The Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma at One of the Largest Tertiary Care Centers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

CONTEXT.­: Limited data exist on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE.­: To determine the prevalence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma at a large tertiary care center in South Africa. DESIGN.­: A total of 266 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas diagnosed during an 11-year period (2007-2017) were selected for evaluation. Cases staining positive for p16 immunohistochemistry were evaluated for high-risk HPV using the BD Onclarity assay (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, Maryland). RESULTS.­: Of 266 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, 14% (n = 36) were positive for p16. Polymerase chain reaction for high-risk HPV performed on the p16-positive cases was negative in 23 cases and positive in 13 cases (13 of 266; 5%). p16 showed a positive predictive value of 36.1%. The HPV subtypes were HPV-16 (n = 10), HPV-18 (n = 1), HPV-52 (n = 1), and HPV-31 (n = 1). Human papillomavirus-positive cases occurred in 10 men and 3 women (mean age, 51 years) and arose from the tonsil (n = 10) or base of the tongue (n = 3). The HPV-positive cases were non-keratinizing (n = 10) or partially keratinizing (n = 1). Partially/nonkeratinizing cases revealed a modest improvement in p16 positive predictive value (11 of 21; 52.4%). CONCLUSIONS.­: The presence of high-risk HPV in 5% of cases suggests that high-risk HPV is a minor etiologic agent in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in this region. Given its suboptimal positive predictive value, p16 is not a reliable marker for high-risk HPV infection in this region. When p16 is positive, HPV-specific testing is necessary. The identification of less common high-risk HPV types, HPV-52 and HPV-31, may influence current local vaccination strategies.

Tendon-like tether formation for tongue-base advancement in an ovine model using a novel implant device intended for the surgical management of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious debilitating condition with significant morbidity and mortality affecting almost one billion adults globally. The current gold standard in the non-surgical management of airway collapse is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, non-compliance leads to a high abandon rate (27-46%). While there are multiple sites of airway obstruction during sleep, the tongue base is recognized as the key player in the pathogenesis of OSA. Poor outcomes of current tongue suspension devices are due to fracture, slippage or migration of devices. Three tongue tethering device groups, namely a polydioxanone/polyurethane combination (PDO + PU) treatment group, a PDO analytical control group, and a polypropylene (PP) descriptive control group, were implanted into 22 sheep (75-85 kg) in a two-phased study. After implant times of 8, 16, and 32 weeks, sheep were serially euthanized to allow for explantation of their tongues and chins. The PDO + PU devices remodeled during the 32-week implant period into a hybrid biological tendon-like tether through the process of gradual degradation of the PDO and collagen deposition as shown by electrophoresis, histology and mechanical testing. The control PDO device degraded completely after 32 weeks and the PP devices remained intact. The hybrid biological tendon-like tether exhibited a break-strength of 60 N, thus exceeding the maximum force to overcome upper airway collapse.

In vivo investigation of diode laser application on red complex bacteria in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a split-mouth randomised control trial.

Assessment of the efficacy of a single 810 nm diode laser application as an adjunctive treatment modality during the first intervention of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NPT). 25 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis underwent a split-mouth randomised control trial. The periodontal pockets of the test quadrants were treated with an 810 nm diode laser as an adjunct to NPT (Picasso GaAlAs; AMD Lasers). The laser was set at 1.0 W continuous wave, 400 µm tip, 796 W/cm2 peak power density and a 32 J/cm2 energy density. Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated based on the clinical parameters, which included probing pocket depth, recession, clinical attachment level, full mouth plaque score, full mouth bleeding on probing and tooth mobility. The baseline bacterial collection was completed from the periodontal pockets and then re-evaluated at 6 weeks. Clinical parameters demonstrated no statistical difference, with the exception of a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in bleeding on probing for the test side. The test side resulted in a statistical increase of Capnocytophaga species and Treponema denticola. The single application of the diode laser did not significantly improve the bacterial nor the clinical parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.Trial registration number: PACTR201909915338276.

Hyperplastic Response Following Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Esthetic Zone.

