The primary malignancies that commonly metastasize to the spine can be recalled using the mnemonic: PB KTL (or “Lead Kettle”. Prostate Breast Kidney Thyroid Lungs In women, 80% metastases are from lung and breast and in men, 80% are from lung and prostate. LMNOP approach A. Location/Level 80% involve well-vascularized…
Tag: Oncology
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Working formulation of NHL (Mnemonic)
All follicular except large cell: Low grade All diffuse: Intermediate grade Blastic and non-cleaved: High grade
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Gastric Carcinoma : Quick Review
Etiology and Risk factors of Gastric Carcinoma Mnemonic: 14 “A”s Animal foods (smoked, cured or preserved – contains high nitroso- compounds) Anti-oxidant poor foods Acetaldehyde in Alcohol Acid peptic disease or Antigen i.e. H.pylori Atrophic gastritis and Achlorhydria Adenomatous polyps (precursor of intestinal type of gastric cancer) A type Blood group Asians…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Wilm’s Tumor (Nephroblastoma) : Quick review
Wilm’s tumor is the most common primary renal tumor of childhood. Origin: Embryonic nephrogenic (mesodermal) cells Mechanism: Deletion of WT-1 gene on chromosome 11 Pathology: a. Macroscopic (Gross): large, solitary tan to grey color mass; pale on cut section with areas of hemorrhage; 10% are bilateral or multicentric; grossly difficult…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) : Quick review
Follow-up protocol Post-Evacuation of Molar Pregnancy Weekly hCG measurements until hCG becomes undetectable Once hCG is undetectable, 2 further specimens should be obtained at weekly intervals Then monthly for 6 months and then Every 2 months for a further 6 months Diagnosis of GTN The diagnosis of GTN is made…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Pathology of Ovarian Tumors – Quick Review
The latest TNM and FIGO staging for Ovarian Cancer has been discussed earlier here. Here, we will discuss pathology of ovarian tumors in short and in a way thats easy to grasp. WHO Classification of Ovarian Tumors Cells of origin Surface coelomic epithelium Germ cells Sex cord, stromal cells Metastatic…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) – Quick Review
This article is in response to the request made by a reader in the comment section. Today, we will try to simplify the biliary tree cancers. Classification of Cholangiocarcinoma Second-order bile ducts act as the separation point between intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. A. Inhtrahepatic – 10 to 20% B. Extrahepatic…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Rosettes in Pathology
Rosette refers to a decoration or pattern resembling a rose. In pathology, rosette refers to aa halo or “spoke-wheel” arrangement of cells around a central structure especially in neoplasms of neuroblastic or neuroectoderma origin. The central structure can be: a. Empty lumen: True ependymal rosette Well differentiated ependymomas (minority of cases)…