Validation of a classification and scoring system for the diagnosis of laryngeal and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas by confocal laser endomicroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Confocal laser endomicroscopy is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real-time, microscope-like images of the upper aerodigestive tract's mucosa. The assessment of morphological tissue characteristics for the correct differentiation between healthy and malignant suspected mucosa requires strict evaluation criteria. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate an eight-point score for the correct assessment of malignancy. METHODS: We performed confocal laser endomicroscopy between March and October 2020 in 13 patients. 197 sequences (11.820 images) originated from the marginal area of pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas. Specimens were taken at corresponding locations and analyzed in H&E staining as a standard of reference. A total of six examiners evaluated the sequences based on a scoring system; they were blinded to the histopathological examination. The primary endpoints are sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Secondary endpoints are interrater reliability and receiver operator characteristics. RESULTS: Healthy mucosa showed epithelium with uniform size and shape with distinct cytoplasmic membranes and regular vessel architecture. Confocal laser endomicroscopy of malignant cells demonstrated a disorganized arrangement of variable cellular morphology. We calculated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 83.2%, 81.3%, 85.5%, 86.7%, and 79.7%, respectively, with a κ-value of 0.64, and an area under the curve of 0.86. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that this scoring system is applicable in the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa to classify benign and malignant tissue. A scoring system based on defined and reproducible characteristics can help translate this experimental method to broad clinical practice in head and neck diagnosis.

Adenoma pleomórfico del espacio parafaríngeo: una entidad escondida / Pleomorphic adenoma of the parapharyngeal space: a hidden entity

Resumen Los tumores del espacio parafaríngeo son poco frecuentes. Dentro de ellos, las neoplasias benignas son las más frecuentes, destacando principalmente los adenomas pleomorfos. Estos tumores suelen permanecer asintomáticos hasta alcanzar el tamaño suficiente para producir alteraciones debido al efecto de masa. A pesar de su naturaleza benigna, es necesario realizar resección completa dada su alta tasa de recurrencia y potencial de transformación maligna. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 52 años que en estudio de vértigo se detecta incidentalmente una masa tumoral del espacio parafaríngeo de 45 mm × 32 mm de diámetro, de etiología incierta. Se realizó una biopsia incisional endoscópica que evidenció un adenoma pleomórfico, que actualmente se encuentra en etapa de evaluación y planificación de escisión completa. En conclusión, dado que los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos no siempre son suficientes para determinar la naturaleza de las lesiones del espacio parafaríngeo, es importante contar con un diagnóstico histológico. Los avances en las técnicas de cirugía endoscópica sinusal han permitido acceder a esta zona con una mínima morbilidad y estadía hospitalaria. Debido a la posibilidad de transformación maligna los adenomas pleomórficos requieren un manejo activo.

Abstract Tumors of the parapharyngeal space are rare. Benign neoplasms are the most frequent and, among them, pleomorphic adenomas stand out. These tumors are usually asymptomatic until they reach a size large enough to produce symptoms due to mass effect. Despite its benign nature, it is necessary to perform a complete resection given its high recurrence rate and its potential for malignant transformation. We present the case of a 52-year-old man in whom a study of vertigo incidentally detected a mass in the parapharyngeal space measuring 45 mm × 32 mm in diameter, of unknown etiology. An endoscopic incisional biopsy was performed, showing a pleomorphic adenoma, which is currently under assessment to plan complete removal. In conclusion, as clinical and radiological findings are not always sufficient to determine the nature of parapharyngeal space lesions, it is important to obtain a histological diagnosis. Advances in endoscopic sinus surgery techniques have allowed access to this area with minimal morbidity and hospital stay. Due to the possibility of malignant transformation pleomorphic adenomas require active management.

Ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions / Punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia em pacientes com lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas

Abstract Introduction: Laryngeal lesions are usually evaluated by microlaryngoscopy/direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia for disease mapping and tissue diagnosis. However patients with anticipated airway compromise due to laryngeal mass may require either a protective tracheotomy or emergency tracheotomy to secure the airway. To minimise risk of unplanned tracheotomy and expedite the diagnosis we performed ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and performance of ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology of suspicious/recurrent laryngo-hypopharyngeal masses. Methods: Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed under ultrasound guidance. Twenty- four patients were recruited, of which 17 had a pure laryngeal lesion; 6 patients had laryngo-pharyngeal, and one patient had a base tongue lesion with supra-glottis extension. Results: Out of 24 patients, 21 had positive cytology for squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had non-diagnostic cytology (atypical cells) and the other had inadequate tissue for definitive diagnosis. Patients with negative and inconclusive cytology underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy, which was positive for squamous malignancy. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no adverse events were noted. Conclusion: Although direct laryngoscopy remains the standard of care in evaluation of laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions, this pilot study has shown that ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology was feasible as an out-patient procedure, employing safe and sensitive technique enabling rapid diagnosis and avoiding the need for direct laryngoscopy under GA for tissue diagnosis.

Resumo Introdução: As lesões laríngeas são geralmente avaliadas por microlaringoscopia/laringoscopia direta sob anestesia para mapeamento da doença e diagnóstico tecidual. No entanto, em pacientes com comprometimento prévio das vias aéreas devido à lesão laríngea, pode ser necessária uma traqueostomia protetora ou traqueostomia de emergência para assegurar as vias aéreas. Para minimizar o risco de uma traqueostomia não planejada e facilitar o diagnóstico, realizamos punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade e o desempenho da punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea em lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas suspeitas/recorrentes. Método: A punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi realizada sob orientação ultrassonográfica. Foram recrutados 24 pacientes, 17 com lesão laríngea apenas, 6 com lesão laríngeo-faríngea e um com lesão na base da língua com extensão supraglótica. Resultados: Dos 24 pacientes, 21 apresentaram citologia positiva para carcinoma espinocelular, 2 citologia não diagnóstica (células atípicas) e o outro tecido inadequado para o diagnóstico definitivo. Os pacientes com citologia negativa e inconclusiva foram submetidos à biópsia através de laringoscopia direta, que foi positiva para lesão maligna espinocelular. Todos os pacientes toleraram bem o procedimento e nenhum evento adverso foi observado. Conclusão: Embora a laringoscopia direta continue a ser o padrão de cuidado na avaliação das lesões laríngeo-hipofaríngeas, este estudo piloto demonstrou que a punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ultrassonografia transcutânea é uma técnica viável, ambulatorial, segura e sensível, permite rápido diagnóstico e evita a necessidade de laringoscopia direta sob anestesia geral para diagnóstico tecidual.

Ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology in patients with laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal lesions are usually evaluated by microlaryngoscopy/direct laryngoscopy under anaesthesia for disease mapping and tissue diagnosis. However patients with anticipated airway compromise due to laryngeal mass may require either a protective tracheotomy or emergency tracheotomy to secure the airway. To minimise risk of unplanned tracheotomy and expedite the diagnosis we performed ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and performance of ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology of suspicious/recurrent laryngo-hypopharyngeal masses. METHODS: Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed under ultrasound guidance. Twenty- four patients were recruited, of which 17 had a pure laryngeal lesion; 6 patients had laryngo-pharyngeal, and one patient had a base tongue lesion with supra-glottis extension. RESULTS: Out of 24 patients, 21 had positive cytology for squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had non-diagnostic cytology (atypical cells) and the other had inadequate tissue for definitive diagnosis. Patients with negative and inconclusive cytology underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy, which was positive for squamous malignancy. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: Although direct laryngoscopy remains the standard of care in evaluation of laryngo-hypopharyngeal lesions, this pilot study has shown that ultrasound-guided transcutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology was feasible as an out-patient procedure, employing safe and sensitive technique enabling rapid diagnosis and avoiding the need for direct laryngoscopy under GA for tissue diagnosis.

Cystic hygroma: characterization by computerized tomography.

Lymphangiomas are benign nonencapsulated lesions composed of sequestered noncommunicating lymphoid tissue lined by lymphatic endothelium and are thought to be caused by congenital obstruction of lymphatic drainage. They are subclassified by vessel size, such as the capillary, which is rare and located in subcutaneous tissue, cavernous (located about the mouth and tongue), and cystic (cystic hygromas). The cystic hygromas show a predilection for the neck (75%) and maxilla (20%), and the remaining 5% arise in rare locations such as the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, bone, kidney, colon, liver, spleen and scrotum. Only 3%-10% of neck lesions extend into the mediastinum. In this paper, we report a rare case of cystic hygroma with a huge dimension discussing the use of computed tomography scanning for diagnosis.