Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is a very rare malignancy. In the literature, the incidence has been reported as 0.25 to 0.1 per 10000 colorectal carcinomas. Due to its rarity, the treatment and behavior of this tumor have only been discussed in case reports. As a result, several theories regarding their pathogenesis have been proposed. We will describe our experience in managing this rare malignancy in a 69-year-old man who presented with altered bowel habit. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Issues regarding additional treatment have been presented in the literature. The rarity of this tumour also raises issues regarding criteria for diagnosis which we will try to highlight and discuss.
Foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications associated with diabetes mellitus that mat resulted in a disability and impairment of health related quality of life.Materials andMethods: The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the factors adversely associated with quality of life among diabetic foot ulcer patients. Diabetic patients with evidence of diabetic foot ulcer attending outpatient orthopaedics and general surgical clinic of Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan were recruited into this study. A set of validated SF-36 questionnaire was employed to evaluate the health-related quality of life for each patient.This study was registered with the National Medical Research Register (NMRR registration no. 17-1520-36332).Results: There is a slightly higher proportion of female among the 104 respondents. Its prevalence is most pronounces in the lower income group. Majority presented with Wagner stage 2 and 3. Amputation has been performed in 54% of these patients. Physical health score fair worse than mental health. Age, low socioeconomic status, presence of comorbidities, major amputation, ulcer at the forefoot and wheelchair usage associated with an adverse effect on the physical health aspect in these patients. Interestingly, smoker seems to score better on the mental health aspect of the quality of life.Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcer affected physical health aspect much more than mental health aspect within the context of the quality of life.
Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease (POAD) is an important cardiovascular morbidity especially among diabetics. The goal of the treatment is to improve patients’ quality of life (QoL) starting by quantifying the disease burden in our population especially among high risk group such as diabetics.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study aims to provide a data on the prevalence of POAD among diabetic population in a primary health care in Kuantan and its’ effects on the patient’s QoL. Additionally, we examined for any other stipulated associated factors that may have contributed towards the development of POAD. We applied a universal sampling for the purpose of patient selection. POAD is universally defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) of lower than 0.9. Individuals were assessed on validated Malay version of WHOQOL BREF to assess their QoL parameters. P value of