Seasonality of head and neck cancers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate if the season of diagnosis is associated with patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics within head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1406 patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) were identified from a HNC database (1996-2019). Patients were classified as receiving a diagnosis in the winter, spring, summer, or fall by calendar definition. Proportions and chi-squared analysis compared patient, tumor, and treatment factors for all diagnoses. Data was subdivided and analyzed based on the primary site. RESULTS: From this cohort, 23 %, 27 %, 25 %, and 25 % of HNC patients were diagnosed in winter, spring, summer, and fall respectively with no statistically significant difference between seasons of diagnosis. When subdivided by primary site, oral cavity cancer was significantly more likely to be diagnosed in spring, salivary gland cancer was more likely to be diagnosed in winter and summer (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01 respectively). No other demographic, clinicopathologic, or management characteristics were associated with the season of diagnosis (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of head and neck cancer does not follow a seasonal pattern. Diagnosis of oral cavity and salivary gland cancer showed a seasonal pattern. The majority of patient, tumor and management characteristics were not associated with the.

Acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis after radiation treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is a rare and morbid complication following radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This review provides an update on management and prognosis. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed review using the terms "nasopharyngeal stenosis," "choanal stenosis," and "acquired choanal stenosis" was performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies identified 59 patients who developed NPS after radiotherapy for NPC. 51 patients underwent endoscopic nasopharyngeal stenosis excision by cold technique (80-100% success). The remaining 8 underwent carbon dioxide (CO2) laser excision with balloon dilation (40-60% success). Adjuvant therapies included postoperative topical nasal steroids in 35 patients. The need for revision was 62% in the balloon dilation group, vs 17% in the excision group (p-value <0.01). CONCLUSION: When NPS occurs after radiation, primary excision of scarring is the most effective method of management with less need for revision surgery relative to balloon dilation.

Online Reputations: Comparing Hospital- and Patient-Generated Ratings in Academic Otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares hospital-generated online ratings to patient-generated online ratings in academic otolaryngology and evaluates physician factors influencing these results. METHODS: Websites of academic otolaryngologists were assessed for inclusion of hospital-generated Press Ganey surveys. Corresponding scores on Healthgrades and Vitals.com were identified via internet search. Hospital ratings were compared with patient-generated ratings, including score, demographics, and number of ratings. All data was collected between July 15th 2019 and August 22nd 2019. RESULTS: 742 academic otolaryngologists with hospital-generated ratings were identified. Mean hospital-generated rating was significantly higher ((4.70, 95% CI 4.69-4.72) than patient-generated rating (Vitals:4.26, 95% CI 4.18-4.34, and Healthgrades:4.02, 95% CI 3.87-4.18; P < .001). In patient-generated rating, an increased number of rating scores (>20) was associated with male gender, professor ranking, and >30 years in practice (P < .005). Physician demographics did not impact number of ratings in hospital-generated setting. With patient-generated, lower aggregate score was associated with professor ranking (P = .001). In hospital-generated, lower score was associated with >30+ years in practice (P = .023). Across all platforms, comprehensive otolaryngologists and neurotologists/otologists were rated lower in comparison to other specialties (PGS:P < .001,Vitals:P = .027,Healthgrades:P = .016). CONCLUSION: Hospital-generated ratings yield higher mean scores than patient-generated platforms. Between sources, Healthgrades.com scores were lower than those of Vitals.com. Professors with >30 years of practice generated more reviews in patient-generated ratings, and these physicians were generally rated lower. Access to patient-generated ratings is universal and physicians should be aware of variability between online rating platforms as scores may affect referrals and practice patterns.

Gender Representation in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Recognition Awards.

OBJECTIVE: The proportion of women in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) has steadily increased in recent years. This study examines gender representation in recognition awards given by OHNS societies between 2009 and 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of recognition awards given by 10 OHNS societies between 2009 and 2019. SETTING: Retrospective review of web-based, public records. METHODS: Data from 19 awards were analyzed for recipient gender ratio, society, subspecialty, award type (research, achievement, or humanitarian), and change over time. RESULTS: Of 184 awards given by societies in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, 59 (28%) were given to women. Women received 49 (28%) research awards, 9 (31%) humanitarian awards, and 1 (2.8%) achievement award. Women represented 31% of award winners in rhinology/skull base, 30% of award winners in head and neck surgery, 8% in neurotology, and 6% in facial plastic surgery. The American Head and Neck Society Prevention and Early Detection award had the highest representation of women at 43%. Some awards had no female awardees over the past decade. No temporal trends were observed. CONCLUSION: From 2009 to 2019, women received recognition awards at a higher percentage than overall gender representation in OHNS. Comparison of research, humanitarian, and achievement awards revealed the disparity of women receiving fewer achievement awards relative to men. Gender representation of award recipients varied by subspecialty, which may be partially determined by gender distribution within the fields.