INTRODUCTION: The indications for augmentation of gingival tissue by connective tissue graft (CTG) are numerous. The techniques are widely adopted with extensive literature reporting high success. Harvest techniques include the mid to anterior palate, versus the posterior palate and tuberosity. The latter comprises denser collagen, identified as a more suitable graft. Alas, rarely have hyperplastic responses been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: Two adult, Caucasian patients presented with clinical need for soft tissue augmentation. Autogenous tissue was opted for, harvesting from the tuberosity gingiva. De-epithelialized outside the mouth and inserted into envelope flaps, late healing resulted in hyperplastic gingival lesions. Neither lesion could be successfully removed, and biopsy for histopathological investigation was carried out. CONCLUSION: Hyperplastic response resulting from soft tissue augmentation with tuberosity CTG is rare but may occur. Laser or scalpel might not ensure complete removal. Informing the patient of this rare adverse effect may be important.

Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Nasopharynx and Oropharynx: Explanations and Recommendations of the Guidelines From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting.

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting was established to internationally unify and standardize the pathologic reporting of cancers based on collected evidence, as well as to allow systematic data collection across institutions and countries to guide cancer care in the future. An expert panel was convened to identify the minimum data set of elements that should be included in cancer reporting from tumors of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Specifically, there has been a significant change in practice as a result of identifying oncogenic viruses, including human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus, because they preferentially affect the oropharynx and nasopharynx, respectively. For these anatomic sites, when viral association is taken into account, usually reported elements of in situ versus invasive tumor, depth of invasion, and degree of differentiation are no longer applicable. Thus, guidance about human papillomavirus testing in oropharyngeal carcinomas and Epstein-Barr virus testing in nasopharyngeal carcinomas is highlighted. Further, the clinical and the pathologic differences in staging as proposed by the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control are incorporated into the discussion, pointing out several areas of continued study and further elaboration. A summary of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting guidelines for oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carcinomas is presented, along with discussion of the salient evidence and practical issues.

Application of liquid-based transepithelial flexible brush cytology in the detection of high-grade laryngeal mucosal lesions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid-based transepithelial flexible brush cytology (LBTFBC) in the detection of high-grade laryngeal mucosal lesions. METHODS: Diagnostic accuracies of LBTFBC and flexible biopsy (FB) were compared with the gold standard of biopsy under general anaesthesia (BUA) in 49 and 46 patients, respectively. Using a flexible laryngoscope, transepithelial cytology and biopsy specimens were obtained with the aid of flexible brushes and biopsy forceps. Cytology specimens were graded and scored using a recently proposed oral cytologic grading and scoring system. RESULTS: Cytology showed 97, 29% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 97.9% accuracy, and FB disclosed 77.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 82.2% accuracy when compared with BUA. The best cutoff value for discriminating reactive/mildly dysplastic lesions from high-grade dysplasias/invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) was determined as a cytologic score of 3, with sensitivity and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: LBTFBC is a simple office-based procedure, which in combination with the newly proposed classification scheme appears to be an accurate technique in the detection of high-grade laryngeal mucosal lesions. LBTFBC is more effective than FB owing to the enhanced range of sampling and ease of application. It effectively eliminates the need for general anaesthesia, and thus reducing theatre costs and the number of hospital admissions. LBTFBC is ideal for patients who require regular clinical examinations, where repeated biopsies may lead to significant vocal morbidity.

A review of primary osteosarcoma of the larynx and case report.

Sarcomas of the larynx are exceedingly uncommon, of which primary laryngeal osteosarcomas are the rarest. To date, 25 cases of primary laryngeal osteosarcomas have been reported in the literature. Laryngeal osteosarcomas may closely simulate sarcomatoid carcinomas, since both entities share clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features. Herein, we report a case of primary laryngeal osteosarcoma in a 55 year old male, focusing on the importance of light microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features in accurately establishing the diagnosis. In addition, the current paper provides a review of the English language literature on the subject. Laryngeal osteosarcomas usually carry a dismal prognosis with no general consensus on the most effective mode of therapy. Similarly, the current patient developed bilateral lung metastases 8 months after the initial surgery.

PEComa of the nose: report of a case with immunohistochemical and ultrustructural studies and a review of the literature.

