Mobile multi-configuration clinical translational Raman system for oral cancer application.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer is critical to improve the survival rate of patients. Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive spectroscopic technique, has shown potential in identifying early-stage oral cancer biomarkers in the oral cavity environment. However, inherently weak signals necessitate highly sensitive detectors, which restricts widespread usage due to high setup costs. In this research, the fabrication and assembly of a customised Raman system that can adapt three different configurations for the in vivo and ex vivo analysis is reported. This novel design will help in reducing the cost required to have multiple Raman instruments specific for a given application. First, we demonstrated the capability of a customized microscope for acquiring Raman signals from a single cell with high signal-to-noise ratio. Generally, when working with liquid samples with low concentration of analytes (such as saliva) under a microscope, excitation light interacts with a small sample volume, which may not be representative of whole sample. To address this issue, we have designed a novel long-path transmission set-up, which was found to be sensitive towards low concentration of analytes in aqueous solution. We further demonstrated that the same Raman system can be incorporated with the multimodal fibre optical probe to collect in vivo data from oral tissues. In summary, this flexible, portable, multi-configuration Raman system has the potential to provide a cost-effective solution for complete screening of precancer oral lesions.

Non-conventional laryngeal malignancies: a multicentre review of management and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Non-conventional laryngeal malignancies (NSCC) often have limited published data to guide management despite individual histopathological subtypes often exhibiting heterogeneous behaviour, characteristics, and treatment responses compared to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aimed to compare oncological outcomes with SCC, specifically disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to compare treatment differences and perform a state of the art review. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study at four tertiary head and neck centres. Survival outcomes between NSCC and SCC patients were analysed with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log rank testing. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to predict survival by histopathological subgroup, T-stage, N-stage and M-stage. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in 3-year DFS (p = 0.499), DSS (p = 0.329), OS (p = 0.360) or Kaplan Meier survival curves (DSS/OS) between SCC and overall NSCC groups. However, univariate Cox regression analysis identified "rare" histopathologies (mostly small cell carcinoma) to be predictive of less favourable OS (p = 0.035) but this result was not observed for other NSCC histopathological subgroups. N-stage (p = 0.027) and M-stage (p = 0.048) also predicted OS for NSCC malignancies. Significant differences in treatment modalities were identified with treatment of NSCC typically involving surgical resection and SCC often managed non-surgically (e.g., primary radiotherapy). CONCLUSIONS: Although overall NSCC is managed differently compared to SCC, there do not appear to be differences in survival outcomes between these groups. N-stage and M-stage appear to be more predictive of OS than histopathology than many NSCC subtypes.

Predictive value of postoperative day 1 parathyroid hormone levels for early and late hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: Early parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after total thyroidectomy can predict patients at low risk of hypocalcaemia who can be discharged early without calcium supplementation. For centres without facility to perform early PTH levels, PTH levels sent on the first postoperative day (POD1) may be an alternative. However, there is less data regarding optimal cut-off PTH levels for POD1 discharge. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospective database of thyroid operations between September 2009 and February 2020 at tertiary referral centre. Main outcome measure was symptomatic hypocalcaemia. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy patients undergoing total (521) or completion thyroidectomy with POD1 PTH levels available were included. Among patients with POD1 PTH levels ≥ 20 pg/ml and POD1 calcium ≥ 2.0 mmol/l, the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia was 1% (3/300), and need for intravenous calcium 0.3% (1/300). For POD1 PTH levels 15-19 pg/ml and POD1 calcium ≥ 2.0 mmol/l, the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia and need for intravenous calcium was 5.4% (3/55). For PTH levels 10-14 pg/ml and calcium ≥ 2.0 mmol/l, the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia and need for intravenous calcium was 11.7% (7/60). The risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism was < 1% for POD1 PTH levels ≥ 15 pg/ml; 5.4% for levels 10-14 pg/ml; and 19.8% for levels < 10 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: POD1 PTH levels ≥ 15 pg/ml along with calcium ≥ 2.0 mmol/l are associated with low risk of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and represent a safe criterion for discharge of most patients without calcium supplementation. For certain patient groups, a higher threshold of 20 pg/ml could be considered.

Association between number of parathyroid glands identified during total thyroidectomy and functional parathyroid preservation.

