Papers by Dr. Indranil Chakrabarti
Medical journal of Babylon, 2020
Background: COVID 19 pandemic is a unique public health challenge affecting millions globally. As... more Background: COVID 19 pandemic is a unique public health challenge affecting millions globally. Asymptomatic carriers are a primary
concern. Prevention is the only cure. Interruption of transmission dynamics is identified and accepted as a key containment strategy to prevent
community spread. Risk perceptions influence precautionary behaviors which subsequently affect adherence to lockdown and home quarantines.
The presence of positive patients in locality creates panic as many contacts have to undergo testing and quarantines/isolations. Objectives: The
present study assesses the perception of close contacts in the neighborhood applying the health behavior model after one of their neighbors
tested positive. Materials and Methods: A mixed‑method month long study was conducted among close contacts of a proven positive case.
Data were elicited using online questionnaires after necessary consent and permission and analyzed accordingly. Results: The perceived stress
and susceptibility were high. Risk perception was high, and health care workers were considered a potential threat to the community. Similar
studies have been compared. The residential complex was declared a containment zone. Conclusion: Researchers concluded risk perceptions
as high and emphasized the need for pandemic preparedness. A larger study is recommended.
Keywords: Community experiences, health behavior model, precautionary behaviour, risk perception
Cancer Cytopathology, 2020
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 201... more BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed
to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to
health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload
from February to April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the
survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been
implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19
had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the
implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement
or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the
respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and
nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both
gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of
cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the
need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice. Cancer Cytopathol 2020;0:1-10.
© 2020 American Cancer Society.
KEY WORDS: biosafety; coronavirus; coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); cytology; laboratories; pathology.
Indian journal of Pathology and Microbiology, 2020
Declared as a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 has brought about a dramatic change in ... more Declared as a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 has brought about a dramatic change in the working of different laboratories across the country. Diagnostic laboratories testing different types of samples play a vital role in the treatment management. Irrespective of their size, each laboratory has to follow strict biosafety guidelines. Different sections of the laboratory receive samples that are variably infectious. Each sample needs to undergo a proper and well-designed processing system so that the personnel involved are not infected and also their close contacts. It takes a huge effort so as to limit the risk of exposure of the working staff during the collection, processing, reporting or dispatching of biohazard samples. Guidelines help in preventing the laboratory staff and healthcare workers from contracting the disease which has a known human to human route of transmission and high rate of mortality. A well-knit approach is the need of the hour to combat this fast spreading disease. We anticipate that the guidelines described in this article will be useful for continuing safe work practices by all the laboratories in the country.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the zoonotic coronavirus responsi... more Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the zoonotic coronavirus responsible for the present pandemic of COVID-19. The novel ways of transmission of this virus have eluded and infected the global population, surpassing the confines of the place of its origin in Wuhan, China. The healthcare workers are one of the most susceptible populations and laboratory safety protocols are being devised throughout the world to protect the laboratory personnel, who are the frontline fighters in this war against the virus. The present narrative review is an attempt to encompass the published literature sharing the experience and guidelines of biosafety for those working in histopathology and cytopathology laboratories.
Indian Academy of Cytologists National Guidelines for Cytopathology Laboratories for Handling Suspected and Positive COVID‑19 (SARS‑CoV‑2) Patient Samples, 2020
COVID‑19, caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organi... more COVID‑19, caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This scenario has impacted
the way we practice cytopathology. Cytology laboratories receive fresh and potentially infectious biological samples including those from the
respiratory tract, from COVID‑19 positive or suspected patients. Hence, the Indian Academy of Cytologists thought it necessary and fit to bring
forth appropriate guidelines starting from transportation, receipt, processing, and reporting of samples in the COVID‑19 era. The guidelines
are prepared with the aim of safeguarding and protecting the health care personnel including laboratory staff, trainees and cytopathologists
by minimizing exposure to COVID‑19 so that they remain safe, in order to able to provide a continuous service. We hope that these national
guidelines will be implemented across all cytopathology laboratories effectively
IP Archives of Cytology and Histopathology Research, 2020
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS), 2020
Introduction: The health care burden related to breast carcinoma has been steadily mounting and h... more Introduction: The health care burden related to breast carcinoma has been steadily mounting and has become one of the leading cause of death among women in the world. Cell block study has emerged as a reproducible method for diagnosing breast carcinomas while core needle biopsy is becoming increasingly popular. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various types of breast carcinomas by FNAC, cell block preparations and core-needle biopsy (CNB). Materials and Methods: In 60 patients with a clinical suspicion of breast carcinoma, fine needle aspirations, cell block and core needle biopsy were carried out using standard technique and were evaluated by observational study with cross sectional design. The excision biopsy was taken as the gold standard of diagnosis. Results: Out of 60 cases, diagnostic accuracy of FNAC, Cell Block and CNB were 93%, 95% and 96% respectively. Conclusions: Cell block technique accurately compare well with the histology with the added advantage of being simple and reliable. The contribution of cell blocks to the final cytologic diagnosis supports the view that cell blocks should be considered in all fine-needle aspirations whenever possible.
