Pott's Puffy: First Shot is the Best Shot.

OBJECTIVE: Low incidence of Pott's Puffy tumor (PPT) has caused studying risk factors and recurrences of the disease to be difficult. We used the comparatively increased incidence at our institution to evaluate potential risk factors for the disease process itself and prognostic factors for recurrence of the disease. METHODS: Single institutional retrospective chart review identified 31 patients from 2010 to 2022 with PPT compared with a control group of 20 patients with either chronic rhinosinusitis or recurrent sinusitis. Patient mean age of PPT was 42 (range of 5 to 90) with the majority of the patient population as male (74%) and Caucasian (68%) in the setting of rural West Texas. Patient mean age of the control group was 50.7 (range of 30-78) with majority of patient population as male (55%) and Caucasian (70%). Interventions studied were functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), FESS with trephination, and cranialization with or without FESS to compare prognostic factors for recurrence rates of PPT. These patients' prognostic risk factors for recurrence and risk factors to develop PPT were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) χ 2 statistical analysis with Fischer exact testing. RESULTS: Mean age was 42 years (range of 5-90) with the majority of the PPT patient population as male (74%) and Caucasian (68%) with an overall incidence of about 1 in 300,000. Pott's Puffy tumor patients were significantly favored in the younger and male population compared with the control patients. Risk factors of no prior allergy diagnosis, previous trauma, medication allergy to penicillin class or cephalosporin class, and lower body mass index were significant in the PPT population compared with the control group. Significant prognostic factors for recurrence of PPT were prior history of sinus surgery and operative treatment choice. Fifty percent (3/6) of patients with prior sinus surgery had recurrence of PPT. Of our 4 treatment options (FESS, FESS with trephination, FESS with cranialization, or cranialization alone), ;FESS had a recurrence of PPT of 0% (0/13), FESS with trephination had a recurrence of PPT of 50% (3/6), FESS with cranialization had a recurrence of PPT of 11% (1/9), and cranizalization alone had a recurrence of PPT of 0% (0/3). Of note, postop chronic rhinosinusitis was seen in 46% (6/13) of FESS alone, 17% (1/6) with FESS with trephination, 0% (0/9) with FESS with cranialization, and 33% (1/3) with just cranialization alone. CONCLUSIONS: Pott's Puffy tumor patients were younger and predominately male when compared to the control patients. No prior allergy diagnosis, previous trauma history, medication allergy to penicillin class or cephalosporin class, and lower body mass index are risk factors for PPT. There are 2 prognostic factors that predict recurrence of PPT: first operative treatment choice and prior sinus surgery. History of prior sinus surgery tends to increase the recurrence of PPT. The first operative treatment plan is the best shot at definitively treating PPT. Correct management surgically can prevent recurrence of PPT as well as long-term recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis. With early diagnosis and mild disease, FESS is sufficient to prevent recurrence of PPT but chronic sinusitis may continue to occur if frontal sinus outflow track is not well opened. If considering trephination, a definitive cranialization may be more suited for more advanced disease since our study showed 50% of recurrence of PPT with trephination and FESS along with 17% chronic sinusitis long term. More advanced diseases with higher WBCs and intracranial extension do better with more aggressive surgical management with a cranialization with or without FESS which shows to reduce rates of PPT recurrence significantly.

Screening Awareness of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancers and Attitudes and Concerns towards HPV Vaccination Among Parents : HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Baseline population opinions on human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination must be understood before physicians can address knowledge gaps in that population and encourage timely vaccination. To determine the opinions of parents of children age 9 to 18 on HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers (OPC); the associations with education level, socioeconomic status, and having a family member/friend with OPC; and the main concerns against having a vaccination., An anonymous survey was created and administered. Parents were asked to complete the survey if they met the inclusion criteria. After the survey, results were tabulated, and the answers for each question were analyzed. The target population was surveyed in the clinic. The target population was parents with children between 9 and 18 years old: the background knowledge and awareness of HPV-related OPC and associations with education level, socioeconomic status, having a family member/friend with OPC, and concerns about vaccination. Our study results showed that the age of parents, education level, marital status, personal vaccination status, and gender of the child are significant factors for background knowledge about HPV-related diseases. Similarly, the education level, the gender of the child, and personal vaccination status are significant factors towards attitudes against having children vaccinated. There is a strong correlation between background knowledge and attitudes. The main issues about vaccination are concerns about effectiveness and side effects, concerns about safe sex experiences, and the cost of vaccination. This is the first study designed to provide information on parents' knowledge of HPV-related cancers, prevalence of HPV vaccination, and attitudes and concerns about HPV vaccination in the USA. The lack of awareness of HPV-related cancers is a significant factor in attitudes against HPV vaccination.

