Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a matter that should not be taken lightly. The presence of a foreign object might lead to hazardous complications, particularly in the pediatric population. These complications depend on the type and location of the aspirated object as the tracheobronchial tree has a very small diameter, and foreign bodies become stuck in the upper airways of children, causing stridor and sudden difficulty in breathing. Impaction of a foreign body in the right bronchial tree is more frequent due to the relatively straighter alignment of the right mainstem of the trachea, as opposed to the left side. Herein, we present a 10-year-old Malay boy who accidentally aspirated a pencil cap. An urgent computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a suspicious intraluminal FB in the bronchus leading to pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. He underwent a right bronchoscopy and a successful FB removal.
A woman in her fifty-seventh year appeared with a painless swelling on her left lower lip that had been present for three years. The size of the swelling was noticeably increasing in size over time. On examination, there was a lump that was firm, non-tender, and measured 2 cm x 1 cm above the lower lip. The oral cavity, as well as the intraoral mucosa, were normal and unremarkable in appearance. As fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed a spindle cell lesion, she had an excision biopsy performed, followed by bilateral advancement flap closure. Histopathological examination (HPE) revealed a schwannoma in the tissue sample. Schwannomas are rare, benign neural tumors originating from Schwann cells. They are mainly asymptomatic and have a moderate rate of growth. Excision is the recommended treatment for schwannomas. Proper surgical planning and postoperative monitoring are crucial for optimal wound healing and complete recovery.
BACKGROUND: In addition to the conventional aetiologic agents of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) such as tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and betel quid usage, it has been established that a proportion of OPSCC are driven by persistent oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Currently, there is a lack of data on the burden of HPV- associated OPSCC in Asian countries including Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentre study with tissue analysis of Malaysian patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC within a five-year period, from 2015 to 2019 between 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2019 was undertaken. Determination of HPV status was carried out using p16INK4a immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. RESULTS: From the cases identified, 184 cases had sufficient tissue material for analysis. Overall, median age at diagnosis was 63.0 years (IQR = 15) and 76.1% of patients were males. In our cohort, 35.3% of patients were Indian, 34.2% were Chinese, 21.2% were Malay and 9.2% were from other ethnicities. The estimated prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC in our cohort was 31.0% (CI 24.4-38.2%). The median age for the HPV-associated OPSCC sub-group of patients was not significantly lower than the median age of patients with HPV-independent OPSCC. More than half of HPV-associated OPSCC was seen in patients of Chinese ethnicity (54.4%). Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC had a much better overall survival than patients with HPV-independent OPSCC (Log rank test; p < 0.001). Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC with no habit-related risk factors such as smoking, were found to have much better overall survival when compared to all other sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our study suggests that prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC in Malaysia, though not as high as some developed countries, is however on an upward trend. HPV-associated OPSCC appears to be more frequently encountered in patients of Chinese ethnicity. Conventional risk-factors associated with OPSCC such as smoking, alcohol consumption and betel quid chewing should still be considered when estimating prognosis of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC.
Schwannoma is a rare benign neurogenic tumor arising from the Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. A 77-year-old man presented with progressively worsening left nasal block and hyposmia for the past six months. Nasal endoscopy revealed a polypoidal reddish mass occupying the left middle meatus. The biopsy was in favor of ancient schwannoma. Endoscopic transnasal excision of the mass arising from the left nasal septum was performed. A middle meatal antrostomy was also performed. The tumor cells were positive for S100 protein. Presenting symptoms are common to other sinonasal tumors, and the differential diagnoses include carcinoma, inverted papilloma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and neurofibroma. Schwannomas are composed of spindle cells with two histologically distinct patterns that can be mixed: Antoni type A and Antoni type B. A neural crest marker antigen, S-100 protein, is useful to corroborate our diagnosis. It is vital to consider nasal septal schwannoma in the differential diagnosis of patients complaining of unilateral nasal obstruction with polypoidal nasal mass, especially the posterior third of the nasal septum. Transnasal endoscopic surgery is the preferred approach for nasal septal schwannoma.
We present two cases of Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) which were found in uncommon sites, the first at the right parotid salivary gland and the second at the base of the tongue. Both patients presented with painless neck masses and were diagnosed with histologic analysis. There is an association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the first case, but none was found in the second case. The primary and metastatic LEC are indistinguishable through histological studies. Therefore, examination of nasopharynx and neck imaging is vital to differentiate primary and metastatic LEC in non-nasopharyngeal sites. A collaboration between surgeons and pathologists is essential for accurate diagnosis of LEC. Radiotherapy is the main choice of treatment for LEC, similar to the cases in the nasopharynx.