Introduction: Delay in turnaround time (TAT) of blood delivery for transfusion is an important ad... more Introduction: Delay in turnaround time (TAT) of blood delivery for transfusion is an important administrative problem in hospitals. Time and motion study for a definite root cause analysis (RCA) is valuable to identify the root causes of problems in the operating events.
Background: Autoimmune thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid lesion diagnosed on FNAC aft... more Background: Autoimmune thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid lesion diagnosed on FNAC after colloid goitre. Study was done to undertake clinical and cytological parameters of all thyroid swellings and also to assess the thyroid functional status and to find out the serum anti-TPO antibody levels in patients diagnosed as autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, North Bengal Medical College over a period of one year. After obtaining detailed history and clinical examination, FNAC was performed and the cytological diagnoses were rendered. Estimation of serum free T4, TSH and anti-TPO antibody was carried out in cytologically diagnosed cases of autoimmune thyroiditis. Results: Out of 186 patients, in 173 cases (93%) adequate aspirate was obtained in our study, of which 153 cases (88.4%) were benign non-neoplastic, 14 cases (8.1%) were neoplastic and 6 cases (3.5%) were indeterminate lesion. Among the benign non-neoplastic cases, 103 (59.5%) colloid goitre and 31 (17.9%) AT were recorded. Among 31 cases of AT 17 cases (54.8%) were found in the third decade of life, 26 cases (83.9%) presented with diffuse swelling and all were female. In 31 cases of AT, 16 (51.6%) were hypothyroid, 12 (38.7%) were euthyroid and 3 (9.7%) were hyperthyroid. 28 cases (90.3%) were anti-TPO positive. Conclusion: FNAC is a safe, simple and fairly accurate first line investigation in thyroid swellings. Clinical correlation, serological studies and cytological findings are essential in diagnosis as well as management of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Introduction-Water quality, water behaviour along with food quality, food behaviour, domestic env... more Introduction-Water quality, water behaviour along with food quality, food behaviour, domestic environment and food handler's hygiene play pivotal role in preventing food and water-borne diseases. Studies reveal rural areas lack access to potable water and have inappropriate waterhandling techniques.Food behaviour remains unsatisfactory and contamination prevalence is high. Working women seemingly face more hazards and perceived negligence is higher in hilly tribal population. Thus the pilot study was undertaken. Objectives : To assess water quality at source and household level, To assess cooked food quality, immediate domestic environment, determine existing knowledge/ practices regarding water and food handling techniques. Reasons for identified gaps were ascertained. Methods: Descriptive community based cross-sectional study was conducted in collaboration with Department of Microbiology for three months (May-July 2018) in Kiranchandra tea estate. Water quality was assessed among all 5 sources and selected 50 households using PA Coliform Kits. Water behaviour was assessed in 187 households. All 120 houses with women as permanent workers were studied for food behaviour, food handler hygiene and domestic environment. 50 selected houses were assessed for cooked food quality using PA H 2 SHi-Dip Media kit. Results were interpreted after 48 hours incubation and confirmed by culture. Results: Contamination was noted in both open wells and 33 houses with E.coli and Klebseilla. Improper water carriage, storage and treatment was found in 67.2%,76.3% and 88.2% cases respectively. Food quality and domestic environment wereinappropriate in 56.3% and 68.4% cases respectively. 25% and 39.2% had appropriate storingand handwashing practices whereas only 32.6% displayed satisfactory food handler hygiene.Illiteracy and lack of administrative support were significantly associated. Conclusion: Water and food was found unfit for consumption in vast majority. Water and food behaviour was inappropriate. Identified causes need sustainable and viable solutions. Alarger studyis recommended.
