Density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors. Forty-one cases of minor salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, n = 10; adenoid cystic carcinoma, n = 11; mucoepidermoid carcinoma, n = 10; and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma) were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase and von-Willebrand factor. Density of mast cells was higher in mucoepidermoid carcinoma; however, no differences in the number of these cells were observed between the different types of tumors (p > 0.05). The number of mast cells was higher in periparenchymal areas in all tumors, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed the largest number of periparenchymal mast cells, whereas pleomorphic adenomas showed the smallest number of intraparenchymal mast cells (p > 0.05). The highest microvessel density was observed in mucoepidermoid carcinomas, being this difference statistically significant when mucoepidermoid carcinoma was compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0034) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.004). Microvessel density was significantly higher in adenoid cystic carcinoma when compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0406) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.0123). Comparison of mast cells and microvessel densities showed no significant difference between tumors. A quantitative difference in mast cells and microvessels was observed, particularly in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a finding supporting the aggressive behavior of malignant salivary gland tumors without myoepithelial differentiation. Further studies are needed to determine the role of mast cells in angiogenesis, as well as in the development and biological behavior of these tumors.

Preservation of the internal jugular vein in the radical treatment of node-positive neck--is it safe?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors of neck recurrence in patients with pN+ necks submitted to a modified or a classic radical neck dissection and the safety of preserving the internal jugular vein in the treatment of a subgroup of these patients. METHODS: The medical records of 311 untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (106 cases), oropharynx (95 cases), larynx (49 cases), and hypopharynx (61 cases) were reviewed. Their clinical stages (CS) were CS II in 1%, CS III in 19.9%, CS IVA in 76.2%, and CS IVB in 19.6% of the cases. All patients were pN+. RESULTS: Ipsilateral neck recurrence occurred in 18 cases (5.8%), 14 cases (4.5%) where the internal jugular vein was resected, and 4 cases (1.3%) where the internal jugular vein was preserved. Neck recurrence did not have significant correlation with tumor site (P = .852), T stage (P = .369), N stage (P = .963), adjuvant radiotherapy (P = .701), number of positive lymph nodes (P = .886), jugular vein preservation (P = .240), and extracapsular spread (P = .670). There was significant correlation between neck recurrence and the lymph node size (.040). CONCLUSIONS: Modified radical neck dissection with internal jugular vein preservation can be performed in selected patients with lymph node metastases, with no significant increase in the risk of neck recurrence.

Useful histological findings in incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological features of OSCC specimens obtained from incisional biopsies and to alert clinicians to the importance of more representative biopsies. Methods: Forty-eight OSCC samples were obtained from incisional biopsies and classified by Bryne's score. The following morphological features were analyzed: invasive front, invasiveness, apoptotic cells, atypical mitosis, giant cells, acantholysis, ulceration, necrosis, calcification, surface epithelium, granulation tissue, desmoplasia, tissue invasions, inflammatory infiltrate and tumor thickness. Results: Ten (21%) cases were classified as high grade malignancies and 38 (79%) as low grade. Apoptotic cells (n = 26), atypical mitosis (1­2/20×; n = 38), giant cells (n = 8), acantholysis (n = 5), necrosis (n = 5), calcification (n = 1), granulation tissue (n = 32), desmoplasia (n = 4), perineural invasion (n = 2), muscular invasion (n = 8), invasion of salivary gland tissue (n = 3), vascular invasion (n = 10), and chronic inflammation (n = 33) were observed. Vascular invasion (p = 0.04, Pearson's χ2 test) and necrosis (p = 0.04, Pearson's χ2 test) were significantly associated with cases of high-grade malignant tumors. Atypical mitosis was associated with a greatest tumor thickness (p = 0.04, Fischer's exact test). Conclusion: This study suggests that incisional biopsies may be useful and significant as they can show histopathological variables that are important to classify oral squamous cell carcinomas into low grade and high grade according to Bryne's score, which was used in this study. Thus, more representative biopsies might be useful to achieve this and allow a more accurate planning.

Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer following initial nonsurgical therapy.

