Mediastinal liposarcoma: Case report with radiology review.

De-differentiated primary mediastinal liposarcomas account for less than 1% of all liposarcoma pathology. We report the case of an 82-year-old male who was suffering from progressive dysphagia, shortness of breath, and dysphonia for a period of 2 months. A CT scan of the chest with contrast revealed a large heterogeneously enhancing posterior mediastinal mass extending into the posterior soft tissues of the neck, abutting bilateral carotid arteries, and displacing the trachea and esophagus. Treatment chosen for our patient was surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy which resolved the patient's presenting symptoms. The insights gained through the diagnosis, management, and treatment of our patient can be utilized to approach this type of rare neoplasm.

Perceptions of the Availability of Personal Protective Equipment and Its Association With Burnout Among US Healthcare Personnel During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore associations among personal protective equipment (PPE) availability, workplace environment, and burnout among US healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study used an online healthcare provider (HCP) survey (December 2020-February 2021) regarding PPE confidence, availability, burnout, and workplace environment. RESULTS: Lack of appropriate PPE was reported by 27% of 799 US HCP surveyed. Burnout, reported by 77% of HCP, was more likely among females, those with fewer years of professional experience, and those with a higher desire to quit, and less likely for those who perceived PPE was adequate or their employer took all steps to minimize workplace risks. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that lack of adequate PPE can lead to HCP burnout, which may result in employees quitting. A pandemic preparedness plan that includes adequate PPE is essential for HCP well-being, patient health, and employer fiscal health.

Tracheostomy during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Recommendations from the New York Head and Neck Society.

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 and 2020 has resulted in a worldwide pandemic characterized by severe pulmonary inflammation, effusions, and rapid respiratory compromise. The result of this pandemic is a large and increasing number of patients requiring endotracheal intubation and prolonged ventilator support. The rapid rise in endotracheal intubations coupled with prolonged ventilation requirements will certainly lead to an increase in tracheostomy procedures in the coming weeks and months. Performing tracheostomy in the setting of active SARS-CoV-2, when necessary, poses a unique situation, with unique risks and benefits for both the patient and the health care providers. The New York Head and Neck Society has collaborated on this document to provide guidance on the performance of tracheostomies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Presenting with Acute Airway Obstruction.

We describe a case of a 24-year-old male presenting urgently with a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) with difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, and respiratory distress following throat swelling. The swelling was reduced with administration of dexamethasone and the JNA was surgically resected within 48 hours. This presentation was atypical given the acuity of presentation and the patient's older age.

Collagen I provides a survival advantage to MD-1483 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells through phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a 50% relapse rate. The tumor microenvironment has been linked to resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. We hypothesized that the tumor matrix proteins collagen and fibronectin play protective roles in HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin on growth, 2-D and 3-D clonogenic potential, resistance to paclitaxel, apoptosis and activation of phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in MD-1483 HNSCC cells. RESULTS: Collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin specifically increased the efficiency of 2-D colony formation through binding integrins α2ß1 and α5ß1, respectively, and provided resistance to paclitaxel-induced colony elimination and apoptosis. Collagen I, but not fibronectin, increased the efficiency of 3-D colony formation and induced resistance to paclitaxel. Activation of protein kinase-B by collagen I was necessary for the protective effect. CONCLUSION: These data support the potential contribution of fibronectin and collagen to chemotherapy resistance in HNSCC, with effects of collagen mediated by PI3K.

Roadside memorials in northeastern Thailand.

In Thailand spirit houses are often established at places of fatal accidents, but these are generally anonymous. Personalized roadside memorials for accident victims are rare. This article analyses three roadside memorials, located on main roads in northeastern Thailand, in a comparative framework. Like in the contemporary West, such memorials commemorate a suddenly and violently killed person, but manifest a dynamics very different from that of Western roadside memorials: rather than private and temporary, these are permanent shrines, in which the spirit of the deceased is worshipped and supplicated by members of the public. The spirits and their shrines tend to become incorporated into the popular Thai magico-religious complex. While the literature offers a binary distinction between formal public monuments and informal, private and temporary (roadside) memorials, it is suggested that the informal, but public and permanent memorial shrines in Thailand exemplify a third type of edifices to commemorate the deceased in road accidents.

18F-FDG PET evaluation of sinonasal papilloma.

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that (18)F-FDG uptake determined by PET can differentiate squamous cell carcinoma from benign sinonasal papilloma. We wish to present our experience with sinonasal papillomas and PET/CT to determine if the degree of FDG uptake is indicative of benign or malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Benign sinonasal papilloma may be associated with intense FDG uptake on PET/CT. FDG PET/CT does not appear to reliably differentiate benign from malignant sinonasal papilloma.

