The Body Mass Index Paradox in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The body mass index (BMI) paradox describes that among patients with certain cancers, higher pretreatment BMI may be associated with improved survival. We examine the impact of BMI on overall survival (OS) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. A literature search was performed, and articles using hazard ratios to describe the prognostic impact of BMI on OS in HNSCC were included. Random-effects DerSimonian and Laird methods were employed for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of OS indicated a lower hazards of death in the overweight (BMI: 25 kg/m2-30 kg/m2) compared to the normal weight (BMI: 18.5 kg/m2-25 kg/m2). This protective relationship loses significance when BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2. Underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) demonstrate higher hazards of death compared to normal weight patients. Compared to HNSCC patients with normal weight, being overweight up to a BMI of 30 kg/m2 is a positive predictor of OS, while being underweight confers a prognostic disadvantage. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms by which increased body mass influences survival outcomes in HNSCC.

Base of tongue neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report.

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare entities in the head and neck and an even more rare entity in the tongue. In this case report, we describe a calcified neuroendocrine tumor of the base of tongue that was presumed to be benign and was electively excised with pathology demonstrating low-grade carcinoma with focal neuroendocrine features and extensive ossification. We then discuss the histopathology and management.

CSF Leak After COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab: A Case Report.

The nasopharyngeal swab has been used with increased frequency since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little has been written in the literature regarding the complications arising from this procedure, as it is generally accepted as safe. In this report, we describe a case in which a young woman sustained a traumatic skull base injury during a nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19. We then discuss the subsequent treatment and outcome. This case demonstrates the potential for significant complications arising from this widespread procedure and the necessity for awareness of these potential complications. Laryngoscope, 131:1927-1929, 2021.

Cost Considerations for Robotic Surgery.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a rapidly growing diagnostic and therapeutic modality in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, having already made a large impact in the short time since its inception. Cost-effectiveness analysis is complex, and a thorough cost-effectiveness inquiry should analyze not only financial consequences but also impact on the health state of the patient. The cost-effectiveness of TORS is still under scrutiny, but the early data suggest that TORS is a cost-effective method compared with other available options when used in appropriately selected patients.

Herpes Zoster Involving the Second Division of the Trigeminal Nerve: Case Report and Literature Review.

Herpes zoster along the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve is a rare condition that is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that resides within the trigeminal ganglion after the primary infection of chickenpox. The disease may be manifested as a toothache during its prodromal stage. The active stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of a vesicular rash. Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of herpes zoster after resolution of the facial and intraoral symptoms. There is increasing evidence for herpes zoster patients to develop stroke later in life. The present case reports the development of herpes zoster maxillaris in a 71-year-old man whose maxillary right canine was diagnosed as pulpal necrosis and symptomatic apical periodontitis and was subsequently treated endodontically by cleaning and shaping and filling the canal space with gutta-percha and an epoxy resin-based sealer. The patient presented 3 days later with midfacial ulceration, desquamation, and crusting as well as intraoral ulceration along the course of the V2 dermatome. After successful treatment with antiviral medication, postherpetic neuralgia developed within the next 2 months. Complete resolution of the neuralgia occurred at the 4-month recall with negligible facial scarring. Herpes zoster may mimic odontogenic pain during the prodromal stage of the disease. Reactivation of the virus has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulpal pathoses. These paradoxical facets are of interest to the endodontist and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the disease.