Prevalence of Human Papilloma virus in potentially malignant oral disorders is a risk factor for development of early dysplasia-A cytological investigation.

Objective: The proposed study was planned to screen Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) status in potentially malignant oral disorders (PMOD) and correlated HPV positivity with cytological changes in oral smears. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan from April 2020 to April 2021. Oral smears from N=162 patients with PMODs were taken by the Cytobrush and Manual Liquid Based Cytology was performed followed by p16 antibody detection on immunohistochemistry and HPV-DNA detection by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cytological changes were categorized according to the updated Bethesda Classification system 2014. SPSS was used to analyze data and p-Value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of total N = 162 patients, the most prevalent lesion [39% (n=63)] was lichen planus. Fifty six percent (n=90) of the patients were habitual chewers and 43% (n=70) were smokers. Pap staining of oral smears revealed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in 45% (n=69) cases and in 2 % (n=4) of the samples diagnosis of atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) was made. A total of 37% cases showed HPV positivity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while positive p16 expression was observed in 24% of the cases. ASC-H and ASCUS category showed significant association with HPV positivity (p=0.003). Conclusion: Early detection of PMODs by adopting minimally invasive cytological techniques and screening for HPV infection in local population is pivotal to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the advanced disease and carcinoma.

Exploring the diversity of CFTR gene mutations in cystic fibrosis individuals of South Asia.

OBJECTIVE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. This study aimed to identify the spectrum of CFTR variants reported in individuals with CF from South Asia (ISA). DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: We conducted a PubMed search for CFTR variants reported in ISA. Full text of original articles and case reports was read to compile data on reported variants. To gather additional data, we independently cross-referenced each variant with the CFTR Mutation Database and ClinVar. RESULTS: Our investigation identified a total of 92 CFTR variants reported across 30 articles. The most frequently tested, and reported variant was ΔF508 with a global frequency of 69.74%. Notably, we found 14 pathogenic CFTR mutations shared among ISA, originating from more than one South Asian country: ΔF508, 1525-1 G > A, G542X, S549N, R117H, S549R, R709X, V456A, Y569D, L1077P, 1161delC, 1898 + 1 G > T, G551D, and 2184insA. CONCLUSION: In summary, the higher prevalence of consanguinity and the limited availability of CF diagnostic resources in South Asia considerably contribute to the prevalence of genetic disorders like CF. The spectrum of CFTR mutations exhibits noticeable variations within South Asian and other populations. The inclusion of current study-enlisted CFTR gene variants is highly recommended for CF disease genetic testing in South Asia which may aid in achieving a precise diagnosis, enhancing disease management, and discovering drugs for currently untreatable genetic variants. It is also imperative to conduct a comprehensive study in this region, especially in previously unexplored countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Bangladesh.

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD): a Pakistani Family with Novel ARSA Gene Mutation.

A deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA) causes a progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease known as metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). Diagnosis is based on the onset of neurological symptoms, presence of gait abnormalities, spasticity, decreased muscle stretch reflexes and neuro-radiological evidence of demyelination. The purpose of the present study was to identify any mutation in the candidate ARSA gene in a family of late infantile MLD patients. The diagnosis of suspected MLD patients was confirmed by a MRI report and low ARSA enzymatic activity in leukocytes. Sanger sequencing of full-length coding regions of ARSA gene was performed. Changes in the nucleotide sequence were determined by comparing the obtained data with the wild-type sequence. mRNA expression was analysed using real-time PCR. A novel base pair substitution at position c.338T>C (p.L113P) of ARSA gene was observed in the family and was confirmed in a normal population via ARMS-PCR and Sanger sequencing. The mRNA expression of ARSA gene showed a significant difference between normal and carrier individuals (p = 0.0008). In silico analysis by POLYPHEN, a pathogenicity prediction tool, predicted the possible damaging nature of this mutation. I-TASSER, a protein-modelling server, demonstrated the effects of this mutation on different domains of the ARSA protein, which plays a crucial role in the structural and functional integrity of enzyme. The novel p.L113P mutation in a Pakistani family with late infantile MLD has a pathogenic and destructive effect on the protein structure and function of ARSA. It is the first case reported in a Pakistani population using genetic analysis.

