Daciana Grujic - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Daciana Grujic

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

Research Square (Research Square), Feb 5, 2020

Background: The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, ... more Background: The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment. Methods: 64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March-June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, also chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. For the purposes of evaluating a possible change in mental health status, we employed two assessment scales: the Young Cognitive Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) and the Romanian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21R). Results: Participants who underwent mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not generate symptoms of depression or anxiety. In contrast, the cognitive schemas found in women who refused reconstructive breast surgery were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms.The cognitive schema domain of 'disconnection and rejection' correlated uncertainly with the presence of anxietydepressive symptoms for the group with breast reconstruction (Spearman's r= 0.091, p = 0.644), while for the other group the correlation was moderate-strong (Spearman's r= 0.647, p < 0.01). Negative emotional schemas were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms (Spearman's r= 0.598, p < 0.01) in the group of participants without reconstructive surgery. Conclusion: A correct identification of dysfunctional cognitive schemas and coping mechanisms at the commencement of the combined treatment in breast cancer patients could serve as an indicator for the evolution of their mental health, therefore assisting professionals in establishing the most suitable psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric intervention plan.

Research paper thumbnail of The Medial and Superior Pedicle Mastopexy with Dual Plane Inverted-T Augmentation

Springer eBooks, Jan 20, 2012

A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the a... more A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the appearance of the breast and an inferior flap which contributes a good padding to the inferior pole of the implant, thus minimizing complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception of disease, dyadic coping, and the quality of life of oncology patients in the active treatment phase and their life partners: an approach based on the actor-partner interdependence model

Frontiers in Psychology, Apr 27, 2023

A cancer diagnosis is a major stress factor for both patients and their families, and the negativ... more A cancer diagnosis is a major stress factor for both patients and their families, and the negative consequences of coping with the disease are highlighted in patients, their life partners and the whole family. It has been found that the disease itself and the side effects of the treatments administered affect the physical functioning of the patients, their mental state, influence living conditions and may lead to existential or spiritual dilemmas (Cieślak, 2013). Patients often face depression, anxiety, fear in relation to disease progression and death (Syrjala et al., 2004). About one third of patients report clinical levels of distress, adaptive disorders, post-traumatic reactions and

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnancy in a Young Patient with Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer—Between Fear of Recurrence and Desire to Procreate

Current Oncology

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women and the second leading cause of death by ... more Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women and the second leading cause of death by cancer. It is the most frequent cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is defined as breast cancer that is diagnosed during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period. Data about young women with metastatic HER2-positive cancer who desire a pregnancy are scarce. The medical attitude in these clinical situations is difficult and nonstandardized. We present the case of a 31-year-old premenopausal woman diagnosed in December 2016 with a stage IV Luminal HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (pT2 N0 M1 hep). The patient was initially treated by surgery in a conservative manner. Postoperatively, the presence of liver metastases was found by CT investigation. Consequently, line I treatment (docetaxel l75 mg/m² iv; trastuzumab 600 mg/5 mL sq) and ovarian drug suppression (Goserelin 3.6 mg sq at 28 days) was administered. After nine cycles of treatment, the patient...

Research paper thumbnail of Skin-Reducing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction for a Large Recurrent Borderline Phyllodes Tumor

Applied Sciences

Background: Large recurrent phyllodes breast tumors are often malignant. Therefore, when taking t... more Background: Large recurrent phyllodes breast tumors are often malignant. Therefore, when taking the surgical decision, a simple mastectomy and immediate reconstruction must be considered. Case presentation: The patient, aged 40 years, with a benign phyllodes tumor in the left breast, having a recurrence 2 years after, with 4–7 cm conglomerate tumor masses, was subjected to skin-reducing mastectomy, breast reconstruction with a silicone mammary implant in the left breast, and symmetrization of the right breast. Discussion and conclusions: In the case of patients with breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia (cup size D–F), skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with an implant can be the option. It is important for the resection specimen to include the skin tissue above the tumor. After 14 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the lesions on a clinical examination, ultrasonography, or MRI.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Schemas and Coping Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Surgical Treatment