Early use of a mechanical stretching device to improve mandibular mobility after composite resection: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a mechanical stretching device, the Therabite, for the early postoperative management of trismus in select patients. DESIGN: Prospective series of consecutive head and neck cancer patients. SETTING: Academic, tertiary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Seven patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma who underwent resection and radial forearm flap reconstruction. Five had midline mandibulotomy procedures for exposure. Six had radiation therapy (2 pre, 4 post). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were given a Therabite mechanical jaw mobilization device, were instructed in its proper use, and began using it within 6 weeks postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal interincisor opening (MIO) was measured at the beginning of use and at the most recent postoperative visit. A 5-question self-assessment telephone survey was administered on study completion. RESULTS: The average MIO was 30 mm (range, 21-38 mm) at the beginning of the study and 40 mm (range, 30-57 mm) at the last visit. Average gain in MIO was 10 mm (range, 1-21 mm). Four of 5 assessable patients had minimal or no limitation on overall quality of life relative to jaw opening. No complications were associated with use of the device. Two patients could not be located for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The Therabite mechanical stretching device is effective and safe for the management of trismus in a select group of head and neck cancer patients after extensive ablation and complex reconstruction. Specifically, there were no adverse effects in the 5 patients who had undergone midline mandibulotomy.

Levels of cyclooxygenase-2 are increased in the oral mucosa of smokers: evidence for the role of epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a promising pharmacologic target for preventing aerodigestive malignancies. In this study, we investigated the effects of tobacco smoke on the expression of COX-2 in oral mucosa. An approximately 4-fold increase in amount of COX-2 mRNA was observed in the oral mucosa of active smokers versus never smokers. Thus, a series of in vitro studies were carried out to elucidate the mechanism by which tobacco smoke induced COX-2. Treatment of a nontumorigenic oral epithelial cell line (MSK-Leuk1) with a saline extract of tobacco smoke (TS) stimulated COX-2 transcription, resulting in increased amounts of COX-2 mRNA, COX-2 protein, and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis. Exposure of cells to TS also caused an increase in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase activity. Both an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity and a neutralizing anti-EGFR antibody blocked TS-mediated induction of COX-2. To define the mechanism by which TS activated EGFR, the release of amphiregulin and transforming growth factor alpha, two ligands of the EGFR, was measured. Exposure to TS caused a rapid increase in the release of both ligands. TS also markedly induced the expression of mRNAs for amphiregulin and transforming growth factor alpha. Importantly, increased expression of both ligands was also detected in the oral mucosa of active smokers. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of EGFR signaling contributes to the elevated levels of COX-2 found in the oral mucosa of smokers. Moreover, these findings strengthen the rationale for determining whether inhibitors of COX-2 or EGFR tyrosine kinase activity can reduce the risk of tobacco smoke-related malignancies of the aerodigestive tract.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland lesions in a selected patient population.

OBJECTIVE: To report the role of selective use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with major salivary gland lesions at a tertiary care cancer center. DESIGN: Retrospective review of FNAB results compared with final histologic diagnosis as the criterion standard. SETTING: An academic tertiary care cancer center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 258 patients who underwent FNAB of major salivary gland lesions between 1996 and 2000, of whom 169 had surgical resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. RESULTS: FNAB was performed in 169 (37%) of 463 salivary gland lesions undergoing surgical procedures. A total of 126 lesions were in the parotid gland and 44 in the submandibular gland. Seventy-nine lesions (46%) were malignant. There were 150 FNAB specimens (89%) that were satisfactory for evaluation. The FNAB diagnosis of malignant or suspicious lesion had positive and negative predictive values of 84% and 77%, respectively. Ten of 20 false-negative FNAB results were low-grade lymphoma on final histologic assessment. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of a benign neoplasm had positive and negative predictive values of 83% and 88%, respectively. A cytopathologic diagnosis of a nonneoplastic lesion was predictive in only 47% of cases. Fifteen (47%) of 32 lymphocyte-predominant FNAB specimens were lymphoma on final histologic assessment. Ten (20%) of 49 patients with history of a solid, non-head and neck malignancy had evidence of distant metastasis to the salivary gland by histologic and/or cytopathologic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: An FNAB diagnosis of malignant or neoplastic major salivary gland disease is generally predictive of final histologic diagnosis. The predictive value of a negative FNAB finding is low, and should not supersede clinical suspicion. Cytologic findings of a lymphocyte-predominant lesion should prompt further workup to rule out lymphoma.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 are overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

