Clinical characteristics and efficacy of oropharyngeal carcinoma with secondary primary tumor / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analysis the clinical features and prognosis in oropharyngeal carcinoma with secondary primary tumor. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 468 pathologically confirmed oropharyngeal cancer as the primary tumor patients with p16 status, excluded distant metastasis, and admitted to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2010 to December 2020. The clinical features and prognosis of the secondary primary tumor were analyzed. Results:Among 468 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated at initial diagnosed, 222 cases were P16-negative. With a median follow-up time of 64.3 months, 66 cases developed second primary cancer, with an incidence of 29.3%, among which 63.6%（42/66） were synchronous and 36.4%（24/66） were heterochronous, esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 5-year OS of p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma with synchronous second primary cancer, without second primary cancer and with heterogeneous second primary cancer were 26.3% and 57.3% and 73.2%（P=0.001）; The second primary cancer accounted for 11.2%（12/107） of the deaths in the whole group, among them, the heterochronous second primary accounted for 75.0%（9/12）. There were 246 patients with p16 positive, with a median follow-up time of 52.4 months, 20 patients developed second primary cancer（8.1%）. Among them, 65.0%（13/20） were synchronous and 35.0%（7/20） were heterochronous. Esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 4-year OS of p16-positive with synchronous, heterochronous and non-second primary cancer group were 51.9%, 80.7% and 83.3%. Secondary primary cancer accounted for 3.8%（2/52） of all deaths in p16 positvie group. Conclusion:The incidence of second primary cancer of p16 positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinoma were different. The esophagus was the most commonly involved site regardless of p16 status. Regardless of p16 status, the survival of patients with synchronous second primary cancer was worse than those without second primary cancer. For p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma, the prognosis was better in patients with heterogeneous second primary cancer, the second primary cancer is one of the main causes of death.

Factors associated with advanced-stage oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a Brazilian population

Diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in advanced stages may be associated with social nature factors, access to health care, education, occupation, and behavioral/ cultural factors. Aim: To determine the factors related to high clinical-staging in patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the oral and oropharyngeal region in a Cancer Center in Brazil between 2009 and 2015. Methods: It is an epidemiological, retrospective, and exploratory study. Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma had their medical records analyzed. The variables considered were sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease characteristics. Descriptive and exploratory tests (Pearson's, chi-square test and, Student's t-test) were realized. Results: We analyzed 365 patient records, among which 289 (79.17%) were male, and 73 (20.0%) were female. Age ranged from 16 to 101 years, with a mean of 61.13. Regarding education, 157 (43.01%) studied < 8 years, 103 (28.21%) were illiterate and 102 (27.94%) studied > 8 years. 305 (83.56%) patients live in urban areas. There was an association between high clinical-staging and low educational level. For high clinical-staging, symptomatology, tobacco, and alcohol intake as well. Conclusion: Patients with low educational levels tend to report the disease later, and their diagnostics occurred in advanced stages. Thus, specific public health policies for this population, including access to dental care to recognize the clinical signs and early diagnosis, are necessary

Symptoms and factors associated with symptom clusters among older adults with oral and oropharyngeal cancers at diagnosis / Sintomas e fatores associados a clusters de sintomas entre idosos com câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe no momento do diagnóstico

OBJECTIVE: Describe differences in pretreatment symptoms and the composition of symptom clusters in older patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, quality of life (QoL) assessments for cancer patients (EORCT QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H & N35) were applied to 161 cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer at the time of enrollment in an outpatient clinic. They were used to evaluate QoL-related symptoms reported by patients, according to their occurrence. To identify symptom clusters, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed, and the relationships between these clusters and independent variables were assessed with linear regression models. RESULTS: The most prevalent symptoms were pain (52%), worry (48%), and weight loss (44%). Five factors were extracted from the EFA, of which 3 were noteworthy. The dysphagia cluster was common to both cancer sites, although more frequent in oropharyngeal cancer patients, and included symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain, and weight loss. The psychological cluster included symptoms related to feeling worried, nervous, and depressed. The asthenia cluster, in addition to being age-related, may represent the advanced stage or progression of the disease. CONCLUSION: The dysphagia cluster loaded the most symptoms and was common to both cancers. In addition to pain (one of the main symptoms of the dysphagia cluster), psychological symptoms were also important in both groups of patients. Adequate and early control of these symptom clusters at diagnosis could favor better management of symptoms during treatment.

