ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
