Peeping Beyond TNM Stage: Prognostic Factors Affecting Oncological Outcomes in Surgically Treated Early Oral Cancer.

Surgery is the primary modality for the treatment of early oral cancer. The present study aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes, patterns of failure, and prognostic predictors of recurrence in patients of early oral cancer (Stage I and II) treated by surgery alone. It is a single institutional, observational retrospective cohort study conducted from 2012 to 2017.The study was approved by institutional ethics committee. All consecutive patients who underwent upfront curative surgery alone (wide excision of tumour + neck dissection) for pathologically proven early oral cavity SCC(Squamous Cell Carcinoma) pT1-2N0 were included in the study. 113 patients were included in the study after a median follow-up of 58.2 months. The median age was 58.5 years. 25 patients were stage I, and 88 patients were stage II. The most common subsite was buccal mucosa. There were 31 recurrences and 24 deaths. Using Kaplan Meier method, 3 and 5 year overall survival was 92% and 71.8%, respectively, while 3 year and 5 year recurrence-free survival was 77.9% and 69.4%, respectively. Perineural invasion and poor differentiation affected recurrence-free survival significantly (p value < 0.05). More than one-fourth of surgically treated early oral SCC patients developed recurrence. Presence of poorly differentiated histology and the perineural invasion were the high risk factors which hampered the recurrence free survival. High consumption of betel quid consumption in this part of the world leads to differences in the involved subsite from the Western literature. Adding adjuvant treatment in the presence of these adverse histopathological features may improve prognosis. Randomised studies are warranted to answer this dilemma. Level of Evidence IV.

Clear cell Odontogenic Carcinoma Mandible Mimicking oral Cavity Squamous cell Carcinoma: An Intriguing case with Review of Literature.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare odontogenic neoplasm with high risk of recurrence and aggressive behaviour. Presence of clear cells in head and neck is hallmark, but not pathognomic for the entity. Deceptive behaviour admist wide range of differentials, poses an immense diagnostic challenge. An incisional biopsy with appropriate immunohistochemistry is prudent for diagnosis. We herein report atypical case of CCOC mimicking squamous cell carcinoma, in a tertiary cancer center in North Eastern part of India.

Submandibular Gland in Neck Dissection: Necessary Fatality or Unfortunate Prey?

Excision of submandibular gland is currently victim in all neck dissections. In this study we intend to estimate the prevalence of submandibular gland involvement in squamous cell oral carcinomas and identify the factors associated with it. This is a single institutional, retrospective observational study conducted from 22 to 2018 to 28 February 2020. 317 patients were included for analysis as per study criteria. The prevalence of involvement of submandibular gland was 3.8%. Increased risk of submandibular gland involvement was associated with involvement of level-Ib nodes (Odds ratio: 13.6, 2.9-63.3, 95% CI and p = < 0.001) and presence of extra-nodal extension (Odds ratio: 67, 8.4-532, 95% CI and p = < 0.001) and perineurial invasion (Odds ratio: 5, 1.6-16.8 and p = 0.003). In oral cancers, especially early stage carcinoma of buccal mucosa, submandibular gland preservation may be feasible in absence of extra-nodal extension and level-Ib involvement.

Giant dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans head and neck: a diagnostic dilemma.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is rare, generally slow growing tumor, originating from dermal stem cell or undifferentiated mesenchymal cell. DFSP primarily occurs on the trunk and proximal extremities, with reported only 10-15% occurring in the head and neck region. There can be varied presentations of DFSP in atypical sites mimicking a benign appearance and history due to which diagnostic dilemmas can occur. The underlying malignancy needs to be unveiled by histopathology and immunohistochemistry which reveals bland spindle cells in sub epithelium arranged in whorled storiform pattern which was CD34+, suggestive of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, wherever possible. We herein report two intriguing cases of DFSP in uncommon sites.

Deep Neck Space Infections: Current Trends and Intricacies of Management?

This study aims to describe the current epidemiological and etiological trends for deep neck space infections (DNIs) with an objective to understand the intricacies of their management. In this retrospective analytical study records of 52 patients with DNIs were reviewed. Patients having superficial abscess, peritonsillar abscess and abscess due to trauma/surgical procedure were excluded. Various epidemiological and etiological parameters (Demography, site, presentation, etiology, association with co-morbidities, bacteriology) and management guidelines (need for surgical interventions for DNIs and airway management, hospital stay duration, treatment outcome and complications) were reviewed and analyzed. Study recorded preponderance of DNIs in males (male:female = 1.6:1) and in younger generation (50% of patients presenting in first 2 decades). Commonest etiology being odontogenic infections (38.46%) followed by URTIs and tonsillopharyngitis (19.23%). Submandibular space involvement was noted in 42.3% cases followed by parapharyngeal space involvement in 21.15%. Nearly 55% cases of submandibular space involvement were because of odontogenic causes. 69.23% culture specimens reported no growth. 61.53% patients were diagnosed with anaemia. Up to 80% required open surgical drainage. All received broad spectrum antibiotics as a starting regime. No severe complications were recorded. Understanding the current epidemiological and etiological trends can help in early and definitive diagnosis of DNIs. Empirical starting treatment regime including broad spectrum antibiotics (till sensitivity pattern is availed) and maintaining low threshold for required surgical intervention are required to manage DNIs satisfactorily. Selected cases should be given conservative trials with close monitoring.

