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Introduction/Objective HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is biologically and clinically unique and has a survival advantage over other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. In December 2017 College of American Pathologist published guidelines for testing HPV status in head and neck cancer. It was recommended that pathologists perform HR-HPV testing on head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from all patients with known oropharyngeal SCC not previously tested for HR-HPV, with suspected oropharyngeal SCC, or with metastatic SCC of unknown primary. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance of pathologists following the CAP guidelines. Methods Cases that underwent HPV testing using p16 immunohistochemistry for the years 2017 and 2019 were retrieved. Based on the guidelines, p16 testing was designated as “indicated” or “not indicated”. Results There were 196 cases in which p16 testing was performed in a period of 3 consecutive years. Of these, 175 were FNA/ biopsies and 21 were surgical resections. In 69 cases (56 FNAs and 13 biopsies) the biopsy was performed on neck masses with unknown primary. The compliance for p16 testing in OPC and Lymph nodes with metastatic SCC of unknown primary was 100%. In 34 (17.3%) cases p16 testing was not indicated, the most common reason being wrong site (85%) including the larynx, oral tongue, the floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, and nasal mass. Of the unindicated p16s, 20 (58%) were received in consultation for continuity of care. Conclusion Not being clear about the site of the tumor is the most common reason for unindicated p16 testing. A clear designation of biopsy site and proper communication between pathologist and surgeon can improve utilization of p16 testing in head and neck carcinomas.
Introduction/Objective Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignant vascular tumor in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients caused by human herpesvirus 8. It can affect the vascular endothelium of any part of the body however ocular KS as an initial manifestation has been reported only in 3 cases so far. It affects the vascular endothelium of the lacrimal gland, eyelids, orbit, palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva. It presents as a violaceous fleshy nodular mass. Methods A 23-year-old male with a past medical history of HIV presented with bilateral eye erythema and significant upper and lower lid edema. The patient was initially admitted for facial swelling which led to a conjunctival biopsy and a diagnosis of KS was made and doxorubicin along with chemotherapy was started. Four months later after the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient experienced worsening of facial swelling, and an area on the left side of his face got very firm. His physical examination was positive for a fever, drooling, facial swelling with trouble swallowing, and change of voice along with shortness of breath. Results CT of the orbit revealed symmetric enhancement swelling of the preseptal periorbital soft tissues which was thought to be nonspecific and a differential diagnosis included lymphedema, acute sinusitis, and orbital cellulitis was considered. A chest x-ray revealed bilateral pleural effusions and CT head revealed diffuse scalp and facial cutaneous and subcutaneous edema. Lab findings were significant for a low CD4: CD8 ratio. Cytological examination of the pleural fluid revealed predominantly blood, reactive mesothelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, and appropriately controlled immunostain was positive for ERG and HHV8 with a possibility that Kaposi’s sarcoma cannot be completely excluded. Unfortunately, the patient passed away during the same time of pleural fluid analysis. Autopsy findings revealed multiple metastatic foci in the mediastinal soft tissue, within the right land left lung, scalp soft tissue, retroperitoneal soft tissue, and hilar lymph node which were positive for CD34, CD31, and HHV8 and consistent with metastatic KS. Conclusion Thus, it is important to keep in mind that isolated conjunctival KP with later on systemic metastasis is rare with conjunctiva being an unusual site for the initial presentation, and a possibility of primary conjunctival KS should be considered in HIV positive patients.
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