Review of survival rates 20-years after conservative surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma / Revisão dos resultados de sobrevida a 20 anos da cirurgia conservadora no carcinoma papilífero da tireoide

INTRODUCTION: A less extensive thyroidectomy could be used for patients in the low risk group.OBJECTIVE: To perform a critical follow-up after lobectomy with isthmusectomy for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with a single nodule limited to the periphery of the lobe.METHODS: Thirty-one patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma operated on till 1993 were selected. They had undergone lobectomy with isthmusectomy. This is a retrospective cohort study in which the oncological outcome (contralateral and regional recurrence) and the reoperation complications (recurrent nerve paralysis/paresis and hypoparathyroidism) were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was employed.RESULTS: In the last decade (2003-2013), 6 (20%) contralateral recurrences were observed in the remaining lobe and in 1 of these cases (3%), contralateral lymph node metastases were noted. A completion thyroidectomy plus lymphadenectomy was performed, without modification of global survival.CONCLUSION: Because of the rate of 20% of contralateral recurrence after a 20-year follow-up, we suggest modification of the surgical paradigm for total thyroidectomy as an initial therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma cirurgia menos extensa da glândula tireoide poderia ser utilizada em pacientes do grupo de baixo risco.OBJETIVO: Realizar seguimento crítico após hemitireoidectomia para tratamento do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide em casos de nódulo único limitado à periferia do lobo.MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 31 pacientes portadores de carcinoma papilífero de tireoide operados, até 1993, por lobectomia mais istmectomia. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de coorte sendo avaliados o resultado oncológico (recidiva contralateral e regional) e complicações de reoperação (paralisia/paresia de nervo recorrente e hipoparatireoidismo). Utilizou-se análise descritiva.RESULTADOS: Na última década, foram observados 6 (20%) casos de recidivas contralaterais (lobo remanescente) sendo que, em um caso, estava acompanhado de metástases linfonodais contralaterais (3%), sem impacto na sobrevida dos pacientes reoperados.CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de 20% de recidiva contralateral após uma média evolutiva de 20 anos sugere revisão do paradigma conservador para a totalização imediata da tireoidectomia.

In silico analysis of SIGMAR1 variant (rs4879809) segregating in a consanguineous Pakistani family showing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without frontotemporal lobar dementia.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in fatal paralysis. It has been found to be associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In the present study, we have described homozygosity mapping and gene sequencing in a consanguineous autosomal recessive Pakistani family showing non-juvenile ALS without signs of FTLD. Gene mapping was carried out in all recruited family members using microsatellite markers, and linkage was established with sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (SIGMAR1) gene at chromosome 9p13.2. Gene sequencing of SIGMAR1 revealed a novel 3'-UTR nucleotide variation c.672*31A>G (rs4879809) segregating with disease in this family. The C9ORF72 repeat region in intron 1, previously implicated in a related phenotype, was excluded through linkage, and further confirmation of exclusion was obtained by amplifying intron 1 of C9ORF72 with multiple primers in affected individuals and controls. In silico analysis was carried out to explore the possible role of 3'-UTR variant of SIGMAR1 in ALS. The Regulatory RNA motif and Element Finder program revealed disturbance in miRNA (hsa-miR-1205) binding site due to this variation. ESEFinder analysis showed new SRSF1 and SRSF1-IgM-BRCA1 binding sites with significant scores due to this variation. Our results indicate that the 3'-UTR SIGMAR1 variant c.672*31A>G may have a role in the pathogenesis of ALS in this family.

