Impact of olfactory impairment on quality of life and disability.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether olfactory loss affects patients' quality of life or level of disability. DESIGN: Retrospective survey using questionnaire data and clinic database review. SETTING: Two university medical center smell and taste clinics. PATIENTS: A total of 1407 patients were tested for smell and taste disturbances from 1984 through 1998. Surveys were mailed to 1093 patients who had abnormal test scores; 420 (38.4%) returned completed surveys. Patients were grouped by self-rated ability to smell as "impaired" (those reporting persisting deficits) or "improved" (those reporting no smell problem when surveyed). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response frequencies were compared between the 2 groups for questions regarding ability to perform common activities of daily living and quality-of-life issues. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) number of activities of daily living affected by olfactory loss was 4.70 +/- 3.56 for the impaired group and 0.61 +/- 1.58 for the improved group (P < .001). Among specific activities, the most common cited impairments were ability to detect spoiled food (impaired vs improved groups, 75% vs 12%; P < .001), gas leaks (61% vs 8%; P < .001), or smoke (50% vs 1%; P < .001); eating (53% vs 12%; P < .001); and cooking (49% vs 12%; P < .001). Differences in quality-of-life issues were reported primarily in the areas of safety and eating. Overall satisfaction with life was reported by 87% of the improved group but only 50% of the impaired group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients reporting persistent olfactory impairment after previously documented olfactory loss indicate a higher level of disability and lower quality of life than those with perceived resolution of olfactory compromise.

Olfactory epithelium grafts in the cerebral cortex: an immunohistochemical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an alternative model for studying the regenerative capacity of olfactory neurons. STUDY DESIGN: An immunohistochemical analysis of mouse olfactory epithelium transplanted to the cerebral cortex. METHODS: Strips of olfactory epithelium removed from donor mice at postnatal day 5 to day 20 were inserted into the parietal cortex of adult mice. Recipient animals were allowed to survive for 25 to 120 days and then perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde 1 hour after bromodeoxyuridine injection. The brains were processed, and frozen sections were obtained. Sections through transplant tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and compared with normal olfactory epithelium. RESULTS: Graft survival approached 85% with mature olfactory neurons detected in 35% of the transplants stained for olfactory marker protein. Transplant epithelium resembled normal olfactory epithelium containing mature olfactory neurons and axon bundles. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of olfactory neuron regeneration have been limited by the inability to produce cultures with long-term viability. Olfactory epithelial grafts to the cerebral cortex provide an alternative approach to the study of olfactory neuron regeneration.

Accuracy, utility, and cost of frozen section margins in head and neck cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative frozen section analysis of surgical margins is widely used in head and neck cancer surgery. This study evaluates frozen section accuracy relative to permanent controls and final margins from the entire specimen, the rate at which frozen sections impact intraoperative management, and the resultant cost. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999 the frozen section results, permanent controls, and final tumor margins from 80 consecutive patients undergoing 420 intraoperative frozen section margins for head and neck malignancy were reviewed. RESULTS: A 98.3% accuracy rate (sensitivity, 88.8%; specificity, 98.9%) was found compared with permanent sections of the same tissue. However, 40% (8 of 20) of patients with positive final margins on the resection specimen, and 100% (15 of 15) with close (<5 mm) margins were not detected by frozen section analysis. The overall accuracy of frozen section in the evaluation of close or positive final margins was 71.3% (sensitivity, 34.3%; specificity, 100%). In addition, 5% (4 of 80) of patients potentially benefited from intraoperative frozen section by virtue of immediate margin revision. The estimated cost of intraoperative frozen section averaged as much as $3,123 per patient, with a cost-benefit ratio of 20:1. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative frozen section margins are accurate, but they are costly and cannot reliably eradicate positive final margins. Patients with early-stage lesions and those undergoing re-resection for recurrence or salvage surgery after radiation failure derived the greatest potential benefit from frozen section margins.

