Archives of Pathology

Essential Aspects of Cancer: A Narrative Review

Alejandro Cardona Palacio — 2025-06-20

Cancer is a disease of significant global burden, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells with the capacity for invasion and metastasis. Its origin is linked to genetic and epigenetic alterations that disrupt the balance between proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, enabling autonomous cell proliferation and clonal evolution toward more aggressive phenotypes. During this process, cells acquire properties known as the hallmarks of cancer, which explain its progression and therapeutic resistance.

Pathology is the cornerstone discipline in oncologic diagnosis. Through histological, cytological, immunohistochemical, and molecular assessments, it enables the identification of tumor type, its degree of differentiation, invasiveness, and characteristics with therapeutic potential. Tools such as immunohistochemistry, genomic sequencing, and liquid biopsy have expanded diagnostic, prognostic, and personalized therapeutic possibilities.

Tumors are classified according to their cellular lineage and biological behavior as benign or malignant. Benign tumors exhibit slow growth, are well circumscribed, and do not metastasize. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, display anaplasia, local invasion, and distant dissemination. Understanding key terms such as differentiation, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, invasion, and metastasis is fundamental for appropriately interpreting pathological findings.

From a clinical perspective, the general practitioner plays a crucial role in early detection, initial interpretation of warning signs, and timely referral. Moreover, they should understand the basic principles of modern oncology to effectively support the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Strengthening these competencies at the primary care level is essential to improve access, treatment quality, and health outcomes for cancer patients.

Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome, A Case Report

Verny Danilo Cedeño Alvarado — 2025-06-20

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas represent a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are the most common and representative variants of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Both neoplasms occur primarily in older adults, with a peak incidence between 50 and 70 years of age. This paper analyzes the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented with a 7-month history of clinical symptoms characterized by unmeasured fever, pruritic erythroderma, and generalized lymphadenopathy. A skin and cervical lymphadenopathy biopsy was performed, revealing histopathological evidence of mycosis fungoides. Immunohistochemistry revealed atypical lymphocytes in the papillary dermis and epidermis expressing CD3 and CD4, while CD8 and CD20 were negative. Clinico-pathological evaluation led to a diagnosis of mycosis fungoides.

Primary Spindle Cell Squamous Carcinoma of the Trachea: “An Anatomical Rarity with Diagnostic Implications”

John Camilo Ochoa Hernández — 2025-06-20

Spindle cell squamous carcinoma (SCSC) of the trachea is a rare malignant neoplasm, histologically characterized by the presence of spindle-shaped cells arranged in solid, storiform, or fascicular patterns. Clinically, it typically presents with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, and its diagnosis poses a challenge due to its resemblance to sarcomas and other spindle cell lesions, making thorough histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation necessary. The spindle cell component may express mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, SMA, cytokeratins, and p40. SCSC is believed to arise from the dedifferentiation of conventional squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, complemented by radiotherapy in selected cases. We present the case of a 66-year-old patient with an obstructive tracheal lesion diagnosed as spindle cell squamous carcinoma.

Report of a Glycogen-Rich Clear Cell Squamous Carcinoma Primary to the Gallbladder: An Exceptional Entity.

Giselle Fernández García Fernández García — 2025-06-20

Gallbladder carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract, with adenocarcinoma being the most frequently reported histologic type. Its incidence varies depending on geographic and ethnic factors, and the presence of gallstones is the most recognized etiologic factor. The primary squamous cell carcinoma variant of the gallbladder is extremely rare; the high-glycogen clear cell subtype is even rarer. We present an exceptional case of primary glycogen-rich clear cell squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Adenocarcinoma of the Sweat Gland Associated With Paget’s Disease in the Scrotum: A Case Report

Lorena Viramontes-Aguilar — 2025-06-20

Sweat gland adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm of unknown histogenesis; its location in the scrotum has
been documented in case reports. It is frequently associated with extramammary Paget's disease. Our case
corresponds to a 66-year-old man who presented with an indurated erythematous plaque-type lesion on the
skin of the scrotum accompanied by pain, edema of the left lower extremity, with evidence by radiology
images of tumor activity in the liver and inguinal lymphadenitis. In case reports it has been documented
that the expression of Her2 and androgen receptors is an indicator of poor prognosis in advanced stages of
the disease.
This case highlights the potential aggressiveness of these tumors and the importance of evaluating
biomarkers such as HER2, which could guide targeted therapies in a clinical context with limited treatment
options. A multidisciplinary approach is emphasized for its management, given its rarity and variable
clinical behavior