OBJETIVO: Descrever diferenças nos sintomas pré-tratamento e na composição de clusters de sintomas em pacientes idosos com câncer oral e orofaríngeo. METODOLOGIA: Neste estudo seccional, avaliações de qualidade de vida (QV) para pacientes com câncer (EORCT QLQ-C30 e QLQ-H & N35) foram aplicadas a 161 casos incidentes de câncer oral e orofaríngeo no momento da inscrição no ambulatório. Essas avaliações foram utilizadas para analisar os sintomas relatados pelos pacientes quanto à QV, de acordo com a ocorrência. Para identificar agrupamentos de sintomas, uma análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) foi realizada, e a relação entre esses agrupamentos de sintomas e variáveis independentes foi avaliada com modelos de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram dor (52%), preocupação (48%) e perda de peso (44%). Cinco fatores foram extraídos do AFE, três dignos de nota. Embora mais relatado por pacientes orofaríngeos, o agrupamento de disfagia foi comum a ambos os locais de câncer e incluiu sintomas como dificuldade para engolir, dor e perda de peso. O agrupamento psicológico incluiu sintomas relacionados a sentir-se preocupado, nervoso e deprimido. O agrupamento da astenia, além de relacionado à idade, pode representar o estágio avançado ou progressão da doença. CONCLUSÕES: O cluster de disfagia carregou a maioria dos sintomas e foi comum a ambos os tipos de câncer. Além da dor, que era um dos principais sintomas desse cluster, os sintomas psicológicos também foram importantes em ambos os grupos de pacientes. O controle adequado e precoce desses grupos de sintomas no diagnóstico pode favorecer o melhor manejo dos sintomas durante o tratamento.

Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated at a Referral Hospital, Salvador, Brazil

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer treated at a referral hospital in Salvador, Brazil. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Aristides Maltez Hospital (HAM), analyzing the medical records of patients treated between 2008 and 2015. Of the 722 medical records analyzed, 154 were included, considering the following variables: gender, age, occupation and educational level; type of lesion of the mouth/oropharynx cancer, its location and stage. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: There was a greater occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma (88.3%), with a higher prevalence for males (72.73) and age between 60-69 years (42%), with a predominance of farmers (38.31%). As for the educational level, 59% had only completed elementary school. The most common location for cancer was the tongue, 25.15% of the cases, and the professional responsible for the diagnosis was predominantly a doctor (94%). Prevalence of T3 and T4 size tumors (53.25%). Conclusion: Patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer are mostly male, older than 60 years, with low educational level, and working as farmers. The most common location was the tongue, and T3 and T4 tumors were predominant.

Neoplasias de orofaringe / Oropharyngeal neoplasms

Objetivos: O presente estudo tem como principal objetivo revisar os importantes aspectos acerca das neoplasias de orofaringe, com o intuito de atentarmos aos pontos relevantes quanto à epidemiologia, clínica e tratamento existentes atualmente, alertando ao público médico. Métodos: Como método, fez-se uma revisão na literatura acerca do tema, usando-se o banco de dados do PubMed e da SciELO, no período de 2012 a 2017. Os critérios de inclusão para os estudos utilizados como referência foram a abordagem terapêutica das neoplasias orofaríngeas e os dados referentes à epidemiologia da patologia. Resultados: Como resultado da presente revisão, viu-se que as neoplasias de orofaringe se caracterizam pelo acometimento das regiões compreendidas na base da língua, tonsilas palatinas, palato mole, paredes laterais e posteriores da orofaringe e valécula, sendo as localizadas nas amígdalas as mais frequentes. Atualmente, a infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV), associada aos fatores de risco mais conhecidos como o tabaco e o álcool, têm contribuído na incidência destes cânceres. O diagnóstico precoce influencia diretamente no prognóstico, sendo fundamental, para tanto, adequados anamnese e exame físico em consultório médico. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que o sexo masculino ainda representa o gênero mais acometido, a despeito de estar aumentando a incidência nas mulheres, e que os tratamentos propostos para as neoplasias de orofaringe estão em constante aperfeiçoamento no que tange a técnicas cirúrgicas e a tecnologias de combate a infecções virais, responsáveis pelo surgimento da doença.

Aims: The present study has as main objective to review the most important aspects concerning the neoplasms of the oropharynx, with the intent of listening to the relevant points regarding the epidemiology, clinical aspects and treatment that currently exist, alerting the physicians about its characteristics. Methods: As a method, it was made a literature review about the topic, using the database Pubmed and SciELO, between 2012 and 2017. The inclusion criteria for the studies used as reference were the therapeutic approach of oropharyngeal neoplasms and the data referring to the epidemiology. Results: As a result, we were able to confirm that the neoplasms of the oropharynx are basically characterized by the involvement of the regions included in the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, lateral and posterior oropharynx walls and vallecula, being significantly more frequent the ones located in the tonsils. Currently, the infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), as others more known risk factors as tobacco and alcohol, contribute in the incidence of these cancers. Early diagnosis directly influences the prognosis and, for this reason, adequate history and physical examination in the doctor's office are essential. Conclusions: It was concluded that the male gender is still the most affected gender, despite the increasing incidence in women, and that the proposed treatments for the malignancies of the oropharynx are in constant improvement which regards to surgical techniques and technologies that combat viral infections, which are responsible for the disease.

Carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe. Experiencia institucional / Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Institutional experience

Los carcinomas epidermoides de cabeza y cuello (CECC), son un grupo poco frecuente de neoplasias, en los Estados Unidos representan el 3.2% de todos los cánceres1,2. Si bien su frecuencia global se encuentra en disminución, los tumores localizados en la orofaringe han aumentado de forma considerable2. El virus del papiloma humano (HPV) es responsable de este aumento. Se ha descripto que los tumores de orofaringe, asociados al HPV, ocurren en pacientes más jóvenes, con enfermedad de bajo volumen a nivel del tumor primario, pero elevada incidencia de metástasis ganglionares, con adenopatías quísticas2,3. La detección del virus del HPV, por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) o por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) son factores pronósticos importantes que siempre deben ser tenidos en cuenta para el tratamiento de estos tumores (AU)

Epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck are a rare group of tumors, in the United States they account for 3.2% of all cancers. Although their overall frequency is decreasing, tumors located in the oropharynx have increased considerably. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for this increase. It has been described that oropharyngeal tumors, associated with HPV, occur in younger patients, with low volume disease at the primary tumor level but a high incidence of lymph node metastases, with cystic lymphadenopathy. Detection of HPV virus by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are important prognostic factors that should always be taken into account for the treatment of these tumors (AU)

Oropharyngeal cancer: an emergent disease? / Cáncer de orofaringe: ¿una enfermedad emergente?

Abstract Oropharyngeal cancer incidence has recently increased, thereby attracting public attention. Akin to other malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, it has been attributed to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and alcohol use. However, recent evidence shows that a substantial increase in the disease is attributable to the effects of human papillomavirus (HPV). Marked progress has been made in relation to the knowledge of molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of these cancers. This has led to the development of new and promising therapies of a more specific and less toxic nature that have prolonged life and improved its quality. However, these therapies have failed to significantly increase the proportion of patients who are cured. To decrease the mortality associated with these neoplasms, it is necessary to adopt public health measures aimed at prevention and early diagnosis.

Resumen El cáncer de orofarínge recientemente ha incrementado su incidencia, por lo que ha atraído la atención pública. Como en otras neoplasias malignas de las vías aerodigestivas superiores se atribuye a los efectos carcinogénicos del tabaco y alcohol, sin embargo evidencia reciente señala un incremento substancial atribuible a los efectos del virus del papiloma humano. Mucho se ha avanzado en relación a los conocimientos de los mecanismos moleculares y genéticos implicados en la génesis y progresión de estas neoplasias, lo que ha conducido al desarrollo de nuevas y prometedoras terapias, mas especificas y menos tóxicas, que han prolongado la vida y mejorado su calidad, pero no han logrado incrementar significativamente la proporción de pacientes curados. Si se desea abatir la mortalidad por estas neoplasias es necesario emprender medidas de salud publica dirigidas a su prevención y diagnóstico temprano.

Comparative study between biopsy and brushing sampling methods for detection of human papillomavirus in oral and oropharyngeal cavity lesions, / Estudo comparativo entre biópsia e escovado na pesquisa do papilomavírus humano em lesões de cavidade oral e de orofaringe

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Many epidemiological studies have suggested that human papillomavirus (HPV), especially type 16, is involved in the genesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx, especially in young, non-smoking patients; thus, its detection in lesions in this region is important. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the capacity of the brushing sampling method to detect the presence of HPV in oral or oropharyngeal lesions through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and to compare the results with those obtained by biopsy. METHODS: Prospective study of adult patients with oral or oropharyngeal lesions assessed by PCR, comparing biopsy specimens with samples obtained by the brushing method. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution. RESULTS: A total of 35 sample pairs were analyzed, but 45.7% of the brushing samples were inadequate (16/35) and, thus, only 19 pairs could be compared. There was agreement of results in 94.7% (18/19) of the pairs, with HPV identified in 16 of them. HPV DNA was detected in 8.6% (3/35) of biopsy and 5.7% (2/35) of brushing samples. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods, but the brushing sampling method showed a higher number of inadequate samples, suggesting that it is an unreliable method for surveillance.

