Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves outcomes and survival rates, minimizing treatments. Imaging techniques are critical in identifying abnormalities and diagnosing breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before clinical symptoms emerge. Mammography remains standard for screening in average-risk women, while supplementary methods like ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and tomosynthesis enhance detection rates, particularly in women with dense breasts or those at high risk. Given that certain factors, such as family history, age, genetic mutations, and breast density, affect the risk of developing breast cancer, some women may benefit from earlier or more frequent screenings. Personalized screening protocols are becoming more common, tailoring the type and frequency of imaging to the individual’s risk profile. Newer technologies, such as molecular breast imaging and contrast-enhanced mammography show promise but require further validation for widespread use. In conclusion, imaging techniques including mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and newer technologies like three-dimensional mammography and molecular breast imaging are essential tools in the early detection of breast cancer, leading to better outcomes for patients. This literature review provides an overview of current breast cancer imaging methods, their role in early diagnosis, and their effectiveness and limitations.

T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing provides a novel platform for insight into and characterization of intricate T-cell profiles, advancing the understanding of tumor immune heterogeneity. Recently, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with systemic therapy has become the recommended regimen for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The regulation of the immune microenvironment after TACE and its impact on tumor progression and recurrence has been a focus of research. By examining and tracking fluctuations in the TCR repertoire following combination treatment, novel perspectives on the modulation of the tumor microenvironment post-TACE and the underlying mechanisms governing tumor progression and recurrence can be gained. Clarifying the distinctive metrics and dynamic alterations of the TCR repertoire within the context of combination therapy is imperative for understanding the mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity, assessing efficacy, exploiting novel treatments, and further advancing precision oncology in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we initially summarized the fundamental characteristics of TCR repertoire and depicted immune microenvironment remodeling after TACE. Ultimately, we illustrated the prospective applications of TCR repertoires in TACE combined with systemic therapy.

Atypical trigeminal neuralgia (ATN) is a chronic pain condition characterized by persistent facial pain that does not respond well to conventional medical treatments, often leading to significant impairment in quality of life. This study examined the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of microvascular decompression combined with nerve combing in patients with ATN.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of surgical techniques, clinical data, and treatment outcomes in 40 patients from January 2009 to January 2018. Pain levels and patient prognoses were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score. Dynamic monitoring of arterial blood pressure was performed, and levels of total adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine were measured before and during the nerve combing procedure.

During surgery, veins combined with arachnoid adhesions and arachnoid adhesions alone were observed compressing the trigeminal nerve in seven patients (17.50%) and 33 patients (82.50%), respectively. Immediate postoperative BNI scores indicated excellent outcomes (P = 2) in 30 patients (75.00%) and good outcomes (P = 3) in four patients (10.00%). Long-term postoperative BNI scores showed excellent outcomes (P = 2) in 25 patients (62.50%) and good outcomes (P = 3) in seven patients (17.50%). All patients experienced an increase in arterial blood pressure during nerve combing, and the mean levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine before combing showed significant improvement (P < 0.05).

Microvascular decompression combined with nerve combing achieves favorable results in treating ATN. Long-term trigeminal nerve compression and central sensitization may contribute to the etiology in these patients.

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and the absence of normal esophageal peristalsis. This condition leads to difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food, and chest pain. Clinical observations suggest an association between achalasia and esophageal tumors, as achalasia can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. We explore the pathophysiology of achalasia, its clinical manifestations, and the associated risk of esophageal malignancies, supported by recent research and clinical evidence, including specific case studies.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are commonly used for contraception, but their long-term effects on oxidative stress, lipid profiles, and liver function remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intermediate-term OCP use (Yasmin) on oxidative stress, lipid profile, and liver function, with particular emphasis on antioxidant markers, lipid metabolism, and hepatic enzyme activity, to better understand the potential metabolic and hepatic effects.

A case-control study was conducted in Maysan Governorate, Iraq, involving 150 women (100 OCP users and 50 non-users). Blood samples were collected from Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital and a specialized clinic between February and April 2023. Serum levels of antioxidants, lipids, and liver enzymes were measured using biochemical assays.

OCP users had significantly lower levels of glutathione peroxidase vitamin E and uric acid (p < 0.001) compared to non-users. Lipid profiles showed that OCP users had higher levels of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05), whereas total cholesterol was significantly higher in non-users (p < 0.05). Liver enzyme activity, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total serum bilirubin, did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Longer duration of OCP use was significantly negatively correlated with vitamin E levels (r = −0.67), glutathione peroxidase activity (r = −0.56), uric acid levels (r = −0.45) and high-density lipoprotein (r = −0.54). Positive correlations were found between the duration of OCP use and total cholesterol (r = 0.62), triglyceride (r = 0.58), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.60), and liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.66) and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.64).

Intermediate-term OCP use was associated with changes in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Regular monitoring of these parameters is recommended for OCP users.

Fluorescence navigation is a novel technique for accurately identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions during hepatectomy, enabling real-time visualization. Indocyanine green-based fluorescence guidance has been commonly used to demarcate HCC lesion boundaries, but it cannot distinguish between benign and malignant liver tumors. This review focused on the clinical applications and limitations of indocyanine green, as well as recent advances in novel fluorescent probes for fluorescence-guided surgery of HCC. It covers traditional fluorescent imaging probes such as enzymes, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, and pH-sensitive probes, followed by an introduction to aggregation-induced emission probes. Aggregation-induced emission probes exhibit strong fluorescence, low background signals, excellent biocompatibility, and high photostability in the aggregate state, but show no fluorescence in dilute solutions. Design strategies for these probes may offer insights for developing novel fluorescent probes for the real-time identification and navigation of HCC during surgery.

The role of radiosurgery in the treatment of grade 2 meningioma remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with grade 2 meningiomas and to identify factors influencing tumor control and survival.

In this retrospective study, seventy patients underwent GKRS for grade 2 meningioma between 2007 and 2016. Tumor recurrence was categorized as local, marginal, or distant. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, while the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model were employed to analyze potential risk factors.

The median follow-up period was 48 months (range: 8 to 132 months). The one-year, three-year, and five-year local control rates were 92%, 73%, and 65%, respectively. The one-, three-, and three-year progression-free survival rates were 87%, 51%, and 44%, respectively. Multiple lesions and multiple prior recurrences were identified as negative predictors of marginal control and progression-free survival. Similarly, multiple lesions and marginal doses ≤13 Gy were associated with poor local control. Serious complications related to gamma knife use occurred in 4% of patients.

Our results support that GKRS is a reasonable treatment option in the management of grade 2 meningiomas. However, outfield progression remains a significant challenge, particularly in patients with multiple prior relapses and/or multiple lesions. More aggressive treatment strategies should be explored for these high-risk patients.