Surgery is the preferred modality for curative treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer after failure of nonsurgical treatments. Patients with initial early-stage cancer experiencing recurrence following radiotherapy often have more advanced-stage tumors by the time the recurrence is recognized. About one third of such recurrent cancers are suitable for conservation surgery. Endoscopic resection with the CO(2) laser or open partial laryngectomy (partial vertical, supracricoid, or supraglottic laryngectomies) have been used. The outcomes of conservation surgery appear better than those after total laryngectomy, because of selection bias. Transoral laser surgery is currently used more frequently than open partial laryngectomy for treatment of early-stage recurrence, with outcomes equivalent to open surgery but with less associated morbidity. Laser surgery has also been employed for selective cases of advanced recurrent disease, but patient selection and expertise are required for application of this modality to rT3 tumors. In general, conservation laryngeal surgery is a safe and effective treatment for localized recurrences after radiotherapy for early-stage glottic cancer. Recurrent advanced-stage cancers should generally be treated by total laryngectomy.

Second salvage surgery for re-recurrent oral cavity and oropharynx carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Salvage surgery is considered the best treatment approach for patients with recurrent oral carcinoma. Unfortunately, 50% to 60% of the patients who undergo salvage surgery will develop further locoregional recurrence, and they are not usually considered for further treatment. Our aim in this study was to report our experience with a second salvage surgery for selected patients with re-recurrent oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: Forty-one patients underwent a second salvage surgical procedure, with curative intention for re-recurrent oral cancer. The surgical treatment used was wide local resection in 34 cases, neck dissection in 9 cases, and isolated neck dissection in 7 cases. RESULTS: Cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate in 3 years was at 20%. Patients with re-recurrence in <6 months presented 3-year CSS null, whereas patients with re-recurrence after 6 months presented 3-year CSS of 32.3% (p = .007). CONCLUSION: Second salvage surgery can be considered a potentially curative therapeutic approach for a selected group of patients with re-recurrent oral SCC. The disease-free interval was the main clinical factor associated with the prognosis.

Efetividade da fonoterapia em pacientes com paralisia facial pós-parotidectomia / Effectiveness of speech therapy in patients with facial paralysis after parotidectomy

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a efetividade da fonoterapia em pacientes com paralisia facial decorrente da manipulação do VII nervo encefálico realizada durante o tratamento cirúrgico para neoplasia de glândula parótida, assim como, identificar e promover intervenção fonoaudiológica das alterações de sucção, mastigação e deglutição. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com análise descritiva. A avaliação constou da análise da face em repouso e em movimento, documentação fotográfica, uso do Paquímetro Digital para quantificação da paralisia facial, além da avaliação das funções estomatognáticas. A fonoterapia foi definida com base nos achados da avaliação e seguiu a necessidade de cada indivíduo. Nos resultados da avaliação pós-fonoterapia em repouso houve melhora em todos os aspectos avaliados nos quatro pacientes. Na avaliação em movimento três pacientes apresentaram movimentação mais clara da pele com aumento do número e profundidade das rugas. No registro fotográfico todos os pacientes obtiveram melhora significante nos movimentos avaliados, sendo possível observar um aumento nas linhas de expressões e maior simetria entre as hemifaces. Os valores da incompetência dos movimentos, mensurados pós-fonoterapia, demonstraram melhora significante em todos os pontos medidos. A fonoterapia proposta para os casos de paralisia facial pós-parotidectomia foi eficiente na melhora da mímica facial, sobretudo para as alterações das funções estomatognáticas. É importante salientar a necessidade de novas pesquisas envolvendo um número maior de participantes para garantir a fidedignidade dos achados.

The goal of this research was to verify the effectiveness of speech therapy in patients with facial paralysis due to the manipulation of the cranial nerve VII performed during surgical treatment for neoplasm of the parotid gland, as well as to identify alterations of suction, chewing and swallowing and promote development of phoniatrics. This was a qualitative survey with descriptive analysis. The evaluation consisted of analysis of the patient's face at rest and in motion, photographic documentation, use of digital caliper for quantification of facial paralysis in addition to evaluation of the functions of stomatognathic system. Speech therapy service was defined according to the findings of the evaluation and followed the needs of each individual. In the evaluation at rest after the speech therapy there was improvement in all aspects in four patients. In the evaluation in motion three patients showed better movements of the skin with increase of number and depth of wrinkles. In photographic record all patients had significant improvement in the movements evaluated, it was possible to observe an increase in expression lines and greater symmetry between hemifaces. The values of the incompetence of motion measured after speech therapy showed noticeable improvement in all measured points. Speech therapy service proposed for cases of facial paralysis after parotidectomy was effective for the improvement of facial mimic, especially for changes in stomatognathic functions. It's important to stress the need for further studies involving a larger number of participants to ensure the reliability of the findings.

