Fascicular Turnover Flap: An Approach for Facial Nerve Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Facial nerve injuries are a common complication associated with parotidectomy. These functionally debilitating injuries are conventionally treated with nonvascularized nerve grafting; however, this reconstructive modality produces moderate donor site morbidity and has limited efficacy for repairing large defects. In addition, nonvascularized nerve grafts are highly susceptible to radiotherapy and require a well-vascularized wound bed to produce adequate therapeutic results. The fascicular turnover flap, described by Koshima et al, utilizes a single fascicle to bridge two nerve endings that are in series with no donor site morbidity. Although studies have demonstrated this technique's efficacy, there is a paucity of data regarding its use in patients undergoing facial nerve reconstruction. Herein, we describe our early clinical experience using the fascicular turnover flap to reconstruct branches of the facial nerve in patients undergoing extensive parotidectomy. Our patients underwent successful reconstruction of the nerve defects produced by parotidectomy using the fascicular turnover flap. Despite postoperative radiotherapy, both patients demonstrated complete functional recovery at six months postoperatively. Although formal head-to-head studies are needed to compare the outcomes of this technique versus conventional nerve grafting for facial nerve reconstruction, our preliminary experiences suggest that the fascicular turnover flap is a viable modality of reconstruction with great potential.

Use of Single Chimeric Free Flaps or Double Free Flaps for Complex Head and Neck Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Free flaps have become the preferred reconstructive approach to restore form and function for patients presenting with complex head and neck defects. For composite, complex defects for which a regular free flap might not meet all reconstructive demands, adequate coverage can be achieved with either a single chimeric free flap or a double free flap. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective chart review of patients who underwent either single chimeric free flap or double free flap reconstruction. Indications for reconstruction included defects resultant from head and neck tumor or osteoradionecrosis resections. We extracted the following variables: tumor location, defect, flap(s) performed, and postoperative complications. Unpaired t-tests were performed to evaluate for statistically significant differences in complications encountered between the single chimeric versus the double free flap patient groups. RESULTS: In our series of 44 patients, a total of 55 single chimeric and double free flaps were performed. We found no significant difference in overall complications (p = 0.41) or flap/skin paddle loss (p = 0.45) between the groups. There were three total flap losses; two patients underwent successful salvage procedures and one patient died. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) was the most common free flap (70%) used in our series, and 98% of our patients completed successful reconstruction. CONCLUSION: As the initial reconstructive effort is critical for achieving favorable long-term outcomes in complex head and neck cases, effective and safe techniques should be employed to ensure optimal delivery of care. We believe that single chimeric and double free flap techniques should be appropriately utilized as part of the armamentarium of head and neck reconstructive microsurgeons.

Incidence of malignancy in thyroid nodules determined to be follicular lesions of undetermined significance on fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid nodules is the most important method for determining a diagnosis. The system for reporting results is based on a cytopathologic classification that stratifies the risk of malignancy. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 197 patients who underwent FNA for diagnostic evaluation of a thyroid nodule and had their results reported as a follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) using the Bethesda classification system. The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence and histopathologic types of malignancy in these cases. RESULTS: The final histopathologic breakdown is as follows: 65 cases (32.9%) of follicular adenoma, 81 cases (41.1%) of microfollicular adenomatoid nodule, 19 cases (9.6%) of microfollicular adenomatoid nodule on the background of thyroiditis, 17 cases (8.6%) of follicular carcinoma, 9 cases (4.6%) of follicular variant papillary carcinoma, and 6 cases (3.1%) of classic papillary carcinoma, for a 16.2% incidence of malignancy. Beyond these diagnoses in the FNA-biopsied nodules, we observed 29 cases (14.7%) of incidental ipsilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTM) and 13 cases (6.6%) of incidental contralateral thyroid lobe PTM. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed a 16.2% incidence of thyroid cancer in the nodule designated FLUS compared to the 5 to 15% rate reported by the Bethesda FNA classification. The overall incidence of incidental PTM in the thyroid gland was 21.3%. These data support considering surgical intervention for at least diagnostic purposes in a patient with the FNAB diagnosis of FLUS.

Management of the N0 neck in moderately advanced squamous carcinoma of the larynx.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oncological efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) in patients with T3-4 N0 laryngeal squamous carcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 327 patients underwent 654 neck dissections; each side of the neck was individually evaluated. RESULTS: Three percent of patients who had SND developed regional recurrence (RR) in comparison with 11.7 percent of patients who underwent modified radical neck dissection (MRND) (P=0.005). Only 3 (0.9%) patients developed RR outside the field of SND. The presence of extracapsular extension (P=0.002) in node-positive (pN+) group and of microvascular invasion (P=0.007), together with the type of neck dissection (ND) (P=0.0003) in node-negative (pN0) group had statistical impact on RR. The development of RR significantly affected disease-specific survival (P=0.0001). Equivalent rates of RR were found in pN+ (2.6%) or pN0 (3.2%) patients treated with SND (P=0.98) as well as in pN+ patients who underwent SND (2.6%) or MRND (4.7%) (P=0.85). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the adequacy of SND as a satisfactory staging and therapeutic procedure, and suggests its use in the treatment of limited node-positive (N+) neck.