Review of survival rates 20-years after conservative surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: A less extensive thyroidectomy could be used for patients in the low risk group. OBJECTIVE: To perform a critical follow-up after lobectomy with isthmusectomy for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with a single nodule limited to the periphery of the lobe. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma operated on till 1993 were selected. They had undergone lobectomy with isthmusectomy. This is a retrospective cohort study in which the oncological outcome (contralateral and regional recurrence) and the reoperation complications (recurrent nerve paralysis/paresis and hypoparathyroidism) were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was employed. RESULTS: In the last decade (2003-2013), 6 (20%) contralateral recurrences were observed in the remaining lobe and in 1 of these cases (3%), contralateral lymph node metastases were noted. A completion thyroidectomy plus lymphadenectomy was performed, without modification of global survival. CONCLUSION: Because of the rate of 20% of contralateral recurrence after a 20-year follow-up, we suggest modification of the surgical paradigm for total thyroidectomy as an initial therapy.

Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth / Retardo da radioterapia pós-operatória no controle local do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho de boca

Objective To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Methods A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy. Results Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49). Conclusion In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance. .

Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do tempo entre o tratamento cirúrgico e a radioterapia pós-operatória nas recidivas locais do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho da boca. Métodos Foram selecionados 154 pacientes tratados entre 1996 e 2007, considerando a frequência das recidivas locais e o tempo para início da radioterapia adjuvante. Resultados As recidivas locais foram diagnosticadas em 54 (35%) pacientes. A radioterapia reduziu a frequência de recidivas locais, embora sem significância estatística. O tempo entre a cirurgia e o início da radioterapia pós-operatória não influenciaram, de forma significante, no risco de recidivas locais entre o pacientes que tinham indicação de tratamento adjuvante (p=0,49). Conclusão Na presença de fatores de risco para recidiva local, um pequeno atraso no início da radioterapia adjuvante não contra-indica sua realização. .

Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth. METHODS: A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49). CONCLUSION: In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance.

Valor prognostico da metastase regional no carcinoma epidermoide de lingua e soalho bucal / Prognostic value of regional metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of mouth

A presença da metástase linfonodal é um fator limitante da sobrevida no câncer da boca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as causas de falha no tratamento dos carcinomas de língua e soalho de boca em função do estadiamento. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 365 casos de carcinoma epidermoide de boca, tratados de 1978 a 2007, sendo 48 T1, 156 T2, 98 T3 e 63 T4, dos quais 193 foram pNo e 172 pN+. RESULTADOS: Entre os casos pN+, foram observados 17/46 recidivas (36,9%) nos casos não irradiados e 46/126 (36,5%) nos casos irradiados. Quanto aos resgates, nos casos pN0, obtivemos 16/51 (31,3%) e, nos pacientes pN+, de 3/77 (3,9%). CONCLUSÃO: O sucesso dos resgates é menor em pacientes com pN+, com maior recidiva local e menor sobrevida. .

The presence of metastatic nodes is a survival-limiting factor for patients with mouth tumors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes of treatment failure in carcinomas of the tongue and floor of the mouth due to staging. METHOD: This study included 365 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth treated from 1978 to 2007; 48 were staged as T1, 156 as T2, 98 as T3, and 63 as T4, of which 193 were pNo and 172 pN+. RESULTS: Among the pN+ cases, 17/46 (36.9%) of the patients not treated with radiation therapy had relapsing tumors, against 46/126 (36.5 %) of the patients who underwent radiation therapy. Success rates in the group of subjects submitted to salvage procedures were 16/51 (31.3%) for pN0 patients and 3/77 (3.9%) for pN+ patients. CONCLUSION: Salvage procedure success and survival rates are lower for pN+ patients; pN+ individuals also have more relapsing local disease. .

