Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: State of the Art.

Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the epithelial cells of the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinonasal cavities. There are many associated risk factors, including alcohol drinking coupled with tobacco use, which accounts for 70% to 80% of HNSCCs. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another independent risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, but it is only a minor contributor to oral cavity SCC (OSCC). Betel quid chewing is also an established risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, OSCC, and especially oral tongue cancer, incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries, suggesting risk factors that have not been identified yet. This review summarizes the established risk factors for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and examines other undemonstrated risk factors for HNSCC.

Correlations between long-term quality of life and patient needs and concerns following head and neck cancer treatment and the impact of psychological distress. A multicentric cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess patient needs and concerns after head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment and their possible correlations with long-term quality of life (QoL) and to examine the potential impact of psychological distress on these results. METHODS: Alive and disease-free HNSCC patients at least 1 year after treatment were enrolled in this cross-sectional multicentric study and completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 QoL questionnaires, the head and neck cancer-specific patient concerns inventory (PCI-HN) questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Correlations between QoL outcomes and patient needs and concerns were investigated using Spearman's correlation tests. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were enrolled in the study. Fear of cancer recurrence was the main patient concern followed by dental, salivary, fatigue, speech, and eating problems. The leading patient needs in terms of consultation were to be referred to the surgeon, the speech, and swallow therapist and the oral rehabilitation team. The number of patient concerns correlated negatively (r < .40) with functioning scales score and positively (r > .40) with general and head and neck symptoms. Psychological distress was the main determinant of QoL outcomes (p < .0001). We found a significant impact of gender (p = .002) on the number of patient concerns, and of patient age (p = .003) on the number of staff members selected by patients. CONCLUSION: Identification of patient needs and concerns along with multidisciplinary management of persistent symptoms and psychological distress seem essential steps towards improving QoL of HNSCC patients.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery with free-flap reconstruction in the elderly: Factors associated with long-term quality of life, patient needs and concerns. A GETTEC cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the factors associated with long-term quality of life (QoL) and patient concerns in elderly oral or oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) patients after oncologic surgery and free-flap reconstruction. METHODS: Patients aged over 70 years who were still alive and disease-free at least 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this cross-sectional multicentric study. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, -H&N35 and -ELD14 QoL questionnaires, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patient needs were evaluated using the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI). Factors associated with these clinical outcomes were determined in univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included in this study. Long-term QoL, functioning scales and patient autonomy were well-preserved. Main persistent symptoms were fatigue, constipation and oral function-related disorders. Salivary and mastication/swallowing problems were the main patient concerns. The mean number of patient concerns increased with the deterioration of their QoL. Psychological distress (HADS score ≥ 15) and patient frailty (G8 score < 15) were significantly associated with poor QoL outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We found a negative correlation between the number of patient concerns and QoL. Dental rehabilitation and psychological and nutritional supportive measures are of critical importance in the multidisciplinary management of elderly OOPC patients.

New landmarks in endonasal surgery: from nasal bone to anterior cribriform plate including branches of anterior ethmoidal artery and nerve and terminal nerve.

BACKGROUND: Despite the development of anterior skull base surgery, the anatomy of the nasal bone and anterior cribriform plate remains unclear. A recent study confirmed 2 distinct foramina in the anterior part of cribriform plate: the ethmoidal slit (ES) and the cribroethmoidal foramen (CF). The aim of this study was to specify their content, their anatomic relationship to the frontal sinus and skull base, and their potential value in skull base surgery. METHODS: Dissections were performed on 36 cadaver heads. Macro- and microscopic examinations were carried out. Microcomputed tomography scans contrasted with osmium were performed to identify vessels and nerves. Histology with neural, meningeal, or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone immunomarkers was performed on the content of the foramina. Finally, endonasal surgical dissections were carried out. RESULTS: The ES and the CF were observed in all cases. They measured a mean of 4.2 and 1.6 mm, respectively. The ES contained dura mater, arachnoid tissues, lymphatics, and the terminal nerve. The CF contained the anterior ethmoidal nerve and artery. This foramen continued forward with the cribroethmoidal groove, which measured a mean of 2.5 mm. This groove was under the frontal sinus and in front of the skull base. We also described a "cribroethmoidal canal" and a "nasal bone foramen." CONCLUSION: The clinical applications of this new anatomic description concern both cribriform plate and frontal sinus surgeries. Identifying the terminal nerve passing through the ES is a step forward in understanding pheromone recognition in humans.

Intensive nutritional care for patients treated with radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: a randomized study and meta-analysis.

Nutritional care improves quality of life (QOL) in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The aim of our study was to determine whether intensive nutritional care (INC) would further improve QOL. In addition to a control group based on European and American guidelines, patients included in the INC group received six meetings with a dietitian. QOL was measured after radiotherapy using the EORTC QLQ-C30. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the best nutritional care. In the 87 patients, the QOL scores, weight, energy, and protein intakes were similar between the INC group (n = 43) and the control group (n = 44). The meta-analysis revealed no heterogeneity and significant differences in QOL (three studies) (p = 0.46) or weight changes after radiotherapy (four studies) (p = 0.06). The nutritional care specified in the European and American guidelines is composed of well-defined recommendations, and appears sufficient to maintain QOL without further intervention.