Weight loss as a prognostic factor for recurrence and survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Although the mortality rate of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been decreasing over the last 30 years, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of diagnosis of this type of cancer in several countries. Beyond the classic prognostic factors, such as TNM stage, there is a lack of predictive factors for recurrence and treatment response. A retrospective analysis of patients with OPSCC treated at the Oncology Department of the Santa Terezinha University Hospital between 2007 and 2012 was performed, with the aim of identifying new prognostic factors. In addition to the significance of clinical stage as a prognostic factor for recurrence, OPSCC patients with advanced TNM stage and those treated with radiotherapy, chemoradiation or palliative measures, had a worse prognosis. Patients with moderate or severe weight loss (>5%) at diagnosis had a higher tumor recurrence rate compared with those with mild or no weight loss (P=0.007). Furthermore, 76.9% of patients with moderate or severe weight loss, as opposed to 13.3% of patients with mild or no weight loss, eventually succumbed to the disease (P=0.0001). These data suggest that moderate and severe weight loss at diagnosis is a prognostic factor for OPSCC and it is associated with disease recurrence.

Relevance of skip metastases for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue and the floor of the mouth.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the therapeutic implications of the distribution of neck metastases (NM) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue and the floor of the mouth (FOM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1987 through December 1997, 339 previously untreated patients with T1-2 N0 M0 SCC of the tongue and the FOM underwent primary surgical treatment in our institution. A retrospective review of the pathology reports and outcome of these patients was made to ascertain the prevalence and distribution of NM. Patients were grouped by clinical neck status at the time of neck dissection: elective neck dissection (END) in the NO neck and subsequent therapeutic dissection (STD) in the neck observed which converted clinically to N+ or regional recurrences after END. All patients were classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/UICC 2002 TNM classification. RESULTS: All patients underwent surgical treatment of the primary cancer and had negative margins at frozen section. Overall incidence of NM was 41.3%. Twenty-seven point eight percent of T1 N0 M0 and 48.2% of T2 N0 M0 patients developed NM (P = .0004). Occult neck metastases occurred in 24.1% of patients. Clinically, N+ metastases occurred in 23.6% of patients. The overall incidence of NM in levels IV and V was 8.5%. Neck level IV nodes were involved in only 1.5% of patients in the END group versus 23.7% in the STD group (P < 0.001). Level V was always associated to nodal metastases in other neck levels. Only 2% of patients in our study presented "skip metastases" in the neck. CONCLUSIONS: Neck levels I and II were at great risk for the development of NM (46.9% and 75.3% respectively). Levels IV (6.5%) and V (2%) were rarely involved in our group of patients. The results found in this study support the indication of supraomohyoid neck dissection for N0 and a more comprehensive neck dissection (levels I-V) for N+ patients in Stage I-II SCC of the tongue and FOM. EBM RATING: C-4.

Immature teratoma presenting as a soft-tissue mass with no evidence of other sites of involvement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Germ cell tumors are tumors composed of tissues derived from more than one of the three germinal layers. They are more common in the testes and ovaries, but can present in many different regions in the midline, including the sacral region, retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and brain. Testicular germ cell tumors generally metastasize to the retroperitoneum, lungs, and brain; metastases to soft tissue are very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we describe a case of a single soft-tissue mass in the thigh of a 27-year-old man, with histology showing areas of mature teratoma tissues derived from the ectodermal and mesodermal lineages, and areas of immature teratoma tissue composed of small undifferentiated cells, with primitive neuroectodermal differentiation foci forming neuroepithelial elements - thus classified as immature teratoma. The patient had no other clinical or radiological evidence of involvement, besides the lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: The case presented suggests a rare and unexpected primary immature teratoma of the thigh.

Tumor thickness as a predictive factor of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence in T1N0 and T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the thickness of primary tumors with the frequency of nodal metastases and survival in patients surgically treated for T1/T2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective longitudinal study with 74 patients. RESULTS: None of the patients with a tumor thickness (TT) ≤ 7 mm presented with nodal metastasis, whereas 25 of the patients with a TT > 7 mm (51.0%) developed metastases (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis showed that TT > 7 mm was a risk factor for occult nodal metastasis (odds ratio = 8.7; P = .002) with 81.9% accuracy. TT > 10 mm was also a predictive factor of worse disease-free survival in these patients (hazard ratio = 12.2; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor thickness of greater than 7 mm is predictive of a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, and a TT > 10 mm is predictive of worse disease-free survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

Eosinophilic ulcer of oral mucosa: a case report.

Eosinophilic Ulcer (EU) is a rare self-limiting chronic benign lesion of the oral mucosa with pathogenesis still unclear, however it may resemble malignancies, traumatic ulcerations and some infections such as deep fungal infections, tuberculosis and primary syphilis. This is a case report of a patient with EU in the lateral border of the tongue with no history of associated trauma and refractory to treatment with drugs. The ulcer rapidly healed after an incisional biopsy and the definite diagnosis was achieved only combining histologic findings and the clinical follow-up.