Background: Hemoglobinopathies are commonest hereditary disorders in India. Hemoglobin
E (HbE), i... more Background: Hemoglobinopathies are commonest hereditary disorders in India. Hemoglobin
E (HbE), in double heterozygous states with beta thalassemia trait may cause thalassemia, a
fatal yet preventable disease. Its proven association with Rajbanshis, major ethnic group of
this terrain has been well documented. Universally accepted preventive interventional strategies
like screening tests for case and carrier detection remains the mainstay. Objectives: To determine
prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among school going adolescents and find out their
association with any defined ethnicity in the study area. Anemia was estimated. Methods:
Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to August 2016 in
collaboration with Thalassemia Control Unit (TCU), North Bengal Medical College. It was intended
to include all students of class IX and X in the government run co-education secondary schools
based on their current enrolment status, pertaining to study criteria. 1792 eligible subjects
were studied. After ethical clearance and briefing, data was collected from screening camps
organized in schools on prefixed dates, using appropriate tools and techniques and analyzed.
Results: Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 44.5%, major variants being HbE (22.6%),
beta thalassemia trait (9.8%) and E-beta thalassemia (7.3%). Significant association was found
between HbE hemoglobinopathies and Rajbanshis (p=.00). 45.2% study subjects were
anemic. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies were substantially high in study area with HbE as
commonest variant. Rajbanshis, a majority among study subjects were significantly associated
with HbE hemoglobinopathies. Prevalence of anemia was alarmingly high. Planning preventive
interventional strategies would ensure appropriate health behaviour of cases and carriers.
Background& Objective: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy, rapid, and less hazardo... more Background& Objective: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy, rapid, and less hazardous tool to diagnose the intra-abdominal lesions with various imaging modalities adding to its sensitivity and accuracy. However, sometimes it does not yield adequate information for precise diagnosis and the risk of false-negative and indeterminate diagnosis is always present. Cellblock preparations may be particularly helpful in such problematic cases.
The current study aimed at evaluating and comparing the cytological as well as histopathological features of different intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Methods:Image-guided FNAC followed by cell block were performed on 167 patients from June 2012 to May 2013. Histologically correlated 111 cases were evaluated. Results of conventional smear, cell block, and combination of FNAC with cell block were compared with histopathological findings regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis.
Result:Cell block was more specific to diagnose these lesions than FNAC (95.49% versus 90.09%). Combined application of cell block with FNAC was more specific (96.39%) than cell block alone with 100% diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion:Application of a combination of cell block with FNAC was more useful to diagnose intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Symposium
Breast swellings are one of the most common pathologies encountered in a pathology cli... more Symposium
Breast swellings are one of the most common pathologies encountered in a pathology clinic. The lesions range from cysts to malignant tumors. The increased awareness to breast cancers has led to increase in self-detected swellings as well as apprehension on the part of the patients. Cold statistics show that breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most frequent cancer among women with an estimated 1.67 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2012. [1] trIPle teSt The recommended approach to breast lesions is the age-old triple assessment or triple test. This includes a) a detailed history (including family history) and a thorough clinical examination, b) imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound), and c) preoperative cytodiagnosis (fine needle aspiration cytology or FNAC). Core needle biopsy (CNB) has proven its utility and sometimes scores over FNAC and has been added as an important modality in preoperative diagnosis alongside FNAC. The triple test is considered positive if any of the three parameters is positive and negative if all three are negative. [2] The triple test has a sensitivity (true positive rate) of 99.6%, and a specificity of 93%. [3] The role of history taking cannot be overemphasized. A detailed history can help in diagnosis of various benign and malignant breast diseases. Reproductive history and lifestyle including lactational history, exposure to endogenous and exogenous hormones, and a family history of breast or related cancers are of paramount importance. History of duration, progression, pain, other associated swellings, relation with menses, nipple discharges, etc., are