Changes in the Incidence and Human Papillomavirus-Positive Portion of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Hong Kong.

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising in the West, but little is known in Asia. This study elucidated changes in the incidence and HPV-positive portion of OPSCC in Hong Kong. Data from population-based cancer registry were used to analyze the incidence of OPSCC in association with other head and neck cancers. Archived tumor tissues were tested for HPV. From 1986 to 2020, there was a marked decrease in the incidence of nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, but a persistent increase in OPSCC from 36 cases in 1986 to 116 cases in 2020. The average positive rate for high-risk HPV was 36.1% (112/310) among OPSCC diagnosed in 2010-2020. The HPV-positive rate in recent years was significantly higher than earlier cases (tonsil SCC: 64.7% (55/85) in 2016-2020 vs. 40.4% (19/47) in 2010-2015, p = 0.007). Patients with HPV-positive tonsil cancers were significantly younger than those negative (mean [SD]: 58.9 [9.9] vs. 64.3 [13.3] years, p = 0.006), but no significant difference was observed between genders. A persistent increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer over the last few decades was observed in Hong Kong, which can be explained by the remarkable increase in HPV-positive tonsil cancers.

Endobronchial mucosal nodules and actinomycosis in a child with activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS).

In this report, we describe a case of a 5-year-old girl with poor growth and unresolving pneumonia. Bronchoscopy showed numerous endobronchial mucosal nodules, consisting of dense lymphoid infiltrates. Bacterial culture of the nodule biopsy suggested endobronchial actinomycosis. Genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of APDS.

Radiation-induced sarcoma in spine.

Although radiotherapy is a part of treatment in cancers, it can also induce malignancy as a late complication. The presence of radiation-induced sarcomas in bone, although not very common, is acknowledged. The onset of radiation-induced sarcoma in the spine however, is not well recognized. We present here a case of radiation-induced fibrosarcoma in the T1 lamina and spinous process in a patient with a history of breast cancer treated with radiotherapy 30 years prior.