Evaluation of nasal mucociliary clearance time in patients with Vitamin-D deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the current study was to investigate nasal mucociliary clearance time (NMC) in patients with Vitamin-D deficiency. METHODS: A total of 55 patients with Vitamin-D deficiency and 32 controls were evaluated. NMC time was measured with subjective saccharine test and compared between study and control groups. In addition, NMC time was re-evaluated after Vitamin-D replacement protocol in patients with Vitamin-D deficiency. RESULTS: The mean 25(HO)Vitamin-D levels were 14.32 ± 4.23 ng/mL (7-24.6) and 29.38 ± 7.05 ng/mL (25-53.8) in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean NMC time was 11.15 ± 3.05 (6.3-17.6) and 8.40 ± 2.33 (6-13.2) in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean 25(HO)Vitamin-D level after the replacement protocol was 33.38 ± 10.03 and the mean NMC time was 9.56 ± 2.54 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean NMC time was significantly increased in patients with Vitamin-D deficiency which can be corrected after Vitamin-D replacement protocols. The prolonged mucociliary clearance might be one of the pathophysiologic pathways at increased upper respiratory tract infections, and sinonasal and ear infections in patients with Vitamin-D deficiency.

Posterior pillar mucosal suspension technique for posttonsillectomy pain and wound healing: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the efficacy of a simple and feasible suturing technique on posttonsillectomy pain control and wound healing. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 121 children between 3 and 10 years of age. Group A comprised children undergoing surgery with bipolar cautery and the posterior pillar mucosal suspension technique. Bipolar alone (Group B) and cold dissection tonsillectomy (Group C) were used as control groups. Pain was assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days postoperatively via visual analog scale scores. Peritonsillar edema, erythema, and granulation tissue in the tonsillar fossa were evaluated by direct visual examination for wound healing on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. RESULTS: There were consecutive 121 patients which were included, with mean ages being 6.2 ± 2.5, 6.1 ± 2.4, and 6.1 ± 2.6 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Postoperative pain scores on days 1 and 3 were significantly lower in Group A than Group B and C (P < .001) and scores were 0.87 ± 1.1, 3.83 ± 2.29, and 4.29 ± 2.48 on day 1 and 0.38 ± 0.88, 2.25 ± 2.13, and 2.76 ± 2.12 on day 3 respectively. The wound-healing scores on postoperative 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days were significantly lower in Group A than control groups (P < .001). The wound-healing score on postoperative day 10 was only different than Group C (P = .020). CONCLUSIONS: The posterior pillar mucosal suspension technique is an effective and comparable method in terms of wound healing, maintains the preoperative anatomical structures, and enables a better pain control with reduced analgesic/opioid usage.

Orbital invasion routes of non-melanoma skin cancers and survival outcomes.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Overall non-melanoma head and neck skin cancer has a good prognosis; however, rarely patients have an aggressive variant which results in orbital invasion via perineural spread or direct extension. Despite these consequences, there are limited published studies defining this clinical entity. The main objectives of the current study are to describe orbital invasion patterns of non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers and their impact on survival. METHODS: Retrospective case series from a tertiary-care, academic institution performed between 2004 and 2014. Demographic and tumour characteristics are reported as well as patterns of orbital invasion, types of treatments received, and survival outcomes. RESULTS: There were 17 consecutive patients with non-melanoma skin cancer and orbital invasion who met inclusion criteria. Average age at orbital invasion diagnosis was 70.8 years old. 76% were male. Mean follow-up time was 28.5 months. Of these patients, 71% had squamous cell carcinoma and 29% had basal cell carcinoma. Brow (41%) was the most common primary sub-site followed by cheek (23%) and temple (12%). 76% of patients had a history of prior treatment. The lateral orbital wall (41%) was the most common site of invasion, followed by the medial orbital wall (29%) and antero-superior invasion (23%). Age, histology, and location of orbital invasion were associated with disease-specific and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Orbital invasion for non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers creates a treatment dilemma and the patterns of invasion are described. In addition, the location of orbital invasion is associated with survival outcomes.