Biological markers and prognosis in recurrent oral cancer after salvage surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prognostic effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in patients with locally recurrent oral carcinoma after salvage surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. Settings Tertiary center cancer hospital. PATIENTS: The charts of 111 patients with local recurrence of oral carcinomas were retrospectively analyzed. The previous treatment consisted of surgery in 33 patients (30.0%), radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in 46 patients (41.0%), and surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy in 32 patients (29.0%). The expression of EGFR, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and vascular endothelial growth factor was analyzed with a tissue microarray immunohistochemical technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall survival and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: The recurrences were diagnosed in less than 1 year in 69 patients (62.2%) and in more than 1 year in 42 patients (37.8%). The prognosis was worse in the group with the disease-free interval of less than 1 year (P = .01). Patients with more advanced disease (clinical stage of recurrence, III/IV) had worse rates of CSS (P = .04). Cases that were positive for EGFR had a 3-year CSS of 27.2%, while EGFR-negative cases had a 3-year CSS of 64.3% (P = .001). The expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (P = .83) and 9 (P = .15) and vascular endothelial growth factor (P = .86) was not significant in this group. In multivariate analysis, only the disease-free interval and the overexpression of EGFR were associated with a higher risk of cancer death. CONCLUSIONS: Local recurrence in oral carcinomas carries a poor prognosis. A disease-free interval of more than 1 year and a EGFR-negative expression are the main prognostic factors related to better CSS in patients treated with salvage surgery.

Internal jugular vein preservation in neck dissection for pN1-N2c oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors of neck recurrence in patients with pN1-N2 neck stage, submitted to a modified radical neck dissection with preservation of the internal jugular vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 72 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (43 cases) and oropharynx (29 cases). The clinical stage of the neck was N1 in 23 cases and N2a-c in 49. RESULTS: Neck recurrences occurred in 6 cases at the side in which the internal jugular vein was preserved. Neck recurrence did not have significant correlation with tumor site (P = .391), T stage (P = .999), N stage (P = .203), adjuvant radiotherapy (P = .999), number of positive lymph nodes (P = .180), lymph nodes size (P = .429), and extracapsular spread (P = .400). CONCLUSIONS: Modified radical neck dissection with internal jugular vein preservation can be performed in selected patients with lymph node metastases, with no significant increase on the risk of neck recurrence.

Prognostic factors in salvage surgery for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic decisions in recurrent oral and oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma (SCC) remain controversial. METHODS: Two hundred forty-six consecutive patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity and oropharynx were studied. The tumor sites were lip, 33 cases; oral cavity, 143; oropharynx, 70. The previous treatment was surgery in 73 patients, radiotherapy in 96, combined surgery and radiotherapy in 76, and chemotherapy in one. The clinical stage of recurrence was I/II in 51 cases and III/IV in 195 cases. The disease-free interval (DFI) was less than 1 year in 156 cases and greater than 1 year in 90 cases. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence was 54.9%, and the overall 5-year actuarial survival rate was 32.3%. The significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis were restage (p = .049) and DFI (p = .045). CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent oral and oropharyngeal SCC at initial clinical stages (rCS I and II) and with a DFI greater than 1 year had a favorable prognosis.

Salvage surgery for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma

Local and regional recurrences are the main sites of treatment failure in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment failure depends fundamentally on tumor biologic behavior, previous treatment and the initial clinical stage. The rates of loco-regional recurrences range from 25 to 48%, and distant metastasis rarely occur in an isolated manner. When recurrent cancer is significant and there are no distant metastasis salvage surgery is the most widely used treatment approach. Most of these patients were previously treated with radiotherapy. Therefore, when recurrence occurs, salvage surgery is the only possible treatment option with curative intent. The aim of this study was to review the data in the literature regarding results of salvage surgical treatment for patients with recurrent oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas

Aplicação da microcirurgia no serviço de cirurgia plástica da universidade federal da bahia: análise dos resultados e complicações / Microsurgery at the plastic division of federal university of bahia: results and complications

