KHADIJA MILOUD ABDULLAH SLIK
Permanent Lecturer
Qualification: Doctorate
Academic rank: Assistant professor
Department of Urology - school of Medical Sciences
Publications
Microscopic Analysis of Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Retrospective Study from Misurata Medical Center, Libya
Journal ArticleAbstract
Microscopic diagnosis of gastrointestinal biopsies remains a challenge in surgical pathology, involving both neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes. This study aims to analyze the prevalence, histopathological features, and grading of gastrointestinal (GIT) tumors in biopsies collected over 12.5 years at Misurata Medical Center, Libya, while assessing demographic patterns and the correlation of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastric malignancies. A total of 753 GIT biopsies were retrospectively analyzed from 1995 to 2007. Clinical data, including age, sex, and microscopic diagnoses, were documented. Biopsies underwent histopathological evaluation using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software to explore relationships between neoplastic lesions and demographic factors. Non-neoplastic diseases accounted for 559 cases, which constitute 74.24% of the total cases, while neoplastic lesions were identified in 194 cases (25.76%). with a statistically significant predominance of malignant tumors (68.6%) over benign ones (31.4%, p<0.001). A slight male predominance was observed in overall biopsies (52.2%), with the 61-70 age group showing the highest frequency (17.4%). Well-differentiated tumors were more common, correlating with better prognoses. The TNM staging analysis revealed a concerning trend toward late-stage diagnoses, particularly in stomach and colorectal cancers. The investigation into Helicobacter pylori positivity indicated a complex relationship with gastric malignancies, warranting further research. The findings reflect a high burden of GIT malignancies during the study period, with late-stage diagnosis and limited diagnostic resources. These results underscore the need for improved screening programs, early detection efforts, and enhanced diagnostic infrastructure in Libya. The study underscores the importance of understanding the multifactorial influences of Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer development.
KHADIJA SLIK, Wesam Elsaghayer, Abdalhalim Suaiee, (06-2025), Alqalam Journal of Medical and Applied sciences: جامعة طرابلس الاهلية, 2 (8), 1120-1129
Uncovering Gallbladder Cancers: A Retrospective Study Approach
Journal ArticleAbstract
Gall bladder cancers, predominantly adenocarcinomas, are associated with significant malignancy and are more common in women, especially in their seventh decade of life. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and histopathological characteristics of gall bladder tumors, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and understanding the role of chronic cholecystitis in tumor development. A retrospective analysis was performed on 45740 surgical biopsies, including 3107 cholecystectomies, from 1994 to 2007 at Misurata Medical Center, Libya. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical details, and microscopic diagnoses. Biopsy samples were processed and stained, and histopathological evaluation was performed following standard criteria. The study showed a female predominance in gall bladder tumors with a female: male ratio of 3:1. Most tumors were adenocarcinomas (83.33%), with high and moderate differentiation being the most frequent. Tumor diagnoses were most prevalent in the 51-65 age group. The majority of tumors were diagnosed at advanced stages (3 and 4). Tumor invasion was common, with 75% showing perivascular, intravascular, or perineural involvement. Chronic cholecystitis was observed in more than two-thirds of the tumor cases. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to gallbladder carcinogenesis, with most tumors diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague symptoms and aggressive behavior. Early detection and multidisciplinary approaches are vital to improve outcomes, especially in high-risk groups.
KHADIJA SLIK, Wesam Elsaghayer, (06-2025), Attahadi Medical Journal: Attahadi University, Tripoli, Libya, 2 (2), 162-168
Digital Pathology. Role of molecular diagnostics in cancers; multiple immunohistochemistry
Journal ArticleA recent years. They have evolved into analysis of tumor Abstract— Multiplexed platforms have become a standard feature of modern medicine in the field of histopathology in recent years. They have evolved into powerful technologies that enable image analysis of tumor tissues from formalin- fixed paraffin- embedded specimens, aiming for better assessment of morphology and distinctive alterations at the molecular level of the patient’s sample, which is critical for the pathologist’s diagnosis and classification, with significant implications for the following therapeutic options. And also, in order to gain a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment, which aids cancer prevention by simulating new therapy discoveries. And unlike traditional IHC, which can only identify one marker in a tissue sample, multiplex IHC may detect many markers in a single tissue sample while providing detailed information about the cell composition and spatial arrangement. Reviewing multiplexed technologies is to demonstrate their utility in the study of cancer tissue as well as their benefits for applications in cancer diagnosis, stratifying patients, and accuracy for treatment. Summary: Digital pathology plays a significant part in current clinical practice and becoming an increasingly critical technological necessity in the laboratory environment, Algorithms for image analysis and artificial intelligence have the potential to further increase the quality of diagnostics in pathology. Keywords— Digital pathology; Molecular diagnostics; IHC & MIHC Techniques; cancers.
KHADIJA SLIK, (06-2025), Academy journal for Basic and Applied Sciences (AJBAS): الأكاديمية الليبية, 1 (7), 1-4
Tumor Budding: A Prognostic Marker of Aggressiveness and Metastatic Potential in Epithelial Cancers, with a Focus on Colorectal and Urothelial Carcinomas
Journal ArticleAbstract
A hallmark of malignancy is the ability of a tumor to disseminate and metastasize, a process that requires specific cellular adaptations. The American Joint Committee on Cancer developed the TNM staging system to classify malignancies and guide treatment strategies, reflecting the biological behavior and clinical outcomes of cancers. Despite its usefulness, ongoing efforts aim to identify additional diagnostic and prognostic parameters to improve accuracy and treatment outcomes. One such parameter is tumor budding, a distinctive morphological feature observed in epithelial cancers. tumor budding is characterized by single tumor cells or small clusters of up to four cells that detach from the invasive front and invade the surrounding stroma. First described in colorectal cancer, tumor budding has since been widely investigated and recognized as a predictor of adverse outcomes, including lymph node invasion, local and distant metastasis, lymph vascular invasion, and poor survival rates across multiple cancer types. Independent of pathological stage, tumor budding correlates with aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting its prognostic significance. In urothelial cancers, tumor budding has been linked to stage progression, distant metastasis, and survival outcomes, particularly in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This review examines the mechanisms underlying tumor budding, its clinical significance across various tumor types, and its prognostic implications in epithelial cancers. Understanding these factors could provide valuable insights into integrating tumor budding into routine pathological assessments and improving cancer management strategies
KHADIJA SLIK, (02-2025), Alqalam Journal of Medical and Applied sciences: جامعة طرابلس الاهلية, 1 (8), 207-212