Perfil nutricional de pacientes oncológicos internados em um Hospital Universitário da Região Meio Oeste de Santa Catarina / Nutritional profile of cancer patients hospitalized at a University Hospital in the Midwest Region of Santa Catarina

Introdução: O câncer é considerado uma das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis que mais afeta a população mundial. Essa afecção crônica provoca muitas alterações relacionadas ao metabolismo, como o aumento na demanda nutricional causada pelo tumor e pelos tratamentos realizados. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil nutricional de pacientes oncológicos internados no Hospital Universitário Santa Terezinha (HUST), localizado na Região Meio Oeste de Santa Catarina. Método: Este estudo é de natureza aplicada, transversal, de cunho quantitativo, descritivo, realizado no período de maio a dezembro de 2016. Os dados clínicos foram obtidos pela análise de prontuário e a avaliação do estado nutricional por meio da avaliação subjetiva global produzida pelo paciente (ASG-PPP), índice de massa corporal (IMC) e percentual de redução de peso corporal. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 21.0. Resultados: 57 pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados no HUST, portadores de neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço (31,6%) e do trato gastrointestinal, destacando-se cólon (28,1%), prevalência de homens 61,4%, a média de idade 60,1 anos, 75,4% dos pacientes estavam desnutridos. Os pacientes no estadiamento III foram os que mais tiveram o peso reduzido, sendo que os pacientes com redução superior a 20% encontravam-se nos estadiamentos III e IV. 90% não realizavam acompanhamento nutricional e 65% não faziam uso de terapia nutricional. Conclusões: A desnutrição é condição clínica prevalente nos pacientes oncológicos, portadores de neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço, e no trato gastrointestinal internados no HUST.(AU)

Introduction: Cancer is considered one of the chronic non-communicable diseases that most affects the world population. This chronic disease causes many changes related to metabolism such as increased nutritional demand caused by the tumor and the treatments performed. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional profile of cancer patients hospitalized at the Santa Terezinha University Hospital (HUST), located in the Midwest Region of Santa Catarina. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study from May to December 2016. Clinical data were obtained through chart analysis and evaluation of nutritional status through the global subjective evaluation produced by the patient (ASG-PPP), body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body weight reduction. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: 57 cancer patients hospitalized in HUST, with head and neck neoplasias (31.6%) and gastrointestinal tract, with colon (28.1%), men's prevalence 61.4%, mean age 60.1 years, 75.4% of the patients were malnourished, the patients in stage III were the ones that most reduced weight, and patients with a reduction greater than 20% were hiding in the III and IV stations. 90% did not perform nutritional monitoring and 65% did not use nutritional therapy. Conclusions: Malnutrition is a prevalent clinical condition in cancer patients with head and neck neoplasias and in the gastrointestinal tract admitted to HUST.(AU)

Can the lymph node reactivity pattern in the pN0 neck analysis provide any additional prognostic information in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of lymph node reactivity on recurrence and survival rates in a population of pT3 or pT4 pN0 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, 105 patients with LSSC underwent total laryngectomy with bilateral selective neck dissection including levels II, III and IV. Most (69) received PO radiotherapy. All pathological specimens were either pT3 or pT4, and all necks were pN0. All lymph nodes were analyzed and their reactivity status were classified as the following four patterns: follicular hyperplasia associated with humoral response, paracortical hyperplasia associated with cellular response, sinus histiocytosis with no association with specific immune response, or normal lymph node. Only the first two patterns were considered stimulated, whereas the last two were considered non-stimulated. The most prevalent pattern in a particular neck specimen was considered for the analysis of recurrence and survival. RESULTS: The total number of lymph nodes studied was 3,648, with an average of 34.7 lymph nodes/neck specimens. The most frequent lymph node reactivity patterns were sinusal histiocytosis (50 cases), paracortical hyperplasia (35 cases), and follicular hyperplasia (20 cases). There was no statistical association of these individual patterns with recurrence rate (p = 0.98) or mortality (p = 0.49). However, there was a statistically significant association between paracortical hyperplasia pattern (related to cellular lymph node immunity) and improved five-year survival (76 versus 60%; log-rank = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between stimulated cellular lymph node pattern and improved 5-year survival rate in patients with pN0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting the indication of adjuvant treatment for those individuals with decreased immune response, even in the absence of pathologic metastases detected by the usual methods.

Can the lymph node reactivity pattern in the pN0 neck analysis provide any additional prognostic information in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma? / A análise do padrão de reatividade linfonodal no pescoço pN0 pode fornecer alguma informação prognóstica adicional em pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe?

Objective: To evaluate the influence of lymph node reactivity on recurrence and survival rates in a population of pT3 or pT4 pN0 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Between 2002 and 2005, 105 patients with LSSC underwent total laryngectomy with bilateral selective neck dissection including levels II, III and IV. Most (69) received PO radiotherapy. All pathological specimens were either pT3 or pT4, and all necks were pN0. All lymph nodes were analyzed and their reactivity status were classified as the following four patterns: follicular hyperplasia associated with humoral response, paracortical hyperplasia associated with cellular response, sinus histiocytosis with no association with specific immune response, or normal lymph node. Only the first two patterns were considered stimulated, whereas the last two were considered non-stimulated. The most prevalent pattern in a particular neck specimen was considered for the analysis of recurrence and survival. Results: The total number of lymph nodes studied was 3,648, with an average of 34.7 lymph nodes/neck specimens. The most frequent lymph node reactivity patterns were sinusal histiocytosis (50 cases), paracortical hyperplasia (35 cases), and follicular hyperplasia (20 cases). There was no statistical association of these individual patterns with recurrence rate (p = 0.98) or mortality (p = 0.49). However, there was a statistically significant association between paracortical hyperplasia pattern (related to cellular lymph node immunity) and improved five-year survival (76 versus 60%; log-rank = 0.05). Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between stimulated cellular lymph node pattern and improved 5-year survival rate in patients with pN0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting the indication of adjuvant treatment for those individuals with decreased immune response, even in the absence of pathologic metastases detected by the usual methods.