Closure of nasal septal perforations using bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to report our experience on surgical repair of nasal septal perforations (NSP) using bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps with open septoplasty technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 28 consecutive patients who were operated for NSP in our clinic between January 2009 and February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic features of the patients and surgical results were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common cause of NSP was previous septal surgery in 18 (64%) of the patients. Nasal crusting was the most common symptom in 21 patients (75%). Perforation size ranged from 10 to 30 mm in diameter. Septoplasty was performed in five patients, while septorhinoplasty was performed in three patients simultaneously to the NSP repair. Nasal septal cartilage and auricular chonchal cartilage were used to support the nasoseptal skeleton, if required. There were no major intra- or postoperative complications. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 23 months. During follow-up, there was mild columellar retraction in five patients (18%). Nasal septal perforation was closed successfully in 24 patients (86%). Pinpoint perforation remained in two patients and perforation size was smaller than 5 mm in two patients. CONCLUSION: Closing the NSP with bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps has a comparable high success rate. Therefore, this technique can be easily applied to small-medium sized septal perforations.

A Novel Surgical Landmark to Identify the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

Background: Although several surgical landmarks have been proposed to localize the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), there is still no reliable landmark. Aims: To validate the reliability of a novel reference point at the intersection of the inferior border of the cricopharyngeal muscle and the inferior cornu of thyroid cartilage for locating the RLN. Study Design: Cadaver dissection study in the academic department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Methods: Sixty-four RLNs in cadavers were assessed, and measurements of different surgical landmarks in conjunction with the proposed surgical landmark were obtained. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared test, and Student's t-test were performed to analyze the data using GraphPad Prism (version 9.4.1; Dotmatics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Results: The average distance from the proposed landmark to the RLN was 2.3 ± 0.85 mm. The RLN was located just posterior to the reference point in 95.31% of the cadavers. The RLN passed under the inferior constrictor muscle in 90.63% of the cadavers. There was no statistically significant difference between right- and left-sided RLNs in terms of their relation with the reference point. Conclusion: The proposed reference point can be used as a reliable landmark to locate the RLN. This reference point may help surgeons during difficult thyroidectomy surgeries by providing an additional anatomical landmark.

Oncologic Safety of Close Margins in Patients With Low- to Intermediate-Grade Major Salivary Gland Carcinoma.

Importance: Postoperative radiation therapy for close surgical margins in low- to intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas lacks multi-institutional supportive evidence. Objective: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes for low- and intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas with close and positive margins. Design, Setting, and Participants: The American Head and Neck Society Salivary Gland Section conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2019 at 41 centers. Margins were classified as R0 (negative), R1 (microscopically positive), or R2 (macroscopically positive). R0 margins were subclassified into clear (>1 mm) or close (≤1 mm). Data analysis was performed from June to October 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were risk factors for local recurrence. Results: A total of 865 patients (median [IQR] age at surgery, 56 [43-66] years; 553 female individuals [64%] and 312 male individuals [36%]) were included. Of these, 801 (93%) had parotid carcinoma and 64 (7%) had submandibular gland carcinoma, and 748 (86%) had low-grade tumors and 117 (14%) had intermediate-grade tumors, with the following surgical margins: R0 in 673 (78%), R1 in 168 (19%), and R2 in 24 (3%). Close margins were found in 395 of 499 patients with R0 margins (79%), for whom margin distances were measured. A total of 305 patients (35%) underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Of all 865 patients, 35 (4%) had local recurrence with a median (IQR) follow-up of 35.3 (13.9-59.1) months. In patients with close margins as the sole risk factor for recurrence, the local recurrence rates were similar between those who underwent postoperative radiation therapy (0 of 46) or observation (4 of 165 [2%]). Patients with clear margins (n = 104) had no recurrences. The local recurrence rate in patients with R1 or R2 margins was better in those irradiated (2 of 128 [2%]) compared to observed (13 of 64 [20%]) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.24). Multivariable analysis for local recurrence found the following independent factors: age at diagnosis (HR for a 10-year increase in age, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67), R1 vs R0 (HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 2.58-10.54), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.43-13.99), and postoperative radiation therapy (HR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29). The 3-year local recurrence-free survivals for the study population were 96% vs 97% in the close margin group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with low- and intermediate-grade major salivary gland carcinoma, postoperative radiation therapy for positive margins was associated with decreased risk of local recurrence. In isolation from other risk factors for local recurrence, select patients with close surgical margins (≤1 mm) may safely be considered for observation.

