Acrometastasis: The Tip of the Iceberg of Metastatic Disease from Thyroid Cancer. Two Cases Report.

Acrometastasis, especially in the hands and fingers, is a rare clinical condition resulting from primary cancers such as lung, breast, kidney, and, rarely, thyroid cancer. Acrometastasis tends to be the tip of the iceberg in patients with extensive systemic disease, which could be regional, pulmonary, skeletal, neurological, or all of them combined. Even though these tumors are clearly visible and symptomatic, the diagnosis is usually misleading because such distal metastatic disease is not thought of at first. In general, systemic treatments should be given to any patient presenting digital acrometastasis. We describe two cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and digital acrometastasis as a sign of advanced disease.

Toxicological Characterization and Phospholipase D Activity of the Venom of the Spider Sicarius thomisoides.

Envenomation by Loxosceles spiders (Sicariidae family) has been thoroughly documented. However, little is known about the potential toxicity of members from the Sicarius genus. Only the venom of the Brazilian Sicarius ornatus spider has been toxicologically characterized. In Chile, the Sicarius thomisoides species is widely distributed in desert and semidesert environments, and it is not considered a dangerous spider for humans. This study aimed to characterize the potential toxicity of the Chilean S. thomisoides spider. To do so, specimens of S. thomisoides were captured in the Atacama Desert, the venom was extracted, and the protein concentration was determined. Additionally, the venoms were analyzed by electrophoresis and Western blotting using anti-recombinant L. laeta PLD1 serum. Phospholipase D enzymatic activity was assessed, and the hemolytic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated and compared with those of the L. laeta venom. The S. thomisoides venom was able to hydrolyze sphingomyelin as well as induce complement-dependent hemolysis and the loss of viability of skin fibroblasts with a dermonecrotic effect of the venom in rabbits. The venom of S. thomisoides showed intraspecific variations, with a similar protein pattern as that of L. laeta venom at 32-35 kDa, recognized by serum anti-LlPLD1. In this context, we can conclude that the venom of Sicarius thomisoides is similar to Loxosceles laeta in many aspects, and the dermonecrotic toxin present in their venom could cause severe harm to humans; thus, precautions are necessary to avoid exposure to their bite.

Fluorescent Gene Tagging of Transcriptionally Silent Genes in hiPSCs.

We describe a multistep method for endogenous tagging of transcriptionally silent genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). A monomeric EGFP (mEGFP) fusion tag and a constitutively expressed mCherry fluorescence selection cassette were delivered in tandem via homology-directed repair to five genes not expressed in hiPSCs but important for cardiomyocyte sarcomere function: TTN, MYL7, MYL2, TNNI1, and ACTN2. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to deliver the selection cassette and subsequently mediate its excision via microhomology-mediated end-joining and non-homologous end-joining. Most excised clones were effectively tagged, and all properly tagged clones expressed the mEGFP fusion protein upon differentiation into cardiomyocytes, allowing live visualization of these cardiac proteins at the sarcomere. This methodology provides a broadly applicable strategy for endogenously tagging transcriptionally silent genes in hiPSCs, potentially enabling their systematic and dynamic study during differentiation and morphogenesis.

Investigation of the Mesoporous Metal-Organic Framework as a New Platform To Study the Transport Phenomena of Biomolecules.

