Nodal metastasis size predicts disease-free survival in cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid but not cervical nodes.

BACKGROUND: The 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer nodal (N) staging of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) is largely based on lymph node metastasis size, despite conflicting data in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of largest node size in cSCCHN. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 94 patients undergoing curative-intent treatment for nodal cSCCHN with surgery ± radiotherapy at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia was conducted. Survival outcomes were assessed using multivariate Cox regression. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS). Objective measures of model performance were used in exploratory analyses to identify optimal size thresholds for predicting survival. RESULTS: Nodal metastasis size significantly predicted DFS on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 1.24; 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.46; P = 0.008). This prognostic impact occurred predominantly in parotid metastases (hazard ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.51; P = 0.006); each 1 cm increase in size increased the risk of recurrence or death by 27%, irrespective of the number of involved nodes. In parotid metastases, size thresholds of ≤3, 3-4.5 and >4.5 cm optimized prognostic discrimination. Extranodal extension (ENE) was associated with decreased DFS in nodes ≤3 cm in size (P = 0.025), but not in those >3 cm (P = 0.744). CONCLUSION: Size is an important prognostic factor in cSCCHN with parotid metastases, with optimal thresholds of ≤3, >3-4.5 and >4.5 cm. The prognostic impact of ENE was seen only in nodal metastases ≤3 cm in size. These results may have important implications for node size thresholds and inclusion of ENE in the American Joint Committee on Cancer N staging categories.

Number of nodal metastases and prognosis in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Existing prognostic systems for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) do not discriminate between the number of involved nodes beyond single versus multiple. This study aimed to determine if the number of metastatic lymph nodes is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic cSCCHN and whether it provides additional prognostic information to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 101 patients undergoing curative intent treatment for metastatic cSCCHN to parotid and/or neck nodes by surgery +/- radiotherapy at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia. The impact of number of nodal metastases on disease-free survival (DFS) and risk of distant metastases was assessed using multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: The mean number of nodal metastases was 2.5 (range 1-12). On multivariate analysis, increasing number of nodal metastases significantly predicted reduced DFS (hazard ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.30; P = 0.004), with a 17% increased risk of recurrence or death for each additional node. This remained significant in multivariate models adjusted for AJCC 8th edition nodal and TNM stages. Number of nodal metastases was also associated with risk of distant metastatic failure (hazard ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.39; P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Increasing number of nodal metastases is associated with decreased DFS and increased risk of distant metastases in metastatic cSCCHN, with a cumulative risk increase with each additional node. It provides additional prognostic information to the AJCC staging, which may be improved by incorporating information on the number of nodal metastases beyond the current single versus multiple distinction.

A critical analysis of the prognostic performance of the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer staging for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: The 8th edition AJCC staging of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) incorporated extranodal extension (ENE) for the first time. This study compared the prognostic performance of the 7th and 8th edition staging for cSCCHN with nodal metastases. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 96 patients with metastatic cSCCHN, comparing the ability of staging systems to predict disease-specific and overall survival (OS) using the proportion of variation explained and Harrell's C-index. RESULTS: In AJCC8, the N classification was upstaged in 77% of patients due to the presence of ENE and 88% of patients were classified as TNM stage IV. AJCC8 was inferior to AJCC7 in predicting disease-specific survival for both N and TNM stages, and OS by TNM stage. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with metastatic cSCCHN have ENE and are classified as TNM stage IV based on the 8th edition staging, resulting in poor prognostic performance.

Differences in LC3B expression and prognostic implications in oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prognostic significance of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) expression in oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The prognostic significance of LC3B expression in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal SCC was also examined. METHODS: Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded oropharyngeal (n = 47) and oral cavity (n = 95) SCC tissue blocks from patients with long-term recurrence and overall survival data (median = 47 months). LC3B expression on tumour was assessed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated for associations with clinicopathological variables. LC3B expression was stratified into high and low expression cohorts using ROC curves with Manhattan distance minimisation, followed by Kaplan-Meier and multivariable survival analyses. Interaction terms between HPV status and LC3B expression in oropharyngeal SCC patients were also examined by joint-effects and stratified analyses. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate analyses revealed that high LC3B expression was correlated with poor overall survival in oropharyngeal SCC patients (p = 0.007 and HR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.31-7.71, p = 0.01 respectively). High LC3B expression was also an independent prognostic factor for poor overall survival in oropharyngeal SCC patients (HR = 4.02, 95% CI 1.38-11.47, p = 0.011). In contrast, in oral cavity SCC, only disease-free survival remained statistically significant after univariate analysis (HR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.19-4.67, p = 0.014), although Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high LC3B expression correlated with poor overall and disease-free survival (p = 0.046 and 0.011 respectively). Furthermore, oropharyngeal SCC patients with HPV-negative/high LC3B expression were correlated with poor overall survival in both joint-effects and stratified presentations (p = 0.024 and 0.032 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High LC3B expression correlates with poor prognosis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCC, which highlights the importance of autophagy in these malignancies. High LC3B expression appears to be an independent prognostic marker for oropharyngeal SCC but not for oral cavity SCC patients. The difference in the prognostic significance of LC3B between oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCCs further supports the biological differences between these malignancies. The possibility that oropharyngeal SCC patients with negative HPV status and high LC3B expression were at particular risk of a poor outcome warrants further investigation in prospective studies with larger numbers.