Current treatment practices for early laryngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Controversy regarding the management of early laryngeal carcinoma persists in the absence of a definitive comparison of treatment modalities. This study examines the basic management practices for early laryngeal cancer among the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery membership with an emphasis on the role of conservation surgery. METHODS: Questionnaires were randomly distributed to 3000 members with 1000 responses. The results were collated and statistically evaluated with multivariable frequency analysis. RESULTS: For operable supraglottic tumors, supraglottic laryngectomy was advocated by 41.6% of those responding. Definitive radiation therapy was suggested by 5.3% of participants and total laryngectomy by 1.4%. Explanation of treatment options with the patient deciding the therapy was selected by 48.3% of responders. For suitable glottic tumors, hemilaryngectomy was recommended by 37.1%, definitive radiation therapy by 8.1%, total laryngectomy by 1.9%, and patient choice by 50.4% of members completing the survey. When patients were left to weigh the treatment options, surgery was much less likely to be chosen than if it was advocated by the physician. Trends were evident according to practice region and setting, but these variables did not correlate strongly with physician recommendations. However, date of residency completion and rating of available radiation oncology services were significant factors. The evaluation of postoperative considerations in laryngeal conservation surgery demonstrated large variability in the definition of a close margin and the perceived need for additional therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The varied practice patterns among the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery membership reflect the lack of a comparative outcome analysis for the treatment of early laryngeal carcinoma. Consequently, the full reliance on patient choice, which is more pronounced among young physicians, and cost considerations may have the greatest impact on the future treatment of this disease.

Lymphatics of the submandibular space: an anatomic, clinical, and pathologic study with applications to floor-of-mouth carcinoma.

The detection and management of submandibular metastases are fundamental to the treatment of oral carcinoma. Detailed investigation of submandibular lymphatic anatomy and subsite predilection for metastases, as well as a comprehensive method for submandibular space dissection, have been lacking. This thesis explores submandibular lymphatic anatomy through a review of the literature and cadaver dissections. A standardized lymph node nomenclature and submandibular dissection technique are proposed. Also presented is a report on 41 consecutive patients with floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma who were prospectively evaluated and treated. Pretreatment clinical and computed tomography (CT) examinations revealed the detection of submandibular metastases to be more difficult than for the remainder of the neck and not improved by the routine use of CT scanning. Management of the neck was either with surgery, which included complete bilateral level I dissections, or at least 2-year follow-up when left untreated. Overall, 39% of patients manifested submandibular disease. The majority of submandibular metastases in this study measured 1 cm or less and most commonly involved the perivascular (primarily prevascular) nodes followed by the preglandular and, previously ill-defined, deep nodes. These findings are discussed with regard to the rationale for currently used neck dissections.

Factors affecting smoking cessation in patients with head and neck cancer.

The role of tobacco in the etiology of upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas is well established. Smoking decreases the effectiveness of cancer therapy and increases the risk of all treatment modalities. Smoking adversely affects the general health of the cancer survivor and places the patient at risk of developing additional primary tumors. The smoking habits of head and neck cancer patients were evaluated using a questionnaire administered at two tertiary head and neck cancer centers. Demographic factors, level of exposure, tumor stage and location, treatment modalities, concomitant alcohol use, and cessation methods were examined. Results demonstrate a high rate of smoking cessation at the time of cancer diagnosis. Significant demographic factors were not identified. Physical barriers to continued smoking because of cancer treatment as well as counseling at the time of tumor diagnosis were the most effective deterrents to continued tobacco use. Heavy alcohol use was a negative predictor of smoking cessation. Pharmacologic aids alone were found to be of no value. This study demonstrates the difficulties with smoking cessation in head and neck cancer patients, and emphasizes the importance of intervention by the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon.

Management of malignant schwannomas of the paranasal sinuses and anterior skull base.

The evolution of skull base surgery has facilitated the extirpation of previously unresectable tumors. As experience with skull base surgery increases, the feasibility of resection and long-term outcomes is becoming apparent for the more common lesions. Neoplasms such as malignant schwannomas are rare and, therefore, defy single-institution analysis. The treatment and four-year follow-up of a malignant paranasal sinus and anterior skull base schwannoma is described. Analysis of the literature confirms the low incidence of this tumor and supports the efficacy of skull base surgery in its treatment.