Mesoporous materials, Tb-mesoMOF and MCM-41, were used to study the transport phenomena of biomolecules entering the interior pores from solution. Vitamins B12 and B2 were successfully encapsulated into these mesoporous materials, whereas Tb-mesoMOF (0.33 g of B12/g, 0.01 g of B2/g) adsorbed a higher amount of vitamin per mass than MCM-41 (0.21 g of B12/g, 0.002 g of B2/g). The diffusion mechanism of the biomolecules entering Tb-mesoMOF was evaluated using a mathematical model. The Raman spectroscopy studies showed vitamin B12 has been encapsulated within Tb-mesoMOF's pores, and evaluation of the peak shifts indicated strong interactions linking vitamin B12's pyrroline moiety with Tb-mesoMOF's triazine and benzoate rings. Because of these stronger interactions between the vitamins and Tb-mesoMOF, longer egress times were observed than with MCM-41.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in a Mexican Population.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demographic data, clinical behavior, management (surgery/radiotherapy), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in Mexican Mestizos with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study comprising all cases with histologic diagnosis of ACC of the head and neck treated from 1986 to 2012. RESULTS: There were 101 cases (69 women and 32 men), with a mean age of 50 years; mean evolution time before diagnosis was 25 months (range 1-180 months). Most tumors involved maxillary sinus (25.8 %), followed by hard palate (15.9 %) and parotid gland (10.9 %). Surgery was the treatment in 81 cases (80.2 %), radiotherapy alone in 3 cases (3 %), chemo-radiotherapy in 4 cases (4 %) and 13 cases (12.9 %) did not receive any treatment. Post-surgery adjuvant radiotherapy was used in 58 cases (57.4 %); 6 cases (5.9 %) had adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy after surgery and 37 (36.6 %) cases did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Mean follow-up time was 52 months (range 1-288 months). Histologic patterns were cribriform (50.5 %), solid (28.7 %), and tubular (11.9 %) types. OS was 57.6 % and 42.3 % at 5 and 10 years respectively. DFS was 57.8 % at 5 years and 49.7 % at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Initial management in most cases within this series was surgery followed by radiotherapy. There is more to learn about real benefits of molecular therapies. There were no significant differences in DFS and OS depending on site of involvement. OS did not show statistically significant differences amongst patients with positive and negative lymph nodes.

[Initial surgical management of squamous carcinoma of the vulva]. / Manejo quirúrgico inicial del carcinoma epidermoide vulvar.

Vulvar cancer accounts for approximately 4% of gynecological malignancies. At the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia in Mexico it occupies the fourth place. The purpose of this study is to assess the management of squamous carcinoma of the vulva with initial surgical treatment. It is a descriptive retrospective, observational study, from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2012. Twenty-seven patients, clinical stages I, II, or III, initial surgical management, with at least one year of follow-up were included. In 51.85% a partial vulvectomy was performed and in 40.74% a wide excision; 66.66% underwent inguinofemoral dissection. Recurrence occurred in 25.91% of cases and the overall survival at 10 years was 63%. It is concluded that with invasion of up to 1 mm of lymph node, affection is 0%; with invasion of 1 mm and up to 5 mm this increases to 25%; an invasion of more than 5 mm implies up to 45%. Recurrence in our study was primarily distant, necessitating long-term monitoring with emphasis on symptoms to request imaging studies when suspected. Adjuvant therapy should be offered to patients with positive nodes, close or positive margins, and tumors larger than 4 cm.

Conjunctival melanoma: survival analysis in twenty-two Mexican patients.

PURPOSE: To describe the cases of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and report the disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: The charts of 22 patients who were admitted to two hospitals between 1985 and 2006 were reviewed for pertinent data, including demographics, site of involvement in the conjunctiva and sub-sites, surgical treatment, and adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: There were 10 (45.45%) males and 12 (54.55%) females. Mean age was 52.3 years. In this group, 15 patients (68.1%) involved the bulbar conjunctiva, and 7 (31.9%) involved the palpebral conjunctiva. Of the 22 patients, 72.72% had a history of conjunctival melanosis. The average tumor size was 20.4 mm. Eight (36.36%) patients underwent orbital exenteration, 2 (9.06%) had enucleation, 5 (22.72%) had wide excision of the lesion followed by radiotherapy, 2 (9.06%) had orbital exenteration with neck dissection, and the remaining 5 patients (22.72%) were considered adequately treated only with wide excision. Eight (36.36%) patients received adjuvant treatment. Disease-free survival at 5 years was 51% and the overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 50% and 37%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare entity. Tumor behavior is aggressive, and the optimal treatment is surgery with adjuvant therapy.

