Sinonasal Organised Haematoma- A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Sinonasal organised haematoma (SOH) is an uncommon, benign condition that can be locally aggressive. SOH can be mistaken for a malignant tumour but the characteristic imaging findings and histopathology facilitate the diagnosis of an organised haematoma. We report a 26 year old male patient presenting with unilateral nasal obstruction and painless epistaxis, which are the most common presenting symptoms of sinonasal tumour lesions. Based on the clinical features, age, radiological investigation, intraoperative finding, location of the lesion and histopathological examination; a diagnosis of SOH was arrived at. Surgical excision utilized the COBLATION technology and endoscopic complete removal of the nasal mass was done. Intraoperatively minimal bleeding was encountered. On histopathology, haematoma at the center and fibrosis at the periphery was noted. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SOH excision using Coblator. No recurrence was seen in subsequent follow ups. Although SOH can be mistaken for a malignant tumour, the characteristic imaging and histopathology findings facilitate the diagnosis of an organised haematoma.

Reasons for Chemotherapy Refusal or Acceptance in Older Adults With Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of Americans diagnosed as having cancer are older than 65 years. They are, however, less likely than younger patients to receive chemotherapy. Our study aimed to better understand the specific reasons for acceptance or refusal of chemotherapy in older adults with cancer. METHODS: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was distributed during a 6-month study period in a cancer center and an outpatient geriatric medicine faculty practice to patients at least 50 years old with cancer or to their family members. Data collected included reasons for refusal or acceptance, stage/type of cancer, and demographics. The association between chemotherapy refusal or initiation and these factors was assessed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Among the 37 respondents meeting the inclusion criteria, 78.4% were patients and 21.6% were family members. The following factors were significantly associated with chemotherapy decision: perceived chemotherapy benefit (P < 0.001), trust in the doctor's recommendation (P = 0.013), social support (P = 0.018), marital status (P < 0.001), sex (P = 0.037), race/ethnicity (P = 0.021), and whether respondents had a family member or friend who had previously received chemotherapy (P = 0.040). In contrast, none of the clinical variables, such as stage of cancer, previous receipt of chemotherapy, or interest in complementary/alternative medicine showed significant association with a patient's decision to accept or refuse chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy decisions made by older adults appear to be associated with demographic and social factors rather than with medical information. Recognizing the influence of these factors for older patients with cancer may help hematologists and oncologists to proactively address specific barriers and explore concerns regarding chemotherapy in older patients whose quality of life and longevity may be affected by treatment.

Perceptions of Older Adults, Hematologists, and Medical Oncologists in Cancer Care.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the perceptions of hematologists, medical oncologists, cancer patients aged 65 years and older, and family members/caregivers regarding the value of a geriatric assessment (GA) in the management of older adults with cancer. METHODS: Participants included adults with cancer aged 65 years and older (n = 66), patient family members/caregivers (n = 32), and physicians (n = 42). A patient survey, a caregiver/family survey, and an online physician survey targeted to hematologists and medical oncologists were distributed at a large cancer center in a major academic health system in the New York metropolitan area. The χ(2) test or the Fisher exact test was used to compare the cohorts for responses to geriatric domains in a GA. RESULTS: Comparisons for each of the 17 GA domains between patient and family member and caregiver responses showed concordance, except for the perception of comorbidities; 16.7% of patients indicated that comorbidities were an issue, compared with 29.0% of family/caregivers (P = 0.047). Physicians indicated that a GA would be most helpful in addressing cognitive impairment (91.4%), falls (91.4%), and functional status (88.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A GA would be useful for physicians and older adults with cancer. Hematologists and medical oncologists recognize the utility of a GA and are receptive to a multidisciplinary geriatrics-oncology collaboration.

Congenital cholesteatoma localized to the mastoid cavity and presenting as a mastoid abscess.

Introduction. Congenital cholesteatoma is a pearly white mass that rarely originates from the mastoid process. Case Report. A 21-year-old male patient presented to our department with severe right mastoid pain and postauricular fluctuant swelling for 23 days. There was no preceding history of ear complaints and examination showed a normal right ear drum. Emergency exploration of the mastoid process was done on the same day and revealed localized cholesteatoma limited only to the mastoid cavity. Conclusion. Despite a rarity, the mastoid process should be always put in mind as a site of origin for congenital cholesteatoma.