Análise do PET-CT no estadiamento do câncer epidermoide de cabeça e pescoço / Analysis of PET-CT in the staging of head and neck cancer

Introdução: O carcinoma epidermoide na cabeça e pescoçotem uma recidiva loco-regional em 40% dos casos em dois anos,tornando necessário o seguimento convencional e por meio deexames de imagens, somando-se a técnica do 18F-FDG-PET.Objetivo: Demonstrar os primeiros dois anos de indicações eresultados da PET-CT em uma instituição pública. Método: Estudoretrospectivo de 50 exames de julho de 2009 a junho de 2012,realizados consecutivamente em 49 pacientes com carcinomaepidermoide das vias aerodigestivas superiores de estádiosclínicos I (4,1%), II (10,2%), III (32,7%) e IV (53%). Resultados:Em 12 casos, o exame foi realizado durante o estadiamento inicial.Em quatro casos, a PET foi realizado por tumor primário oculto naapresentação inicial. A PET-CT foi realizada pós-tratamento em31 casos, sendo que houve mudança de estádio clínico em 12desses pacientes após a realização da PET-CT. Foram realizadosdois exames em pacientes sob cuidados paliativos com sobrevidasuperior à esperada, sendo um diagnosticado sem doença e outrocom segunda lesão. Conclusão: O diagnóstico e estadiamento docâncer na cabeça e pescoço fazem-se por meio de exame diretocom biópsia e exame histológico. Exames de imagem metabólicose anatômicos - PET-CT - auxiliam, especialmente, no diagnósticodas recidivas loco-regionais.

Epidemiological assessment and therapeutic response in hypopharyngeal cancer.

UNLABELLED: Despite the low incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic advances, hypopharyngeal cancer still has high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the epidemiological profile and response to surgery and radiation/chemotherapy of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 114 patients treated between 2002 and 2009 in a tertiary hospital with histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 years, 94.7% were males and 5.3% females, 98.2% were smokers and 92% consumed alcohol; 72% are illiterate or did not complete first grade schooling. The main complaints were: neck node (28%), pain and dysphagia (22%), odynophagia (12.2%), dysphonia (7.8%). The clinical staging was: I (1.7%), II (3.5%), III (18.4%), IV (76.3%). The treatment was carried out with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone in 35%, with mean 2-year survival of 20% and 5-year survival of 18%; surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 22.8% with 2-year survival of 60.0% and 5 years of 55.0%; chemotherapy alone in 2.6%, and 39.4% without treatment. CONCLUSION: Most patients already had advanced clinical stages and independent of the treatment option, had a low survival rate, confirming the poor prognosis of this neoplasm.

Avaliação epidemiológica e da resposta terapêutica no câncer da hipofaringe / Epidemiological assessment and therapeutic response in hypopharyngeal cancer

Apesar da baixa incidência, avanços diagnóstico e terapêutico, o câncer de hipofaringe ainda possui elevada mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente o perfil epidemiológico e a resposta bà cirurgia e rádio/quimioterapia de pacientes portadores de câncer de hipofaringe. MÉTODO: Foram analisados prontuários de 114 pacientes atendidos entre 2002 e 2009 em um hospital terciário com o diagnóstico histopatológico de carcinoma epidermoide. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi 57 anos; 94,7% eram do sexo masculino e 5,3%, do feminino; 98,2% eram tabagistas e 92% etilistas; 72% analfabetos ou com 1º grau incompleto. As queixas principais foram: nódulo cervical (28%), dor e disfagia (22%), odinofagia (12,2%), disfonia (7,8%). O estádio clínico foi: I (1,7%), II (3,5%), III (18,4%), IV (76,3%). O tratamento foi realizado com rádio e quimioterapia exclusivas em 35%, com sobrevida média em 2 anos de 20% e 5 anos de 18%, cirurgia seguida de rádio e quimioterapia em 22,8% com sobrevida em 2 anos de 60,0% e 5 anos 55,0%, quimioterapia exclusiva em 2,6%, e 39,4% sem tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes já apresentava estádios clínicos avançados e, independentemente da opção terapêutica, apresentam baixa sobrevida, confirmando mau prognóstico desta neoplasia.