Conjunctival melanoma: survival analysis in twenty-two Mexican patients / Melanoma conjuntival: análise de sobrevivência em vinte e dois pacientes mexicanos

Purpose: To describe the cases of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and report the disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS). Methods: The charts of 22 patients who were admitted to two hospitals between 1985 and 2006 were reviewed for pertinent data, including demographics, site of involvement in the conjunctiva and sub-sites, surgical treatment, and adjuvant treatment. Results: There were 10 (45.45%) males and 12 (54.55%) females. Mean age was 52.3 years. In this group, 15 patients (68.1%) involved the bulbar conjunctiva, and 7 (31.9%) involved the palpebral conjunctiva. Of the 22 patients, 72.72% had a history of conjunctival melanosis. The average tumor size was 20.4 mm. Eight (36.36%) patients underwent orbital exenteration, 2 (9.06%) had enucleation, 5 (22.72%) had wide excision of the lesion followed by radiotherapy, 2 (9.06%) had orbital exenteration with neck dissection, and the remaining 5 patients (22.72%) were considered adequately treated only with wide excision. Eight (36.36%) patients received adjuvant treatment. Disease-free survival at 5 years was 51% and the overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 50% and 37%, respectively. Conclusion: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare entity. Tumor behavior is aggressive, and the optimal treatment is surgery with adjuvant therapy. .

Objetivo: Descrever o intervalo livre de doença (DFI) e sobrevida global (OS) de pacientes com melanoma conjuntival (CM). Método: Prontuários de 22 pacientes que foram internados em dois hospitais entre 1985 e 2006 foram revisados para dados pertinentes, incluindo dados demográficos, local de envolvimento na conjuntiva e outros locais de acometimento, tratamento cirúrgico e tratamento adjuvante. Resultados: Dez (45,45%) homens e 12 (54,55%) mulheres foram selecionados. A média de idade foi de 52,3 anos. Em 15 pacientes (68,1%) CM envolveu a conjuntiva bulbar, e em 7 (31,9%) envolveu a conjuntiva palpebral. Dos 22 pacientes, 72,72% tinham história de melanose conjuntival. O tamanho médio do tumor foi de 20,4 mm. Oito (36,36%) pacientes foram submetidos à exenteração orbital, 2 (9,06% ) à enucleação, 5 (22,72%) à ampla excisão da lesão seguida de radioterapia, 2 (9,06%) à exenteração orbital com esvaziamento cervical e os restantes 5 pacientes (22,72%) foram considerados adequadamente tratados apenas com excisão ampla. Oito (36,36%) pacientes receberam tratamento adjuvante. Sobrevida livre de doença em 5 anos foi de 51% e sobrevida global em 5 e 10 anos foi de 50% e 37%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Melanoma conjuntival é uma entidade rara. Comportamento do tumor é agressivo, e o melhor tratamento é a cirurgia com terapia adjuvante. .

Uterine sarcomas: review of 26 years at The Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia of Mexico.

UNLABELLED: Uterine sarcomas are a group of uncommon tumors that account for approximately 1% of malignant neoplasms of the female genital tract and between 3 and 8.4% of malignant uterine neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with the clinical behavior of uterine sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from October 1983 to December 2009, clinical files of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of uterine sarcoma at the National Institute of Cancerology of Mexico (INCan) were reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: We identified 77 cases with complete information; average age at presentation was 51.6 years (range, 14-78 years); most frequent histology was leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in 53/77 (68.8%) cases; most frequent symptom reported at the time of diagnosis was abnormal vaginal bleeding in 36/77 (46.7%) cases, and the most frequent clinical stage was clinical stage (CS) I in 31/77 (40.2%) cases. Initial treatment was total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy (BSO) in 53/77 (68.9%) cases. Disease-free period was 27.8 months (range, 0-184 months), with disease recurrence in 33/77 (42.85%) cases, most frequent site as lung in 13/33 (39.39%) cases. Management of recurrences was surgery and chemotherapy (CT) in 5/33 (15.15%) and CT in 10/33 (30.30%) of cases. At present, 40.3% of the patients (31/77) are found to be Disease-free. CONCLUSION: Notwithstanding that uterine sarcomas are aggressive neoplasms, most accepted management to date is TAH + BSO, observing that the fact that this procedure is not performed by oncologists does not affect the DFP nor OS, contrary to what occurs in other gynecological neoplasms.