Submandibular gland flap for reconstruction after parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Description of a novel use of a submandibular gland (SMG) flap pedicled on the facial vessels to restore facial volume after parotidectomy, and comparison of clinical outcomes with alternative modes of reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: The surgical technique for a SMG flap is described. Retrospective chart review of cases of parotidectomy at a single tertiary medical center was conducted (n = 43). Cases were grouped in three cohorts of consecutive patients depending on reconstruction technique: SMG flap (n = 13), sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap (n = 15), and no flap (n = 15). Cohort characteristics and complication rates are reported. RESULTS: The SMG flap was more often used for a malignant pathology (92%) and in conjunction with a neck dissection (100%), compared to the SCM flap (47% and 15%) or no flap (0% and 0%), respectively. The mean House-Brackmann score in the immediate postoperative period in the SMG-flap group was slightly elevated compared to the other groups: 1.6 (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.5) versus 1.1 (SD ± 0.3) and 1.0 (SD ± 0.0). Otherwise, the complication rate was similar across groups. CONCLUSIONS: The SMG flap is a safe and effective option for volume restoration after parotidectomy. It provides durable volume that will not atrophy and is already exposed in the field of dissection for patients undergoing concurrent level I neck dissection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 130:E155-E162, 2020.

Presentation and Management of Killian Jamieson Diverticulum: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of Killian-Jamieson diverticula (KJD) through literature review. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted through December 2018 using keywords Killian-Jamieson diverticula/diverticulum. Data extracted included clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, surgical management, and postoperative care. SOURCES: PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases of KJD in 59 reports (29M:39F; median 58 years old) were identified for review. The most common presentation was dysphagia (n = 39), suspected thyroid nodule (n = 24) and globus (n = 14). The majority of KJD (n = 51) occur on the left, with rare reports of right side (n = 11) and bilateral (n = 5) presentation. Thirty-two cases describe surgical management: 22 utilizing a transcervical approach, with (n = 13) or without (n = 9) cricopharyngeal myotomy; and 10 reported endoscopic surgery. Diverticula managed transcervically averaged 3.8 cm in size in comparison to average 2.8 cm in the endoscopic group. Time to diet initiation after transcervical surgery averaged 4 days versus 2 days after endoscopic surgery. Complications were reported in 2/68 cases; both were diverticula recurrence after endoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Killian-Jamieson diverticula is a rare diagnosis that should be considered in the evaluation of dysphagia, globus, and also suspected thyroid nodule. When patient symptoms warrant intervention, a transcervical approach, with or without cricopharyngeal myotomy, is most commonly utilized. In recent years, an endoscopic approach has been presented as an alternative for smaller diverticula. Further understanding of the optimal treatment and postoperative management for KJD requires larger cohorts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Satisfaction in Academic Otolaryngology: Do Physician Demographics Impact Press Ganey Survey Scores?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Patient satisfaction is increasingly emphasized and measured in healthcare delivery. However, patient satisfaction is multifactorial and difficult to comprehensively assess. The objective of this study was to assess for correlation between patient satisfaction measured by Press Ganey surveys (PGS) and physician demographics of gender, years in practice, academic rank, and specialty in academic otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: Review of publicly available PGS scores in academic otolaryngology practice. METHODS: Public websites of academic otolaryngology departments were assessed for inclusion of PGS scores. Individual physician profiles were queried for years in practice, academic rank, and specialty. Gender was determined by picture or profile pronouns. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared PGS scores with studied variables. RESULTS: Forty-seven of 113 (42.8%) academic practices publicly reported physician PGS score. Of 1,360 affiliated otolaryngologists, 742 (54.6%,592 male:150 female) revealed PGS scores. Average PGS score for male and female providers was equivalent (PGS = 4.73, P = .84). There was no significant difference in PGS scores by academic rank (P = .28). A weak statistically significant decrease in mean PGS scores was associated with longer duration of practice (r = -0.11, P = .018). Head and neck oncologic surgeons had higher mean PGS score in comparison to other specialties (PGS = 4.81, P < .05). General/comprehensive otolaryngologists had lower average PGS score (PGS = 4.66) in comparison to specialists (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Physician gender and academic rank do not correlate with patient satisfaction in academic otolaryngology as measured by publicly reported PGS scores. Head and neck oncology is rated more highly than other specialties, and physicians in practice for longer demonstrate decreased PGS scores. With PGS scores tied to physician evaluation and reimbursement, investigation into the generalizability of PGS in otolaryngology is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130: 1902-1906, 2020.

Scapular Tip Free Flap in Composite Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) in the reconstruction of head and neck defects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A review of the electronic medical record was performed of all patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery with STFFs from January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2016. Details regarding the disease, defect reconstructed, and surgical outcomes were quantified. RESULTS: Thirty-one consecutive cases were performed at our institution within the period reviewed. The procedures included reconstruction of 5 maxillectomy and 26 mandibulectomy defects. The mean length of mandible reconstructed was 6.8 cm (95% CI, 6.01-7.59; range, 4.0-10.2). Osteotomies were made to contour the scapular bone in 11 cases, including double osteotomies performed in 2 cases. The most common surgical complications were orocutaneous fistula and postoperative hematoma, which occurred in 3 (10%) and 2 (6.5%) of 31 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This series describes a large number of STFFs performed in head and neck reconstruction. The average length of bony defect repair can be significantly larger than what was previously described. Performing osteotomies to the STFF allows for application to anterior mandibular defects. The STFF offers a large soft tissue component, a relatively long pedicle, and acceptable donor site morbidity. The STFF is a versatile reconstructive option that should be considered to address composite defects of the head and neck.