Psychiatria Danubina, Jun 22, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Location of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Carcinomatous‑like mastitis due to axillary lymphadenopathy in a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare form of malignancy, accounting for 2% of all cancers of ... more Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare form of malignancy, accounting for 2% of all cancers of the head and neck in Europe. Axillary lymph node metastases are very rare in these cases. This is a case report of a 40-year-old premenopausal woman diagnosed in May 2015 with T1N2M0 stage III NPC, treated with induction chemotherapy, followed by chemo-radiotherapy. Post-therapeutic computed tomography (CT) scan showed partial response (PR) on the primary tumor and complete response (CR) on the latero-cervical lymph nodes. In 2017, our patient developed left carcinomatous-like mastitis with axillary lymphadenopathy. This raised suspicions of a carcinomatous mastitis. The pathology report with immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the third biopsy highlighted axillary metastasis of a non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC). There are very few references in the literature regarding axillary metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). As far as we know, this is the first case report of mastitis due to NPC. To conclude, treatment consisted of two surgical excisions of axillary lymphadenopathy associated with local radiotherapy and chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant, adjuvant). The second surgery, performed after radiotherapy, required plastic surgery. A psychiatric evaluation was necessary, revealing a reactive anxiety disorder. This case required multidisciplinary management, where oncology, plastic surgery, pathology and psychiatric specialists collaborated in deciding the therapeutic approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Lymph Node – Major Importance Predictive Factor in Breast Cancer 145

Correspondence to: Dr, P. Matusz, Departamentul de Anatomie, Universitatea de Medicinã oi Farmaci... more Correspondence to: Dr, P. Matusz, Departamentul de Anatomie, Universitatea de Medicinã oi Farmacie "Victor Babeo", Timiooara, Str. Col. Enescu nr. 2, Timisoara SUMMARY: Information about the lymph node status is an important prognostic factor, influencing breast cancer staging and treatment options. The primary tumor drains along a lymph trajectory in a first regional lymphatic node, called sentinel node (SN), which captures the disseminated tumoral cells. Breast’s lymph drainage is complex; together with the main axillary drainage pathway there are also secondary pathways, with significant practical importance in case of breast cancer. The study material was represented by 35 female patients, aged between 31 and 74 years, with palpable breast malignant tumor. We analyzed primary tumor size and location, and injected radiopharmaceutical (RP) substances. The RP substances used were 99mTc–Hepatate and 99mTc–Nanocoll, in doses of 15-30 MBq, by intradermal or peritumoral injec...

Research paper thumbnail of The Pattern of Second Primary Tumours in Postmenopausal Women with Prior Breast Cancer in Western Romania: A Retrospective, Single-Institution Study

Diagnostics, 2021

With improved survival, more patients with prior breast cancer are at risk of having a second pri... more With improved survival, more patients with prior breast cancer are at risk of having a second primary cancer diagnosed. The pattern and impact of second primary cancers following breast cancer is important for overall breast cancer therapeutic management. Our study is a first analysis of the trend of second primary tumours over time in terms of incidence, sites with significantly elevated risks and correlation with stage, molecular subtype and therapeutic strategies conducted in Eastern Europe in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Patients and methods: Our study population included 28 patients with prior breast cancer (BC) and second primary tumours, which were diagnosed and treated in our Institution between 2004 and 2017. The criteria for selection were based on the completeness of the documentation of the first treatment for breast cancer, stage of disease, molecular subtype, the site of origin of the second tumours and the survival data. Results: An increased risk of secon...

Research paper thumbnail of Unilateral Orbital Metastasis as the Unique Symptom in the Onset of Breast Cancer in a Postmenopausal Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Diagnostics, 2021

The orbit represents an unusual metastases site for patients diagnosed with cancer, however, brea... more The orbit represents an unusual metastases site for patients diagnosed with cancer, however, breast cancer is the main cause of metastases at this level. These orbital metastases were discovered in patients with a history of breast cancer as unique or synchronous lesions. We present a rare case of a unique retroocular metastasis as the first initial symptom of a tubulo-lobular mammary carcinoma in a postmenopausal woman. A 57-year-old patient complains of diplopia, diminishing visual acuity, orbital tenderness, slight exophthalmia and ptosis of the left eyelid, with insidious onset. Clinical examination and subsequent investigations revealed a left breast cancer cT2 cN1 pM1 stage IV. Breast conserving surgery was performed on the left breast. Pathological examination with immunohistochemistry staining established the complete diagnostic: pT2pN3aM1 Stage IV breast cancer, luminal B subtype. After two years from the initial breast cancer diagnosis, the patient was diagnosed by the psy...