Upper lip malignant neoplasms. A study of 59 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To present the demographic data, clinico-pathologic features and therapeutic outcome of a series of upper lip malignancies. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study at a single Cancer Institution in Mexico City during a 14-year period. RESULTS: There were 59 cases, (30 males and 29 females); age range: 14 to 106 years (mean: 73 yr.). Antecedents of ultraviolet light and tobacco exposure were found in 20 (33.9%) and 16 cases (27%) respectively. There were 35 squamous cell carcinomas (59.3%), 19 basal cell carcinomas (32.2%) and one case each (1.7%) of adenocarcinoma NOS, adenoid cystic carcinoma, angiosarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma. There were 14 cases in stage I (23.7%), 14 in stage II (23.7%), 3 in stage III (5.1%) 14 in stage IV (23.7%) and 14 were not classified (23.7%). There were no significant differences with respect to the overall survival curve and the disease-free survival curve among surgical treatment and radiotherapy. In addition, there was not statistically significant difference in the overall survival and disease-free survival among squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma cases with respect to the type of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Upper lip malignant neoplasms are infrequent lesions. The present series describes the main clinico-pathological features in a hospital-based population in Mexico city and demonstrates some differences with respect to those found in the lower lip.

[Hypothyroidism incidence after multimodal treatment for laryngeal cancer]. / Incidencia de hipotiroidismo secundario a tratamiento multimodal en cáncer de laringe.

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism following total laryngectomy or radiotherapy treatment for laryngeal cancer is not a rare event, especially in advanced stages. There are no reports on the incidence of hypothyroidism in patients who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in a group of patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent surgery as sole treatment, total laryngectomy or radiotherapy alone, and patients with combined treatment: surgery plus radiotherapy, concomitant chemoradiation therapy and chemoradiation therapy plus salvage surgery. METHODS: A prospective study of patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer whose serum TSH and T4 levels were evaluated in a serial fashion. RESULTS: 70 patients with laryngeal cancer were studied; the average age at diagnosis was 70.2 years. Male patients were more affected, with a men-women ratio of 3.6:1. Glottic localization was the most frequent (44%). 64% of tumors were locally advanced carcinomas and 51% received multimodal treatment. 45 patients (63%) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism; 49% of the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 51% with clinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism is a complication following treatment for laryngeal cancer. It is recommended to evaluate the thyroid function periodically for timely detection.

[Laryngeal cancer in patients younger vs older than 40 years old: a matched-paired analysis]. / Cáncer de laringe en pacientes menores de 40 años comparado con mayores de 40 años: análisis de pares.

BACKGROUND: To compare clinical and demographic data between laryngeal cancer patients younger and older than 40 years old. METHODS: Is a matched-paired study, realized from 1989 to 2002. We selected 500 laryngeal cancer patients treated in the National Cancer Institute of Mexico. Fifteen cases of patients younger than 40 years that accomplished inclusion criteria were identified, pair-matched and compared by clinical stage with 33 patients older than 40 years. We analyzed demographic factors and disease-free and Overall Survival by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We included 9 male and 6 female patients with a mean age of 34 years in contrast to a mean age of 62 years in the comparison group. Four cases in clinical stage I, none clinical stage II, 6 in stage III and 5 in stage IV were included in the younger group and compared to 8 patients in stage I, 15 in stage III and 10 in stage IV in the older group. No differences in demographic variables or lifestyle habits were found. All patients in stage I, are alive in both groups. Disease-free survival not show any differences when comparing stages III and IV (p=NS). Mean disease-free survival was 66 months and mean overall survival was 83 months in the younger group. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal carcinoma is rare in patients younger than 40 years. No gender, clinical or prognostic differences could be identified among the two groups. The prognosis of these patients seems to be only determined by the initial clinical stage.