PEComas are a family of mesenchymal neoplasms that have in common the presence of a unique cell type, the perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC). PECs uniquely exhibit a distinct immunophenotype with expression of both melanocytic, particularly HMB-45, and myogenic markers. Nasal PEComas are exceedingly rare. To date, 14 cases have been described in the literature and with the exception of 6 cases, the rest consistently lack epithelioid cells and HMB-45 expression and are best classified as nasal hamartomas or angioleiomyomas with an adipocytic component. Nasal PEComas may closely resemble malignant melanomas since both entities share many morphologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and clinical features. The distinction is of paramount importance as melanomas tend to display an aggressive behaviour with associated poor outcome. Herein, we report a case of nasal PEComa in a 19 year girl, focusing on the importance of light microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features in accurately establishing the diagnosis.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour with clear langerhans cells: a novel variant, report of a case and review of the literature.

Clear cell calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CCEOT) is a rare variant of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT). While it is not surprising to find clear cells in odontogenic lesions, the exact nature of the clear cells in CCEOT has not been elucidated. Herein, we report a case of peripheral CCEOT of anterior mandible in a 37 year old black female. Histologically, the tumour consisted of cords and small nests of clear cells surrounded by dense deposits of amyloid and basophilic calcifications. The cells possessed abundant clear cytoplasm and eccentrically located indented nuclei. Admixed with the clear cells were eosinophilic cuboidal to polyhedral cells. The clear cells were PAS negative and immunoreactive for S100 protein, CD1a and Langerin. The clear cells were negative for MNF-116, SMA, Desmin and CK-19. It is therefore recommended to recognize two variants of CCEOT, namely, CEOT with clear cell change and CEOT with clear Langerhans cells (LC). We further suggest that the contradictory term "non-calcifying variant of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour with LC" to be abandoned, as the current case clearly indicates that LC could be seen in CEOT irrespective of the presence or absence of calcifications.

Malignant salivary gland tumours: can fast neutron therapy results point the way to carbon ion therapy?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of malignant salivary gland tumours treated with neutron therapy to assess the potential for other high linear energy transfer (LET) beams. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neutrons at iThemba LABS are produced by the reaction of 66MeV protons on a beryllium target. A median dose 20.4Gy, in 12 fractions in 4weeks or 15 fractions in 5weeks, was given to 335 patients with 176 irresectable, 104 macroscopically residual and 55 unresected tumours. RESULTS: Locoregional control was 60.6% at 5years and 39.1% at 10years and DSS was 66.8% and 53.7% at 5 and 10years respectively. In the univariate analysis T4, >4cm, high grade, squamous carcinoma, unresected and irresectable tumours, and positive nodes were significantly worse for LRC. In the multivariate analysis tumours >6cm, squamous carcinoma, irresectable tumours and nodes were significantly worse for LRC. Tumours >6cm, high grade, squamous carcinoma and nodes were significantly worse for DSS. Neither LRC nor DSS was influenced by age, sex, site, dose, fractionation or for initial or recurrent disease. CONCLUSIONS: Neutron therapy appears to be the treatment of choice for macroscopically incompletely excised and irresectable salivary gland tumours with improved survival rates. Further improvement may be achieved with other high LET modalities with a superior dose profile, such as carbon ions.