Research paper thumbnail of The Use of Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Biodegradable Matrix (Integra®) in the Management of Neck Postburn Hypertrophic Scars and Contractures

Applied Sciences, 2020

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a chain-like disaccharide that is linked to a polypeptide core to conn... more Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a chain-like disaccharide that is linked to a polypeptide core to connect two collagen fibrils/fibers and provide the intermolecular force in a Collagen-GAG matrix which can be a valuable treatment of post-burn contractures and hypertrophic scars, which remain a challenge to reconstructive surgery. The face and neck contractures are the most difficult sites to treat. This article is meant to discuss our clinical experience in using collagen-glycosaminoglycan biodegradable matrix (Integra® Integra Lifesciences Corporation, Plainsboro, NJ, USA) to reconstruct defects created by excision of contracted areas from the neck and lower face areas. Between 2009 and 2011, we had 11 patients that underwent Integra reconstructive procedures. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. For all the patients, the intake of the Integra dermal regeneration template was 100%, even if one patient developed a minor infection treated with appropriate antibiotics. The patients are...

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

Background The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, w... more Background The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment. Methods 64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March-June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. We employed two assessment scales: the YSQ-S3 Cognitive Schema Questionnaire and the DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results We concluded that participants who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not gene...

Research paper thumbnail of The Medial and Superior Pedicle Mastopexy with Dual Plane Inverted-T Augmentation

Cosmetic Surgery, 2012

A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the a... more A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the appearance of the breast and an inferior flap which contributes a good padding to the inferior pole of the implant, thus minimizing complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Well-Being, Depression, and Anxiety following Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery versus Modified Radical Mastectomy Followed by Late Breast Reconstruction

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Breast cancer requires complex clinical care. Well-being is an intricate concept, encompassing ph... more Breast cancer requires complex clinical care. Well-being is an intricate concept, encompassing physical, functional, emotional, and social aspects. Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the type of surgery our patients underwent and the timing of the reconstructive surgery with physical, emotional, social, and functional well-being. Furthermore, through our research we tried to identify potential mental health comorbidities in patients with breast cancer, clinical symptoms, and well-being in women with breast cancer, depending on the type of required surgery. Methods: The study included 69 women diagnosed with breast cancer, in stages I to III, divided in two groups: I—patients with oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and contralateral correction surgery, for symmetry reasons; II—patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy and late breast reconstruction with contralateral symmetrisation. We evaluated socio-demographic aspects, alongside depression...

Research paper thumbnail of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, a Dermatologic Condition Having a Strong Geographic and Ethnic Determinism

POH (Peri Orbital Hyperpigmentation) represents a minor clinical entity that attracts immense aes... more POH (Peri Orbital Hyperpigmentation) represents a minor clinical entity that attracts immense aesthetic damages and it generates social integration difficulties. This review focuses on the etiopathogenic causes of this entity, differentiating and reclassifying this defect as having, on the one hand, genetic causes of melanic hyperproduction – for Fitzpatrick cutaneous phototypes IV and V – and, on the other hand, both genetic and acquired vascular causes, in individuals with light-coloured skin phototypes. Hence, there is a big difference in the field of pathogenic treatment, for the two entities. In addition, this study notes the direct relationship between skin aging and POH, especially for aquired vascular causes. In this reasoning, other aesthetic deficiencies of the skin in the palpebral area should be also considered, like: blepharochalasis, wrinkles, the anatomical causes of the lower eyelid shading, symmetrical or asymmetric suborbital oedema. All of these issues...