We report two cases of nasal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) in adult patients from our center who presented with local mass effect and systemic involvement. Our first patient had spontaneous unilateral epistaxis. Her blood investigation showed severe thrombocytopenia, and the bone marrow biopsy result showed bone marrow infiltration by non-hematopoietic malignant cells. Nasal endoscopy showed a mass arising medial to the left middle turbinate. Our second patient presented with right eye proptosis, associated with blurring of vision. Nasal endoscopy showed a right whitish nasal mass arising lateral to the middle turbinate. Both patients were diagnosed by immunohistochemical analysis showing ARMS, a soft tissue malignancy uncommon in adults. RMS in adults has a worse prognosis. Hence, the management is challenging. Early diagnostic workup is essential for the commencement of early treatment for better oncological outcomes.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is a prevalent neoplastic condition. The incidence rate in Malaysia is rising, with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being recognized as a significant contributing factor. Hence, it is paramount for physicians to effectively diagnose and identify significant indicators that may indicate a malignant etiology. In this study, we present a case of a middle-aged Malay male who presented with the primary symptom of persistent right throat discomfort for one month. The preliminary presentation, blood parameters, and initial histopathological examination (HPE) findings indicate the presence of an infection. However, despite undergoing several medical treatments, the patient's symptoms remain, albeit with only minor clinical improvement. Subsequently, the patient underwent a biopsy under general anesthesia, which subsequently yielded a report indicating the presence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with a negative p16 status. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to possess knowledge of warning flags and exercise vigilance when encountering a patient who fails to respond despite thorough and precise evaluation. If there is a strong suspicion of malignancy, it is imperative to do a comprehensive clinical investigation and regular monitoring.
Ceruminous glands are modified apocrine sweat glands that are situated in the cartilaginous segment of the external auditory canal. Ceruminous gland tumors only account for about 5% to 5.7% of all external ear tumors. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a slow-growing and benign neoplasm that originates from the apocrine or eccrine sweat glands. It is also the rarest of all ceruminous gland neoplasms and only accounts for 2% of these cases. This is the 19th reported case of SCAP in the external auditory canal in the English literature. The definite diagnosis of SCAP is confirmed histologically due to varied differentials from its clinical appearance. The mainstay treatment of SCAP is surgical excision of the tumor, in our case, we obtained an incisional biopsy to aid in the diagnosis and then proceeded with an excisional biopsy. The patient has no signs of tumor recurrence post-operatively. A detailed review of the clinical, radiographic, and histomorphological characteristics of SCAP is discussed.
Primary nasal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease even in areas with high TB burden, possibly attributed to the protective mechanism of sinonasal mucosa. Its symptoms are subtle and can be mistaken for other granulomatous inflammatory conditions. We would like to report a case of a 70-year-old Indian lady who underwent a successful left endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy three years ago and presented with recurrent left epiphora. During nasal endoscopy, multiple ulcerative masses with crusting were detected over the left nasal vestibule, anterior nasal septum, left inferior, and middle turbinate. Biopsy of the nasal mass revealed granulomatous inflammation without caseating necrosis. Initially, all TB-related tests were negative. As the patient had granulomatous nasal lesions with microscopic haematuria, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was suspected. Regrettably, the patient did not respond to treatment. A repeated tissue culture at a later stage finally detected mycobacterium tuberculosis without the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Considering the current TB prevalence in the Southeast Asian region, it is crucial for otorhinolaryngologists to be aware of primary nasal TB when encountering unusual head and neck lesions, even in the absence of pulmonary TB.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer with poor prognosis. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is more common and known to have a favorable outcome after treatment. Here, we report a case of a 59-year-old lady with a long-standing goiter presenting with a discharging anterior neck mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FTAC) of the mass resulted with malignant cells. She underwent surgery, and histopathological examination revealed both ATC and PTC features. Mutation analysis was also performed, and results were positive for BRAF 600VE mutation. She received radiotherapy and also chemotherapy post-surgery. Treatment was well tolerated. The relatively favorable survival of this patient may suggest that synchronous ATC and DTC may have better prognosis than ATC alone. The objective of this article is to report the unique clinical presentation and favorable prognosis with combined treatment modalities.
PURPOSE: The effect of altered subsphincteric gastric volume and pressure after bariatric surgery on laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) remains largely unknown. This was a cross-sectional pilot study conducted between January 2018 and January 2019 to identify changes in LPR symptoms and signs in bariatric surgery patients presurgery and postsurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients listed for bariatric surgery in a single tertiary referral center were recruited, where 31 (77.4% female, mean age 46.3 ± 8.9 years) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Of the eligible patients, 54.8% and 45.2% underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB), respectively. LPR symptoms were assessed using the self-reported reflux symptom index (RSI). Video-recorded endolaryngeal signs were scored using the reflux finding score (RFS) by two blinded otolaryngologists. Patients' presurgical and 3-month postsurgical body mass index (BMI), RSI, and RFS were determined. Patients were deemed as having LPR when RSI > 13 or RFS > 7. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the postsurgical RSI and RFS changes (Pearson's r = 0.474, p = 0.007). Of the 31 patients, 12.9% (RSI) and 6.4% (RFS) recovered from preexisting LPR, whereas 22.6% (RSI) and 3.2% (RFS) developed new de novo LPR postsurgery. The postsurgical mean RFS change improved significantly in the GB group compared with that of the SG group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LPR is best assessed clinically using a multimodal approach (RSI and RFS). Bariatric surgery may worsen or lead to de novo LPR. Recognizing the LPR outcomes in these patients is paramount for optimal voice, speech, and swallowing functions.
