could be benign or malignant (cancerous) growths. A tumor in an ideal situation is a synonym for neoplasm. But its […]
Lipoma Presentation and Treatment
A lipoma is the most common tumor present in the body. It is also the most common benign tumor in the body. It is composed of fat cells of adult type. It can occur anywhere in the body, that is why it is often called ‘universal tumor’ or ‘ubiquitous tumor’. A lipoma is the most common tumor […]
Sipuleucel-T or Provenge
Sipuleucel-T [APC8015], is a therapeutic cancer vaccine for prostate cancer. It has been approved by the FDA on April 29, 2010, as an autologous cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant (hormone refractory) prostate cancer. It is manufactured by Dendreon Corporation under the trade name of Provenge. The therapy […]
Renal Mass- Types, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Renal mass refers to the presence of growths in the kidney which could be cystic [mostly benign] or solid [often malignant]. Thus a renal mass can be benign or malignant swelling. The smaller renal masses are often benign but larger ones are malignant. Most of these are diagnosed when they are still localized. A localized […]
Lymphadenopathy – Sites, Causes and Characteristics in Different Conditions
Lymphadenopathy means lymph nodes which are abnormal in size, number or consistency and is often used as a synonym for swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Image from Wikipedia under GNFL Causes of Lymphadenopathy Reactive Enlargement of lymph nodes in response to infection or injury somewhere in the body. Inflammatory Lymphadenitis Bacterial infection Tuberculosis Filariasis Syphilis […]
Hemangioma – Types, Causes and Treatment
Hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor and one of the most common soft tissue tumors. It is the most common tumor of infancy and childhood. Note* -Vascular anomalies are broadly classified by the International Society for the study group into vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Most of the hemangiomas are superficial in the head and […]
Dermoid Cyst: Types, Presentation and Treatment
A dermoid cyst of skin is a slow-growing cystic mass that is lined by epithelium [skin] and is filled with old skin cells that are grossly seen as pultaceous or toothpaste-like material. It arises due to the entrapment of ectodermal elements. [Ectoderm is the outermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo. It […]