Objetivo: Avaliar a importância da reatividade linfonodal na recidiva e mortalidade em pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe estagiados como pT3 ou pT4 pN0 M0. Métodos: Entre 2002 e 2005, foram selecionados 105 pacientes matriculados na Seção de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) com o diagnóstico de carcinoma epidermoide de laringe, com estágio III ou IV. A radioterapia foi indicada em 69 casos. Todos os pacientes foram estagiados como pT3 ou pT4 e pN0. Todos os linfonodos ressecados foram analisados e classificados conforme os quatro padrões de reatividade linfonodal: hiperplasia folicular associada à resposta imune humoral, hiperplasia paracortical associada à resposta imune celular, histiocitose sinusal sem relação com resposta imune específica, e linfonodo normal. Os dois primeiros padrões são definidos como linfonodos estimulados e os dois últimos como linfonodos não-estimulados. O padrão linfonodal mais frequente em cada paciente foi considerado para a análise da relação com a recidiva e mortalidade. Resultados: Foi analisado um total de 3.648 linfonodos, com média de 34,7 linfonodos por paciente. O padrão de reatividade mais frequente foi a histiocitose sinusal (50 casos), seguido da hiperplasia paracortical (35 casos) e da hiperplasia folicular (20 casos), sendo esses padrões sem relação com a recidiva (p = 0,98) ou mortalidade (p = 0,49). No entanto, o estímulo da imunidade celular relacionada à hiperplasia paracervical apresentou relação com significância estatística com melhor sobrevida global em cinco anos (76 versus 60%; log-rank = 0,05). Conclusões: houve correlação positiva entre o padrão de estímulo da imunidade celular e o aumento da sobrevida em cinco anos em paciente pN0 com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe sugerindo a indicação de tratamento adjuvante em casos que apresentarem diminuição da imunidade celular mesmo na ausência de metástases patológicas detectadas pelos métodos habituais.

Relação entre idade, sexo, tratamento realizado e estágio da doença com a sobrevida em pacientes terminais com carcinoma epidermóide de laringe / Relationship between age, gender, treatment, and disease stage and survival in terminal patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Introdução: A evolução dos pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide (CEC) de laringe, após o término do tratamento oncológico curativo, deve ser melhor entendida para possibilitar suporte mais adequado neste período da evolução da doença.Objetivo: Avaliar o tempo de sobrevida e relacionar com fatores demográficos, clínicos e terapêuticos de pacientes portadores de CEC de laringe sem possibilidades de tratamento oncológico curativo. Determinar qual a maior causa de término de tratamento oncológico curativo em pacientes com CEC de laringe tratados no INCA e o sítio de metástases mais freqüente.Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 93 pacientes terminais com CEC de laringe tratados no HC IV, entre 1992 e 2003. A sobrevida dos pacientes foi relacionada com a idade, sexo, tratamento realizado e estágio do paciente nomomento do fim do tratamento oncológico curativo. Análise estatística realizada, considerando o valor de p menor que 0,05. Curva de sobrevida realizada pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer.Resultados: A sobrevida média dos pacientes, após ser determinado o fim do tratamento curativo, foi de 3,51 meses, e a idade, sexo, tratamento realizado e o estágio da doença não estiveram relacionados com o tempo desobrevida após o início dos cuidados paliativos. A maior causa de falência de tratamento foi a presença de doença loco-regional avançada. O sítio de metástase à distância mais freqüente foi o pulmão.Conclusão: A sobrevida dos pacientes com CEC de laringe em cuidados paliativos foi bastante curta não chegando a 4 meses, sendo que nenhum fator estudado alterou este período. A causa mais freqüente de falência do tratamento foi a doença locoregional avançada. O pulmão foi o sítio de metástase mais frequentemente acometido.

Fatores prognósticos em pacientes com carcinoma das células de hürthle / Prognostic factors in patients with hürthle cell carcinoma

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores prognósticos na sobrevida livre de doença e específica dos pacientes com carcinomas de células de Hürthle. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 28 pacientes tratados na Seção de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do HCI - INCa, objetivando coletar dados demográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos e relacioná-los com a sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global específica. O estadiamento foi realizado conforme a AJCC de 2002. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o programa Epi info 2002, considerando-se significativo estatisticamente o valor de p < 0,05. A análise da curva de sobrevida foi realizada utilizando-se o método de Kaplan-Meyer. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 69,3 meses (10 - 230 meses). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 28 pacientes, com idade média de 50,8 anos. As variáveis que apresentaram impacto prognóstico quanto a recidiva foram o estágio mais avançado da doença (p = 0,03), a presença de metástase a distância (p = 0,03 e principalmente o padrão histológico de invasão maciça (p = 0,0027). Quando relacionado as variáveis estudadas com a mortalidade, o padrão de invasão histológica maciça (p = 0,02), o maior tamanho do tumor (p = 0,013) e principalmente a presença de metástases a distância (p = 0,0056) apresentaram relação com significância estatística. A sobrevida livre de doença foi de 72 por cento e 55 por cento e a sobrevida global de 87 por cento e 77 por cento em 5 e 10 anos respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de metástase à distância e o padrão histológico de invasão maciça apresentaram relação estatisticamente significativa com a sobrevida livre de doença e específica.