Breast cancer metastases to the head and neck: Case series and literature review.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Despite the relatively high prevalence of this disease, breast cancer manifestations in the head and neck are relatively rare. Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy and bony metastases to the mandible and maxilla are the most common manifestation of breast cancer in the head and neck. Head and neck metastases are the first presentation of distant disease in approximately one-third of cases. The prognosis of breast cancer with distant metastases to the head and neck is generally poor, and the management of these lesions is controversial. Overall extent of disease and individual patient prognosis must guide treatment decisions. Atypical cases including maxillary sinus mass, jugular foramen mass, and dermal metastases are presented. Metastatic breast cancer is a rare diagnosis in the head and neck, yet metastatic disease from an infraclavicular primary deserves inclusion on any comprehensive differential diagnosis list. In women, breast carcinoma is the most common infraclavicular primary to metastasize to the head and neck.

Metastatic breast carcinoma of the jugular foramen: a rare case of Villaret syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of skull base masses is diverse and includes benign and malignant neoplasms, vascular anomalies, congenital lesions, as well as infectious and inflammatory processes. Metastatic masses of the skull base are a rare manifestation of systemic malignancies. Breast cancer is the most common cause of skull base metastases. Villaret syndrome refers to cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII and sympathetic chain neuropathies. It is a clinical subtype of jugular foramen syndromes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 62-year-old woman with a history of breast carcinoma presented with hoarseness dating to shortly after her mastectomy years earlier. CT angiography showed enhancing tissue just outside the right jugular foramen, and biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Villaret syndrome caused by breast cancer metastases has not been previously described. We present a case of Villaret syndrome caused by metastasis of invasive breast adenocarcinoma and a review of the literature of metastases of breast cancer to the skull base.

Intrapericardial paraganglioma associated with succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C mutation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are benign neoplasms of neuroendocrine origin. It is estimated that from 20% to 50% of these tumors are familial. Mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene family have been found to be responsible for a significant percentage of familial paragangliomas. METHODS: A 33-year-old man who was found to have 3 synchronous primary tumors including a catecholamine-secreting intrapericardial paraganglioma is presented. RESULTS: Genetic workup diagnosed this patient with an underlying germ-line mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C (SDHC) gene; consistent with a diagnosis of hereditary paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma syndrome (PGL/PCC). Current knowledge regarding the clinical implications of an SDHC gene mutation is reviewed. CONCLUSION: Modern molecular techniques have identified that a significantly greater proportion of paragangliomas are due to underlying hereditary conditions than was previously thought. Appropriate screening in these individuals and their immediate family members may allow for early tumor diagnosis and improved disease outcomes.

Interdisciplinary management of congenital infiltrating lipomatosis.

Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis is a benign yet locally invasive lipomatous tumor. Current treatment involves surgical excision and reconstruction of craniofacial deformity. Invasion of vital structures often makes complete resection problematic and recurrence is common. We present the case of a 15-year-old female patient with extensive congenital infiltrating lipomatosis involving the left face. A broad treatment algorithm was devised involving surgical resection as well as targeted chemotherapy. At 18 month follow-up the patient demonstrated improved facial symmetry without evidence of disease progression. Combining surgical and medical intervention may allow for a synergistic approach to controlling this rare disease.

Short hospital stay following neck dissection.

OBJECTIVES: To review the clinical characteristics of patients who had a short hospital stay (<24 hours) following neck dissection, and to assess the incidence and type of complications in this patient group. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University-based academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent neck dissection at our institution from July 2004 through June 2008 and were discharged within 24 hours postoperatively (short stay) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, cancer site and type, and details of the procedures performed were quantified. In addition, medical records were reviewed for complications requiring readmission within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Review of a prospectively maintained surgical database identified 122 consecutive neck dissections performed at our institution from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2008. Of these 122 procedures, 71 involved a subsequent postoperative stay of less than 24 hours. These 71 procedures were performed in 69 patients; they had a mean age of 59 years and a sex distribution that was 33% female and 67% male. Neck dissection alone was performed in 22 of the 71 short-stay cases (31%). The most commonly performed concurrent procedures included limited oral cavity or oropharyngeal resections (21 patients) and parotidectomy (13 patients). Modified radical neck dissection was performed in 22 of the 71 cases (31%); the remaining procedures were selective neck dissections. Cranial nerve XI, the internal jugular vein, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle were all preserved in 57 cases (80%). Of the 71 short-stay cases, only 2 (3%) required readmission for a surgical complication within 30 days of their procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients, discharge within 24 hours following neck dissection seems to be safe and appropriate. Given the potential for substantial cost savings, short stay should be studied further in this patient population.