Effect of gold laser energy delivery on postoperative adenotonsillectomy complications.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine if the energy delivered by the Gold laser impacted postoperative complication rates after adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 420 patients who met the criteria within the last five years. Indications for the surgeries included recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing, adenoiditis, peritonsillar abscess, and other indications. The relationship between the energy delivered (kJ) and various complications such as bleeding, pain, dehydration, readmission, emergency center visits, and clinic calls was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between higher kJ delivered and the incidence of major bleeding requiring cauterization in the operating room (p = 0.0311). In addition, emergency center visits (p = 0.0131) and readmission (p = 0.0210) showed a significant correlation with the amount of energy (kJ) delivered. Furthermore, higher energy correlated to higher maximum post-operative pain scores (p = 0.0302). Attendings displayed a different pattern of energy delivery compared to residents (p < 0.0001), which also differed by PGY (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: There are significant correlations between higher energy delivered in kJ using the Gold laser and less desirable post-operative results. In addition, residents tend to utilize higher energy levels than attendings, but this trend tapers off in the 4th and 5th years. Clinicians utilizing the Gold laser during these procedures should be mindful of the amount of kJ they use.

Chronic Pain Management in Head and Neck Oncology.

Pain is epidemic in patients with head and neck cancer. Providers involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer should be able to describe the common pain syndromes experienced by these patients, identify patients at risk of pain, and provide multimodal treatment of chronic pain. Treatment of chronic pain encompasses analgesic medications; adjuvant pharmacotherapy, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants; interventional techniques; as well as integrative medicine.

Development and Assessment of a Novel Composite Pathologic Risk Stratification for Surgically Resected Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Importance: Human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a distinct form of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with its own American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system. However, pathologic risk stratification for HPV+ OPSCC largely remains based on the experience with HPV-unassociated HNSCC. Objective: To compare the survival discrimination of traditional pathologic risk stratification for both HPV+ OPSCC and HPV-unassociated HNSCC and derive a novel pathologic risk stratification system for HPV+ OPSCC with improved survival discrimination. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this retrospective cohort study, we used the National Cancer Database to identify 15 324 patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic HNSCC between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, who were treated with upfront surgery and neck dissection. We compared traditional pathologic risk stratification for HPV+ OPSCC and HPV-unassociated HNSCC and then derived a novel pathologic risk stratification system. Analyses were performed from July 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019. Exposures: Definitive primary surgical resection and neck dissection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Survival discrimination of pathologic risk stratification systems measured with concordance indices. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 15 324 patients (10 779 men and 4545 women; mean [SD] age, 59.9 [11.8] years) with surgically treated nonmetastatic HNSCC. Separation of survival curves for HPV-unassociated HNSCC using traditional pathologic risk stratification (5-year overall survival for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups) were 76.2%, 54.5%, and 40.9%, respectively. Separation curves for HPV+ OPSCC were 93.2%, 88.9%, and 83.7%, respectively. Human papillomavirus-unassociated HNSCC had a concordance index of 0.68, whereas HPV+ OPSCC had a concordance index of 0.58. A novel risk stratification system for HPV+ OPSCC that more closely fits actual survival rates for HPV+ OPSCC was derived. The system incorporated the composite number of pathologic adverse features. This composite risk stratification system was associated with an improved concordance index of 0.67 for HPV+ OPSCC. Adjuvant treatment with radiation was not associated with improved survival for patients categorized as low risk according to the new risk stratification system, but this treatment was associated with improved survival for patients in the intermediate- and high-risk groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Traditional pathologic risk stratification shows poor survival discrimination for HPV+ OPSCC and classifies many patients with an excellent prognosis as high risk. We derived a novel composite pathologic risk stratification system for HPV+ OPSCC that may be associated with improved survival discrimination.

The Association between Iron Deficiency and Otitis Media with Effusion.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this trial is to examine the clinical role of iron metabolism on development of Otitis media with effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. The study group made up of children who had surgery for Otitis media with effusion (OME). Control group was comprised of children who had surgery by a pediatric surgeon for inguinal hernia repair or circumcision operations with normal ear nose throat examination. Each group was evaluated depending on the serum iron metabolism parameters. RESULTS: One-hundred-thirteen children with OME and 117 control patients were included to the study. Iron deficiency anemia was detected in 18 out of 113 patients (15.9%) in study group while there were 4 out of the 117 patients (3.4%) in control group (p:0.001).The mean hemoglobin level was 12.16 ± 1.16 in OME group and 12.93 ± 1.08 in control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study shows the rate of iron deficiency anemia is higher in patients with OME than controls. Iron-deficiency anemia might be considered a potential risk factor for development of otitis media with effusion, and iron parameters should be evaluated in these children.