PURPOSE: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes malignant growth. Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes the synthesis of PGH2, which is converted, in turn, by microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1) to PGE2. One strategy for inhibiting carcinogenesis is to prevent PGE2 production in premalignant and malignant tissues. It is important, therefore, to determine whether enzymes involved in PGE2 biosynthesis are deregulated in neoplasia. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether amounts of COX-2 or mPGES-1 were increased in intraepithelial neoplasia or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis. Because human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to the development of penile SCC, a secondary objective was to determine whether COX-2 was overexpressed in SCC arising in an HPV16 transgenic mouse. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to evaluate the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in benign and malignant lesions including metastases to lymph nodes. Amounts of intratumoral PGE2 were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Reverse transcription-PCR was used to determine the expression of each of the four known receptors (EP(1-4)) for PGE2. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, invasive SCC, and metastases to lymph nodes. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that COX-2 and mPGES-1 were consistently overexpressed in SCC. PGE2 and all four of the PGE2 receptor subtypes were detected in each of the tumor samples. Elevated levels of COX-2 were also detected in SCC arising in an HPV16 transgenic mouse. CONCLUSIONS: Increased amounts of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were detected in penile intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma. These findings provide the basis for evaluating whether inhibiting COX-2 will be useful in the prevention or treatment of penile SCC.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Elevated levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) occur in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and have been associated with a poor prognosis. Recently, an inducible microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES) was identified. This enzyme converts the cyclooxygenase product prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)) to PGE(2). Given the apparent significance of PGE(2) in carcinogenesis, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms that account for increased amounts of PGE(2) in HNSCC. By immunoblot analysis, mPGES was overexpressed in 11 of 14 (79%) cases of HNSCC compared with adjacent normal tissue. Immunohistochemistry localized mPGES expression to neoplastic epithelial cells. Cell culture was used to determine whether cellular transformation was associated with increased amounts of mPGES. Levels of mPGES protein and mRNA were markedly elevated in HNSCC cell lines (1483 and Ca9-22) versus a nontumorigenic oral epithelial cell line (MSK-Leuk1). Interestingly, treatment of MSK-Leuk1 cells with PGE(2) caused both dose- and time-dependent stimulation of cell growth. Each of the four known receptors for PGE(2) (E-prostanoid receptor subtypes 1-4) was detected in head and neck squamous mucosa. Taken together, these results suggest that overexpression of mPGES contributes to the increased levels of PGE(2) found in HNSCC. Additional studies will be needed to determine whether this enzyme is a bona fide target for anticancer therapy.

Congenital salivary gland anlage tumor of the nasopharynx.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal and upper respiratory tract obstruction in the neonatal period can result from a variety of conditions, and may present with variable symptoms. In the absence of dysmorphic features or other abnormalities, causes of nasal obstruction may be difficult to differentiate on initial examination. We report an unexpected and potentially life-threatening condition arising during the work-up of this common neonatal complaint. DESIGN: Case report with literature review. RESULTS: A male neonate presented with complaints of nasal obstruction and feeding difficulties. A common diagnostic approach to neonatal nasal obstruction was performed, resulting in an unexpected and potentially life-threatening, albeit curative, result. Cannulation of the nasal cavity to rule out choanal atresia resulted in a burst of bleeding from the nose and mouth. A finger sweep of the oropharynx produced a dislodged mass lesion. Pathology revealed a salivary gland anlage tumor of the nasopharynx. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal mass lesion should be considered in neonates with nasal obstructive symptoms. It is wise to place an index finger in the oropharynx when passing catheters to rule out choanal atresia to feel a dislodged mass lesion before it can become an airway foreign body. Should passage of nasal catheters result in bleeding and/or respiratory distress, the possibility of a displaced mass lesion must be considered immediately to institute prompt intervention.

Postoperative management of differentiated thyroid cancer.

The large numbers of studies on the postoperative management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma allows us to use adjuvant treatment and follow-up studies more selectively based on patient risk for recurrence and mortality. Recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma is more easily and more effectively treated with early diagnosis. With this in mind, patients who are at high risk for life-threatening recurrent disease should be treated aggressively and followed up expectantly. In these patients, adjuvant treatment with 131I ablation and thyroid hormone suppression is appropriate. External irradiation may be considered, especially for patients with postoperative residual disease. Close follow-up with stimulated thyroglobulin and 131I whole body scans should be performed to facilitate early detection of recurrent disease. Low-risk patients may be effectively treated with more conservative management. 131I ablation has not resulted in improved survival in these patients. Follow-up with serum thyroglobulin after initial negative 131I whole body scan may be appropriate in these patients. Management of patients at intermediate risk remains controversial. Recombinant human thyrotropin allows us to obtain stimulated serum thyroglobulin and promises the ability to perform 131I ablation and whole body scan without the need for thyroid hormone withdrawal. Functional radionuclide imaging, such as FDG PET, now allows us to localize recurrent disease in patients with elevated serum thyroglobulin but negative 131I scan.