Resumo INTRODUÇÃO: Muitos estudos epidemiológicos indicam a participação do papilomavírus humano, especialmente o tipo 16, na carcinogênese dos tumores espinocelulares das cavidade oral e oro-faríngea, principalmente em jovens e não fumantes, sendo portanto importante sua detecção nas lesões desta região. OBJETIVO: Elucidar a habilidade do escovado em detectar o papilomavírus humano, pela reação em cadeia da polimerase, nas lesões orais e orofaríngeas, comparando os resultados com os obtidos por biópsia. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo de pacientes com lesões orais e orofaríngeas, pela reação em cadeia da polimerase, no qual foram pareados os resultados de amostras obtidas por escovado e por biópsia. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. RESULTADO: Foram analisados 35 pares de amostras, porém estavam inapropriadas para análise 45,7% (16/35) das amostras obtidas por escovado, e portanto, somente 19 pares puderam ser comparados. Em 94,7% dos pares houve concordância dos resultados, sendo encontrado o papilomavírus humano − 16 em um destes pares. O ácido desoxirribonucleico do papilomavírus humano foi detectado em 8,6% (3/35) das biópsias e em 5,7% (2/35) dos escovados. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença estatística entre os métodos, mas como houve um grande número de amostras obtidas por escovado inapropriadas, este parece não ser confiável para o rastreamento.

Cirugía trans-oral robótica para manejo de cáncer de orofaringe / Trans-oral robotic surgery for tongue cancer

Background: The traditional treatment of oropharyngeal cancer was based mainly in radio and chemotherapy, aiming to avoid organ excisions. However, the adverse effects of these therapies prompted the development of new therapies. Among these, trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) has promising results. Case reports: We report two patients operated using this technique. An 82 years old woman treated for a tumor in the base of the tongue six years ago with radiotherapy. A new lesion in the tongue was found and excised by TORS uneventfully. The pathology report confirmed the complete excision of the malignant lesion. A 57 years old male with a history of palate cancer treated with radiotherapy in 1990. In 2013 a submandibular mass was biopsied confirming the presence of a squamous carcinoma metastasis. During a bilateral suprahyoid dissection, a tumor in the base of the tongue was found. In a second intervention the tumor was excised by TORS. The pathology reports tumor free borders but near the lesion. Postoperative radiotherapy was recommended.

Introducción: El cáncer de orofaringe representa una importante causa de morbimortalidad en la esfera de las patologías de cabeza y cuello en la actualidad. Su tratamiento tradicional por mucho tiempo consideró la conservación de órganos, utilizando mayoritariamente la radio y quimioterapia como herramientas terapéuticas. Los efectos no deseados tanto de las terapias médicas como las quirúrgicas han obligado a desarrollar técnicas nuevas para el manejo de estas enfermedades. Es así que a partir del año 2006 se ha ido desarrollando a nivel mundial la técnica de cirugía robótica transoral (TORS). La morbilidad y resultados oncológicos de este procedimiento hasta ahora se ven alentadores, por lo que se está transformando en una alternativa terapéutica que debemos manejar. Casos clínicos: Se presentan los dos primeros casos a nivel país realizados en esta institución de cánceres de orofaringe tratados con la técnica tradicional y después de largo tiempo recidivados. Se les realizó cirugía resectiva de sus tumores a través de TORS; se describen los resultados de estos procedimientos.

Chronic Stress Improves NO- and Ca2+ Flux-Dependent Vascular Function: A Pharmacological Study / Estresse Crônico Melhora a Função Vascular Dependente de NO e Fluxo De Ca2+: Um Estudo Farmacológico

Background: Stress is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This study aimed at assessing whether chronic stress induces vascular alterations, and whether these modulations are nitric oxide (NO) and Ca2+ dependent. Methods: Wistar rats, 30 days of age, were separated into 2 groups: control (C) and Stress (St). Chronic stress consisted of immobilization for 1 hour/day, 5 days/week, 15 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was assessed. Vascular studies on aortic rings were performed. Concentration-effect curves were built for noradrenaline, in the presence of L-NAME or prazosin, acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and KCl. In addition, Ca2+ flux was also evaluated. Results: Chronic stress induced hypertension, decreased the vascular response to KCl and to noradrenaline, and increased the vascular response to acetylcholine. L-NAME blunted the difference observed in noradrenaline curves. Furthermore, contractile response to Ca2+ was decreased in the aorta of stressed rats. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the vascular response to chronic stress is an adaptation to its deleterious effects, such as hypertension. In addition, this adaptation is NO- and Ca2+-dependent. These data help to clarify the contribution of stress to cardiovascular abnormalities. However, further studies are necessary to better elucidate the mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular dysfunction associated with stressors. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2014; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0) .