routinely inquired for. ImagIng Imaging of breast lesions is very helpful in diagnosis and triaging. For women <40 years, ultrasound alone is the investigation of choice whereas mammography is recommended for imaging of women >40 years. However, mammography is indicated in women <40 years with proven breast cancer. It must be remembered that about 5–15% of palpable cancers may be missed on mammogram, majority of which can be picked up by targeted ultrasound. [4] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method and is particularly useful in screening individuals of very high risk (e.g., carriers of mutated BRCA 1 and 2 genes), pretreatment staging and routinely for invasive lobular carcinoma. [4] clInIcal examInatIon Thorough clinical examination is the key to diagnosis and also a guide to the selection of pretreatment diagnostic modality. The examination of the other breast and both the axillae are routinely undertaken. Size and location of the lesion, overlying The triple test lies at the heart of preoperative diagnosis of breast lesions. Raised awareness and self-assessment have significantly increased the rate of detection of breast pathologies. The managing clinicians usually decide the imaging and pathological modalities to the best interest of the patients. Core needle biopsy (CNB), cell-block studies, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) coupled with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) have significantly increased the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry on cell blocks, and other ancillary studies give confidence to the clinicians to decide the best treatment strategies.
Thyroid lymphoma, a rare tumor, constitutes about 1%–5% of all thyroid malignancies and 1%–2% of ... more Thyroid lymphoma, a rare tumor, constitutes about 1%–5% of all thyroid malignancies and 1%–2% of all extranodal lymphomas. The thyroid gland contains no native lymphoid tissue and is seen only in various pathological conditions such as primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL). PTL is more common in women than men (3:1 predominance) with a peak incidence in the sixth and seventh decades. Mucosa‑associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of thyroid is one of the rare variants. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) has been associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, including MALT lymphoma. Here, we report a case of a 38‑year‑old female who presented with rapidly progressive swelling on the right side of the neck for previous 3 months. No history suggestive of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism was present. Ultrasonography showed enlarged thyroid gland with hypoechoic echotexture and multiple echogenic septations. Fine‑needle aspiration cytology revealed features suggestive of MALT lymphoma. The swelling was operated, and subsequent histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. Thereafter, the patient was treated by radiotherapy. However, after 6 months' follow‑up, there was a recurrence of the tumor. Then, combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone regime and rituximab was started, and the patient was free of recurrence at the next 12‑month follow‑up. Here, we report a very rare case of MALT lymphoma of Thyroid occurring in a young female with no known history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The tumor recurred after radiotherapy treatment and was successfully treated with subsequent chemotherapy.
Plasmacytoma refers to a malignant tumor composed of abnormal plasma cells which grows within sof... more Plasmacytoma refers to a malignant tumor composed of abnormal plasma cells which grows within soft tissue or within the axial skeleton.
There are three distinct groups of plasmacytoma, of which the solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB), accounts for 3-5% of all plasma cell
malignancies. The World Health Organization define solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) as a localized bone tumor consisting of plasma cell identical to those seen in plasma cell myeloma, which appears as a solitary lytic lesion on radiological examination. Here, we report a case of a 50-year old male who presented with swelling of the medial end of clavicle of right side and inability to raise his right hand for the last 3 months. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed cellular smears composed of sheets of plasma cells with bi-nucleate and multi-nucleated forms. The swelling was operated and subsequent histopathology revealed a solitary plasmacytoma of right clavicle.
Background: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon biphasic fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast ... more Background: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon biphasic fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast occurring in elderly females with a peak incidence between 45 and 49 years. Depending on various histological criteria, they are subdivided into benign, borderline, and malignant forms. Metaplastic changes occur, but are quite infrequent and cystic squamous metaplasia is very rare among the observed metaplastic changes in PT.