Pharmacists' attitudes towards a pharmaceutical assessment screening tool to help prioritise pharmaceutical care in a UK hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the thoughts of pharmacists using the pharmaceutical assessment screening tool (PAST) when assigning a patient acuity level (PAL) and establish other decision factors. A PAL is a pharmaceutical assessment of a patient (lowest=1 to highest=3), higher PALs highlight the requirement for a more intensive pharmaceutical input to reduce potential harm. METHOD: A questionnaire designed to elicit attitudes about the PAST was circulated to 32 pharmacists working in a 900 bed UK university teaching hospital. Respondents were asked to document what PAL they would assign for six theoretical patient cases with an explanation. The data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel and further analysis was undertaken about the strength of agreement to PAST using the κ statistic using Stata V.12 (StataCorp, Texas, USA). RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 28/32 pharmacists (87.5% response rate). The mean confidence (SD) for assigning a PAL was 81% (±20%). 26/28 pharmacists (93%) agreed or strongly agreed that professional judgement guided them most when allocating a PAL. The PAL assigned to the case studies presented both overestimations and underestimations compared with the guidance but overall the strength of agreement was considered to be 'fair' (κ=0.202). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists feel confident about using PAST to help them assign a PAL. However, the use of professional judgement to assign an acuity level overrides any predicted level from PAST.

Social perception of morbidity in facial nerve paralysis.

BACKGROUND: There are many patient-based and clinician-based scales measuring the severity of facial nerve paralysis and the impact on quality of life, however, the social perception of facial palsy has received little attention. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the consequences of facial paralysis on selected domains of social perception and compare the social impact of paralysis of the different components. METHOD: Four patients with typical facial palsies (global, marginal mandibular, zygomatic/buccal, and frontal) and 1 control were photographed. These images were each shown to 100 participants who subsequently rated variables of normality, perceived distress, trustworthiness, intelligence, interaction, symmetry, and disability. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results among each palsy. RESULTS: Paralyzed faces were considered less normal compared to the control on a scale of 0 to 10 (mean, 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.30-8.86) with global paralysis (mean, 3.4; 95% CI = 3.08-3.80) rated as the most disfiguring, followed by the zygomatic/buccal (mean, 6.0; 95% CI = 5.68-6.37), marginal (mean, 6.5; 95% CI = 6.08-6.86), and then temporal palsies (mean, 6.9; 95% CI = 6.57-7.21). Similar trends were seen when analyzing these palsies for perceived distress, intelligence, and trustworthiness, using a random effects regression model. CONCLUSION: Our sample suggests that society views paralyzed faces as less normal, less trustworthy, and more distressed. Different components of facial paralysis are worse than others and surgical correction may need to be prioritized in an evidence-based manner with social morbidity in mind. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1158-1163, 2016.

The well-being of children from military families.

Since 2001, the rapid pace of deployments of military personnel who are parents has created additional concern for the emotional and behavioral health of their children. Repeated deployments create prolonged periods of uncertainty and an increased sense of danger on the part of children and at-home spouses. Children of all ages have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Academic problems for children of deployed parents also occur more frequently. The psychological stress of both at-home and deployed parents is associated with the child's level of emotional distress. Awareness of the possibility of greater challenges facing military families today is warranted to identify distress and referral to treatment.

Reconstruction of the (Crico)trachea for malignancy in the virgin and irradiated neck.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the trachea following resection for malignancy is challenging. We present our experience over a 5-year period, and a reconstruction algorithm with particular emphasis on minimising complications associated with radiotherapy. METHODS: A maximum of six tracheal rings can be resected and anastomosed primarily with acceptable tension. A more conservative approach is required in an irradiated trachea. For a limited defect localised anteriorly or laterally, a tracheal flap can be fashioned. As for more eccentric defects, an option is to convert the defect into an asymmetrical segmental defect, and to primarily anastomose the trachea with rotation of the distal stump. Our workhorse loco-regional flaps for patch reconstruction or suture line reinforcement include the sternocleidomastoid, internal mammary artery perforator and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. For extensive defects, a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) with rib cartilage struts for rigidity provides a good solution. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (M:F = 4:11, median age 69 years) were identified. Six cases were locally aggressive papillary thyroid cancer. Mean follow-up was 17 months. Five and two patients had had radiotherapy prior to and following tracheal resection, respectively. Nine patients were extubated at the end of surgery, two were successfully decannulated from their T tube subsequently, and one from his tracheostomy. The two surgical complications included a partial RFFF dehiscence causing minor air leak, and major haemorrhage that warranted urgent operation and pectoralis major flap reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the trachea requires individualised techniques suited to the patient's body habitus, co-morbidity, previous treatment and the configuration of the defect.