Bariatric Surgery , Laryngopharyngeal Reflux , Obesity, Morbid , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Laryngopharyngeal Reflux/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity, Morbid/surgery , Pilot Projects
Malignant transformation of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare entity occurring in only less than 5% of patients with RRP. The risk of transformation can arise even in the absence of risk factors such as smoking and radiation. We describe a patient with juvenile RRP diagnosed since childhood, who suffered malignant transformation into a squamous cell carcinoma after 29 years. Keywords: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; laryngeal neoplasms; squamous cell carcinoma; human papilloma-virus.
Laryngeal Neoplasms , Papilloma , Papillomavirus Infections , Respiratory Tract Infections , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Child , Humans , Papillomavirus Infections/complications
INTRODUCTION: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a problem experienced by head and neck cancer patients, especially those who undergo chemoradiation therapy. CRF may persist for years post chemoradiation therapy and significantly impair their quality of life (QOL). Tualang honey is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It is proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour properties. As CRF is related to inflammatory mediators, the effects of Tualang Honey may improve CRF. The aim of this study is to determine if Tualang honey has a role in improving CRF and quality of life among head and neck cancer patients post chemoradiation. METHODOLOGY: In this open labelled randomized clinical trial, 40 participants aged between 18 and 65 with head and neck cancer who completed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in Hospital USM, Kelantan Malaysia or Hospital Taiping were recruited and randomized into two groups: Tualang honey (experimental) group or Vitamin C (control) group. They were prescribed with either daily oral Tualang honey 20mg or vitamin C tablet 100 mg for 8 weeks. Level of fatigue and quality of life were measured using FACIT-Fatigue and FACT H&N questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. The white cell count and C-reactive protein level were also measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. RESULTS: After four and eight weeks of treatment with Tualang honey or Vitamin C, the fatigue level for experimental group was better than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Statistically significant improvements were seen on quality of life (p<0.05) for the experimental group at week 8, however, no significant improvements were seen in white cell count and C-reactive protein level between control and experimental group. CONCLUSION: Our research provided support for the use of Tualang honey to improve CRF and QOL in head and neck cancer patients post chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects , Fatigue/prevention & control , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Honey , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Fatigue/etiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Malaysia , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Young Adult
INTRODUCTION: Advancement in technology in terms of design and building materials has made Total Knee Replacement (TKR) a highly effective, safe, and predictable orthopedic procedure. AIM: To review the clinical outcomes for efficacy and performance of Freedom Total Knee System for the management of Osteoarthritis (OA), at a minimum of three years follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective, post-marketing study, clinical data of patients treated with Freedom Total Knee System was retrieved from the clinical records after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee . All the patients above the age of 18 years who completed at least three years after TKR were observed for the study purpose. Patients treated for OA were included while the patients who received the implant for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic injury were excluded. Factors such as aseptic loosening, implant failure, and need for revision surgery were observed to evaluate implant performance. Cases were recruited for clinical assessment of primary efficacy endpoint in terms of post-surgery maximun range of motion. Secondary efficacy endpoint was to determine the clinical and social quality of life as per the American Knee Society Score (AKSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and stiffness scores. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients who had 191 TKR were observed for performance. The mean age of the patients was 67.67 years; mean BMI was 28.97±3.33, and the group comprised of 43% men and 57% women. Telephonic follow up at three years of 158 patients identified that none of them required revision surgery or had aseptic loosening suggesting excellent performance. Final clinical follow up at three years was available for only 35 patients (41 knee implants). The range of motion significantly improved from preoperative 104°±5.67° (range, 85°-119°) to 119.8°±11.05° (98°-123°) at follow-up (p<0.05). There was a significant improvement in clinical and functional AKSS score and WOMAC score at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of Freedom Total Knee System for TKR in treating OA, at a minimum of three years follow up showed excellent outcomes in terms of performance, range of motion, reduced postoperative stiffness and pain, and improved functionality.
Choanal stenosis has recently been recognized as a late complication of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The management of velopharyngeal stenosis is challenging with high risk of restenosis. We report a case of velopharyngeal stenosis post-radiotherapy and illustrated the use of mitomycin-C to prevent restenosis. Mitomycin-C application has being shown useful adjunct to surgical technique in managing nasopharyngeal stenosis for surgeons.
Choanal Atresia/diagnosis , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pharyngeal Muscles/radiation effects , Radiation Injuries/diagnosis , Administration, Topical , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Choanal Atresia/therapy , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intubation, Intratracheal , Middle Aged , Mitomycin/administration & dosage , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Radiation Injuries/therapy , Recurrence , Retreatment , Stents