Case: The current paper presents the case of a 41-year-old female with a progressively enlarging swelling in the left breast. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed benign PT with cystic squamous metaplasia. The previously done fine needle aspiration smears were also reviewed, which showed important diagnostic clues to this rare entity, but were ignored due to the rarity of the lesion.
Conclusion: The case was presented because of its unique cytological and histopathological morphology and also to determine the role of aspiration cytology to diagnose such a rare occurrence.
Background: Good oral health reflects the overall health status of an individual. Gingivitis and ... more Background: Good oral health reflects the overall health status of an individual. Gingivitis and periodontal diseases are the leading causes of oral morbidities. Wide range of factors cause oral morbidities like adopted changes in dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, faulty oral hygiene practices, addiction, neglect and ignorance towards dental hygiene. Few inevitable factors like aging, socioeconomic status also affect oral morbidity. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of oral morbidities and determine the factors associated with it along with providing appropriate health education on related and relevant issues. Methods: 110 study subjects were selected by simple random sampling and they were interviewed using a predesigned pretested semi-structured questionnaire. A thorough clinical assessment was also done by an expert. Results: The study revealed that 70.9 %, 30.9 % and 36.4% of study subjects had dental caries, periodontitis and bleeding gums respectively. Further 55.6% were addicted to pan, tobacco or smokeless tobacco and 53.6% had habit of sweet/junk food intake and 64.5% had poor oral hygiene practices. Oral morbidities were found to be significantly associated with factors like addiction, poor oral hygiene, intake of sweet/junk foods and age. Conclusion – Oral morbidities in various forms are substantially present in the area. Addressing to the causal issues may lead to their decline. However, a larger study with more representative sample is needed.
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Papers by Dr. Indranil Chakrabarti
concern. Prevention is the only cure. Interruption of transmission dynamics is identified and accepted as a key containment strategy to prevent
community spread. Risk perceptions influence precautionary behaviors which subsequently affect adherence to lockdown and home quarantines.
The presence of positive patients in locality creates panic as many contacts have to undergo testing and quarantines/isolations. Objectives: The
present study assesses the perception of close contacts in the neighborhood applying the health behavior model after one of their neighbors
tested positive. Materials and Methods: A mixed‑method month long study was conducted among close contacts of a proven positive case.
Data were elicited using online questionnaires after necessary consent and permission and analyzed accordingly. Results: The perceived stress
and susceptibility were high. Risk perception was high, and health care workers were considered a potential threat to the community. Similar
studies have been compared. The residential complex was declared a containment zone. Conclusion: Researchers concluded risk perceptions
as high and emphasized the need for pandemic preparedness. A larger study is recommended.
Keywords: Community experiences, health behavior model, precautionary behaviour, risk perception
on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed
to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to
health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload
from February to April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the
survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been
implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19
had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the
implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement
or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the
respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and
nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both
gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of
cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the
need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice. Cancer Cytopathol 2020;0:1-10.
© 2020 American Cancer Society.
KEY WORDS: biosafety; coronavirus; coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); cytology; laboratories; pathology.
the way we practice cytopathology. Cytology laboratories receive fresh and potentially infectious biological samples including those from the
respiratory tract, from COVID‑19 positive or suspected patients. Hence, the Indian Academy of Cytologists thought it necessary and fit to bring
forth appropriate guidelines starting from transportation, receipt, processing, and reporting of samples in the COVID‑19 era. The guidelines
are prepared with the aim of safeguarding and protecting the health care personnel including laboratory staff, trainees and cytopathologists
by minimizing exposure to COVID‑19 so that they remain safe, in order to able to provide a continuous service. We hope that these national
guidelines will be implemented across all cytopathology laboratories effectively
E (HbE), in double heterozygous states with beta thalassemia trait may cause thalassemia, a
fatal yet preventable disease. Its proven association with Rajbanshis, major ethnic group of
this terrain has been well documented. Universally accepted preventive interventional strategies
like screening tests for case and carrier detection remains the mainstay. Objectives: To determine
prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among school going adolescents and find out their
association with any defined ethnicity in the study area. Anemia was estimated. Methods:
Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to August 2016 in
collaboration with Thalassemia Control Unit (TCU), North Bengal Medical College. It was intended
to include all students of class IX and X in the government run co-education secondary schools
based on their current enrolment status, pertaining to study criteria. 1792 eligible subjects
were studied. After ethical clearance and briefing, data was collected from screening camps
organized in schools on prefixed dates, using appropriate tools and techniques and analyzed.
