Persistence of psychological distress and correlated factors among patients with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) suffer from psychological distress associated with dysfunction and/or disfigurement. Our aim was to evaluate the ratio of patients with persistence of psychological distress during hospitalization and identify the predictors of persistence or change in psychological distress among HNC patients. METHOD: We conducted a single-center longitudinal study with self-completed questionnaires. We evaluated psychological distress (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS) and functional level (the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Scale; FACT-H&N) among patients during hospitalization at the Medical Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University. RESULTS: Of 160 patients, 117 (73.1%) completed the questionnaire at both admission and discharge. Some 42 (52.5%) patients reported persistent psychological distress. The physical well-being of patients with continued distress was significantly lower than that of other patients (21.7 ± 4.7, 19.4 ± 6.1, 19.5 ± 5.4; p < 0.01), and the emotional well-being of patients with continued distress was significantly lower than that in patients with no distress and reduced distress (22.3 ± 3.5, 20.5 ± 2.5; p < 0.01). Significant of results: Impaired physical and emotional function appears to be associated with persistent psychological distress among HNC patients. Psychological interventions focused on relaxation, cognition, or behavior may be efficacious in preventing such persistent distress.

Reliability and validity of the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI) in Japanese patients.

OBJECTIVE: This project evaluated the psychometric properties of a translated version of the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI) for use with Japanese patients. The HNCI is a measure for assessing the quality of life (QoL) of head and neck cancer patients and survivors. The present study was aimed at investigating the reliability and validity of this translated instrument. METHOD: Some 165 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) were enrolled at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. The instrument's internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Criterion-related validity was assessed by correlations between the HNCI and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) scales. RESULTS: Some 29 of the 30 items in the original version were selected to comprise the Japanese version of the HNCI (Japanese HNCI). Investigation of criterion-related validity using the FACT-H&N demonstrated significant correlations (Spearman's ρ = 0.47-0.63). The value of Cronbach's α for each subscale ranged from 0.84 to 0.87. Test-retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.62-0.79. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The reliability and validity of the Japanese HNCI were evaluated. Although its classification is different from the original U.S. version, the Japanese HNCI is a self-administered questionnaire that can assess quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck cancer.

Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma presenting as otitis media with effusion: case report and literature review.

Most tumors arising in the nasopharynx are malignant and frequently develop otitis media with effusion (OME). On the contrary, benign nasopharyngeal tumors are very rare, and pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign mixed tumor of the nasopharynx, is also rarely encountered. We herein report a case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma which initially presented as OME. This tumor completely blocked the orifice of the Eustachian tube but was removed by a combination of transnasal and transoral endoscopic resection. A defect in the mucous membrane was covered with polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue. Mucous membrane completely covered the exposed tubal cartilage without adhesion near the tubal orifice. OME and hearing loss completely subsided 3 months after the surgery. She was disease-free 2 years after the surgery. Use of polyglycolic acid sheet could be a feasible mesh for closure of surgical defect without scarring, and it also led to healing of OME.

[What is the role of otolaryngologists in deglutition practice?--A survey for medical practitioners in different fields].

The advent of a super aging society is causing a rapid increase in the number of patients with dysphagia, and, in response, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become markedly widespread over the past decade. As the result of its rapid spread, PEG is controversial both ethically and economically, and, in the revision of medical treatment fees for 2014, the preoperative deglutition usability test of all cases is fixed for the full amount request requirements of gastrostomy. Thus, the demands on dysphagia practice are rising. Therefore, we conducted a survey of the dysphagia practice of otolaryngologists, doctors, and speech therapists in charge of dysphagia practice in hospitals, home medical care clinics, and dental offices in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, and we considered the role of otolaryngologists in dysphagia practice. According to the survey, the roles that are expected of otolaryngologists in dysphagia practice are the evaluation of swallowing function using videoendoscopic examination of swallowing in over 50% of home medical care clinics and dental offices. On the other hand, surgical treatment is expected of otolaryngologists in over half in the hospital group. A total of 64% of the home care clinic group and 47% of the dental group did not coordinate with otolaryngologists in dysphagia practice because there are no otolaryngologists to consult. The home care clinic group indicated a demand of the swallowing function test in short-term admission or home practice. In the survey of departments of otolaryngology in hospitals or otolaryngology clinics, 40% of these institutions evaluate deglutition, while the other institutions did not perform evaluations because of the lack of human resources or deficient facilities. The otolaryngologist specializes in the laryngopharynx where aspiration occurs, and not only diagnoses local organic disease, but also directs the patient to a doctor in an appropriate department on the basis of understanding the patient's background diseases. We conclude that organized participation and leadership in this region are urgent tasks of otolaryngologist.

Tongue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap in a 6-year-old girl.