PURPOSE: Systematic identification of all 4 parathyroid glands has been recommended during total thyroidectomy (TT); however, it is unclear whether this strategy necessarily translates into optimized functional parathyroid preservation. We wished to investigate the association between number of parathyroids identified intraoperatively during TT, and incidence of incidental parathyroidectomy, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of 511 consecutive patients undergoing TT at an academic teaching hospital. The association between number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively and incidence of biochemical hypocalcaemia (defined as any calcium < 2 mmol/L n first 48 h after surgery), symptomatic hypocalcaemia; permanent hypoparathyroidism (defined as any hypocalcaemia or need for calcium or vitamin D > 6 months after surgery), and incidental parathyroidectomy, was investigated. The association between number of parathyroid glands visualized and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels was investigated in a subset of 454 patients. RESULTS: Patients in whom a greater number of parathyroids had been identified had a significantly higher incidence of biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and significantly lower postoperative PTH levels, than patients with fewer glands identified. There were no significant differences in incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism or incidental parathyroidectomy. On multivariate analysis, malignancy, Graves disease, and identification of 3-4 parathyroids were independent predictors of biochemical hypocalcaemia. For symptomatic hypocalcaemia, identification of 2-4 parathyroids, and identification of 3-4 parathyroids, were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic identification of as many parathyroid glands as possible during TT is not necessary for functional parathyroid preservation.

Cytokeratin 7 and 19 expression in oropharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The precise etiopathogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and reasons for predilection for crypt epithelium, remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction between HPV and specific cytokeratins 7 (CK7) and 19 (CK19) in crypt epithelium. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting between 1999 and 2015 at a tertiary referral center. CK7 and CK19 positivity and H Scores were determined by immunohistochemistry. Disease-specific and overall survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 253 patients presenting with OPSCC (134), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of unknown primary site (22), and oral tongue SCC (97). Primary tumor CK7 and CK19 positivity and H Scores were significantly higher in HPV-positive OPSCC than HPV-negative OPSCC and oral tongue SCC. Higher CK19 Scores, but not CK7 Scores, were also seen in regional metastases from HPV-positive OPSCC than other sites. No impact on disease-specific or overall survival was identified on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of CK7 and CK19 in HPV-positive OPSCC compared to HPV-negative disease supports the theory for a role for these cytokeratins in the etiopathogenesis of HPV-related OPSCC.

Tissue sealant versus surgical drain following parotidectomy.

PURPOSE: Sialocele and salivary fistula are recognised complications of parotid surgery and have been reported to be more common with less extensive parotidectomy. We investigated the efficacy of tissue sealant(Cunniffe et al., 2019) 1 as an alternative to surgical drainage in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS), cost, and incidence of wound complications. METHODS: The study comprised a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained parotidectomy database at a single tertiary Head and Neck referral centre between 2009 and 2020. Cases undergoing concomitant neck dissection or major skin resection were excluded. Patients were divided into Group 1 (without tissue sealant), and Group 2 (with tissue sealant). Patients were also divided based on extent of surgery 1) Extracapsular dissection/Partial superficial parotidectomy 2) Superficial/total parotidectomy. RESULTS: Of 202 included patients, there were 146 in Group 1 (143 with drain), and 56 in Group 2 (7 with drain). Compared to Group 1, Group 2 had a significantly shorter LOS (mean 1.4 ± 0.98 versus 3.1 ± 1.29 days, p < 0.05) and estimated cost (€1386 versus €2736). There was no significant difference in the complication rates (15.8% Group 1 versus 10.7% Group 2, p = 0.50). Group 1 showed a higher incidence of complications in patients undergoing less extensive parotidectomy (19/70 versus 4/76, p = 0.02), whereas in Group 2, the difference was not significant (5/30 versus 1/26, p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: The use of tissue sealant as an alternative to surgical drains after parotidectomy facilitates reduced LOS and cost savings without increase in morbidity.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: outcomes of trimodal therapy.

BACKROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of trimodal therapy [surgery, chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)] in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) treated with curative intent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with ATC treated at a tertiary referral centre between January 2009 and June 2020. Data were collected regarding demographics, histology, staging, treatment and outcomes. RESULTS: Seven patients (4 female) were identified. Median age was 58 years (range 52-83 years). All patients received EBRT with concurrent doxorubicin. Six patients received surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and one underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery. Median radiological tumour size was 50mm (range 40-90 mm). Six patients had gross extrathyroidal extension and three had N1b disease. Prescribed radiotherapy schedules were 46.4 Gy in 29 bidaily fractions (n = 2, treated 2010), 60 Gy in 30 daily fractions (n = 2), 66 Gy in 30 fractions (n = 2) and 70 Gy in 35 fractions (n = 1; patient received neoadjuvant CRT). CRT was discontinued early for two patients due to toxicities. At median follow up of 5.8 months, 42.9% (3/7) patients were alive and disease-free. Only one patient developed a local failure. Three patients died from distant metastases without locoregional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite poor prognosis of ATC, selected patients with operable tumours may achieve high locoregional control rates with trimodal therapy, with possibility of long-term survival in select cases.

Incidence of intraglandular lymph nodes within submandibular gland, and involvement by floor of mouth cancer.

Resection of the submandibular gland is generally undertaken as an integral component of level I neck dissection for oral cancer. However, it is unclear whether lymph nodes are present within the submandibular gland which may form the basis of lymphatic spread. Our purpose was to investigate the frequency of lymph nodes within the submandibular gland, and the incidence and mechanism of submandibular gland involvement in floor of mouth cancer. Retrospective review of 177 patients with oral cancer undergoing neck dissection. Original pathology slides of floor of mouth cases were re-reviewed by two pathologists to determine frequency of intraglandular lymph nodes, and incidence and mechanism of submandibular gland involvement by cancer. The overall incidence of cervical metastases was 36.4 %, of whom 44 % had level I metastases. Level I metastases were significantly more common in floor of mouth than tongue cancers (p = 0.004). Among 50 patients with floor of mouth cancer undergoing re-review of pathology slides, intraglandular lymph nodes were not found in any of 69 submandibular glands. Submandibular gland involvement by cancer was present in two patients, representing 1 % of all oral cancers, and 4 % FOM cases. Mechanisms of involvement were direct extension, and by an apparent novel mechanism of carcinoma growing along bilateral Wharton's ducts. Despite the high incidence of level I metastasis in floor of mouth, lymphatic metastases to submandibular gland are unlikely based on absence of intraglandular lymph nodes. We describe a previously unreported mechanism of submandibular gland involvement.

Sonographic differences between conventional and follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) may pose a diagnostic challenge due to higher likelihood of lower risk cytology compared to conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC). Recent guidelines have recommended the use of sonographic features to guide decisions to biopsy thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sonographic features of CPTC and FVPTC. This is a retrospective study design done in an Academic teaching hospital setting. Preoperative ultrasounds of 79 patients with conventional CPTC (48) and FVPTC (31) were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to histological diagnosis. Sonographic features of nodules were classified according to the British Thyroid Association (BTA) U-classification system as normal (U1), benign (U2), indeterminate (U3), suspicious (U4), and malignant (U5). Pathology slides of patients with FVPTC were reviewed by two pathologists and subclassified into encapsulated, well circumscribed/partly encapsulated, and infiltrative subtypes. FVPTC had a significantly lower incidence of any calcifications (p = 0.0005), microcalcifications (p = 0.002), and irregular or lobulated margins (p = 0.03) than CPTC. Differences in hypoechogenicity (p = 0.06), taller > wide shape (p = 0.17) and presence of halo (p = 0.07) were not significant. FVPTC was significantly less likely to be classified sonographically as malignant (U5) (p = 0.006) or suspicious/malignant (U4/5) (p = 0.009) than conventional PTC. Among FVPTC cases, infiltrative FVPTC were more likely to be sonographically classified as suspicious/malignant (U4/5) than non-infiltrative FVPTC. FVPTC nodules are less likely to show sonographic features of malignancy than conventional PTC. Reliance solely on sonographic features for thyroid nodule evaluation may not be sufficient to exclude FVPTC.