Importância prognóstica da reatividade linfonodal e de micrometástases em pacientes com câncer de laringe avançado sem metástase cervical / Prognostic significance of lymph node reactivity and micrometastases in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer without regional metastasis

INTRODUÇÃO: A presença de metástase cervical é um dos principais fatores prognósticos em pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe. A análise rotineira dos linfonodos não inclui a avaliação da reatividade linfonodal, nem pesquisa de micrometástases, podendo ser desprezada informações prognóstica relevantes neste grupo de pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Relacionar a reatividade linfonodal com a recidiva e mortalidade de pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe estadiados como pT3 e pT4, pN0, identificar através de marcadores imuno-histoquímicos (AE1/AE3, citoqueratina 7 e citoqueratina 5/6) a incidência de micrometástases e relacionar com o prognóstico dos pacientes. MÉTODO: Entre 2002 e 2005, foram selecionados 105 pacientes estadiados como pN0 com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe submetidos à laringectomia total e esvaziamento cervical seletivo dos níveis II, III e IV bilateralmente, com a maioria dos pacientes (69) submetidos à radioterapia adjuvante. Todos os linfonodos foram analisados conforme os padrões de reatividade: hiperplasia folicular (associada à resposta imune humoral), hiperplasia paracortical (associada à resposta imune celular), histiocitose sinusal, linfonodo normal e depleção linfonodal. Apenas os dois primeiros padrões são considerados como linfonodos estimulados e os demais como não estimulados. O padrão linfonodal mais frequente de cada caso foi considerado na análise da recidiva da doença e mortalidade. Todos os linfonodos foram submetidos à análise imuno-histoquímica com o clone de citoqueratinas AE1/AE3, e nos casos de positividade utilizou-se as citoqueratinas 5/6 e 7 para a diferenciação entre micrometástases e inclusões epiteliais benignas. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados um total de 3.648 linfonodos, com uma média de 34,7 linfonodos por paciente. O padrão de reatividade mais frequente foi a histiocitose sinusal (50 casos) seguido da hiperplasia paracortical (35 casos) e hiperplasia folicular (20 casos), não havendo relação...

INTRODUCTION: The presence of neck metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Immunohistochemical analysis for lymph node reactivity, micrometastasis and presence of benign epithelial inclusions are not included in routine anatomopathological exam, leading to potential missing of important prognostic information in this group of patients. OBJECTIVES: 1- To analyze if lymph node reactivity is associated with recurrence and mortality in patients with pT3/pT4, pNo SCCa of the larynx. 2- To identify, with the aid of hystochemical markers AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 5/6), the incidence of micrometastasis and benign intraepithelial inclusions and to evaluate the relationship of these findings with the patient`s prognosis. METHODS: One hundred and five patients with SCCa of the larynx underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral selective neck dissection of the levels II, III, and IV between 2002 and 2005. Sixty-nine patients also received postoperative radiotherapy. All 105 patients were N0 at the time of diagnosis. The lymph nodes were analyzed according to their reactivity pattern: Follicular hyperplasia (associated to humoral immune response), paracortical hyperplasia (associated to cellular immune response), sinusoidal histiocytosis, normal lymph node, lymphoid depletion. Only the he first two patterns are associated with stimulated lymph nodes. The predominant pattern on each case was recorded and the relationship between these patterns and tumor recurrence and mortality was assessed. All the lymph nodes were tested for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and the positive cases were than tested for cytokeratin 5/6 and 7 to further differentiate micrometastasis from benign epithelial inclusions. RESULTS: A total of 3648 lymph nodes were analyzed (average of 34.7 lymph nodes/patient). The most common reactivity pattern was paracortical hyperplasia (49 cases), followed by sinusoidal...

Hipocalcemia sintomática pós tireoidectomia e/ou totalização de tireoidectomia: quando indicar reposição? Análise de um estudo prospectivo / Symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy and/or thyroidectomy totalization: when hormone replacement is indicated? Prospective analysis

Introdução: A tireoidectomia é um procedimento rotineiramente realizado no mundo. Embora apresente baixa mortalidade, a morbidade pode atingir mais de 50% da população operada. Dentre as principais complicações, ressalta-se o hipoparatireoidismo. Apesar da causa multifatorial incluindo trauma, experiência do cirurgião e número de paratireóides remanescentes, os métodos diagnósticos e fatores preditivos de risco continuam sendo investigados. Objetivo: Identificar um valor de calcemia e o tempo ideal de dosagem do cálcio sérico que sejam capazes de predizer se o paciente irá desenvolver hipocalcemia sintomática no período pós-operatório e, portanto, terá indicação de reposição do cálcio após tireoidectomia e/ou totalização de tireoidectomia. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, realizado entre julho a dezembro de 2006, em que foram dosados os valores de cálcio sérico no período seis horas, 12 horas, 24 horas (24h), 48 horas e sete dias de pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à totalização de tireoidectomia ou tireoidectomia total, com o intuito de identificar hipocalcemia sintomática e relacioná-los com dados clínicos e cirúrgicos. Resultados: Houve grande variação entre os valores das dosagens de cálcio na amostra estudada. Não houve correlação entre hipocalcemia e variáveis clínicas ou cirúrgicas. Entretanto, nossos dados sugerem que os pacientes com dosagem de Ca > 8 mg/dL no período 24h após a cirurgia, dificilmente irão necessitar de reposição de cálcio (p<0,001). Conclusão: A dosagem de cálcio no período 24h acima de 8mg?dL foi capaz de predizer com segurança a alta hospitalar sem reposição de cálcio.

