Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumours commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the stomach, but they can mimic gynaecological tumours. We report the case of a 56 -year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with a right adnexal pelvic mass. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, lobulated pelvic mass with liver lesions. Pan - endoscopy showed normal findings, and her tumour markers were within normal limits. Based on these findings, the gynaecological oncology team proceeded with a laparotomy and tumour debulking, diagnosing the pelvic mass as likely ovarian in origin. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to originate from the stomach and extend posteriorly to the transverse colon. An en -bloc resection with primary anastomosis was performed and histopathology confirmed a high -risk GIST. The patient made a good post -operative recovery and was scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy at her follow -up visit. This case highlights the importance of considering GIST as a differential diagnosis in postmenopausal women presenting with an abdominopelvic mass that may mimic an ovarian tumour

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumours commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the stomach, but they can mimic gynaecological tumours. We report the case of a 56 -year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with a right adnexal pelvic mass. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, lobulated pelvic mass with liver lesions. Pan - endoscopy showed normal findings, and her tumour markers were within normal limits. Based on these findings, the gynaecological oncology team proceeded with a laparotomy and tumour debulking, diagnosing the pelvic mass as likely ovarian in origin. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to originate from the stomach and extend posteriorly to the transverse colon. An en -bloc resection with primary anastomosis was performed and histopathology confirmed a high -risk GIST. The patient made a good post -operative recovery and was scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy at her follow -up visit. This case highlights the importance of considering GIST as a differential diagnosis in postmenopausal women presenting with an abdominopelvic mass that may mimic an ovarian tumour

Prostatic Artery Embolisation for Refractory Haematuria in Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Report of PSA Normalisation Prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) is a well-established minimally invasive procedure for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. In patients with advanced prostate cancer, its primary role has been palliative, particularly for controlling refractory haematuria. However, emerging evidence suggests that PAE may offer additional cytoreductive benefits. We presented the case of an 85-year-old male with advanced prostate cancer and multiple comorbidities, including severe aortic stenosis and stage 4 chronic kidney disease, who developed refractory gross haematuria unresponsive to conservative management. Due to high surgical risk, bilateral PAE was performed via a single right femoral artery access. The procedure resulted in complete resolution of haematuria, allowing early catheter removal. Remarkably, his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declined from 5.28 ng/mL to 0.45 ng/mL over seven months, in the absence of systemic therapy. The patient remained haematuria-free with improved voiding symptoms. This case highlights the effectiveness of PAE for haemostatic control in advanced prostate cancer and suggests potential cytoreductive effects, evidenced by sustained PSA normalisation. PAE may serve a dual role in symptom control and disease modulation in patients unsuitable for surgery or systemic therapy. Further studies are warranted to explore its oncologic impact.

Introduction: The industrial park in the district of Parit Raja, Batu Pahat resulted in rapid growth of the town during the last 20 years and has been a reason of concern that this park also has contributed greatly to the problem of air pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between industrial air pollution and respiratory symptoms in adults living in the Parit Raja. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was undertaken among residents in the district of Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. A total of 110 residents aged between 19 and 65 years were randomly selected and information on personal characteristics and respiratory symptoms was obtained through a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was compared between residents recruited from the areas situated about 5km radius of the industrial park (exposed) and >5km radius from the industrial park (comparative). Results: A total of 34.5% and 25.5% of adults from the exposed group reported experiencing coughing for the last 3 months and chest tightness for the last 3 years. The logistic regression models showed that symptoms of coughing was associated with the exposed group (aOR=6.34, 95% CI=2.08-19.35), male respondents (aOR=3.18, 95% CI=1.10-9.16) and who stay in Part Raja for more than 14 years (aOR=3.16, 95% CI=1.14-8.79). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that long-term air pollution exposures are consistently associated with respiratory symptoms in residents living in the proximity of industrial parks. Therefore, public health initiatives that aim to provide more conducive environment are needed, especially for residents living near industrial parks.

Rare Occurrence of Paratesticular Rhabdomyosarcoma in Adulthood: A Case Report Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant tumour that primarily affects pediatric patients but is uncommon in adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent metastasis and improve prognosis. A 28-year-old male was presented with a painless right scrotal swelling. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the right scrotal region, raising suspicion of a malignant tumour. Ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass originating from the right epididymis. The patient underwent a high inguinal orchidectomy, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma. Staging computed tomography revealed no evidence of metastasis. The patient received chemotherapy based on risk stratification. Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma carries a poor prognosis in advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and the role of adjuvant therapy in adults is not well established. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of this rare malignancy can aid in improved management and outcomes

Purpose: Oncological outcomes following rectal cancer surgery have improved significantly over recent decades with lower recurrences and longer overall survival. However, many of the patients experienced low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study identified the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of LARS. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and had undergone sphincter-preserving low anterior resection from January 2011 to December 2020. Upon clinic follow-up, patients were asked to complete an interviewed based questionnaire (LARS score) designed to assess bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. Results: Out of 76 patients, 25 patients (32.9%) had major LARS, 10 patients (13.2%) had minor LARS, and 41 patients (53.9%) had no LARS. The height of tumor from anal verge showed an association with the development of major LARS (P=0.039). Those patients with less than 8 cm tumor from anal verge had an increased risk of LARS by 3 times compared to those with 8 cm and above (adjusted odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–9.13). Conclusion Results from our study show that low tumor height was a significant risk factor that has a negative impact on bowel function after surgery. The high prevalence of LARS emphasizes the need for study regarding risk factors and the importance of understanding the pathophysiology of LARS, in order for us to improve patient bowel function and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.