Variation in treatment and outcome in the early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

This study aims to determine the survival impact of patient characteristics and treatment options associated with the early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, OCSCC. The methods are analysis of Irish cancer database examining T1/2, N0, and M0 cases of OCSCC from 1997 to 2007 inclusive. In total, 397 cases were identified. Anterolateral tongue accounted for 52.9 % of cases. Increased age at diagnosis and smoking are independent prognostic survival indicators associated with poorer outcomes. Surgery as the initial intervention was associated with significantly better survival outcomes, while surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy significantly worse outcomes. Surgical intervention is recommended as the first-line treatment in the early stage OCSCC in combination with elective neck dissection.

Pattern of invasion and lymphovascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth: an interobserver variability study.

AIMS: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and the histological pattern of invasion (POI) at the invasive tumour front have been reported as adverse prognosticators in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, assessment of these parameters is hampered by variation in the criteria used for their evaluation. Our objective was to evaluate interobserver variability in the assessment of the POI and LVI in SCC of the floor of the mouth (FOM), and to study the impact of the POI on clinical outcomes by using varying quantitative cut-offs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases of FOM SCC were independently evaluated for the POI and LVI by three pathologists. Interobserver variability was analysed by the use of Fleiss kappa statistics. Interobserver agreement was substantial for the assessment of LVI [κ = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.68]. Interobserver agreement was moderate for evaluation of the POI with a 50% cut-off (κ = 0.58, 95% CI 0.54-0.62), a 20% cut-off (κ = 0.58, 95% CI 0.54-0.62) cut-off, and worst POI (κ =0 .43, 95% CI 0.39-0.46). A consensus diagnosis of the POI was a significant predictor of locoregional recurrence (LRR), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis when a 50% cut-off was used (LRR, P = 0.01; DSS, P = 0.01; OS, P = 0.01) and when a 20% cut-off was used (LRR, P = 0.02; DSS, P = 0.02; OS, P = 0.03), but was not significant when worst POI was used (LRR, P = 0.18; DSS, P = 0.16; OS, P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of LVI was substantial. The POI at the 50% and 20% cut-offs is moderately reproducible, and has prognostic value in FOM SCC. Further studies are necessary to establish the optimum quantitative cut-off for the POI.

Outcomes of Immediate Total Thyroidectomy in First-Side Loss of Neuromonitoring Signal.

Importance: Use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy can nearly eliminate the risk of postoperative bilateral vocal cord palsy (VCP) by indicating staged surgery in cases of loss of signal (LOS) on the first side of planned total thyroidectomy. However, aborting planned total thyroidectomy may lead to persistence of symptoms, delay in adjuvant treatment, and patient inconvenience and distress. There are few data to guide a selective approach to total thyroidectomy in patients with first-side LOS. Objective: To investigate outcomes of immediate bilateral surgery in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with first-side LOS. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was a retrospective review of outcomes for patients undergoing thyroidectomy between January 2016 and July 2023 at an academic tertiary referral center for thyroid surgery. Consecutive patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy using IONM were included. Exclusion criteria were preoperative VCP, deliberate sacrifice of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), inadvertent RLN resection, and surgery performed without IONM. Exposures: Total thyroidectomy performed using IONM. Main Outcome Measures: Vocal mobility on first postoperative day as assessed by flexible laryngoscopy; secondary outcome measures included subjective voice assessment, other postoperative complications, and long-term vocal mobility. Results: Among 400 patients undergoing planned total thyroidectomy (mean age, 50.5 years [range, 4-88 years]; 318 female [79.5%]), 51 (12.8%) had first-side LOS, of whom 37 (9.3%) had persistent LOS. Twenty-nine patients (56% of procedures with first-side LOS, including 18 with persistent LOS) proceeded to immediate total thyroidectomy. Postoperatively, 16 patients (55% of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy following first-side LOS, including 14 of 18 with persistent LOS) had impaired vocal mobility. One patient had bilateral VCP that did not require tracheostomy, and 2 had postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Of those whose surgery was aborted after first-side LOS, 8 of 22 (36%) underwent completion thyroidectomy at a later stage. In those undergoing completion thyroidectomy, 2 of 8 (25%) had temporary VCP after the second surgery, 2 (25%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism, and 1 (12.5%) developed inoperable cancer. Postoperative VCP was fully reversible in all but 1 patient. Conclusion and Relevance: Among patients planned for total thyroidectomy who develop first-side LOS, immediate total thyroidectomy may be considered among those who have pressing reasons for same, and where surgical difficulties might be anticipated in a secondary surgery.