Tongue reconstruction was performed using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap in a 6-year-old girl with undifferentiated sarcoma of the tongue. After hemi-glossectomy with upper neck dissection, a 3-lobed DIEP free flap was used for the reconstruction. Donor site was closed primarily with suturing umbilicus in proper position. No flap loss, leakage, or infection occurred. Postoperatively, the patient was able to consume a normal diet without difficulty or aspiration and displayed good speech function. No donor site morbidity, e.g., herniation or bulging, was observed, and the patient was able to perform their normal daily activities. DIEP flaps provide a pliable skin paddle, an adequate amount of adipose tissue, and reduced donor site morbidity, even in children. We did not have any difficulty harvesting the DIEP flap or with the microvascular anastomosis. We consider DIEP free flaps to be the ideal option for pediatric tongue reconstruction.

Endoscopy-Aided Combined Intraoral and Cervical Approach for a Huge Parapharyngeal Benign Tumor.

We introduce here our surgical approach for the removal of a huge parapharyngeal tumor in 3 cases. Surgery was done under general anesthesia using transnasal intubation. Transoral manipulation was performed first. Using a tongue retractor and an angle widener, a wide surgical field was provided. Incision was made on the palate around the tumor. Tumor was separated from the surrounding tissue, preserving the tumor capsule. Then, a 5-cm small skin incision was made. Both parotid and submandibular glands were pushed upward, and the parapharyngeal space was opened. The tumor was also separated from the surrounding tissue. These manipulations were done under endoscopic observation. Finally, the tumor was pushed laterally and safely removed intraorally. After removal of the tumor, the wounds were closed, and vacuum drainage was settled for a few days. No apparent problems, such as malocclusion and facial palsy, occurred, and the patients were free from disease for more than 10 years. For the removal of a large parapharyngeal tumor, the mandibular swing approach is usually used; however, this approach is invasive, and certain sequelae, such as facial wound and malocclusion, may occur. Our technique enables the safe and less invasive removal of such a huge parapharyngeal benign lesion.

Indications for and extent of elective neck dissection for lymph node metastasis from external auditory canal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to clarify the frequency of lymph node metastasis of external auditory canal (EAC) carcinoma, including susceptible locations, adequate extent of elective neck dissection, and the relationship between the tumor infiltration site and lymph node metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2018, 63 patients with EAC carcinoma at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The T and N stages, locations of clinically positive lymph nodes, prognoses, and anatomic site of tumor infiltration were analyzed after treatment. RESULTS: Clinically positive lymph node metastasis (cN+) was detected in 18 patients (28.6%), consisting of T1, T2, T3, and T4 disease in 1 (6%), 2 (22%), 8 (38%), and 7 (41%) patients, respectively. The metastatic locations were at level II in 10 patients, parotid gland nodes in 7, preauricular nodes in 5, level Ib in 3, level Va in 3, level III in 1, and superficial cervical nodes in 1. Neck recurrence was determined in two of 45 patients with clinically negative lymph nodes (cN0), with the metastatic locations being levels II, Ib, and III. Among 18 cN+ cases, neck recurrence was noted in 2 of 9 patients who underwent neck dissection. Neck lesions were found to be manageable in all five patients who underwent docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and radiation therapy (TPF-RT). No relationship was noted between the tumor infiltration site and lymph node metastasis among T3/4 canrcinoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Elective neck dissection could be indicated only in T3/4 patients with free flap reconstruction. Levels Ib to III are considered appropriate for elective neck dissection in cN0 cases. Levels Ib to III and Va indicated favorable sites, even in cases with metastasis in the parotid gland or preauricular area. Furthermore, TPF-RT could be a useful option even in cN+ cases.

Extended orbital exenteration for sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension: surgical technique and clinical analysis.

OBJECT: The majority of sinonasal malignancies present with advanced disease, and cure rates are generally poor. Surgical extirpation remains the mainstay of treatment. In cases of sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension, gross-total tumor resection requires orbital exenteration and bony skull base resection around the orbital apex to provide sufficient margins. In this retrospective study, the authors describe their surgical strategy in and technique for orbital exenteration with orbital apex resection in patients at Tokyo Medical and Dental University who had sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. They also analyzed the clinical features of and the results in these patients. METHODS: Between February 2001 and August 2012 at the authors' institution, sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension was treated using craniofacial tumor resection with orbital exenteration including skull base bone around the orbital apex. The authors describe this technique and analyze the surgical indications, extent of resection, primary tumor location, outcome, pathological findings, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies of the patients who underwent the technique. RESULTS: The patients consisted of 12 men and 3 women with a mean age of 47.7 years (range 14-79 years). The longest postoperative follow-up was 9.5 years, and the shortest was 0.67 year (mean 3.0 years). Tumor originated at the ethmoid sinus in 6 patients (40%), maxillary sinus in 5 (33%), nasal cavity in 2 (13%), and orbital cavity and maxillary bone in 1 patient each (7%). Histological analysis of tumor specimens revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 9 patients (60%), rhabdomyosarcoma in 2 (13%), and small cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and Ewing sarcoma in 1 patient each (7%). Two patients experienced recurrences at 1 and 5 months after treatment; these patients died at 5 and 10 months after surgery, respectively. Estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.7%, and estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 86.2%; there was no perioperative mortality. None of the patients had new neurological deficits as a result of the surgery, but 5 patients suffered infectious complications from the graft transplanted into the cavity after resection. There were no other perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: These authors are the first to describe a technique for extended orbital exenteration with orbital apex skull base resection. The technique provided sufficient margins for gross-total resection of the sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. The estimated 5-year OS and RFS rates were high, and the perioperative complication rate was acceptably low, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of this technique.