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

Research Square (Research Square), Feb 5, 2020

Background: The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, ... more Background: The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment. Methods: 64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March-June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, also chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. For the purposes of evaluating a possible change in mental health status, we employed two assessment scales: the Young Cognitive Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) and the Romanian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21R). Results: Participants who underwent mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not generate symptoms of depression or anxiety. In contrast, the cognitive schemas found in women who refused reconstructive breast surgery were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms.The cognitive schema domain of 'disconnection and rejection' correlated uncertainly with the presence of anxietydepressive symptoms for the group with breast reconstruction (Spearman's r= 0.091, p = 0.644), while for the other group the correlation was moderate-strong (Spearman's r= 0.647, p < 0.01). Negative emotional schemas were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms (Spearman's r= 0.598, p < 0.01) in the group of participants without reconstructive surgery. Conclusion: A correct identification of dysfunctional cognitive schemas and coping mechanisms at the commencement of the combined treatment in breast cancer patients could serve as an indicator for the evolution of their mental health, therefore assisting professionals in establishing the most suitable psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric intervention plan.

Research paper thumbnail of The Medial and Superior Pedicle Mastopexy with Dual Plane Inverted-T Augmentation

Springer eBooks, Jan 20, 2012

A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the a... more A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the appearance of the breast and an inferior flap which contributes a good padding to the inferior pole of the implant, thus minimizing complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception of disease, dyadic coping, and the quality of life of oncology patients in the active treatment phase and their life partners: an approach based on the actor-partner interdependence model

Frontiers in Psychology, Apr 27, 2023

A cancer diagnosis is a major stress factor for both patients and their families, and the negativ... more A cancer diagnosis is a major stress factor for both patients and their families, and the negative consequences of coping with the disease are highlighted in patients, their life partners and the whole family. It has been found that the disease itself and the side effects of the treatments administered affect the physical functioning of the patients, their mental state, influence living conditions and may lead to existential or spiritual dilemmas (Cieślak, 2013). Patients often face depression, anxiety, fear in relation to disease progression and death (Syrjala et al., 2004). About one third of patients report clinical levels of distress, adaptive disorders, post-traumatic reactions and

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnancy in a Young Patient with Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer—Between Fear of Recurrence and Desire to Procreate

Current Oncology

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women and the second leading cause of death by ... more Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women and the second leading cause of death by cancer. It is the most frequent cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is defined as breast cancer that is diagnosed during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period. Data about young women with metastatic HER2-positive cancer who desire a pregnancy are scarce. The medical attitude in these clinical situations is difficult and nonstandardized. We present the case of a 31-year-old premenopausal woman diagnosed in December 2016 with a stage IV Luminal HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (pT2 N0 M1 hep). The patient was initially treated by surgery in a conservative manner. Postoperatively, the presence of liver metastases was found by CT investigation. Consequently, line I treatment (docetaxel l75 mg/m² iv; trastuzumab 600 mg/5 mL sq) and ovarian drug suppression (Goserelin 3.6 mg sq at 28 days) was administered. After nine cycles of treatment, the patient...

Research paper thumbnail of Skin-Reducing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction for a Large Recurrent Borderline Phyllodes Tumor

Applied Sciences

Background: Large recurrent phyllodes breast tumors are often malignant. Therefore, when taking t... more Background: Large recurrent phyllodes breast tumors are often malignant. Therefore, when taking the surgical decision, a simple mastectomy and immediate reconstruction must be considered. Case presentation: The patient, aged 40 years, with a benign phyllodes tumor in the left breast, having a recurrence 2 years after, with 4–7 cm conglomerate tumor masses, was subjected to skin-reducing mastectomy, breast reconstruction with a silicone mammary implant in the left breast, and symmetrization of the right breast. Discussion and conclusions: In the case of patients with breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia (cup size D–F), skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with an implant can be the option. It is important for the resection specimen to include the skin tissue above the tumor. After 14 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the lesions on a clinical examination, ultrasonography, or MRI.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Schemas and Coping Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Surgical Treatment