Osteogenic sarcoma of the maxillary region in a Mexican mestizo population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed maxillary osteosarcoma in a mestizo population, with particular emphasis on the type of treatment and disease-free and overall survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including all mestizo patients with osteosarcoma of the maxilla seen in a single cancer institution in Mexico during a 20-year period. RESULTS: There were 21 patients. Age ranged from 16 to 76 years (mean, 37.5 y). Mean evolution time to diagnosis was 13 months, with a mean tumor size of 7 × 6 cm2. Surgery was the initial treatment in 19 patients, 17 of whom received adjuvant treatment. Disease-free survival according to surgical margin and overall survival were not statistically significant. Disease-free survival was 29% at 5 years, and overall survival was 50% and 25% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Osteosarcomas of the maxilla are infrequent lesions that merit early diagnosis and proper treatment because of their rapid evolution. Treatment is currently based on a well-planned surgery with free surgical margins plus adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

Vertical partial hemilaryngectomy with reconstruction by false cord imbrication.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate global survival, disease-free period, complications, evolution and function in vertical partial hemilaryngectomy (VPHL) plus reconstruction with false cord. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study. In aertiary care medical center in Mexico City. Eight patients with early diagnosis of early glottic cancer (T1 and T2), treated with VPHL plus reconstruction with false cord imbrication. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the patients were clinical stage I, 37.5% stage II and 12.5% stage III. Nasogastric tube was not placed and oral feeding was reinitiated within 3 days on average. Tracheostomy was removed after an average of 2.1 days. Average hospital stay was 3.3 days. Average of the PSS-HNC (Performance Status for Head and Neck Cancer) and Karnofsky Performance Status evaluation was 91 to 97 and 100 at 1 year of evaluation. Voice evaluation demonstrated normal voice in 87.5% of patients. Intensity was below normal with improvement on annual evaluation. Global survival was 100% and disease-free period was 71% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: VPHL with reconstruction by false cord imbrication is an excellent therapeutic option for early glottic cancers. Multiple functional advantages are demonstrated without sacrificing oncological control as well as providing an audible and intelligible voice. In cases of recurrence, various management options are available.

Carotid body tumour resection with LigaSure device.

OBJECTIVE: We carried out this study in patients who underwent resection of carotid body tumour (CBT). Shamblin's classification system was used as well as the modified Shamblin classification. We sought to determine whether surgical time and bleeding could be reduced with the use of the LigaSure system. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in patients with CBT. RESULTS: A decrease in both time and bleeding was shown, although only overall time showed statistical significance. Cases were classified as Shamblin I, II and III in two, six, and four cases, respectively, and after surgical treatment were classified as modified Shamblin I, II, IIIa and IIIb in two, one, and six cases, respectively, by infiltration to the carotid. There was nerve damage in four cases, and there were three carotid resections. CONCLUSIONS: Use of LigaSure decreased bleeding and surgical time in CBTs. Lesions of the artery are mainly caused by infiltration or by muscular hypotrophy of the artery, which frequently requires vascular reconstruction. Nerve injury continues to be an important postoperative complication, which may result in a reduction in the quality of life for the patient. The rates of nerve injury as a result of surgery were unchanged.

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in patients with radiation therapy failure.

BACKGROUND: To assess functional results, complications, and success of larynx preservation in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy. METHODS: From a database of 40 patients who underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) from June 2001 to April 2006, eight patients were treated previously with radiotherapy due to squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic region and were treated for recurrence at the site of the primary cancer. RESULTS: SCPL with CHEP was performed in six men and two women with a mean age of 67 years due to recurrence and/or persistence at a mean time of 30 months postradiotherapy (in case #8 after concomitant chemoradiotherapy). Bilateral neck dissection at levels II-V was performed in six patients. Only case #8 presented metastasis in one node. In case #5, Delphian node was positive. It was possible to preserve both arytenoids in five cases. Definitive surgical margins were negative. Complications were encountered in seven patients. Follow-up was on average 44 months (range: 20-67 months). Organ preservation in this series was 75%, and local control was 87%. Overall 5-year survival was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patient with persistence and/or recurrence after radiotherapy due to cancer of the larynx, SCPL with CHEP seems to be feasible with acceptable local control and toxicity. Complications may occur as in previously non-irradiated patients. These complications must be treated conservatively to avoid altering laryngeal function.