Results: Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 44.5%, major variants being HbE (22.6%),
beta thalassemia trait (9.8%) and E-beta thalassemia (7.3%). Significant association was found
between HbE hemoglobinopathies and Rajbanshis (p=.00). 45.2% study subjects were
anemic. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies were substantially high in study area with HbE as
commonest variant. Rajbanshis, a majority among study subjects were significantly associated
with HbE hemoglobinopathies. Prevalence of anemia was alarmingly high. Planning preventive
interventional strategies would ensure appropriate health behaviour of cases and carriers.
The current study aimed at evaluating and comparing the cytological as well as histopathological features of different intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Methods:Image-guided FNAC followed by cell block were performed on 167 patients from June 2012 to May 2013. Histologically correlated 111 cases were evaluated. Results of conventional smear, cell block, and combination of FNAC with cell block were compared with histopathological findings regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis.
Result:Cell block was more specific to diagnose these lesions than FNAC (95.49% versus 90.09%). Combined application of cell block with FNAC was more specific (96.39%) than cell block alone with 100% diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion:Application of a combination of cell block with FNAC was more useful to diagnose intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Breast swellings are one of the most common pathologies encountered in a pathology clinic. The lesions range from cysts to malignant tumors. The increased awareness to breast cancers has led to increase in self-detected swellings as well as apprehension on the part of the patients. Cold statistics show that breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most frequent cancer among women with an estimated 1.67 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2012. [1] trIPle teSt The recommended approach to breast lesions is the age-old triple assessment or triple test. This includes a) a detailed history (including family history) and a thorough clinical examination, b) imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound), and c) preoperative cytodiagnosis (fine needle aspiration cytology or FNAC). Core needle biopsy (CNB) has proven its utility and sometimes scores over FNAC and has been added as an important modality in preoperative diagnosis alongside FNAC. The triple test is considered positive if any of the three parameters is positive and negative if all three are negative. [2] The triple test has a sensitivity (true positive rate) of 99.6%, and a specificity of 93%. [3] The role of history taking cannot be overemphasized. A detailed history can help in diagnosis of various benign and malignant breast diseases. Reproductive history and lifestyle including lactational history, exposure to endogenous and exogenous hormones, and a family history of breast or related cancers are of paramount importance. History of duration, progression, pain, other associated swellings, relation with menses, nipple discharges, etc., are routinely inquired for. ImagIng Imaging of breast lesions is very helpful in diagnosis and triaging. For women <40 years, ultrasound alone is the investigation of choice whereas mammography is recommended for imaging of women >40 years. However, mammography is indicated in women <40 years with proven breast cancer. It must be remembered that about 5–15% of palpable cancers may be missed on mammogram, majority of which can be picked up by targeted ultrasound. [4] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method and is particularly useful in screening individuals of very high risk (e.g., carriers of mutated BRCA 1 and 2 genes), pretreatment staging and routinely for invasive lobular carcinoma. [4] clInIcal examInatIon Thorough clinical examination is the key to diagnosis and also a guide to the selection of pretreatment diagnostic modality. The examination of the other breast and both the axillae are routinely undertaken. Size and location of the lesion, overlying The triple test lies at the heart of preoperative diagnosis of breast lesions. Raised awareness and self-assessment have significantly increased the rate of detection of breast pathologies. The managing clinicians usually decide the imaging and pathological modalities to the best interest of the patients. Core needle biopsy (CNB), cell-block studies, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) coupled with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) have significantly increased the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry on cell blocks, and other ancillary studies give confidence to the clinicians to decide the best treatment strategies.