An evaluation of the Shandon Papspin liquid-based oral test using a novel cytologic scoring system.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate a cost-effective oral liquid-based cytology screening test, Shandon Papspin (PS). STUDY DESIGN: We compared the diagnostic accuracy of PS with surgical biopsy in 69 patients. Transepithelial cytology specimens were obtained with the use of cervical cytobrushes. Cytology specimens were graded and scored by using a novel oral cytologic grading and scoring system. RESULTS: Histologic diagnosis of dysplasia or malignancy was made in 51/69 cases, and cytology identified 49/51 cases, with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100%. The best cutoff value for distinguishing reactive/mildly dysplastic lesions from high grade/invasive squamous cell carcinoma was determined to be a cytologic score of 3, representing a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: PS appears to be an accurate and economical test for detection of high-risk dysplasias and cancers, but the real significance of this method will be its diagnostic accuracy in studies focusing strictly on lesions with a low level of clinical concern.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the salivary gland: a report of 16 cases.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis is a recently described, extremely rare, reactive, sclerosing, inflammatory process somewhat similar to fibrocystic changes and adenosis tumor of the breast. To date, there have been 22 cases described in the literature. Because of the infrequency of this lesion, we describe our combined experience with 16 cases, 1 of which has been previously reported. Thirteen tumors arose in the parotid gland, two involved the submandibular gland, and one arose in the buccal mucosa. There were 9 men and 7 women. Patients ranged in age from 9 to 75 years. Fourteen patients presented with a primary mass. Two were incidental findings in patients with a mixed tumor and an oncocytoma. Tumors ranged in size from 0.3 to 6 cm in greatest dimension. They are typically well circumscribed and are composed of densely sclerotic lobules with prominent cystic change. Hyperplasia of ductal and acinar elements and areas of apocrine-like metaplasia are frequent. Foci with mild ductal epithelial atypia were frequent with >50% of cases demonstrating at least focal areas of duct epithelial hyperplasia with atypia. Follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 40 years. One tumor recurred twice; no patient has developed metastases or died of disease.

Post-operative treatment of malignant salivary gland tumours of the palate with iodine-125 brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Malignant minor salivary gland tumours are usually small and clinically indistinguishable from benign lesions. Surgery is the treatment of choice with post-operative radiotherapy for involved margins or unfavourable histology. We assessed the results of a series of such patients treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy in the form of a temporary applicator or implant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were nine patients with T1/T2 tumours of the hard and/or soft palate that had been excised. All had close or involved margins. Six were treated with a dental applicator alone, two with an applicator and additional I-125 seeds in tubes and one with an implant alone. The applicator consists of two layers of plastic made from a dental impression enclosing a predetermined number of I-125 seeds, 9-39, glued to one surface and a layer of ash metal to protect the tongue. It was inserted 1-3 months post-operatively and delivered 35-62 Gy, median 56 Gy, at 5-7 mm depth over 58-156 h, median 120 h, at 0.26-0.67 Gy/h, median 0.45 Gy/h. RESULTS: The patients have been followed up for 32-158 months, median 50 months, and there were no recurrences. The applicator was well tolerated. A confluent mucositis developed which lasted 3-4 weeks. One patient developed a mucosal ulcer which healed spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy is an effective way of delivering post-operative radiotherapy to the hard and soft palate in patients with malignant salivary gland tumours that have been incompletely excised or have unfavourable histology. Local control is excellent, treatment time is short and morbidity is minimal.

Low-grade salivary duct carcinoma: description of 16 cases.

Low-grade salivary duct carcinoma is a rare neoplasm. We report on 16 patients, with a median age of 64 years. All but one tumor arose from the parotid gland, including one tumor that arose in an intraparotid lymph node; one arose in the submandibular gland. Tumors consist of single to multiple dominant cysts, accompanied by adjacent intraductal proliferation. Cysts are lined by small, multilayered, proliferating, bland ductal cells with finely dispersed chromatin and small nucleoli. Separate, smaller ductal structures are variably filled by proliferating ductal epithelium with cribriform, micropapillary, and solid areas. The overall appearance is very similar to breast atypical ductal hyperplasia and low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Foci of definitive stromal invasion were seen in four tumors. Two tumors demonstrated transition from low- to intermediate- or high-grade cytology, with scattered mitotic figures and focal necrosis. S-100 revealed diffuse strong expression in all 9 cases studied. Myoepithelial markers (calponin) highlighted supportive myoepithelial cells rimming the cystic spaces, confirming the intraductal nature of most, or all, of six tumors studied. Nine tumors studied for Her2-neu antigen were uniformly negative. Follow-up was obtained on 13 of our 16 patients. All patients were disease-free after surgery 6 to 132 months (median 30 months). Low-grade salivary duct carcinoma is a low-grade neoplasm with an excellent prognosis; it may be treated by conservative but complete resection. Its resemblance to atypical breast ductal hyperplasia, or micropapillary/cribriform intraductal carcinoma, distinguishes it from high-grade salivary duct carcinoma, papillocystic acinic cell carcinoma, and cystadenocarcinoma.