Demographic data of laryngeal cancer at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to describe the demographic data of patients with laryngeal cancer treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files from 1986 to 2002, revealing 500 patients. RESULTS: Included were 452 men (90.4%) and 48 women (9.6%) (M:F ratio--10.6:1). Average age of patients was 62.37 years. The highest incidence of patients was among those aged 56 to 70 years. Smoking and alcoholism were present in most patients from this series. The cardinal symptom of presentation was dysphonia in 458 patients (91.6%). The mean evolution time of symptomatology was 11.6 months. The most common localization of the tumor was the glottis (61.6%). One hundred forty two patients (28.4%) presented early-stage tumors (T1-T2) and 354 patients (70.8%) presented with late-stage tumors (T3-T4). Clinically, 165 patients (33.0%) presented adenopathies and 13 patients (2.6%) had metastases at the time of diagnosis; 483 patients (96.6%) presented with invasive epidermoid cancer. Of these, 325 patients received treatment. One hundred forty six patients (44.9%) presented local recurrence, in nine patients (2.8%) there was regional recurrence, and one patient (0.3%) recurred with a distant tumor. Adequate control of the primary tumor was achieved with the established treatment in 169 patients (52%). verage survival time of the 325 treated patients was 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer of the larynx is a potentially curable entity. In any patient with major dysphonia of >1 month evolution, a differential diagnosis of cancer must be made. The survival prognosis for patients with cancer of the larynx is determined by the initial clinical stage.

Demografía del cáncer laríngeo en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología / Demographic data of laryngeal cancer at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City

Objetivo: Describir los datos demográficos de los pacientes atendidos con diagnóstico de cáncer laríngeo en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Material y métodos: Se revisaron los expedientes de 500 pacientes atendidos entre 1986 y 2002. Resultados: Se encontraron 452 hombres (90.4 %) y 48 mujeres (9.6 %), en una relación hombre:mujer de 10.6:1. La media de edad fue de 62.37 años; predominaron los pacientes con edad entre 56 y 70 años. El tabaquismo y el alcoholismo estuvieron presentes en la mayoría. El síntoma cardinal de inicio fue disfonía en 458 (91.6 %). La media de evolución de la sintomatología fue de 11.6 meses. La localización del tumor más común fue la glotis (61.6 %). En 142 pacientes (28.4 %) se encontraron tumores tempranos (T1-T2) y en 354 (70.8 %), tumores tardíos (T3-T4). Clínicamente 165 pacientes (33.0 %) tuvieron adenopatías palpables desde el inicio (33.0 %) y 13 (2.6 %), metástasis al momento del diagnóstico. La histología en 483 (96.6 %) fue epidermoide; 325 recibieron tratamiento. Las recurrencias fueron locales en 146 (44.9 %), regionales en nueve (2.8 %) y a distancia en uno (0.3 %). En 169 pacientes (52 %) se logró un adecuado control del tumor primario. La media de supervivencia de los 325 pacientes fue 38 meses. Conclusiones: El cáncer laríngeo es una entidad potencialmente curable. Ante disfonía mayor de un mes de evolución se debe hacer diagnóstico diferencial de cáncer. El pronóstico en la supervivencia de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer laríngeo está determinado por el estadio clínico inicial.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to describe the demographic data of patients with laryngeal cancer treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files from 1986 to 2002, revealing 500 patients. RESULTS: Included were 452 men (90.4%) and 48 women (9.6%) (M:F ratio--10.6:1). Average age of patients was 62.37 years. The highest incidence of patients was among those aged 56 to 70 years. Smoking and alcoholism were present in most patients from this series. The cardinal symptom of presentation was dysphonia in 458 patients (91.6%). The mean evolution time of symptomatology was 11.6 months. The most common localization of the tumor was the glottis (61.6%). One hundred forty two patients (28.4%) presented early-stage tumors (T1-T2) and 354 patients (70.8%) presented with late-stage tumors (T3-T4). Clinically, 165 patients (33.0%) presented adenopathies and 13 patients (2.6%) had metastases at the time of diagnosis; 483 patients (96.6%) presented with invasive epidermoid cancer. Of these, 325 patients received treatment. One hundred forty six patients (44.9%) presented local recurrence, in nine patients (2.8%) there was regional recurrence, and one patient (0.3%) recurred with a distant tumor. Adequate control of the primary tumor was achieved with the established treatment in 169 patients (52%). verage survival time of the 325 treated patients was 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer of the larynx is a potentially curable entity. In any patient with major dysphonia of >1 month evolution, a differential diagnosis of cancer must be made. The survival prognosis for patients with cancer of the larynx is determined by the initial clinical stage.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue--clinicopathological study and survival analysis.