Fundamento: Estresse está associado com complicações cardiovasculares. Objetivos: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar se o estresse crônico induz alterações vasculares, e se essas alterações são dependentes de óxido nítrico (NO) e Ca2+. Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar com 30 dias de idade foram separados em 2 grupos: controle (C) e Estresse (St). Utilizou-se estresse crônico de imobilização por 1 hora/dia, 5 dias/semana, 15 semanas. Pressão arterial sistólica foi avaliada. A função vascular foi avaliada em anéis aórticos. Curvas de concentração-efeito foram realizadas para noradrenalina, na presença de L-NAME ou prazosina, cloreto de potássio (KCl), acetilcolina e nitroprussiato de sódio. Também foi efetuado um estudo para avaliação para fluxo de Ca2+. Resultados: Estresse crônico induziu hipertensão e resposta vascular diminuída para noradrenalina e KCl e aumentada para acetilcolina. A pré-incubação com L-NAME eliminou a diferença para noradrenalina. A resposta contrátil vascular para Ca2+ foi reduzida em animais estressados. Conclusão: Nossos dados sugerem que a resposta vascular ao estresse crônico seria uma adaptação aos efeitos deletérios do estresse, incluindo a hipertensão. Além disso, esses mecanismos adaptativos dependem de liberação de NO e fluxo de Ca2+. Esses resultados ajudam a esclarecer os mecanismos envolvidos nas alterações cardiovasculares associadas ao estresse. Entretanto, mais estudos são necessários para a melhor compreensão desses mecanismos. .

Not Just for Tobacco Users Anymore!!! The Emerging Evidence of Human Papilloma Virus: An Overview.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a broad and varying rate of incidence and mortality around the world. Tobacco smoking and chewing, alcohol consumption are the main etiological agents for HNSCC and have been estimated to account for the majority of disease burden worldwide. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing awareness about the human papilloma virus (HPV), the necessary cause of cancer of the cervix that has been etiologically linked with oropharyngeal cancer. Often diagnosed at a late stage this subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has an affi nity for the oropharynx and tends to show low diff erentiation histopathologically and better prognosis regardless of the treatment strategy. Th e HPV belongs to the papillomavaviridiae group of virus which can infect the mucosal and cutaneous epithelia in a species-specifi c manner inducing cellular proliferation. Th e HPV can cause active subclinical infection without clinical signs or can also cause clinical infection that can lead to benign, potentially malignant or malignant lesions. Hence, this overview attempts to focus on the relevant characteristics of HPV and its role in oropharyngeal cancer.

Validade discriminante do questionário de qualidade de vida da Universidade de Washington no contexto brasileiro / Discriminant validity of the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire in the Brazilian context

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade discriminante do questionário de qualidade de vida da Universidade de Washington para pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço e identificar possíveis fatores sociodemográficos que modifiquem seus resultados. MÉTODOS: Foram entrevistados 47 pacientes com câncer de boca e orofaringe em estágio pré-cirúrgico em um hospital no sul do município de São Paulo em 2007, e 141 pacientes sem câncer, pareados por sexo e idade em uma proporção de três para um, que foram atendidos em ambulatórios do mesmo hospital em 2008. Os resultados obtidos para os dois grupos foram comparados pelo teste t de Student. Para os pacientes sem câncer utilizou-se análise de regressão de Poisson para avaliar possíveis fatores de modificação da qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: O escore geral de qualidade de vida foi significantemente mais elevado (p < 0,001) para os pacientes sem câncer (91,1) do que para os pacientes com câncer (80,6). Observações análogas foram efetuadas para oito dos doze domínios de qualidade de vida compreendidos no questionário (dor, aparência, deglutição, mastigação, fala, ombros, paladar e ansiedade). Como possíveis fatores de modificação dos escores de qualidade de vida foram identificados renda familiar (com impacto nos domínios de recreação, p = 0,017, e função dos ombros, p = 0,049), escolaridade (em ansiedade, p = 0,003), sexo (em função dos ombros, p = 0,038) e dor de dente (em mastigação, p = 0,015). CONCLUSÕES: O questionário tem validade discriminante, pois seus escores são especificamente mais afetados para pacientes com câncer. Reforça-se a indicação do questionário para monitorar o tratamento e recomenda-se avaliar os fatores que podem causar impacto nesses indicadores.