There are three distinct groups of plasmacytoma, of which the solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB), accounts for 3-5% of all plasma cell
malignancies. The World Health Organization define solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) as a localized bone tumor consisting of plasma cell identical to those seen in plasma cell myeloma, which appears as a solitary lytic lesion on radiological examination. Here, we report a case of a 50-year old male who presented with swelling of the medial end of clavicle of right side and inability to raise his right hand for the last 3 months. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed cellular smears composed of sheets of plasma cells with bi-nucleate and multi-nucleated forms. The swelling was operated and subsequent histopathology revealed a solitary plasmacytoma of right clavicle.
Case: The current paper presents the case of a 41-year-old female with a progressively enlarging swelling in the left breast. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed benign PT with cystic squamous metaplasia. The previously done fine needle aspiration smears were also reviewed, which showed important diagnostic clues to this rare entity, but were ignored due to the rarity of the lesion.
Conclusion: The case was presented because of its unique cytological and histopathological morphology and also to determine the role of aspiration cytology to diagnose such a rare occurrence.
concern. Prevention is the only cure. Interruption of transmission dynamics is identified and accepted as a key containment strategy to prevent
community spread. Risk perceptions influence precautionary behaviors which subsequently affect adherence to lockdown and home quarantines.
The presence of positive patients in locality creates panic as many contacts have to undergo testing and quarantines/isolations. Objectives: The
present study assesses the perception of close contacts in the neighborhood applying the health behavior model after one of their neighbors
tested positive. Materials and Methods: A mixed‑method month long study was conducted among close contacts of a proven positive case.
Data were elicited using online questionnaires after necessary consent and permission and analyzed accordingly. Results: The perceived stress
and susceptibility were high. Risk perception was high, and health care workers were considered a potential threat to the community. Similar
studies have been compared. The residential complex was declared a containment zone. Conclusion: Researchers concluded risk perceptions
as high and emphasized the need for pandemic preparedness. A larger study is recommended.
Keywords: Community experiences, health behavior model, precautionary behaviour, risk perception
on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed
to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to
health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload
from February to April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the
survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been
implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19
had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the
implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement
or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the
respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and
nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both
gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of
cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the
need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice. Cancer Cytopathol 2020;0:1-10.
© 2020 American Cancer Society.
KEY WORDS: biosafety; coronavirus; coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); cytology; laboratories; pathology.
the way we practice cytopathology. Cytology laboratories receive fresh and potentially infectious biological samples including those from the
respiratory tract, from COVID‑19 positive or suspected patients. Hence, the Indian Academy of Cytologists thought it necessary and fit to bring
forth appropriate guidelines starting from transportation, receipt, processing, and reporting of samples in the COVID‑19 era. The guidelines
are prepared with the aim of safeguarding and protecting the health care personnel including laboratory staff, trainees and cytopathologists
by minimizing exposure to COVID‑19 so that they remain safe, in order to able to provide a continuous service. We hope that these national
guidelines will be implemented across all cytopathology laboratories effectively
E (HbE), in double heterozygous states with beta thalassemia trait may cause thalassemia, a
fatal yet preventable disease. Its proven association with Rajbanshis, major ethnic group of
this terrain has been well documented. Universally accepted preventive interventional strategies
like screening tests for case and carrier detection remains the mainstay. Objectives: To determine
prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among school going adolescents and find out their
association with any defined ethnicity in the study area. Anemia was estimated. Methods:
Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to August 2016 in
collaboration with Thalassemia Control Unit (TCU), North Bengal Medical College. It was intended
to include all students of class IX and X in the government run co-education secondary schools
based on their current enrolment status, pertaining to study criteria. 1792 eligible subjects
were studied. After ethical clearance and briefing, data was collected from screening camps
organized in schools on prefixed dates, using appropriate tools and techniques and analyzed.
Results: Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 44.5%, major variants being HbE (22.6%),
beta thalassemia trait (9.8%) and E-beta thalassemia (7.3%). Significant association was found
between HbE hemoglobinopathies and Rajbanshis (p=.00). 45.2% study subjects were
anemic. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies were substantially high in study area with HbE as
commonest variant. Rajbanshis, a majority among study subjects were significantly associated
with HbE hemoglobinopathies. Prevalence of anemia was alarmingly high. Planning preventive
interventional strategies would ensure appropriate health behaviour of cases and carriers.
