Clival Mucocele: A Rare Yet not Forgotten Pathology

Primary clival mucoceles are a rare clinical entity that usually represents an incidental finding on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scanning. There are only a few reports in the literature of patients who presented with vague symptoms such as headaches, facial paresthesia, and numbness. Clival mucoceles can also be secondary, by extension of a sphenoid mucocele to the clivus. We present a case of primary clival mucocele, aiming to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

Intramasseteric Schwannoma Mimicking a Parotid Tumor: Case Report and Review of Literature

BackgroundSchwannoma is a benign neoplasm originating from Schwan cells of peripheral nerves as well as the cranial and spinal roots. It often occurred in head and neck region involving cranial nerves VII, VIII, and XII. However, schwannoma located in intramasseteric region is extremely uncommon. There have been only ten reported cases documented in English literatures to date. Case presentationHere, we report a rare intramasseteric schwannoma case, who presented a painless mass in the left cheek with 2 years evolution and was treated with surgical excision through trans-parotid approach. An uneventful recovery without salivary fistula or facial paralysis was recorded after the surgery. Due to its rarity and clinical significance, we also review intramasseteric schwannoma regarding its clinical characteristics and surgical managements.ConclusionIn a word, intramasseteric schwannoma is a benign lesion with favorable prognosis. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning is recommended for evaluation and differential diagnoses for this condition. Surgical excision of the tumor without parotidectomy is considered to be effective.

Neural reward related-reactions to monetar gains for self and charity are associated with donating behavior in adolescence

The aim of the current study was to examine neural signatures of gaining money for self and charity in adolescence. Participants (N = 160, aged 11–21) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging-scanning while performing a zero-sum vicarious reward task in which they could either earn money for themselves at the expense of charity, for a self-chosen charity at the expense of themselves, or for both parties. Afterwards, they could donate money to charity, which we used as a behavioral index of giving. Gaining for self and for both parties resulted in activity in the ventral striatum (specifically in the NAcc), but not gaining for charity. Interestingly, striatal activity when gaining for charity was positively related to individual differences in donation behavior and perspective taking. Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, insula and precentral gyrus were active when gaining only for self, and temporal-parietal junction when gaining only for charity, relative to gaining for both parties (i.e. under equity deviation). Taken together, these findings show that striatal activity during vicarious gaining for charity depends on levels of perspective taking and predicts future acts of giving to charity. These findings provide insight in the individual differences in the subjective value of prosocial outcomes.

Diagnosis and staging

This chapter considers the manner in which cancers are diagnosed, categorized, and staged. The major imaging modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography, are discussed. The importance of biopsy and accurate tissue analysis is covered, as well as advances in genetic subtyping which drive modern, personalized therapies. Assessment of the patient is also identified as vital with the taking of an accurate history, with comorbidities and long-term health problems helping to define performance status. The measurement and scoring of performance status is recounted. The TNM system of cancer staging and its limitations are outlined.