OBJECTIVE: To assess discriminant validity of the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer, and to identify socio-demographic factors that may modify its results. METHODS: We interviewed 47 patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer in pre-surgical stage in a hospital located in the South region of the city of São Paulo, in 2007, and 141 patients without cancer, matched by sex and age in a ratio of three to one, who were attending outpatient clinics of the same hospital in 2008. The results for the two groups were compared by the Student t test. Poisson regression models to evaluate factors that may modify quality of life scores among patients without cancer. RESULTS: The overall quality of life score was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for patients without cancer (91.1) than for patients with cancer (80.6). Similar observations were made for eight of the twelve quality of life domains included in the questionnaire (pain, appearance, swallowing, chewing, speech, shoulder, taste, and anxiety). As factors that may modify the quality of life scores, we identified family income (which impacted in recreation, p = 0.017, and shoulder function, p = 0.049), schooling (in anxiety, p = 0.003), sex (in shoulder function, p = 0.038) and toothache (in chewing, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire has discriminant validity, because its scores are specifically more reduced among cancer patients. The use of the questionnaire for monitoring the treatment of cancer patients is reinforced, and the assessment of factors that may impact in its results is recommended.

A oximetria de pulso como recurso na determinação da vitalidade pulpar em pacientes submetidos à radioterapia para tumores malignos intraorais e de orofaringe / Pulse oximetry as a tool to assess pulp vitality in patients given radiation therapy for malignant intraoral and oropharyngeal tumors

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de oxigenação (%SpO2) do tecido pulpar em pacientes com tumores malignos intraoral e de orofaringe, tratados através de radioterapia (RT). As mensurações da %SpO2 foram realizadas com o oxímetro de pulso (OP), o qual gera valores relativos à quantidade de oxigênio viável circulante no tecido pulpar, o que o caracteriza como um método fisiométrico de avaliação do status da polpa dental. Foram selecionados 20 pacientes, sendo avaliados dois dentes de cada um (n=40), independente do quadrante e da área de irradiação, em quatro tempos distintos: I- antes da RT; II- no início da RT com dose de radiação entre (30Gy 35Gy); III- ao final da RT (60Gy 70Gy) e IV- depois de 4 5 meses do início do tratamento oncológico. As médias obtidas nos quatro tempos avaliados foram de 93%, 83%, 77% e 85% de SpO2, respectivamente. Através do teste t de Student (p0.01) foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre o Tempo I e todos os outros três tempos, o Tempo III também mostrou diferença quando comparado ao Tempo II e, não houve diferença estatística entre os Tempos II e IV. É possível concluir que as taxas de %SpO2 antes da RT são maiores do que aquelas obtidas trans e pós RT e, como os valores no Tempo IV ficam próximos aos obtidos no Tempo II, pode haver uma recondutibilidade sanguínea normal posterior a radiação ionizante

The aim of this study was to evaluate pulp oxygenation level (%SpO2) in patients with malignant intraoral and oropharyngeal tumors treated by radiotherapy (RT). Pulp oxygenation level was measured by pulse oximetry, which shows the amount of oxygen circulating in viable pulp tissue and is a physiometric method for assessment of dental pulp status. Twenty patients were selected and two teeth of each of them (n = 40) were analyzed, regardless of the quadrant and the area irradiated, at four different times: I- before RT; IIat the beginning of RT with radiation doses between 30Gy 35Gy; III- at the end of RT (60Gy 70Gy) and IV- after 4-5 months of the beginning of the cancer treatment. Mean %SpO2 in the different times was 93%, 83%, 77% and 85%, respectively. Students t test (p0.01) showed statistically significant differences between Time I and the other three times. Time III was also different when compared to Time II, and there was no statistical difference between Times II and IV. It was concluded that %SpO2 before RT was greater than that observed during and after therapy and, as values obtained in Time IV were close to those of Time II, pulp tissue may show normal blood flow after radiation therapy

Câncer de boca e orofaringe: tendências e análise de sobrevida em Natal (RN) / Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: trends and analysis of survival in Natal (RN)