Submandibular Gland Invasion by Oral Cavity Cancers: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The submandibular gland (SMG) is typically included in level I neck dissection specimens despite limited data demonstrating SMG invasion. The main objective of this article is to determine the rate and pathways of SMG invasion by squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of relevant studies was performed, evaluating articles identified via the PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline databases. REVIEW METHODS: Descriptive features of primary tumors, primary treatment modalities, the rate and pathway of SMG invasion, and survival outcomes, if present, were reported following the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: The initial literature search yielded 273 articles, of which 17 met inclusion criteria. A total of 2306 patients with 2792 SMG resections were analyzed. Fifty-eight resections (2.0%) were revealed to have tumor involvement. Among patients with SMG tumor involvement, the most common invasion pathway was direct SMG invasion by primary tumor (43 of 58, 74.1%). The second-most common mode of SMG invasion was from involved adjacent lymph nodes (10 of 58, 17.2%). Only 3 SMG resections out of 2792 (0.1%) had isolated metastatic parenchyma without evidence of direct tumor invasion or invasion by involved lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Given this rarity of SMG involvement, preservation of SMG might be feasible in selected patient population. However, additional studies need to examine the functionality of preserved SMGs among patients who receive postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy.

Clinical role of vitamin D in prognosis of otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical role of Vitamin D in prognosis of Otitis media with effusion. METHODS: This prospective-controlled study was conducted at otolaryngology department in Duzce University, Turkey. The study group comprised children who were diagnosed with Otitis media with effusion between September 2016 and February 2017. Control group was conducted with children underwent circumcision or inguinal hernia repair operations that confirmed with ENT examination they do not have any sign of otitis media. After 3 months of follow-up without any treatment, unresolved cases who were accepted as chronic otitis media with effusion were operated under general anesthesia for ventilation tube application. Study and control groups were assessed depending on the serum 25(OH)Vitamin D levels at the end of 3 months; < 15 ng/mL was accepted as vitamin D deficiency. The results were compared with the control group in terms of vitamin D levels. Also, subgroup analysis was performed addressing to the complete recovery otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media with effusion. RESULTS: One-hundred-seventy-four children with otitis media with effusion and 80 control patients were included to the study. One-hundred-eight (62%) out of 174 patients with otitis media with effusion was completely recovered after a 3-months follow up. Of those 66 out of 174 children, they had persistent diseases, underwent ventilation tube insertion after a 3-months follow-up. The mean 25(OH)Vitamin D level was 18.98 ± 10.60 in otitis media with effusion group and 28.07 ± 14.10 in control group and the difference was statistically significant between the study and control group (p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 33 out of 66 patients (50.0%) in chronic otitis media with effusion group whilst 35 out of 108 patients (32.4%) in complete recovery otitis media with effusion group (p = 0.021). The rate of 25(OH)Vitamin D deficiency was 25% in control group which was statistically different from chronic otitis media with effusion and recovery chronic otitis media with effusion groups (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study not only shows the relationship between Vitamin D and otitis media with effusion development, but also demonstrates the effects of Vitamin D on otitis media with effusion prognosis. There is a significant association between 25(OH)Vitamin D deficiency and follow-up outcomes of otitis media with effusion.

Radiotherapy regimens in patients with nonmelanoma head and neck skin cancers.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness and outcomes of adjuvant radiotherapy regimens for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) of the head and neck, particularly for elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with head and neck NMSC was conducted. Radiotherapy dose per fraction regimens included ≤200, 240-250, 300-400, and 500-600 cGy. Demographics, tumor characteristics, local control (LC), regional control (RC), and survival outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients with 140 disease sites, 76.6% were squamous cell carcinoma, 15.5% were basal cell carcinoma, and 7.7% were other histologies. The mean age at diagnosis was 72.1 years old. The most common location was preauricular (20.0%), followed by temple, scalp, cheek, and forehead. The overall LC and RC rates were 88.8% and 88.8%, respectively by patients, and 92.8% and 86.4%, respectively by treatment sites. Age, primary tumor location, T classification, N classification, overall stage, perineural invasion, comorbid disease, skull base invasion, and radiotherapy subgroup were significantly associated with disease-free and overall survival (P < 0.05). LC and RC were not significantly different among the radiotherapy dose subgroups. The mean survival was longer in patients treated with 240-250 cGy/fraction (50.3 months). There was no significant difference in radiotherapy toxicity between the subgroups. CONCLUSION: Short-term radiotherapy regimens for patients with locally or regionally advanced head and neck NMSC appear feasible and effective, particularly in elderly patients or those that cannot tolerate the length of standard regimens.

