Head & neck
-
Comparative Study
Human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in Korea: use of G1 cycle markers as new prognosticators.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) exhibits distinct patterns worldwide, but its prevalence has not been extensively evaluated in Korea. The E7 oncogene-mediated carcinogenesis and its meaning are yet to be uncovered for oropharyngeal SCCs. ⋯ Incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC in Korea is similar to U.S.-European data. HPV presence correlates with improved survival. Expression ratios of G1 markers may predict survival of oropharyngeal SCCs better than each marker alone.
-
Management of the node-negative neck in T1 to T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if elective neck dissection improves outcomes in thick primary tumors since this reflects current practice in most institutions and has not been specifically addressed in the literature. ⋯ Elective neck dissection is associated with a clinically significant survival advantage in thick T1 to T2 oral SCC by reducing the risk of regional failure, and we support its routine application in these patients.
-
Benign secondary neck lesions in the setting of laryngeal cancer have been described, but not with branchial cleft cysts. This article describes a branchial cleft cyst in a laryngectomy/neck dissection specimen. ⋯ This is the first report of a laryngeal carcinoma invading a branchial cleft cyst. Staging discrepancies may result from concurrent head and neck lesions, altering treatment plans, or changing the prognosis for the patient. Lesions such as this are nearly impossible to diagnose preoperatively, and a high index of suspicion for advanced cancer should be maintained.
-
Surgery is the treatment of choice for substernal goiters, but there are still some controversies on their definition, the surgical approach, and the complications rate. We analyzed our experience in a tertiary care referral center. ⋯ The cervical approach can be safely performed in almost all the patients with substernal goiters. An extracervical procedure has very limited indications. Substernal goiter is not associated with increased complications rate.
-
This study was designed to assess endotracheal climate in laryngectomized patients in a warm and dry environment and the effects of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). ⋯ In a warm and dry environment, both R- and F-HME significantly cool and humidify inspired air. Therefore, consistent use of an HME under these climate conditions is also probably clinically beneficial.