Testing for Candidiasis
by Hongxiu Ji, M.D., Ph.D.
Candida is always present in and on the body in small amounts; however, Candida can multiply when an imbalance occurs, such as when normal acidity of the vagina is altered or when hormonal balance changes.
Should Oral HPV Testing Be Performed to Screen for Oral Carcinoma?
The number of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinomas is on the rise according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2009; however, we still don’t have an accepted screening protocol in place to address the situation.
Molecular Infectious Disease Testing on Vaginal Swabs
by Felix Martinez Jr, M.D.
In our world of rapidly evolving technology, does molecular testing for infectious disease offer value? If there is a current practice or test that detects disease and helps administer good care to patients, is there reason to readily adopt a new approach?
Melanoma In Situ Excision Guidelines
by Alden R. Webb, D.O.
Recommendations for setting the appropriate margins when excising melanoma in situ (MIS) lesions are being revisited.
Good Smears Equal Good Medicine
by Ayumi I. Corn, M.D.
Accurate interpretation of bone marrow specimens is highly dependent on two factors: the quality of the sample obtained during the procedure and the quality of specimen processing, in particular the preparation of the bone marrow aspirate smears.
HPV-Related Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by David C. Hoak, M.D.
Recent studies reveal that tumor HPV status is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival among patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.
Determination of “Indeterminate” Thyroid Nodules
by Felix Martinez Jr, M.D.
When indeterminate thyroid results are reported, there are options available for clinicians and their patients to obtain additional diagnostic information, which may help in deciding whether or not to have surgery.
Incyte Diagnostics Adopts ToGA Guidelines: Gastric and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Testing for HER2 Status - IHC vs. FISH
At Incyte Diagnostics, we have adopted the ToGA guidelines. We will test a patient’s first biopsy with IHC for HER2 with reflex to ISH (FISH or CISH) for equivocal HER2 by IHC results.
Working Up Breast Cancer Subtypes
by Amy M. Backer, M.D.
Determining classification of breast cancer subtypes is important to oncologists and their patients because it helps them formulate an individualized treatment approach that will provide the highest efficacy, lowest toxicity and best chance for a good outcome.
New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines - Should Not Lessen the Importance of the Annual Exam
by Felix Martinez Jr, M.D.
In March 2012, four major organizations - preventative, professional and governmental - jointly issued new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. Major changes are listed in this article.