Imaging and Outcomes for a New Entity: Low-Grade Sinonasal Sarcoma with Neural and Myogenic Features.

Objectives Low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features (LGSSNMF) is a new, rare tumor. Our goal is to describe the imaging characteristics and surgical outcomes of this unique skull base malignancy. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Academic medical center. Participants There were three patients who met inclusion criteria with a confirmed LGSSNMF. Main Outcome Measures Imaging and histopathological characteristics, treatments, survival and recurrence outcomes, complications, morbidity, and mortality. Results Patients presented with diplopia, facial discomfort, a supraorbital mass, and nasal obstruction. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging in all cases showed an enhancing sinonasal mass with associated hyperostotic bone formation that involved the frontal sinus, invaded the lamina papyracea and anterior skull base, and had intracranial extension. One patient underwent a purely endoscopic surgical resection and the second underwent a craniofacial resection, while the last is pending treatment. All patients recovered well, without morbidity or long-term complications, and are currently without evidence of disease (mean follow-up of 2.1 years). One patient recurred after 17 months and underwent a repeat endoscopic skull base and dural resection. Conclusions The surgical outcomes and imaging of this unique, locally aggressive skull base tumor are characterized.

Erratum: Skull Base Invasion Patterns and Survival Outcomes of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1594239.].

Skull Base Invasion Patterns and Survival Outcomes of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers.

Objective Report routes of skull base invasion for head and neck nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and their survival outcomes. Design Retrospective. Participants Ninety patients with NMSC with skull base invasion between 2004 and 2014. Major Outcome Measures Demographic, tumor characteristics, and treatments associated with different types of skull base invasion and disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Results Perineural invasion (PNI) to the skull base occurred in 69% of patients, whereas 38% had direct skull base invasion. Age, histology, orbital invasion, active immunosuppression, cranial nerve (CN) involved, and type of skull base invasion were significantly associated with DSS and OS (p < 0.05). Patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) had significantly improved DSS and OS compared with other histologies (p < 0.05). Patients with CN V PNI had significantly improved DSS and OS compared with CN VII PNI (p < 0.05). Patients with zone II PNI had significantly improved DSS and OS compared with those with direct invasion or zone III PNI (p < 0.05). Nonsurgical therapy was rarely used and is associated with a reduction in DSS and OS (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patterns and survival outcomes for NMSC skull base invasion are reported. Zone II PNI, BCC, and CN V PNI are associated with improved survival outcomes.

Elective Neck Dissection for Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Skull Base Invasion.

Objectives Skull base invasion from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) via perineural spread affects survival and the rate of regional metastasis. Our objective is to investigate the factors associated with elective neck dissection (END) in this population and the survival difference with END compared with observation for patients with a cN0 neck. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Academic. Subjects and Methods Patients were treated surgically for head and neck cSCC with skull base invasion via perineural spread with a cN0 neck from 2004 to 2014. Clinicopathologic data were collected and analyzed. Primary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria: 28 underwent an END and 31 underwent neck observation. Free tissue transfer reconstruction was significantly associated with END ( P < .001). Patients treated with an END had significantly improved 5-year DFS (57% and 32%, P = .042) and OS (60% and 37%, P = .036) compared with those who were observed and a significantly reduced rate of regional recurrence (9% and 37%, P = .024). The rate of occult nodal metastasis identified with END was 36% and is approximately equal to the regional failure rate of the neck observation group (37%). Conclusion END was more commonly used in cases requiring free tissue transfer. The use of END for head and neck cSCCs that have invaded the skull base is not routinely performed but was found to be associated with a survival advantage and reduced regional recurrence rate.

Does Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging Change the Follow-Up Strategy in Cases with Residual Cholesteatoma?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the evaluation of recurrent cholesteatomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients undergoing second-look surgery were included in our study. There were 14 men and 9 women with ages ranging from 10 to 50. All patients underwent DW-MRI prior to second-look surgery. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed with a 1.5-T MRI unit using a standard 8-channel neurovascular coil. DW-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient maps were included in the examination. Cholesteatoma was diagnosed on the DW-MRI as a marked hyperintense signal in comparison with brain tissue. All cases were classified as positive or negative. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of DW-MRI were 86% and 87%, respectively. The positive predictive value of DW-MRI was 92%, while the negative predictive value was 77%. CONCLUSION: The DW-MRI technique is an important and effective technique in the evaluation of residual cholesteatoma. It can be an alternative method to second-look surgery, which can spare patients repeat operations.