Introdução: O câncer de boca é classificado como uma das dez maiores incidências de câncer no mundo. No Brasil, as taxas de incidência e de mortalidade por esse câncer encontram-se entre as mais elevadas do mundo. Para o câncer intraoral (língua, gengiva, base da boca e outras e não especificadas partes da boca), a taxa acumulada de sobrevida após 5 anos é menor que 50%. Objetivo: Estimar a probabilidade acumulada de sobrevida após 5 anos, ajustar o modelo de regressão de Cox para os cânceres de boca e de orofaringe, segundo faixa etária, sexo, morfologia e localização, para a cidade de Natal, Brasil. Descrever os coeficientes de mortalidade e de incidência dos cânceres de boca e de orofaringe e as tendências desses coeficientes para a cidade de Natal, nos períodos de 1980 a 2001 e de 1997 a 2001, respectivamente. Metodologia: Foi obtida a sobrevida de pacientes registrados entre 1997 e 2001 no Registro de Câncer de Base populacional de Natal. Foram testadas as diferenças entre as curvas de sobrevida através do teste log-rank. O modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox foi utilizado para estimativas das razões de riscos. O modelo de regressão linear simples foi utilizado para as análises de tendência dos coeficientes de incidência e de mortalidade. Resultados: A probabilidade acumulada após 5 anos para todos os casos foi de 22,9%. Os pacientes com neoplasia maligna indiferenciada têm 4,7 vezes mais risco de morrer do que aqueles com carcinoma epidermóide, enquanto que os pacientes com câncer de orofaringe têm 2,0 vezes mais risco de morrer do que aqueles com câncer de boca. Os coeficientes padronizados de mortalidade e de incidência do câncer de boca em Natal foram, respectivamente, 2,9 e 4,3 por 100 mil habitantes. Para o câncer de orofaringe10 os coeficientes obtidos de mortalidade e de incidência foram, respectivamente, 1,1 e 0,7 por 100 mil habitantes. Conclusão: Identifica-se uma baixa taxa de sobrevida após 5 anos. Pacientes com câncer de boca...

Purpose Estimate the accumulated survival probability after five years and adjust the Cox regression model for mouth and oropharyngeal cancers, according to age range, sex, morphology, and location, for the city of Natal, Brazil. Methods Survival data of patients registered between 1997 and 2001 was obtained from the Population-based Cancer Record of Natal. Differences between the survival curves were tested using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional risk model was used to estimate risk ratios. Results The median survival time obtained for all the cases was 9.5 months, with accumulated probability after five years of 22.9%. The patients with undifferentiated malignant neoplasia were 4.7 times more at risk of dying than those with epidermoid carcinoma, whereas the patients with oropharyngeal cancer had 2.0 times more at risk of dying than those with mouth cancer. Conclusions A low survival rate after five years was identified and no improvement in prognosis was observed over time. Patients with oropharyngeal cancer had a greater risk of dying, independent of the factors considered in this study. Also independent of other factors, undifferentiated malignant neoplasia posed a greater risk of death.

Oropharyngeal True Teratoma.

Oropharyngeal teratoma in newborn is very rare. Here we report a case of oropharyngeal true teratoma where a 17-day-old female baby presented with a protruding mass from oropharynx with episodic respiratory distress and feeding difficulty complicated by aspiration pneumonia, and treated successfully with coordinated team approach.

Resultados do tratamento cirúrgico versus quimioradioterápico em tumores iniciais da orofaringe / Results of surgical treatment versus chemoradiation therapy in oropharyngeal early tumors

Introdução: O carcinoma epidermoide na cabeça e pescoço é diagnosticado em aproximadamente 40% dos casos em estádios clínicos avançados. Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida livre de doença nos pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe de estádio clínico (EC) precoce (I e II), submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico ou quimioradioterápico. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 139 prontuários de pacientes portadores de carcinoma epidermoide de orofaringe submetidos a tratamento com intenção curativa, sendo elegíveis 38 casos de tumores de estádios clínicos precoces (I e II). Destes, 27 (71,1%) foram à cirurgia e 11 (28,9%) à quimioradioterapia, com idade média de 56,4 anos. Quanto ao gênero, 31 (81,6%) eram do masculino e sete (18,4%) do feminino. Resultados: Nos 11 pacientes submetidos à quimioradioterapia, 72,7% obtiveram controle loco-regional da doença e a sobrevida livre de doença há dois anos foram 42%. Dentre os 27 pacientes operados, 19 mantiveram-se em EC I e II no laudo histológico e seis foram à radioterapia pós-operatória. A sobrevida livre de doença há dois anos foi 70%. Conclusão: Os pacientes submetidos inicialmente à cirurgia tiveram melhor sobrevida livre de doença, quando comparados aos pacientes com tratamento quimioradioterápico.