Reconstruction of post-radical parotidectomy defects.

BACKGROUND: Radical parotidectomy presents a unique combination of reconstructive challenges. The high visibility of the region and the specialized structures involved create an interdependence between aesthetics and function. This article describes the authors' surgical concepts and experience in post-radical parotidectomy reconstruction. METHODS: The various components of reconstruction following radical parotidectomy, including contour restoration, skin coverage, mandible reconstruction, and facial reanimation, are reviewed. The authors discuss their methods of choice and specific technical refinements. Twenty-one post-radical parotidectomy reconstruction patients (male:female, 17:4; median age, 75 years) treated from July of 2006 through May of 2010 were identified. Information on patient demographics, etiology, reconstruction technique, surgical complications, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, and survival was obtained. RESULTS: The most common indication for radical parotidectomy was metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, followed by carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and direct extension from primary cutaneous malignancy. The authors' standard approach in reconstruction was a combination of anterolateral thigh free flap and cervicofacial rotation advancement flap, repair of the facial nerve with the nerve to the vastus lateralis segmental interpositional graft, gold weight loading of the upper eyelid, lateral canthopexy, temporalis and digastric muscle transfers, and a delayed brow lift. Surgical complications include undercorrection of facial reanimation, gold weight extrusion, wound breakdown, and infections. Seventeen patients (81 percent) received adjuvant radiotherapy (range, 50 to 66 Gy to the primary site, 40 to 60 Gy to the neck). CONCLUSIONS: Radical parotidectomy is a morbid procedure that is sometimes necessary for oncologic control. With sound principles and attention to detail in reconstruction, however, quality of life can be greatly improved. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

The laryngeal mask airway and otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in otorhinolaryngology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages across the range of procedures typically performed. STUDY DESIGN: Contemporary review. METHODS: Published articles identified through PubMed, Medline, and conference proceedings were reviewed. RESULTS: With only minimal stimulation of the oropharyngeal airway at the time of insertion and removal, the LMA provides safe, hands-free airway maintenance and is ideally suited to many of the procedures performed in otorhinolaryngology. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between surgeon and anesthetist is particularly strong in otorhinolaryngology. The impact of airway management on the surgical field and perioperative conditions requires the surgeon to be aware of contemporary tools and techniques available. The LMA has been shown to be safe and efficacious by both the literature and clinical practice. Its use in selected patients should be encouraged.

Acute supraglottitis in adults.

OBJECTIVES: Adult supraglottitis is a potentially life-threatening airway infection. We reviewed the management and outcome of supraglottitis in 169 adults admitted to Liverpool Hospital between 1999 and 2009. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all admissions with supraglottitis in patients at least 18 years of age. The diagnosis was confirmed by fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia. The main outcome measure was the need for intubation or tracheotomy. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors that led to a worse outcome. RESULTS: There were 80 men and 89 women in the cohort, with a median age of 51 years. Of these, 140 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for a mean duration of 2 days. The common symptoms and signs at presentation were odynophagia and dysphagia (94%), dysphonia (65%), and stridor (33%). Endotracheal intubation was performed in 16 patients, and an awake tracheotomy was required in 4 patients. Dexamethasone acetate was used in 103 patients. Thirty-five patients had diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity. The presence of diabetes was predictive of the need for intubation or tracheotomy (p < 0.05), and the use of steroids was predictive of an intensive care unit stay of 24 hours or less (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of supraglottitis, and close airway monitoring is crucial. Conservative management of the airway is a viable option, but the presence of diabetes makes airway intervention more likely. The use of steroids aids in symptom alleviation and hastens resolution of airway swelling, with no negative sequelae.

Commentary on Iraqi health and culture.

Respect for the inherent dignity of each human is one of the most fundamental requirements for the delivery of culturally competent health care (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2006). The inclusion of the worldviews, historical events, and differing belief systems of others is a characteristic of cultural competence. The following interview conducted with Colonel John P. McGuinness, MD, an Army medical officer who served in Iraq from April, 2003-April 2004 and December 2005-March 2006, gives insight to the Iraqi culture.

The potential role of ultrasound in differentiating solid and cystic swellings of the true vocal fold.

UNLABELLED: This study was designed to investigate the potential role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of cysts of the true vocal fold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Grayscale ultrasound of the larynx was carried out in 29 patients with a swelling of the true vocal fold and dysphonia. The findings were then compared with those at subsequent microlaryngoscopy, in the majority of cases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Whereas preoperative laryngeal ultrasound correctly predicted the surgical findings of a cystic lesion in only 5 of 11 cases, it correctly identified that no cyst was present in 15 of 16 instances when this had been queried. This study suggests that ultrasound may have some role in investigation of unilateral vocal fold pathology, but that further fine-tuning of the technique may be necessary.