Pattern of regional recurrence after selective neck dissection for clinically positive neck in mucosal squamous carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Selective neck dissection (SND) has traditionally been applied to clinically negative (cN0) necks in mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We aimed to examine the oncological safety and patterns of regional recurrence (RR) of SND in clinically positive (cN+) necks. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospective cohort of 206 patients with mucosal SCC undergoing neck dissection. RR was classified as occurring within previously dissected levels, within ipsilateral undissected levels, within unusual locations of ipsilateral neck, or contralateral neck. RESULTS: Seven of seventy-seven (9.1%) cN+ patients undergoing SND developed isolated RR, versus 16.2% after MRND, and 8.7% after SND for cN0 disease. RR was rarely seen within undissected levels of the ipsilateral neck. RR and survival rates were not associated with ND extent (SND vs. MRND) among either cN+ or pN+ patients. CONCLUSION: SND can be safely performed in most patients with cN+ SCC, who do not have gross sternocleidomastoid infiltration or level V metastases.

Eosinophil recruitment to nasal nerves after allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis.

In allergen challenged animal models, eosinophils localize to airway nerves leading to vagally-mediated hyperreactivity. We hypothesized that in allergic rhinitis eosinophils recruited to nasal nerves resulted in neural hyperreactivity. Patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (n=12), seasonal allergic rhinitis (n=7) and controls (n=10) were studied. Inferior nasal turbinate biopsies were obtained before, 8 and 48h after allergen challenge. Eight hours after allergen challenge eosinophils localized to nerves in both rhinitis groups; this was sustained through 48h. Bradykinin challenge, with secretion collection on the contralateral side, was performed to demonstrate nasal nerve reflexes. Twenty fourhours after allergen challenge, bradykinin induced a significant increase in secretions, indicating nasal hyperreactivity. Histological studies showed that nasal nerves expressed both vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 26 (CCL-26). Hence, after allergen challenge eosinophils are recruited and retained at nerves and so may be a mechanism for neural hyperreactivity.

Significance of Worst Pattern of Invasion-5 in Early-Stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing need to identify pathologic prognosticators in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to aid selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic ability of worst pattern of invasion-5 (WPOI-5) defined by the presence of satellite nodules, extratumoural perineural invasion (PNI) and/or extratumoural lymphovascular space invasion (LVI) in low-stage, node negative OCSCC. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 160 patients with T1/T2N0 tumours staged using TNM7 treated surgically. Histology of the primary tumour was re-reviewed as appropriate to assess for the presence of WPOI-5 parameters. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing impact of pathological features on survival outcomes was performed. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, WPOI-5 and its 3 constituent components of satellite nodules, extratumoural PNI and extratumoural LVI were all significantly associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). On multivariate analysis, satellite nodules (odds ratio 6.61, 95% CI 2.83-15.44, p < 0.0001) and extratumoural LVI (odds ratio 9.97, 95% CI 2.19-45.35, p = 0.003) were independently associated with OS. Postoperative radiotherapy (odds ratio 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.87, p = 0.02) and non-tongue subsite (odds ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.70-5.39, p = 0.0002) were also significantly associated with OS on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Satellite nodules and extratumoural LVI correlated significantly with survival outcomes in our early-stage OSCC cohort. Further study is required to investigate the benefit of adjuvant treatment in these cases and to ascertain if WPOI-5 parameters including satellite nodules should be mandatory reporting data elements.

Comparison of royal college of pathologists and college of american pathologists definition for positive margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pathological margin assessment is an essential component of surgical management of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), however, in many studies, variable definitions of involved margins have been used. The purpose of the present study was to compare the prognostic ability of involved margins according to Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidance. METHODS: Retrospective study of 300 patients with previously untreated OCSCC undergoing definitive surgical management. Main specimen margin status was defined according to RCPath guidance and CAP guidance. "Final margin status", incorporated the results of frozen sections and extra tumour bed resections. The prognostic impact of each margin definition was studied using univariate analysis, and in multivariate models including T-stage (AJCC 8th edition), nodal status (pN+), extranodal extension (ENE), and use of adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Both RCPath and CAP positive margins were associated with local recurrence (LR), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis, while final margin status was associated with LR and DSS, but not OS. On multivariate analysis, only CAP positive main specimen margin status was independently associated with LR (odds ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.37, 4.34), DSS (odds ratio 2.28, 95% CI 1.31, 3.82), and OS (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.04, 2.42). CONCLUSIONS: Involved main specimen margin as defined by CAP guidance has the advantage of being an independent prognosticator of LR and survival in our cohort.