Introduction: The epidermoid carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract is diagnosed in approximately 40% of the cases of advanced clinical stages. Objective: To evaluate the disease-free interval in patients with clinical stages I and II epidermoid carcinoma who were submitted to surgery or chemoradiation. Method: Retrospective study of the records of 139 patients treated for oropharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma submitted to treatment with curative intent. Among those patients, 38 were classified with early tumors clinical stages I and II. Twenty-seven (71.1%) underwent surgical treatment whereas eleven (28.9%) were treated with chemoradiation. The mean age was 56.4 years; 31 cases (81.6%) were in men and seven (18.4%) were in women. Results: Among the eleven patients who were submitted to chemoradiation, 72.7% obtained locoregional control of the disease and their disease-free survival was of 42%. Among the 27 patients operated, 19 remained in Clinical Stages I and II in the histological report and six underwent postoperative radiation therapy. The disease-free interval for two years was of 70%. Conclusion: The patients submitted to the surgery had a better disease-free interval as compared to those submitted to chemoradiation treatment.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinomas da cavidade oral e orofaringe em clínica privada no Sul do Brasil / Clinical-epidemiologic characteristics of patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer in a Private Ambulatory in South Brazil

Objetivo: Definir o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer de boca e orofaringe, atendidos em clínica de cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço. Métodos: Foram avaliados os prontuários dos pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma de boca e orofaringe atendidos no período de 2002 a 2006, em clínica decirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço. Foram incluídos no estudo os prontuários de pacientes que foram submetidos, após o estadiamento da doença, a alguma modalidade de tratamento. Resultados: Entre os 28 casos incluídos no estudo,88,8% eram do gênero masculino, 85,7% eram caucasianos e a faixa etária mais acometida foi entre 51 e 60anos. A queixa de “ferida na boca” esteve presente em 88,8% dos casos de carcinoma de boca e odinofagia em80% dos casos de carcinoma de orofaringe. O tabagismo esteve presente em 92,8% e o etilismo em 85,7% dos pacientes. O sítio mais acometido na cavidade oral foi a língua (50%) e, na orofaringe, a amigdala e o palato mole (ambos com 40%). A maior parte dos pacientes foi submetida a tratamento cirúrgico radical (77,7%) com ou sem radioterapia adjuvante. O diagnóstico histopatológico, em aproximadamente 96% dos casos, indicou carcinoma espinocelular. Conclusões: Especial atenção dos profissionais de saúde, principalmente médicos e odontólogos, deve serdirecionada aos pacientes com idade maior que 50 anos, tabagistas e etilistas, com queixa de lesão na cavidade oral ou odinofagia persistente, com o objetivo de diagnósticosprecoces e maiores índices de tratamentos curativos, com menores taxas de morbidade e mortalidade.

Objective: It mains evaluate clinical and epidemiological factors of patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer that were trated in a head and neck surgeryclinic. Methods: The patients’ records that were taken care from 2002 to 2006 in head and neck surgery clinic andpatients with mouth and oropharynx carcinoma were evaluated. Results: Among 28 patients, 88,8% were men, 85,7% were caucasian, the average age was from 51 to 60, the complain about hurt in mouth was in 88,8% of the patients with oral cavity cancer and the odinofagia in 80% of the patients with oropharynx cancer.92,8% used tosmoke and 85,7% used to drink alcoholic drinks. The tongue was the most stricken part in oral cavity (50%), tonsil and soft palate (both 40%) in oropharynx. In the diagnose most of the patients were in advanced clinicalstaging cancer (III and IV) and infiltrating ulcer in both situations. Most of the patients were submitted to a radical the surgery treatment (77.7%) with or without adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In almost 96% of the cases the histopathology diagnosis indicated squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Special attention from the health professionals, mainly physicians and dentists, must be givento patients older than 50 years, smokers and alcoholic drunker, that complain about persistent oral hurt or odinofagiain an appointment to have a precocious diagnoses and higher ways of curative treatments, with lesser evidence of morbidity and mortality.

Tumores de cabeza y cuello / Head and neck tumors

Los tumores de cabeza y cuello corresponden a un heterogéneo grupo de enfermedades, destacando entre ellas el carcinoma epidermoide de laringe, faringe y cavidad oral, así como las neoplasias glandulares (tiroides y glándulas salivales). Constituyen una patología altamente desafiante, considerando la complejidad anatómica de la región cérvico-facial y las repercusiones funcionales y estéticas que pueden producir tanto la enfermedad como su tratamiento. Estos tumores se manifiestan clínicamente como masas palpables o por la producción de síntomas persistentes en la vía aéreo-digestiva superior. La imagenología y los estudios endoscópicos complementan la evaluación del paciente; la histopatología es esencial para determinar el diagnóstico definitivo. El manejo de los tumores de cabeza y cuello debe estar a cargo de equipos multidisciplinarios, siendo la cirugía y la radioterapia los pilares del tratamiento. El pronóstico de esta enfermedad está determinado, principalmente, por el tipo histológico y el estadio tumoral.