Performance of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection.

The objective of this study was to assess internal jugular vein performance after functional neck dissection in routine and extended head and neck surgical procedures, including bilateral neck dissections, treatment of radiation failures, and those combined with microvascular free grafts. Because the indications for functional neck dissection in our practice have increased. It is important to assess the use of the procedure in these circumstances. Although previous work has suggested the patency of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection, actual flow rates have not been investigated. The function of the dissected internal jugular vein was analyzed with duplex ultrasound at least 4 weeks after treatment. Maximal venous flow rates were evaluated. The results of this study will be presented and discussed.

Cystic schwannoma of the sphenoid sinus and skull base.

Skull base and intracranial cystic schwannomas are rare tumors. To our knowledge, a cystic schwannoma involving the sphenoid sinus has not been previously reported. The location and fluid-filled nature of the lesion resulted in an erroneous preliminary diagnosis of a destructive sphenoid sinus mucocele. Endoscopic biopsy and decompression established the correct diagnosis and reversed a progressive visual loss until definitive surgical removal of the lesion was accomplished. Diagnostic evaluation, histologic findings and management strategies are discussed.

Nodular fasciitis of the head and neck in children. A deceptive lesion.

Nodular fasciitis represents a discrete, benign, presumably reactive proliferation of fibroblasts. However, its rapid rate of growth and a sarcomatous histologic appearance are often deceptive. Multiple pathologic reviews are frequently conducted in an attempt to distinguish nodular fasciitis from other lesions. Such confusion is especially problematic in the pediatric otolaryngic population in which nodular fasciitis is not commonly encountered and mesenchymal malignancies of the head and neck are of fundamental concern. Between 1976 and 1988, 12 cases of nodular fasciitis were diagnosed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Pa). Six children presented with head and neck lesions and ranged from 6 to 13 years of age. The clinical and histopathologic features of these cases are reviewed.

The infectious and hematologic otolaryngic complications of myelosuppressive cancer chemotherapy.

The otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon is frequently consulted to evaluate patients before the administration of myelosuppressive cancer chemotherapy. Fifty consecutive patients treated at the University of Pennsylvania Oncology Center were studied before and during chemotherapy for adult leukemia or bone marrow transplantation. Otolaryngic history, physical examination, radiographic studies, and hematologic surveys were analyzed for the duration of therapy in an attempt to identify risk factors for infectious and hematologic otolaryngic complications. Two-thirds of the patient studied experienced untoward effects that required the further attention of an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. The various complications and associated correlations with the study parameters before and during chemotherapy are discussed.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor induced angioedema of the head and neck.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are now in widespread use for the treatment of essential and renovascular hypertension. Consequently, angioedema, an uncommon complication of ACE inhibitor therapy is being encountered with increasing frequency. Since ACE inhibitor angioedema predominantly involves the face, lips, oral cavity, and occasionally the larynx the otolaryngologist is often consulted to evaluate affected patients. Treatment ranges from simple cessation of the drug to emergent airway intervention. The pertinent pharmacologic properties of ACE inhibitors and the pathophysiology of angioedema are discussed. The authors' experience with the evaluation and treatment of ACE inhibitor induced angioedema is presented.

Head and neck manifestations of histiocytosis-X in children.

The clinical presentation and course of 100 children aged 6 months to 22 years who had histiocytosis-X and were treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 1974 to 1987 were reviewed. Sixty-three percent of patients presented with complaints referable to the head and neck. Lesions of the skull occurred most frequently, followed by cephalic rash, osseous mandibular destruction, enlarged neck nodes, and gingival disruption. Overall, during the course of the disease, 82% of the children with histiocytosis-X developed head and neck manifestations. There were ten deaths in this series, all associated with diffuse or multifocal disease. Interestingly, four of these patients presented with cephalic rash as a harbinger of diffuse and eventually fatal illness. The method of diagnosis and management of histiocytosis-X is discussed.