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a procedure routinely accomplished all over the world. Although it presents low mortality, the morbidity can reach more than 50% of the operated population. Among the main complications, the hypoparathyroidism is stood out. In spite of the multifactorial causes including trauma, the surgeon's experience and number of remaining parathyroid glands, the diagnostic methods and predictive risk factors continue being investigated. Objective: To identify the calcemia value and the ideal time of dosage of the serum calcium to be able to predict the patients who will develop symptomatic hypocalcemia in the postoperative period and therefore who will have indication of replacement of the calcium after total thyroidectomy and/ or thyroidectomy totalization. Methods: In this prospective study, accomplished from July to December of 2006, the values of serum calcium were dosed in the period 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours (24h), 48 hours and 7th postoperative day of patients submitted to total thyroidectomy and/ or thyroidectomy totalization with the intention of identifying symptomatic hypocalcemia and to relate them with clinical and surgical data. Results: There was a great variation among the values of the dosages of calcium in the studied sample. There was not correlation between hypocalcemia and clinical or surgical variables. However, our data suggest that the patients with dosage of Ca > 8 mg/dL in the period 24h after the surgery, will seldom need replacement of calcium (p<0,001). Conclusion: Serum calcium levels above 8mg/dL at 24h can safely predict hospital discharge without calcium supplementation.

Sarcomas de partes moles em cabeça e pescoço: análise de fatores prognósticos / Head and neck soft tissue sarcomas: prognostic factors

Introdução: Sarcomas de partes moles em cabeça e pescoço (SPMCP) no adulto são raros e possuem diversos fatores prognósticos. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores prognósticos em pacientes com SPMCP e seu impacto na sobrevida. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários dos pacientes portadores de sarcomas de cabeça e pescoço matriculados no INCA, com entrada de material para análise histopatológica com imunoistoquímica entre janeiro 1997 e janeiro 2007. Resultados: Os fatores encontrados que tiveram impacto prognóstico com relação à sobrevida livre de doença foram: fazer cirurgia (p = 0,01); ausência de invasão de pele (p = 0,01), músculo (p = 0,002) e osso (p = 0,008) à análise univariada. À análise multivariada, apenas a ausência de invasão óssea teve impacto na sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,03). Por meio da análise univariada, constatou-se que os fatores com impacto na sobrevida global foram: estágio T inicial (p = 0,012), fazer cirurgia (p = 0,0027), baixo grau histológico (p = 0,001) e ausência de invasão de pele (p = 0,01), músculo (p = 0,0002) e osso (p 0,0002). Já na análise multivariada apenas o estágio T inicial (p 0,021), fazer cirurgia (p = 0,0001) e baixo grau (p = 0,002) foram significativos. Conclusão: Os fatores que aumentam a sobrevida livre de doença dos pacientes com SPMCP são: tratamento cirúrgico e a ausência de invasão da pele, músculo e osso. Os fatores que aumentaram a sobrevida global foram: estágio T1, tratamento cirúrgico, baixo grau histológico e ausência de invasão de pele, músculo e osso.

Introduction: Sarcomas of the head and neck region are rare. There are a variety of prognostic factors to be studied. Objective: to identify prognostic factors of head and neck sarcomas that have impact on survival. head and neck sarcomas patients, identified in our institution between January, 1997 and January, 2007 were analyzed. All cases underwent pathologic review with immunohistochemical stains before statistical analysis. Results: The factors that have impact on the disease free survival was: presence of surgery (p = 0.01) and no skin involvement (p = 0.01), muscle involvement (p = 0.002) or bone involvement (p = 0.008) in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis only no bone invasion was important (p = 0.03). Important prognostic factors for overall survival were initial stage T (p = 0.012), presence of surgery (p = 0.0027), low histological grade (p = 0.001) and no involvement of skin (p = 0.01), muscle (p = 0.0002) or bone (p = 0.0002) by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis only inicial stage T (p = 0.021), presence of surgery (p = 0.0001) and low grade (p = 0.002) were important. Conclusion: The factors that positively affect disease free survival were surgery, and no involvement of skin, muscle and bone. The overall survival was positively influenced by stage T1, presence of surgery, low histological grade and no involvement of skin, muscle and bone.

Tratamento do câncer de laringe e hipofaringe no paciente idoso acima de 80 anos / Larynx and hypopharynx cancer treatment in senior patients above 80 years old

Introdução: as características da população brasileira têm apresentado mudanças nas últimas décadas. Um aumento da população idosa em nosso país desde a década de 80 resultou em alteração na incidência e mortalidade das doenças na população. Objetivo: estudar características epidemiológicas, tratamento e prognóstico de pacientes com idade maior ou igual a 80 anos acometidos por carcinoma espinocelular de laringe ou hipofaringe. Pacientes e método: estudo retrospectivo através da análise de prontuários de 38 pacientes com idade igual ou maior a 80 anos tratados por câncer de laringe ou hipofaringe no Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro (INCa/MS) de janeiro de 1995 a dezembro de 1998. Foram analisados o gênero, idade, estadiamento, tratamento realizado e evolução clínica dos pacientes. A análise estatística foi realizada considerando-se o valor de p < 0,05 calculado pelo método qui-quadrado na análise univariada e pela regressão de Cox na análise multivariada. A curva de sobrevida foi realizada pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer. Resultados: vinte e sete pacientes idosos portadores de câncer de laringe e 11 com câncer de hipofaringe foram incluídos, sendo 26 (68,4%) homens e 12 (31,6%) mulheres. A média de idade foi de 84,8 anos (80 – 94 anos). Setenta e nove por cento dos pacientes encontravam-se no estágio III e IV. Dezoito pacientes (47,4%) foram tratados, sendo que seis (15,8%) foram submetidos a cirurgia em algum momento do tratamento. Doze (44,4%) pacientes foram submetidos à radioterapia exclusiva, com uma dose média de 59,5 Gy. A resposta completa ao tratamento foi alcançada em 13 (48,1%) casos, sendo que em oito, a radioterapia foi a única modalidade terapêutica, três pacientes foram tratados com cirurgia e dois com cirurgia associada à radioterapia. A incidência de redidiva foi de 26,3% (10 casos) e óbito ocorreu em 24 casos (63,1%). A sobrevida média livre de doença foi de 11 meses, enquanto a sobrevida global média foi de 10,3 meses. Os principais fatores de impacto prognóstico para o aumento da mortalidade foram o tamanho do tumor (p = 0,04) e o estádio da doença (p = 0,03). Não houve diferença na curva de sobrevida de acordo com o tipo de tratamento instituído (p = 0,53). Conclusão: os principais fatores de impacto prognóstico para o aumento da mortalidade foram o tamanho do tumor (p = 0,04) e o estádio da doença (p = 0,03). Nenhuma variável apresentou impacto prognóstico para a recidiva da doença. A modalidade terapêutica utilizada não alterou a sobrevida livre de doença ou a sobrevida global.