Psychiatria Danubina, Jun 22, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Location of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Carcinomatous‑like mastitis due to axillary lymphadenopathy in a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare form of malignancy, accounting for 2% of all cancers of ... more Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare form of malignancy, accounting for 2% of all cancers of the head and neck in Europe. Axillary lymph node metastases are very rare in these cases. This is a case report of a 40-year-old premenopausal woman diagnosed in May 2015 with T1N2M0 stage III NPC, treated with induction chemotherapy, followed by chemo-radiotherapy. Post-therapeutic computed tomography (CT) scan showed partial response (PR) on the primary tumor and complete response (CR) on the latero-cervical lymph nodes. In 2017, our patient developed left carcinomatous-like mastitis with axillary lymphadenopathy. This raised suspicions of a carcinomatous mastitis. The pathology report with immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the third biopsy highlighted axillary metastasis of a non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC). There are very few references in the literature regarding axillary metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). As far as we know, this is the first case report of mastitis due to NPC. To conclude, treatment consisted of two surgical excisions of axillary lymphadenopathy associated with local radiotherapy and chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant, adjuvant). The second surgery, performed after radiotherapy, required plastic surgery. A psychiatric evaluation was necessary, revealing a reactive anxiety disorder. This case required multidisciplinary management, where oncology, plastic surgery, pathology and psychiatric specialists collaborated in deciding the therapeutic approach.

Research paper thumbnail of Lymph Node – Major Importance Predictive Factor in Breast Cancer 145

Correspondence to: Dr, P. Matusz, Departamentul de Anatomie, Universitatea de Medicinã oi Farmaci... more Correspondence to: Dr, P. Matusz, Departamentul de Anatomie, Universitatea de Medicinã oi Farmacie "Victor Babeo", Timiooara, Str. Col. Enescu nr. 2, Timisoara SUMMARY: Information about the lymph node status is an important prognostic factor, influencing breast cancer staging and treatment options. The primary tumor drains along a lymph trajectory in a first regional lymphatic node, called sentinel node (SN), which captures the disseminated tumoral cells. Breast’s lymph drainage is complex; together with the main axillary drainage pathway there are also secondary pathways, with significant practical importance in case of breast cancer. The study material was represented by 35 female patients, aged between 31 and 74 years, with palpable breast malignant tumor. We analyzed primary tumor size and location, and injected radiopharmaceutical (RP) substances. The RP substances used were 99mTc–Hepatate and 99mTc–Nanocoll, in doses of 15-30 MBq, by intradermal or peritumoral injec...

Research paper thumbnail of The Pattern of Second Primary Tumours in Postmenopausal Women with Prior Breast Cancer in Western Romania: A Retrospective, Single-Institution Study

Diagnostics, 2021

With improved survival, more patients with prior breast cancer are at risk of having a second pri... more With improved survival, more patients with prior breast cancer are at risk of having a second primary cancer diagnosed. The pattern and impact of second primary cancers following breast cancer is important for overall breast cancer therapeutic management. Our study is a first analysis of the trend of second primary tumours over time in terms of incidence, sites with significantly elevated risks and correlation with stage, molecular subtype and therapeutic strategies conducted in Eastern Europe in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Patients and methods: Our study population included 28 patients with prior breast cancer (BC) and second primary tumours, which were diagnosed and treated in our Institution between 2004 and 2017. The criteria for selection were based on the completeness of the documentation of the first treatment for breast cancer, stage of disease, molecular subtype, the site of origin of the second tumours and the survival data. Results: An increased risk of secon...

Research paper thumbnail of Unilateral Orbital Metastasis as the Unique Symptom in the Onset of Breast Cancer in a Postmenopausal Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Diagnostics, 2021

The orbit represents an unusual metastases site for patients diagnosed with cancer, however, brea... more The orbit represents an unusual metastases site for patients diagnosed with cancer, however, breast cancer is the main cause of metastases at this level. These orbital metastases were discovered in patients with a history of breast cancer as unique or synchronous lesions. We present a rare case of a unique retroocular metastasis as the first initial symptom of a tubulo-lobular mammary carcinoma in a postmenopausal woman. A 57-year-old patient complains of diplopia, diminishing visual acuity, orbital tenderness, slight exophthalmia and ptosis of the left eyelid, with insidious onset. Clinical examination and subsequent investigations revealed a left breast cancer cT2 cN1 pM1 stage IV. Breast conserving surgery was performed on the left breast. Pathological examination with immunohistochemistry staining established the complete diagnostic: pT2pN3aM1 Stage IV breast cancer, luminal B subtype. After two years from the initial breast cancer diagnosis, the patient was diagnosed by the psy...

