Pathology

Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Foreskin: A Rare Benign Cystic Lesion (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Han, Lin Aung; *Potter, Laura; *Bardapure, Mallikarjun.

Citation:

Cureus. 18(4):e107284, 2026 Apr.

Abstract:

Apocrine hidrocystoma is a benign cystic tumour arising from apocrine sweat glands. Its occurrence on the penile foreskin is exceedingly rare, representing an uncommon lesion of the external genitalia. A review of the literature suggests that only a limited number of cases -- approximately 13 involving external genitalia -- have been reported worldwide. We present the case of a 50-year-old gentleman who was referred to the urology service with a gradually enlarging, multiloculated, non-proliferative cyst arising from the foreskin. Patient underwent excisional biopsy with complete circumcision under local anaesthesia. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of apocrine hidrocystoma. Apocrine hidrocystomas are mostly located in the head and neck region, particularly the periorbital area, external auditory meatus, and axilla, with genital involvement being exceptionally uncommon. Complete surgical excision is both diagnostic and curative with a low risk of recurrence. Reports of apocrine hidrocystoma involving the foreskin remain scarce in the literature. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case from Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.107284

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Improving Adequacy of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in Non-Thyroid Head and Neck Patients Using Concurrent Liquid Cytology Sample Preparation: A Prospective Study (2026)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Yeung, Thomas; Oh, Soo; *Ahsan, Syed Farhan; *Harrison, Katherine; *Hope, Helen.

Citation:

Cytopathology. 2026 Apr 04.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Cytological evaluation of head and neck masses is an important diagnostic tool and aspect of pre-operative planning in Ear, Nose and Throat surgery. Samples acquired via fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may be processed as dry slides (conventional) or as liquid cytological preparation. Adequacy, defined as the quantity and quality of cellular material obtained, is a determinant of correct cytological diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the adequacy of dry slide samples alone versus dry slides in combination with liquid cytological preparation in non-thyroid masses.

METHODS: A single-centre study was undertaken between 2015 and 2018 at a District General Hospital Pathology unit. An initial retrospective analysis of adequacy data was undertaken over a nine month period from 1st January to 30th September 2015. All samples in this period were prepared as dry slides and obtained by two ENT surgeons and two radiologists. From 2017 onwards, samples were prepared as both dry slides and liquid cytology. Prospective re-audit of adequacy was undertaken over a nine month cycle in 2018. Individual clinicians' adequacy rates and overall adequacy were recorded in both cycles.

RESULTS: In the 2015 audit cycle, 134 of 207 (64.7%) samples were deemed adequate. In the 2018 re-audit, 156 of 202 (77.2%) samples were adequate. All four clinicians achieved higher adequacy rates in the re-audit cycle.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated promising improvement in overall and individual clinician adequacy rates following the introduction of liquid cytological preparation concurrently with dry slides. Collaborative research from further centres would increase sample size and allow higher validity.

DOI: 10.1111/cyt.70076

Medical student's perceptions of forensic pathology (2017)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Iles K.L.

Citation:
Journal of Pathology; Mar 2017; vol. 241, Supplement 1, Page S6

Abstract:
Forensic pathology is an important sub-specialty of pathology which requires a variety skills that are relevant and transferable to many other areas of medicine. Despite this, it does not feature in the undergraduate curriculum of most medical schools meaning that knowledge specific to forensic medicine such as wound terminology may not be taught. A lack of formal teaching and an ever increasing dramatised presence of the  specialty in the media may lead to a misrepresentation of the role of forensic pathologists. As a result this study  aimed to examine final year medical student's perceptions of the role of the forensic pathologists and their confidence in knowledge of important aspects of forensic medicine. An online survey was developed to assess these areas which was distributed to final year medical students at a UK institution via email. From the  respondents, the overall perception of the job role was correct, however there appeared to be some misconceptions regarding the role of a forensic scientist, or crime scene investigator in comparison to a forensic  pathologist. The study also highlighted that students did not feel confident in differentiating between wound  types using the correct terminology. This is important as injuries are common presentations in many clinical areas, and incorrect terminology may have mediocolegal implications. This study has highlighted the need for clarification of the job role of the forensic pathologist. There is a greater need for forensic pathology in the undergraduate curriculum, which should focus on description and terminology of wounds and injuries.

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NHSBSP Guidelines and use of VAE for B3 pathology saves money and reduces patient pathway (2017)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Lake B.; *Williams S.; *Usman T.; *Burrows C.

Citation:
European Journal of Surgical Oncology; May 2017; vol. 43 (no. 5)

Abstract:
Introduction: B3 or indeterminate breast pathology combines a variety of heterogeneous pathological entities, with varying malignant potential and often cause a treatment dilemma. Recent NHSBSP guidelines help to delineate the treatment pathway following B3 diagnosis. Recommendations include for certain B3 pathology the use of second line Vacuum Assisted Excision(VAE), which decreases the need for open surgical biopsy. The aim of this audit was to assess current practice compared to guidelines and the potential cost saving from implementation. Method: A 5 year audit of all B3 pathologies at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust was performed from 2010 to 2015. Data was recorded from the Clinical Portal and included initial pathology, subsequent procedures, subsequent pathology, upgrade and downgrade rates. Cost saving analysis was performed to see how much would have been saved if the new NHSBSP guidelines had been followed. Results: 297 B3 pathologies were identified; repeat B3 biopsy and B4 pathology were excluded. Commonest initial B3 pathology was Papilloma or Papillary lesion without atypia 24%. 140 patients (47%) had excision as second line procedure. Upgrade rate was 22% and downgrade rate was 29%. Cost saving analysis showed that if VAE was available as a second line procedure, 115 patients (39%) could have had this instead of excision saving 80,960.In addition 10% of patients would have had reduced clinical pathway. Conclusion: New guidelines recommend for selected B3 pathology the use of VAE. This audit demonstrates not only does this save money but also reduces the steps in the patient's pathway.

Link to more details or full-text: http://www.ejso.com/article/S0748-7983(17)30204-4/abstract