Purpose: Laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) has several advantages over conventional open appendicectomy (OA). However, about 5% to 10% of LA patients still need to be converted to open surgery. Identifying risk factors that contribute to conversion to OA allows for early identification of patients who may benefit from primary OA. This study aimed to determine the conversion rate of LA to OA and to identify its associated risk factors among patients with acute or perforated appendicitis. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed among patients with acute or perforated appendicitis who underwent LA between December 2015 and January 2017. With the use of multivariable logistic regression analyses, the predictors of conversion from laparoscopic to OA were investigated. Results: Out of 120 patients, 33 cases were converted to OA which gives a conversion rate of 27.5%. Among 33 patients who were converted to OA, 27 patients (81.8%) had perforated appendix, while in the LA group, perforated appendix cases consisted of 34.5% (P<0.001). Histopathology of the appendix was the predictor of conversion from LA to OA (adjusted odds ratio, 8.82; 95% confidence interval, 3.13–24.91; P<0.001). Conclusion The result from our study shows that the overall conversion rate for the study period was high. Patients with perforated appendicitis had a higher risk of conversion to OA. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis of perforated appendicitis may be paramount in predicting conversion to OA.

Purpose: Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) has been the standard for colorectal screening but it has low sensitivity and specificity. This study evaluated the use of fecal tumor M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) for detection of colorectal cancer and to compare with the current surveillance tool; gFOBT in symptomatic adult subjects underwent colonoscopy. Methods: Stool samples were collected prospectively from symptomatic adults who had elective colonoscopy from September 2014 to January 2016 and were analyzed with the ScheBo M2-PK Quick test and laboratory detection of fecal hemoglobin. Results: The results were correlated to the colonoscopy findings and/or histopathology report. Eighty-five subjects (age of 56.8 ± 15.3 years [mean ± standard deviation]) were recruited with a total of 17 colorectal cancer (20.0%) and 10 colorectal adenoma patients (11.8%). The sensitivity of M2-PK test in colorectal cancer detection was higher than gFOBT (100% vs. 64.7%). M2-PK test had a lower specificity when compared to gFOBT (72.5% vs. 88.2%) in colorectal cancer detection. The positive and negative predictive values were 47.2% and 100% for M2-PK test and 57.9% and 90.9% for gFOBT. Conclusion Fecal M2-PK Quick test has a high sensitivity for detection of colorectal cancer when compared to gFOBT, making it the potential choice for colorectal tumor screening biomarker in the future.

PURPOSE: Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism are at high risk for developing postoperative hypocalcemia. However, there are limited data regarding predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia in renal failure patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentations of renal hyperparathyroidism and the predictors of early postoperative hypocalcemia after total parathyroidectomy. METHODS: Data of patients with renal hyperparathyroidism who underwent total parathyroidectomy between January 2007 to December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 cohort groups according to their serum calcium levels within 24 hours of parathyroidectomy: the hypocalcemia group (calcium levels of 2 mmol/L or less), and the normocalcemia group (calcium levels more than 2 mmol/L). With the use of multivariable logistic regression analyses, the predictors of early postoperative hypocalcemia after total parathyroidectomy in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism were investigated. RESULTS: Among 68 patients, 56 patients (82.4%) were symptomatic preoperatively. Fifty patients (73.5%) presented with bone pain and 14 patients (20.6%) had muscle weakness. Early postoperative hypocalcemia occurred in 25 patients (36.8%). Preoperative alkaline phosphatase level was the predictor of early postoperative hypocalcemia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.006; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Results from our study show that most of the patients with renal hyperparathyroidism were symptomatic preoperatively and the most common clinical presentations were bone pain and muscle weakness. The significant predictor of early postoperative hypocalcemia after total parathyroidectomy was the preoperative alkaline phosphatase levels.

Objective: To determine the anti-proliferative activity of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) leaf extracts and their effect on cell death. Methods: A. precatorius leaves were extracted successively with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol by Soxhlet extraction. Aqueous extract was prepared by decoction at 50 C. Extracts of A. precatorius leaves were used to treat selected cancer and normal cell lines for 72 h. Furthermore, 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to determine cell viability. Analysis of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis assay and apoptosis protein expressions were determined by flow cytometry. Results: Methanolic extract of A. precatorius leaves showed the lowest IC