Despite the low incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic advances, hypopharyngeal cancer still has high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the epidemiological profile and response to surgery and radiation/chemotherapy of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 114 patients treated between 2002 and 2009 in a tertiary hospital with histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 years, 94.7% were males and 5.3% females, 98.2% were smokers and 92% consumed alcohol; 72% are illiterate or did not complete first grade schooling. The main complaints were: neck node (28%), pain and dysphagia (22%), odynophagia (12.2%), dysphonia (7.8%). The clinical staging was: I (1.7%), II (3.5%), III (18.4%), IV (76.3%). The treatment was carried out with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone in 35%, with mean 2-year survival of 20% and 5-year survival of 18%; surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 22.8% with 2-year survival of 60.0% and 5 years of 55.0%; chemotherapy alone in 2.6%, and 39.4% without treatment. CONCLUSION: Most patients already had advanced clinical stages and independent of the treatment option, had a low survival rate, confirming the poor prognosis of this neoplasm.

Prognostic value of regional metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of mouth.

UNLABELLED: The presence of metastatic nodes is a survival-limiting factor for patients with mouth tumors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes of treatment failure in carcinomas of the tongue and floor of the mouth due to staging. METHOD: This study included 365 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth treated from 1978 to 2007; 48 were staged as T1, 156 as T2, 98 as T3, and 63 as T4, of which 193 were pNo and 172 pN+. RESULTS: Among the pN+ cases, 17/46 (36.9%) of the patients not treated with radiation therapy had relapsing tumors, against 46/126 (36.5 %) of the patients who underwent radiation therapy. Success rates in the group of subjects submitted to salvage procedures were 16/51 (31.3%) for pN0 patients and 3/77 (3.9%) for pN+ patients. CONCLUSION: Salvage procedure success and survival rates are lower for pN+ patients; pN+ individuals also have more relapsing local disease.

Valor da PET/CT na abordagem do câncer de cabeça e pescoço / Value of PET/CT in the approach to head and neck cancer

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a PET/CT na abordagem de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 63 prontuários e exames de PET/CT de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas alterações em 76% dos exames. Destes, 7 (11%) foram considerados falso-positivos, com SUV < 5,0. A PET/CT mostrou-se negativa em 15 situações (24%). Dos 14 casos nos quais se utilizou o exame para estadiamento, em 3 (22%) houve aumento no estadiamento. CONCLUSÃO: A PET/CT mostra-se como exame de potencial valor na rotina de avaliação de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço, entretanto, necessitamos de maior número de casos para definirmos protocolo de uso.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of PET/CT in the approach to patients with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of medical records and PET/CT images of 63 patients with head and neck cancer. RESULTS: Alterations were observed in 76% of the cases. Out of these cases, 7 (11%) were considered as false-positive, with SUV < 5.0. PET/CT demonstrated negative results in 15 cases (24%). Among the 14 cases where the method was utilized for staging, 3 (22%) had their stages changed. CONCLUSION: PET/CT has shown to be of potential value in the routine evaluation of patients with head and neck cancer, but further studies of a higher number of cases are required to define a protocol for utilization of the method.

Update of assessment of survival in head and neck cancer after regional recurrence.

Objective. To evaluate site of regional recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract after neck dissection and the results of salvage treatment. Methods. 95 patients with regional recurrence as the first manifestation of relapse were selected between 943 patients who underwent neck dissection. We evaluated level and side of recurrence, as well disease control after salvage treatment. Results. Level II was the most frequent site of recurrence. Salvage treatment was performed in 51% of ipsilateral and in 75% of contralateral (nondissected neck) recurrences. Control of the disease 12 months after salvage surgery was 25% in the ipsilateral and 37% in contralateral recurrences. Conclusions. Cervical recurrences occur predominantly in level II. Relapse in level I is frequent only in oral cavity tumors and relapse in level V is rare. The neck recurrence carries a poor prognosis even among patients who underwent retreatment with curative intent.