Delayed Presentation of Onodi Cell Mucocele with Optic Neuropathy: A Rare Case and Literature Review.

A mucocele of a paranasal sinus is a mucus filled cystic mass lined by epithelium filling the involved sinus whose ostium is obstructed. While frontoethmoidal mucoceles are common, Onodi cell mucoceles are less frequently seen. Due to its anatomic proximity to optic nerve, it can lead to devastating visual complications. A 29 year old female presented with progressive loss of vision in right eye since 20 days leading to complete loss of vision since 12 days without any nasal complaints. Endoscopy showed fullness in right spheno-ethmoidal region. Computed Tomography scan revealed a mucocoele of the right Onodi air cell causing compression of intracanalicular part of right optic nerve. Despite urgent surgical decompression of mucocele, vision could not be restored. Poor visual acuity at presentation may be associated with bad prognosis. Hence, a high index of suspicion followed by appropriate imaging (CT scan and/or MRI nose and paranasal sinus) is crucial for early diagnosis in case of unexplained progressive diminution of vision, even in setting of no nasal complaints.

Odontogenic Fibromyxoma of Maxilla: a Rare Case with Intriguing Pathology.

Fibromyxoma is a rare benign odontogenic tumor of mesenchymal origin which has a potential for a highly aggressive turnout. We present the case of a 30 year old lady who came with a slow-growing swelling in the oral cavity, which turned out to be a fibromyxoma in an unusual location-maxilla. The lesion was excised completely without any bony or soft tissue remnant and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The rest of the course was uneventful and the patient is in follow up without any recurrence.

Patient Reported Outcomes of Scalp and Forehead Reconstruction for Defects Following Oncological Resections (North-East Indian Tertiary Cancer Centre Study).

Background Approximately 1-2% of all scalp tumours are malignant, but they comprise up to 13% of all malignant cutaneous neoplasms. The current study presents our experience of reconstruction of scalp and forehead for malignant tumours treated at our centre. Methods This is a single institutional observational study conducted at a tertiary cancer centre in North East India. Post-operative outcomes related to quality of life of patients were measured with help of FACE-Q scales. Face-Q -Satisfaction with outcome and FACE-Q- appearance related psychosocial distress scores were analysed. Histograms were used for descriptive statistics. Data were checked for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnova and Shapiro-Wilk test. For non-normal data Wilcoxon test was used. A p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 5% level of significance. Results Mean age of patients was 57.6 ± 14.2 years. The mean defect size was 89.036 ± 81.77 cm2. The mean satisfaction with outcome scores and distress scores at 3-months was 54.9 ± 8.6 and 34.8 ± 8.5 respectively with a statistically significant p value of 0.001.Mean satisfaction scores and psychological distress scores were better at the end of three months when compared to at the time of discharge with a statistical significant p value of < 0.0001. Conclusion Scalp and forehead reconstructions for defects following oncological resections are technically challenging and if chosen carefully with meticulous planning, both local and free tissue transfers give satisfactory outcome in long term follow up. There are lots of reconstruction options for scalp and forehead defects and knowledge of the basic bio-geometry of the each flap is must.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endonasal rhinologic procedures generating aerosol during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematized review / Procedimentos endonasais de rinologia diagnósticos e terapêuticos geradores de aerossóis durante a pandemia de Covid-19: uma revisão sistematizada,

Abstract Introduction Most rhinologic procedures, particularly endoscopic sinonasal procedures, are liable to produce aerosols. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2) transmits via respiratory droplets, but the degree of its spread through airborne routes by aerosol is unclear. Objective The aim of this article is to counsel rhinologists on how to modify their conventional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic by prioritising the need of procedures, identifying aerosol- generating procedures and using precise personal protection equipment for various endonasal procedures. Methods We did a review of articles indexed for MEDLINE on PubMed, ENT Cochrane, DOAJ and Web of Science databases using the keywords nasal endoscopy, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, aerosol generating medical procedures and rhinology to formulate guidelines for the safety of healthcare workers. Results The review included evidence from 28 articles from the otorhinolaryngology, surgery, infectious disease, head and neck surgery and cancer biology literature. We have provided recommendations and relevant information for rhinologists during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the available studies and data, to warrant high-quality patient care and requisite levels of infection prevention during rhinology procedures. Conclusion In rhinology, marked care is advised during nasal packing, electrocauterisation and use of high-speed rotating devices in potentially infected tissue as they are considerable aerosol- producing procedures. The choice of personal protective equipment is based on the risk of exposure and possible modes of aerosol generation.