The current study aimed at evaluating and comparing the cytological as well as histopathological features of different intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Methods:Image-guided FNAC followed by cell block were performed on 167 patients from June 2012 to May 2013. Histologically correlated 111 cases were evaluated. Results of conventional smear, cell block, and combination of FNAC with cell block were compared with histopathological findings regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis.
Result:Cell block was more specific to diagnose these lesions than FNAC (95.49% versus 90.09%). Combined application of cell block with FNAC was more specific (96.39%) than cell block alone with 100% diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion:Application of a combination of cell block with FNAC was more useful to diagnose intra-abdominal mass lesions.
Breast swellings are one of the most common pathologies encountered in a pathology clinic. The lesions range from cysts to malignant tumors. The increased awareness to breast cancers has led to increase in self-detected swellings as well as apprehension on the part of the patients. Cold statistics show that breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most frequent cancer among women with an estimated 1.67 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2012. [1] trIPle teSt The recommended approach to breast lesions is the age-old triple assessment or triple test. This includes a) a detailed history (including family history) and a thorough clinical examination, b) imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound), and c) preoperative cytodiagnosis (fine needle aspiration cytology or FNAC). Core needle biopsy (CNB) has proven its utility and sometimes scores over FNAC and has been added as an important modality in preoperative diagnosis alongside FNAC. The triple test is considered positive if any of the three parameters is positive and negative if all three are negative. [2] The triple test has a sensitivity (true positive rate) of 99.6%, and a specificity of 93%. [3] The role of history taking cannot be overemphasized. A detailed history can help in diagnosis of various benign and malignant breast diseases. Reproductive history and lifestyle including lactational history, exposure to endogenous and exogenous hormones, and a family history of breast or related cancers are of paramount importance. History of duration, progression, pain, other associated swellings, relation with menses, nipple discharges, etc., are routinely inquired for. ImagIng Imaging of breast lesions is very helpful in diagnosis and triaging. For women <40 years, ultrasound alone is the investigation of choice whereas mammography is recommended for imaging of women >40 years. However, mammography is indicated in women <40 years with proven breast cancer. It must be remembered that about 5–15% of palpable cancers may be missed on mammogram, majority of which can be picked up by targeted ultrasound. [4] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method and is particularly useful in screening individuals of very high risk (e.g., carriers of mutated BRCA 1 and 2 genes), pretreatment staging and routinely for invasive lobular carcinoma. [4] clInIcal examInatIon Thorough clinical examination is the key to diagnosis and also a guide to the selection of pretreatment diagnostic modality. The examination of the other breast and both the axillae are routinely undertaken. Size and location of the lesion, overlying The triple test lies at the heart of preoperative diagnosis of breast lesions. Raised awareness and self-assessment have significantly increased the rate of detection of breast pathologies. The managing clinicians usually decide the imaging and pathological modalities to the best interest of the patients. Core needle biopsy (CNB), cell-block studies, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) coupled with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) have significantly increased the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry on cell blocks, and other ancillary studies give confidence to the clinicians to decide the best treatment strategies.
There are three distinct groups of plasmacytoma, of which the solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB), accounts for 3-5% of all plasma cell
malignancies. The World Health Organization define solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) as a localized bone tumor consisting of plasma cell identical to those seen in plasma cell myeloma, which appears as a solitary lytic lesion on radiological examination. Here, we report a case of a 50-year old male who presented with swelling of the medial end of clavicle of right side and inability to raise his right hand for the last 3 months. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed cellular smears composed of sheets of plasma cells with bi-nucleate and multi-nucleated forms. The swelling was operated and subsequent histopathology revealed a solitary plasmacytoma of right clavicle.
Case: The current paper presents the case of a 41-year-old female with a progressively enlarging swelling in the left breast. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed benign PT with cystic squamous metaplasia. The previously done fine needle aspiration smears were also reviewed, which showed important diagnostic clues to this rare entity, but were ignored due to the rarity of the lesion.
Conclusion: The case was presented because of its unique cytological and histopathological morphology and also to determine the role of aspiration cytology to diagnose such a rare occurrence.