The density of metastatic lymph node as prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

UNLABELLED: The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant prognostic factor in oral cancer. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess metastatic lymph node density (pN+) in patients with tongue and floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the association of this parameter with disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 182 patients seen between 1985 and 2007 was included, 169 of which were males. Five were on stage I, 35 on stage II, 56 on stage III, and 85 on stage IV. Median values were considered in lymph node density assessment, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate DFS; survival differences within the group were elicited through the log-rank test. RESULTS: An average 3.2 metastatic lymph nodes were excised from the patients in the group. Density ranged from 0.009 to 0.4, with a mean value of 0.09. Five-year DFS rates were of 44% and 28% for the groups with lymph node densities below and above the median respectively (p = 0.006). Two-year local/regional control was achieved for 71% and 49% for the patients below and above the median density respectively (p = 0.01). In terms of pN staging, local/regional control was achieved in 70% and 54% of pN1 and pN2 patients respectively, albeit without statistical significance (0.20%). CONCLUSION: Lymph node density may be used as a prognostic indicator for tongue and floor-of-mouth SCC.

A densidade do linfonodo metastático como fator prognóstico no carcinoma espinocelular da língua e soalho bucal / The density of metastatic lymph node as prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth

A presença de linfonodos metastáticos é aspecto relevante no prognóstico do câncer bucal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a densidade do linfonodo metastático (pN+) em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de língua e soalho bucal e sua relação com a sobrevida livre de doença (SLD). MÉTODOS: De 1985 a 2007, 182 pacientes foram avaliados, dos quais 169 eram homens, sendo cinco estádio I, 35 estádio II, 56 estádio III e 85 estádio IV. A densidade do linfonodo foi mensurada por meio de sua mediana e a SLD pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a diferença de grupo pelo teste log-rank. RESULTADOS:Após média de dissecção de 3,2 linfonodos metastáticos com pacientes, a densidade variou de 0,009 a 0,4, com média 0,09. A SLD a 5 anos foi de 44% e 28% para grupos com densidade linfonodal abaixo e acima da mediana (p = 0,006). O controle loco-regional a 2 anos foi de 71% e 49% para os casos com densidade abaixo e acima da mediana (p = 0,01). Quanto ao estádio pN, o controle loco-regional foi de 70% e 54% para os casos pN1 e pN2, sem significância estatística (0,20%). CONCLUSÃO: A densidade linfonodal pode ser utilizada como indicador prognóstico no CEC de língua e soalho bucal.

The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant prognostic factor in oral cancer. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess metastatic lymph node density (pN+) in patients with tongue and floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the association of this parameter with disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 182 patients seen between 1985 and 2007 was included, 169 of which were males. Five were on stage I, 35 on stage II, 56 on stage III, and 85 on stage IV. Median values were considered in lymph node density assessment, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate DFS; survival differences within the group were elicited through the log-rank test. RESULTS: An average 3.2 metastatic lymph nodes were excised from the patients in the group. Density ranged from 0.009 to 0.4, with a mean value of 0.09. Five-year DFS rates were of 44% and 28% for the groups with lymph node densities below and above the median respectively (p = 0.006). Two-year local/regional control was achieved for 71% and 49% for the patients below and above the median density respectively (p = 0.01). In terms of pN staging, local/regional control was achieved in 70% and 54% of pN1 and pN2 patients respectively, albeit without statistical significance (0.20%). CONCLUSION: Lymph node density may be used as a prognostic indicator for tongue and floor-of-mouth SCC.

Neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: indication of elective contralateral neck dissection.

UNLABELLED: Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection must be considered in the treatment of laryngeal cancer AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of contralateral metastases in larynx cancer and distribution of these metastases according to lymph node levels in the neck. METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of 272 charts from patients with squamous cell cancer of the larynx treated between 1996 and 2004; and we selected 104 surgical cases submitted to neck dissection. We evaluated the incidence of bilateral or contralateral metastases, according to the location and extension of the primary tumor, considering the anatomical sub-sites and the midline. RESULTS: Contralateral metastases in lateral tumors were observed in 3.5% of glottic lesions and in 26% of supraglottic lesions. Contralateral metastases were uncommon in N0 patients. Lymph nodes levels IIa and III were the most commonly involved in the neck. CONCLUSION: In lateral glottic tumors there is no need for elective contralateral neck dissection. In supraglottic lesions without ipsilateral metastases, the incidence of hidden metastasis does not justify elective contralateral dissection. The midline is not a reliable indicator of the risk of contralateral laryngeal tumors.