Trimodal combination therapy for maxillary sinus carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of trimodal combination therapy (radiotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, antrotomy) for the treatment of primary maxillary sinus carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1977 and 1996, 110 patients with maxillary squamous cell carcinoma were treated with trimodal combination therapy at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. All tumors were classified according to the 1997 UICC TNM staging system. Eighty percent of patients had T3 or T4 tumors. The T3 and T4 tumors were also classified into three groups according to their location, as visualized using computed tomography: the posterior-lateral (P) group, the medial (M) group, and the upper (U) group. Eight patients received additional radiotherapy, and 37 patients underwent a second surgical procedure, in addition to the trimodal combination therapy. RESULTS: The 5-year cause-specific survival and local control rates were 71% and 65%, respectively. The 5-year local control rate was 80% for the T1+2 tumors, 64% for the T3 tumors, and 52% for the T4 tumors (p = 0.06). Patients in the P+M group who received a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) dosage of more than 3500 mg had a better 5-year local control rate than patients who received a 5-FU dosage of less than 3500 mg (p = 0.01). No improvement in the local control rate after a second surgical procedure or additional irradiation treatment was observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Trimodal combination therapy provides good local control, with the final outcome depending on the T stage of the tumor and the dosage of 5-FU.

Simple maxillary reconstruction using free tissue transfer and prostheses.

Prosthetic rehabilitation is essential for maintaining postoperative oral function after maxillary reconstruction. However, the maxillary prosthesis becomes unstable in some patients because of extensive palatomaxillary resection and drooping of the transferred flap. In such patients, maintaining sufficient oral function is difficult, especially if the patient is edentulous. To achieve prosthetic retention, the authors performed microvascular maxillary reconstruction with a slit-shaped fenestration in the midline of the hard palate. Maxillary defects after subtotal or total maxillectomy were reconstructed with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps in five patients. Defects of the nasal lining and palate were reconstructed with the single cutaneous portion of the flap, and a slit-shaped fenestration was left between the cutaneous portion of the flap and the edge of the remaining hard palate. Postoperatively, patients were fitted with maxillary prostheses that had a flat projection for the palatal fenestration. In all patients, the prosthesis was stable enough for mastication and prevented nasal regurgitation. Speech function was rated as excellent on Hirose's scoring system for Japanese speech ability. The authors believe that their method of palatomaxillary reconstruction is both simple and reliable.

Partial maxillary swing approach for removal of the tumors in the retromaxillary area.

OBJECTIVE: Removal of tumors around the pterygoid process poses difficult challenges. Our method for removal of tumors in this area using a modification of the maxillary swing approach is reported. METHODS: A retrospective study of five cases was performed using the partial maxillary swing approach. Like the "maxillary swing approach", the maxilla is swung laterally with the facial skin; however, only two-thirds of the anterior maxillary bone is swung. RESULTS: All tumors were safely removed using the partial maxillary swing approach alone, with the exception of one patient who needed an additional mandibular swing. No facial palsy, masticatory problems or necrosis of the maxilla were observed in any cases. CONCLUSIONS: The partial maxillary swing approach offers a wide surgical field of the lesion around the posterior part of the maxilla and pterygoid process without severe complications and is useful for removal of tumors in these areas.

Bony eminence on the middle cranial fossa corresponding to the temporomandibular joint.

We report a nameless bony eminence over the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its possible clinical significance. Forty-two half heads of 21 UK Caucasian cadavers (61-95 years old, mean 84.3 +/- 8.2 years, male:female = 11:10) were used to investigate the surface of the middle cranial fossa (MCF) over the TMJ. The thickness of the bony roof of the glenoid fossa was also measured. A bony eminence over the glenoid fossa was observed in half of the specimens. Some showed a complete oval bulge, which completely reflected the contour of the glenoid fossa. The others showed a bony bulge, which partially reflected that contour. The mean (+/-SD) thickness of the bone in the roof of glenoid fossa was 1.5 +/- 1.2 mm. The mean bony thickness of specimens showing the eminence was 0.8 +/- 0.5 mm, whereas it was 2.3 +/- 1.2 mm in specimens without an eminence. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The osteological features we describe may be relevant to certain clinical problems. Traumatic dislocation of mandibular condyle, for example, might relate to a weakness of the glenoid fossa.