Label-Free Optical Spectroscopy for Early Detection of Oral Cancer.

Oral cancer is the 16th most common cancer worldwide. It commonly arises from painless white or red plaques within the oral cavity. Clinical outcome is highly related to the stage when diagnosed. However, early diagnosis is complex owing to the impracticality of biopsying every potentially premalignant intraoral lesion. Therefore, there is a need to develop a non-invasive cost-effective diagnostic technique to differentiate non-malignant and early-stage malignant lesions. Optical spectroscopy may provide an appropriate solution to facilitate early detection of these lesions. It has many advantages over traditional approaches including cost, speed, objectivity, sensitivity, painlessness, and ease-of use in clinical setting for real-time diagnosis. This review consists of a comprehensive overview of optical spectroscopy for oral cancer diagnosis, epidemiology, and recent improvements in this field for diagnostic purposes. It summarizes major developments in label-free optical spectroscopy, including Raman, fluorescence, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy during recent years. Among the wide range of optical techniques available, we chose these three for this review because they have the ability to provide biochemical information and show great potential for real-time deep-tissue point-based in vivo analysis. This review also highlights the importance of saliva-based potential biomarkers for non-invasive early-stage diagnosis. It concludes with the discussion on the scope of development and future demands from a clinical point of view.

Use of intraoperative neural monitoring for prognostication of recovery of vocal mobility and reduction of permanent vocal paralysis after thyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) on post-thyroidectomy vocal cord palsy (VCP) rates are contentious. We wished to study impact of IONM on permanent VCP after thyroidectomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospective series of 1011 (1539 nerves-at-risk) patients undergoing thyroidectomy without (418, group 1) and with (583, group 2) IONM. RESULTS: There were three recognized nerve injuries in group 1, vs one in group 2 (P = .3). There were no differences in overall VCP rates. However, patients in group 2 with immediate postoperative VCP had higher likelihood of full recovery than patients in group 1 (55 of 56 vs 23 of 29 patients, P = .01), and lower incidence of total permanent VCP (2 of 917 vs 9 of 647 patients, P = .01). CONCLUSION: Among patients with immediate postoperative VCP after thyroidectomy, IONM is associated with a higher likelihood of regaining normal vocal function. This may be related to better identification of RLN branching in IONM cases.

Vocal cord paralysis as a presenting sign of autosomal recessive spinocerebellar atrophy type 10.

Acquired vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is caused by dysfunction or injury of one or both recurrent laryngeal nerves. Here we report a 41-year-old man with spinocerebellar atrophy, autosomal recessive type 10 (SCAR10) due to an autosomal recessive mutation in the ANO10 gene, with VCP as the presenting symptom. He later developed ataxia and speech disturbance.

Pre-operative testing for SARS-CoV-2 and outcomes in otolaryngology surgery during the pandemic: A multi-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative testing for COVID-19 has become widely established to avoid inadvertent surgery on patients with COVID-19 and prevent hospital outbreaks. METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study was carried out in two university hospitals examining the pre-operative protocols for patients undergoing otolaryngology surgery and the incidence of COVID-19 within 30 days of surgery in patients and the otolaryngologists performing surgery. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-three patients were recruited. One hundred and twenty-three (71%) patients "cocooned" for 14 days prior to surgery. All completed a questionnaire prior to admission. One hundred and fifty-six patients (90%) had reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) nasopharyngeal swabs, 14 patients (8%) had CT thorax. No cases of COVID-19 were detected among patients followed up at 30 days. Two surgeons developed COVID-19 early during the study period. CONCLUSION: Current pre-operative testing protocols consisting primarily of questionnaires and RT-PCR resulted in zero cases of COVID in this cohort. It is possible that COVID-19 restrictions and high proportion of patients cocooning preoperatively were factors in ensuring a low rate of COVID-19 post-operatively.