Resumo Introdução A maioria dos procedimentos rinológicos, principalmente os procedimentos endoscópicos nasossinusais, é suscetível à produção de aerossóis. A síndrome respiratória aguda grave coronavírus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) é transmitida através de gotículas respiratórias, mas o grau de sua disseminação através de aerossóis por via aérea não é claro. Objetivos Orientar os rinologistas sobre como modificar sua prática convencional durante a pandemia de Covid-19, priorizar a necessidade de procedimentos, identificar procedimentos geradores de aerossol e usar equipamento de proteção individual de precisão para vários procedimentos endonasais. Método Fizemos uma revisão de artigos indexados na Medline por meio das bases de dados PubMed, ENT Cochrane, DOAJ e Web of Science, com as palavras-chave nasal endoscopy, SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19, aerosol-generating medical procedures e rhinology para formular diretrizes para a segurança dos profissionais de saúde. Resultados A revisão incluiu evidências de 28 artigos de otorrinolaringologia, cirurgia, doenças infecciosas, cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço e biologia do câncer. Fornecemos recomendações e informações relevantes para rinologistas durante a pandemia de Covid-19, com base nos estudos e dados disponíveis, para garantir atendimento de alta qualidade ao paciente e níveis necessários de prevenção da infecção durante procedimentos de rinologia. Conclusões Em rinologia, recomenda-se cuidado acentuado durante o tamponamento nasal, eletrocauterização e uso de dispositivos rotativos de alta velocidade em tecidos potencialmente infectados, pois esses procedimentos são consideráveis produtores de aerossóis. A escolha do equipamento de proteção individual é baseada no risco de exposição e nos possíveis modos de geração de aerossol.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endonasal rhinologic procedures generating aerosol during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematized review.

INTRODUCTION: Most rhinologic procedures, particularly endoscopic sinonasal procedures, are liable to produce aerosols. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2) transmits via respiratory droplets, but the degree of its spread through airborne routes by aerosol is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to counsel rhinologists on how to modify their conventional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic by prioritising the need of procedures, identifying aerosol- generating procedures and using precise personal protection equipment for various endonasal procedures. METHODS: We did a review of articles indexed for MEDLINE on PubMed, ENT Cochrane, DOAJ and Web of Science databases using the keywords nasal endoscopy, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, aerosol generating medical procedures and rhinology to formulate guidelines for the safety of healthcare workers. RESULTS: The review included evidence from 28 articles from the otorhinolaryngology, surgery, infectious disease, head and neck surgery and cancer biology literature. We have provided recommendations and relevant information for rhinologists during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the available studies and data, to warrant high-quality patient care and requisite levels of infection prevention during rhinology procedures. CONCLUSION: In rhinology, marked care is advised during nasal packing, electrocauterisation and use of high-speed rotating devices in potentially infected tissue as they are considerable aerosol- producing procedures. The choice of personal protective equipment is based on the risk of exposure and possible modes of aerosol generation.

Tinnitus and Cognition: Linked?

Tinnitus is conscious auditory perception without corresponding external stimuli resulting from neuronal activity along auditory pathway either in peripheral or central auditory system. The exact origin, pathophysiologic pathway and its treatment is still under exploration. The main risk factor is hearing loss, but can occur in patients with normal hearing. Auditory brainstem response test helps to objectify this subjective complaint and aid in locating its origin. P300 is late latency auditory evoked potential, objective marker of cognitive potential. The purpose of our study was to ascertain any significant difference in P300 latency and amplitude values in cases of sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus when compared to controls (normal hearing subjects) and also to find any correlation between severity of tinnitus and cognition. This was a case control study conducted at the department of ENT at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi between September 2016 to March 2018. The study comprised of one hundred and six patients, out of which fifty five patients were having sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus and fifty one patients were normal hearing subjects. General medical and audiological history and examination was done. Significant increase in P300 latency and decrease in P300 amplitude was found in sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus cases on comparing with controls. The similar pattern of P300 values was observed on increasing severity of tinnitus and degree of hearing loss. Hence, results revealed the role of cognition and involvement of central auditory pathway in tinnitus generation.

Auditory Brainstem Response in Patients of Tinnitus with Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Tinnitus is defined as phantom auditory perception without corresponding acoustic or mechanical correlates in cochlea. Existing evidence on its physiological basis is wide ranging, but its origin is still under exploration. To objectify this subjective phenomenon, Auditory Brainstem response test is used. The primary purpose of our study was to ascertain any significant difference in auditory electrophysiological response parameters in sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus group when compared to controls (normal hearing subjects). Secondary aim was to find correlation of these parameters with degree of hearing loss and severity of tinnitus. This was a case control study conducted in the department of Otorhinolaryngology in tertiary care hospital, New Delhi over a period of one and half years. The study comprised of one hundred and sixty patients out of which, fifty-five patients were sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus and fifty-one patients were normal hearing subjects. General medical and audiological assessment was done. Significant increase in latency of wave I, III, V and increase in inter peak latency of I-III, III-V, I-V was observed in tinnitus with sensorineural hearing loss group when compared to controls. It was reported that on increasing degree of hearing loss, there was increase in latency of wave I, III, V and increase in inter peak latency of wave I-III, I-V in the former group.