Research paper thumbnail of The Use of Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Biodegradable Matrix (Integra®) in the Management of Neck Postburn Hypertrophic Scars and Contractures

Applied Sciences, 2020

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a chain-like disaccharide that is linked to a polypeptide core to conn... more Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a chain-like disaccharide that is linked to a polypeptide core to connect two collagen fibrils/fibers and provide the intermolecular force in a Collagen-GAG matrix which can be a valuable treatment of post-burn contractures and hypertrophic scars, which remain a challenge to reconstructive surgery. The face and neck contractures are the most difficult sites to treat. This article is meant to discuss our clinical experience in using collagen-glycosaminoglycan biodegradable matrix (Integra® Integra Lifesciences Corporation, Plainsboro, NJ, USA) to reconstruct defects created by excision of contracted areas from the neck and lower face areas. Between 2009 and 2011, we had 11 patients that underwent Integra reconstructive procedures. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. For all the patients, the intake of the Integra dermal regeneration template was 100%, even if one patient developed a minor infection treated with appropriate antibiotics. The patients are...

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

Background The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, w... more Background The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment. Methods 64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March-June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. We employed two assessment scales: the YSQ-S3 Cognitive Schema Questionnaire and the DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results We concluded that participants who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not gene...

Research paper thumbnail of The Medial and Superior Pedicle Mastopexy with Dual Plane Inverted-T Augmentation

Cosmetic Surgery, 2012

A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the a... more A technique is described that takes advantage of the superior and medial pedicle to improve the appearance of the breast and an inferior flap which contributes a good padding to the inferior pole of the implant, thus minimizing complications.

Research paper thumbnail of Well-Being, Depression, and Anxiety following Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery versus Modified Radical Mastectomy Followed by Late Breast Reconstruction

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Breast cancer requires complex clinical care. Well-being is an intricate concept, encompassing ph... more Breast cancer requires complex clinical care. Well-being is an intricate concept, encompassing physical, functional, emotional, and social aspects. Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the type of surgery our patients underwent and the timing of the reconstructive surgery with physical, emotional, social, and functional well-being. Furthermore, through our research we tried to identify potential mental health comorbidities in patients with breast cancer, clinical symptoms, and well-being in women with breast cancer, depending on the type of required surgery. Methods: The study included 69 women diagnosed with breast cancer, in stages I to III, divided in two groups: I—patients with oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and contralateral correction surgery, for symmetry reasons; II—patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy and late breast reconstruction with contralateral symmetrisation. We evaluated socio-demographic aspects, alongside depression...

Research paper thumbnail of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, a Dermatologic Condition Having a Strong Geographic and Ethnic Determinism

POH (Peri Orbital Hyperpigmentation) represents a minor clinical entity that attracts immense aes... more POH (Peri Orbital Hyperpigmentation) represents a minor clinical entity that attracts immense aesthetic damages and it generates social integration difficulties. This review focuses on the etiopathogenic causes of this entity, differentiating and reclassifying this defect as having, on the one hand, genetic causes of melanic hyperproduction – for Fitzpatrick cutaneous phototypes IV and V – and, on the other hand, both genetic and acquired vascular causes, in individuals with light-coloured skin phototypes. Hence, there is a big difference in the field of pathogenic treatment, for the two entities. In addition, this study notes the direct relationship between skin aging and POH, especially for aquired vascular causes. In this reasoning, other aesthetic deficiencies of the skin in the palpebral area should be also considered, like: blepharochalasis, wrinkles, the anatomical causes of the lower eyelid shading, symmetrical or asymmetric suborbital oedema. All of these issues...