Prognostic significance of the number of lymph nodes in elective neck dissection for tongue and mouth floor cancers.

UNLABELLED: The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant aspect in the treatment of head and neck cancer, bringing about a 50% reduction in survival. OBJECTIVE: To assess the number of lymph nodes removed in the neck dissection and their relationship with the prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 143 patients with tongue and mouth floor epidermoid carcinoma, which histological exam showed no lymph node metastases. Among those, 119 were males and 24 females, with mean age of 54 years. As to the primary tumor site, 65 were in the tongue and 78 in the mouth floor. T stage distribution was of four T1, 84 T2, 36 T3 and 19 T4. We carried out 176 neck dissections, unilateral in 110 cases and bilateral in 33. Of these, 78 were radical and 98 selective. The patients were broken down into three groups, according to the 33 and 66 percentiles of the number of lymph nodes resected. RESULTS: The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 27; 24 in selective dissections and 31 in the complete ones. We did not have statistically significant differences when associated to the T and N stages. CONCLUSIONS: The larger number of lymph nodes dissected in the neck dissection identifies the group of better prognoses among pN0 cases.

Esvaziamento cervical no carcinoma epidermoide de laringe: indicação de esvaziamento eletivo contralateral / Neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: indication of elective contralateral neck dissection

O planejamento terapêutico dos tumores da laringe inclui a possibilidade de esvaziamento cervical uni ou bilateral. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e localização de metástases linfonodais bilaterais ou contralaterais nos tumores de laringe. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo de 272 prontuários de pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe tratados entre 1996 e 2004, selecionados 104 submetidos à cirurgia com esvaziamento cervical. Avaliada a incidência de metástases bilaterais ou contralaterais, de acordo com a localização e extensão do tumor primário, considerando os subsítios anatômicos e a linha mediana. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de metástases contralaterais nos tumores lateralizados foi de 3,5% nas lesões glóticas e 26% nas lesões supraglóticas. As metástases contralaterais foram infrequentes nos casos N0. Tanto no esvaziamento eletivo como no terapêutico, os níveis linfonodais IIa e III foram os mais acometidos. CONCLUSÃO: Nas lesões glóticas lateralizadas, mesmo nos tumores transglóticos, não há necessidade de esvaziamento contralateral eletivo. Nas lesões da supraglote sem metástases ipsilaterais, a incidência de metástases ocultas não justifica o esvaziamento eletivo contralateral. A linha mediana não é um indicador fidedigno do risco de metástases contralaterais nos tumores da laringe.

Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection must be considered in the treatment of laryngeal cancer AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of contralateral metastases in larynx cancer and distribution of these metastases according to lymph node levels in the neck. METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of 272 charts from patients with squamous cell cancer of the larynx treated between 1996 and 2004; and we selected 104 surgical cases submitted to neck dissection. We evaluated the incidence of bilateral or contralateral metastases, according to the location and extension of the primary tumor, considering the anatomical sub-sites and the midline. RESULTS: Contralateral metastases in lateral tumors were observed in 3.5% of glottic lesions and in 26% of supraglottic lesions. Contralateral metastases were uncommon in N0 patients. Lymph nodes levels IIa and III were the most commonly involved in the neck. CONCLUSION: In lateral glottic tumors there is no need for elective contralateral neck dissection. In supraglottic lesions without ipsilateral metastases, the incidence of hidden metastasis does not justify elective contralateral dissection. The midline is not a reliable indicator of the risk of contralateral laryngeal tumors.