OBJETIVO: O estudo pretende relatar a experiência inicial de um serviço de cirurgia plástica ao implantar um grupo de microcirurgia, analisando as complicações e resultados da casuística. MÉTODO: No período de fevereiro de 2003 a junho de 2004, foram realizados 20 procedimentos de microcirurgia reconstrutiva variando em reconstruções de cabeça e pescoço, mama e membros inferiores. As complicações foram divididas em imediatas (intra-operatórias), recentes (até 21dias) e tardias (após 21dias). Foram analisadas complicações relacionadas às reconstruções, divididas em menores (perda parcial do retalho e/ou satisfação parcial do plano pré-operatório) e maiores (perda total do retalho e/ou não satisfação do plano pré-operatório). Em relação às áreas doadoras, foram divididas em menores (com necessidade de re-intervenção cirúrgica) e maiores (deformidade não satisfatória ao cirurgião ou não aceitável ao paciente). Os resultados foram classificados como bons, satisfatórios ou ruins. RESULTADOS: Quinze retalhos sobreviveram (73,68 por cento de sucesso) e em cinco houve perda total. Foram encontradas, em relação à reconstrução, 21,05 por cento de complicações imediatas, 45 por cento de recentes e nenhuma tardia. Em relação à área doadora, foram observadas apenas complicações recentes (35 por cento). Os resultados (reconstrução) foram classificados em bons (55 por cento), satisfatórios (20 por cento) e ruins (25 por cento). Os resultados (áreas doadoras) foram bons (65 por cento), satisfatórios (35 por cento) e ruins (0 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A incidência aumentada de necrose total do retalho talvez se deva à seleção de pacientes. Observou-se uma grande dificuldade na implantação de um serviço de microcirurgia. Os resultados, bons e satisfatórios em 75 por cento das reconstruções e em 100 por cento das áreas doadoras favoreceram a sedimentação e credibilidade do procedimento.

Sarcoma pélvico tratado com exenteração pélvica total ampliada e reconstrução arterial e venosa com prótese: relato de caso / Pelvic sarcoma treated with extended total exenteration and prosthetic arterial and venous reconstruction: case report

Descrevemos caso de paciente com sarcoma pélvico submetido a exenteração pélvica total incluindo testículo esquerdo e vasos ilíacos esquerdos com reconstrução protética venosa e arterial. O impacto da ressecção completa na sobrevida global é enfatizada já que nem a radioterapia ou a quimioterapia tem tido melhores resultados que o tratamento cirúrgico isolado ou associado a estes em sarcomas de baixo grau. A reconstrução vascular não é freqüentemente realizada para este tipo de tumor, mas pode ser necessária para conseguir-se ressecção adequada e preservação de membros aumentando a sobrevida destes pacientes no que tange a possibilidade de ressecção completa. A reconstrução ideal permanece controversa quando há ressecção venosa porém bons resultados podem ser conseguidos com o uso de material protético.

Recidiva local de carcinomas epidermóides da boca e orofaringe: estudo de variáveis anatomopatológicas e de marcadores biológicos associados ao prognóstico em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de resgate / Local recurrence of squamous cell carcinomas of the mouth and oropharynx: a study of anatomic pathology variables and biological markers associated with prognosis in patients submitted to salvage surgery

Objetivo: Analisar o efeito prognóstico das proteínas EGFR, MMP-2, MMP-9 e VEGF em pacientes portadores de recidiva local de carcinomas epidermóides de boca e orofaringe submetidos a cirurgia de resgate. Casuística e Métodos: Os prontuários de 111 pacientes foram retrospectivamente analisados. A expressão das proteínas foi avaliada por imunoistoquímica com a técnica de tissue microarray. Resultados: Pacientes com intervalo livre de doença (ILD) menor que 1 ano e com doença avançada (estádio clínico da recidiva III/IV) apresentaram pior prognóstico (p=0.01 e p=0.04 respectivamente), assim como aqueles com EGFR positivo (p=0.001). MMP-2, MMP-9 e VEGF não influenciaram a sobrevida. Em análise multivariada, ILD e expressão do EGFR foram significativos. Conclusão: ILD acima de 1 ano e EGFR negativo foram os principais fatores associados a melhor sobrevida...

Objective: To analyze the prognostic effect of EGFR, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expression in patients with locally recurrent oral carcinoma submitted to salvage surgery. Patients and methods: The charts of 111 patients with local recurrence of oral carcinomas were retrospectively analyzed. Proteins expression were analyzed with tissue microarray immunohistochemical technique. Results: Patients with disease free-interval (DFI) less than 1 year and more advanced diseases (clinical stage of recurrence III/IV) presented the worse prognosis (p=0.01 and p=0.04 respectivelly). Positive EGFR cases had a worst prognosis (p=0.001). MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expressions were not significant. In multivariate analysis, DFI and EGFR overexpression were significant. Conclusion: A DFI over 1 year and negative EGFR were the main factors related to better survival...