BACKGROUND: To review the demographic data of a series of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the tongue, as well as to analyze c-kit expression, histopathologic patterns, prognostic factors, evolution, recurrences and/or persistence and survival. METHODS: Retrospective study from 1986 to 2006, which reviews a database of 68 patients with diagnosis of head and neck ACC. RESULTS: We found eight cases of ACC of the tongue (11.7% of all head and neck ACCs). There were 7 female (87.5%) and 1 male (12.5%) patients, with an average age of 51 years (range 33 to 67 years). Seven patients were surgically treated, three of which required adjuvant treatment. Only one female patient did not accept treatment. Average follow-up time was 5.3 years. Metastases developed in 37% of cases during the follow-up period. Histopathologically, the cribriform pattern predominated (6/8 cases). All cases presented perineural invasion, and one patient also presented vascular invasion. c-kit positivity was observed in all cases. Global survival in the seven treated cases was 51% and 34% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, while the disease-free period was of 64% at 3 years and 42% at 10 years. CONCLUSION: ACC of the tongue is a rare neoplasm, in which early diagnosis is important because these are slowly-growing tumors that produce diffuse invasion. As the role of c-kit could not be assessed in this series, surgery continues to be the cornerstone of treatment and radiotherapy is indicated when surgical margins are compromised. Metastatic disease is still hard to handle because of the lack of adequate therapies for these tumors. Hence, survival has not changed in the last years.

Control of Frey's syndrome in patients treated with botulinum toxin type A.

AIM: To identify the severity of Frey s syndrome and its response to botulinum toxin type A. METHODS: Minor test was performed in all cases to assess the extent of the affected area, using the contralateral side as control. Severity was assessed according to the proposal of Luna-Ortiz et al. Response was evaluated after 3 and 6 months, and was compared with the basal data. RESULTS: Frey s syndrome was documented in 38 patients, but only 23 cases accepted the botulinum toxin type A treatment. Severity was moderate in 8 (35%) and severe in 15 (65%) cases. Mean applied dose was 1.41 MU/cm2 in 21 patients (91%), whereas one patient was treated with 10 MU for a 0.8 cm2 affected area (12.5 MU/cm2) and another patient with 10 MU for a 0.5 cm2 affected area (20 MU/cm2) due to severity of their symptomatology. Average affected area at the beginning was 14.2 cm2, while after 3 and 6 months of treatment it was 4.1 cm2 and 4.4 cm2 respectively (p<0.001). The two patients that received higher doses of botulinum toxin A had complete response. Complete response was observed in 13 patients (56.5%) at 3 months, but in only nine (39%) this lack of symptomatology persisted at 6 months. In three cases (13%) no response was obtained at 3 months, and the application of an additional dose of botulinum toxin type A produced no response in two of them after 6 months. Comparison of the severity score of the average basal value vs. that obtained at 3 and 6 months revealed a significant difference (p<0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was found when comparing outcome at 3 vs. 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences using the independent samples test when comparing outcome after treatment in relation to gender, type of surgery, or use of postoperative radiation therapy (p>0.05). In conclusion, botulinum toxin A remains as the treatment of choice for Frey s syndrome.