Introduction: the characteristics of the Brazilian population have changing in the recent decades. An increase of the senior population since the eighties has resulted in alteration in the incidence of the diseases and mortality. Objective: to study the epidemiological and prognostic factors and predictive responses of squamous cell carcinoma of larynx or hypopharynx treated in patients with 80 years or older. Methods: a retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 38 patients with 80 years or older treated for larynx or hypopharynx cancer at the National Institute of Cancer, Rio de Janeiro, (INCa/MS) from January, 1995 to December, 1998. The gender, age, stage, treatment carried out and the patients' clinical evolution were analyzed. For the statistical analysis, the p value was considered significant when smaller than 0.05, when calculated by the qui-square method and the regression of Cox. The survival curves were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meyer method. Results: twenty seven elderly patients with larynx cancer and 11 with hypopharynx cancer were included, being 26 (68.4%) men and 12 (31,6%) women. The average age was 84.8 years (80 to 94 years). Seventy nine percent of patients had stages of disease III or IV. Eighteen patients (47.4%) were treated, 6 (15.8%) underwent surgery in any time of the treatment. Twelve patients (44.4%) were treated by exclusive radiotherapy, with an average dose of 51.4 Gy (6–70 Gy). Complete response of treatment was achieved in 13 (48.1%) cases, eight of them treated only by radiotherapy, 3 by surgery alone and 2 by combined surgery and radiotherapy. The incidence of recurrence was 26.3% (10 cases) and death ocurred in 24 cases (63.1%). The mean disease free survival was 11 months, and mean overall survival was 10.3 months. The most important prognostic factors to increase mortality were the tumor size (p = 0.04) and stage of disease (p = 0.03). No difference in survival was noted comparing treatment modalities (p= 0.53). Conclusion: the most important prognostic factors to increase mortality were tumor size (p = 0.04) and stage of disease (p = 0.03). There was no variable evidence of prognostic impact in recurrence of disease. Treatment modality in this group of patients showed no difference in disease free survival and overall survival.

Tratamento do câncer de boca no paciente idoso acima de 80 anos / Mouth cancer treatment in senior patients above 80 years old

Introdução: as características da população brasileira têm apresentado mudanças nas últimas décadas. Um aumento da população idosa desde a década de 80 resultou em alteração na incidência e mortalidade das doenças na população. Objetivo: estudar características epidemiológicas, tratamento e prognóstico de pacientes com idade maior ou igual a 80 anos acometidos por carcinoma espinocelular de boca. Pacientes e método: estudo retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de 57 pacientes com idade igual ou maior que 80 anos, tratados por carcinoma espinocelular de boca no Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, (INCa/MS), entre janeiro de 1995 e dezembro de 1998. Foram analisados gênero, idade, estadiamento, comorbidade, tratamento realizado e evolução clínica dos pacientes. A análise estatística foi realizada considerando-se o valor de p < 0,05 calculado pelo método qui-quadrado na análise univariada e pela regressão de Cox na análise multivariada. Curva de sobrevida realizada pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer.Resultados: cinquenta e sete pacientes com idade maior ou igual a 80 anos, foram tratados. Destes, 35 (61,4%) eram mulheres e 22 (38,6%) eram homens. A média de idade foi de 84,1 anos (80 – 93 anos). Quarenta e um pacientes (71,9%) apresentaram-se em estádios avançados da doença (EC III e IV). Vinte e três pacientes (40,3%) apresentavam comprometimento linfonodal no momento do diagnóstico. Apenas 36 pacientes (63,1%) foram submetidos a alguma forma de tratamento (cirurgia, radioterapia ou cirurgia e radioterapia associados). A dose média da radioterapia foi de 47,0 Gy. A recidiva ocorreu em 15 pacientes tratados (41,7%), sendo que a maioria dos casos a recidiva foi local. Vinte e quatro pacientes (42,1%) evoluíram a óbito. A única variável que apresentou relação com significância estatística quando comparado à recidiva foi o gênero. O menor tamanho do tumor, doenças com estádio mais precoce e tratamento com cirurgia ou radioterapia tiveram menor relação com a incidência de óbito. A presença de comorbidades não esteve relacionada com o aumento da recidiva ou a mortalidade. A sobrevida média livre de doença foi de 7,2 meses e a sobrevida global média foi de 9,8 meses. Conclusão: o menor tamanho do tumor, doenças com estádio mais precoce e tratamento com cirurgia ou radioterapia tiveram menor relação com a incidência de óbito. O tratamento cirúrgico, isolado ou associado à radioterapia, apresentou melhores resultados nos estágios iniciais da doença, sendo o diagnóstico precoce no doente idoso de fundamental importância para o prognóstico. Em estádios avançados, não observamos diferenças nas curvas de sobrevida, de acordo com o tipo de tratamento instituído.

Introduction: the characteristics of the Brazilian population have presenting marked changes in recent decades. An increase in the senior population since the eighties has resulted in alteration in the incidence and mortality from diseases in this group. Objective: to study the epidemiological, therapeutic and prognostic characteristics of 80 years or older patients with oral squamous cell cancer. Methods: a retrospective study by analyzing the medical charts of 57 80-year or older patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma at the National Institute of Cancer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (INCA/MS) between January, 1995 and December, 1998. The gender, age, stage, comorbidity, treatment undertaken and the patients' clinical evolution were analyzed. The statistical analysis was carried out considering the value of p<0.05 calculated by the qui-square method in the univariate analysis and by the regression of Cox for multivariate analysis. The survival curve employed the Kaplan-Meyer method. Results: fifty-seven patients 80 years or older were treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Of these, 35 (61.4%) were women and 22 (38.6%) were men. The average age of these patients was 84.1 years (80–93). Forty-one patients (71.9%) were in advanced stages of the disease (III and IV). Twenty-three patients (40.3%) had compromising lymph nodes at the time of the diagnosis. Only 36 patients (63.1%) underwent some treatment modality (surgery, radiation therapy or surgery and associated radiation therapy). The average dose of radiation therapy was 47.0Gy. There was recurrence in 15 (41.7 %) treated patients, and in most cases the recurrence was local. Twenty-four patients (42.1%) died. The only variable that had any relationship with statistical significance when comparing the recurrence rate was gender related. The smaller tumor size, diseases with more early stages and treatment with surgery or radiotherapy had less relationship with the death rate. The comorbidity rate was not related to the increase of the recurrence or mortality. The average free of disease survival rate was of 7.2 months and the average overall survival rate was 9.8 months. Conclusion: the smaller tumor size, diseases with more early stages and treatment with surgery or radiotherapy had little relationship to the incidence of death. The treatment by surgical, isolated or associated to the radiotherapy, presented better results in the initial stages of the disease, since the precocious diagnosis in the senior patient is of fundamental importance for the prognosis. In advanced stages, there were no differences in the survival rates, according to the type of treatment used.

Acesso subcranial minimamente invasivo: alternativa cirúrgica para ressecção de tumores da base do crânio anterior / Minimally invasive subcranial approach: a surgical alternative for the ressection of anterior skull base tumors

Objetivo: descrever e anlisar nossa experiência em ressecção de tumores craniofaciais através de um acesso subcranial modificado, minimamente invasivo, desenvolvido por nós. Pacientes e método: estudo prospectivo com 26 pacientesapresentando tumores pequenos na base do crânio anterior, trtados nas Seções de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço e de Neurocirurgia do INCA-MS-RJ, no período de março de 2000 a setembro de 2006, operados pela mesma equipe cirúrgica, utilizando a técnica inovadora subcranial minimamente invasiva. Comparamos nossos resultados com resultados já publicados em literatura dos nossos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia craniofacial clássica, assim como com dados de literatura mundia. Resultados: dos 26 pacientes, 14 eram do gênero masculino. A idade média foi de 45,7 anos. O acesso subcranial isolado sem incisões faciais foi utilizado em seis casos. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 8,38 horas. A média de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 1,2 dias e de internação hospitalar de 7,8 dias. Não observamos complicações neurológicas imediatas. O índice de complicações foi de 28,5% com mortalidade operatória nula. A sobrevida global (para tumores malignos) foi de 61,9%. Conclusão: trata-se de um acesso inovador, onde podemos observar alguns benefícios notáveis, como a redução de complicações neurológicas gerais, tendência a reduzir o tempo cirúrgico, baixa taxa de hemotransfusão, menor tempo de internação em terapia intensiva e hospitalar e praticabilidade para tumores faciais acometendo o platô cribiforme ou discreta invasão da fossa craniana anterior.

Objective: to describe and to analyze our experience with the resection of craniofacial tumors throughe a modified minimally invasive subcranial access, developed by us. Patients and methods: prospective study with 26 patients presenting small tumors in the anterior skull base, treated in the Section of Head and Neck Surgery and Neurosurgery (INCA-MS-RJ), in the period from March, 2000 to September, 2006. The same surgical team was responsible for all surgeries using the innovative minimally invasive surgical technique. We compare the results of this technique with the results already published in the literature of our own patients treated by the classic cranialfacial technique, as well as, with data of worldwide literature. Results: of the 26 patients, 14 were men. The average age was of 45.7. The isolated subcranial access without face incisions was employed in 6 cases. The average surgical time was of 8.38h. The average stay in the intensive care unit was 1.2 days and the hospitalization time was 7.8 days. We did not observe immediate neurological complications. The complications incidence was 28.5%, without surgical death. The overall survival rate was 61.9% for malignant tumors. Conclusion: this is an innovative surgical approach in which we could observe some notables benefits, such as the reduction of neurological and general complications, trend to reduce to reduce the surgical time, low tax of hemotransfusion, minor time of stay under intensive care and in the hospital, and practicability for facial tumors resection, involving the cribriform plate or small invasion of the anterior skull base.