Prognostic importance of DNA from human papillomavirus in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is generally low, with the likelihood of locoregional recurrence or disease progression (LR/DP). Knowledge of prognostic factors for survival is key to achieving an understanding and increased survival. The present study aimed to identify prognostic factors for patients with OSCC, especially the presence of DNA from human papillomavirus (HPV). Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 119 patients with OSCC treated at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City (2009-2013). Clinical information was obtained from patient records including LR/DP. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained and used for detecting DNA from different types of HPV. Potential prognostic factors for Overall Survival (OS) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: After model adjustment, factors associated with longer OS were a pre-treatment platelet count above 400,000/mm3 (HR=0.09, p=0.026) and response to primary treatment (HR=0.26, p=0.001). HPV DNA was present in 23 (19.3%) of the patients and importantly, type 16 found in 19 of them. Although survival of HPV-positive patients was longer, difference was not significant. However, among patients with LR/DP, HPV positivity was significantly associated with increased survival (HR=0.23, p=0.034). Importantly, survival was significantly different for HPV-positive patients with LR/DP > 6 months (HR=0.20, p=0.002), had higher absolute lymphocyte count at start of treatment (HR=0.50, p=0.028) or had local rescue treatment (HR=0.24, p=0.019). Conclusions: Although HPV positivity was not associated with a longer OS of OSCC patients, a better prognosis was significantly associated with HPV positivity and recurring or progressing disease, particularly with HPV type 16.(AU)

Which Larynx-Preservation Strategy Would Be Best for a Patient With Resectable, Locally Advanced, Hypopharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

LP strategies should be considered only in patients with resectable stage III/IV larynx and hypopharynx SCC, ideally those who have a functional larynx. The choice of treatment must be discussed by a multidisciplinary team, and the patient must have an active role in making the decision. CRT and IC-RT are both approved larynx-preservation approaches. IC-RT has demonstrated high rates of LP without decreasing DFS or OS, compared with surgery. CRT has demonstrated better LP rates, as well as local control and LRC, compared with IC-RT, and it should be considered a standard of care.

[Clasificación molecular del carcinoma de colon y recto. Una revisión corta].

Traditionally, carcinoma classifications have been based on clinical or pathological features. However, with the development of molecular biology in recent decades, more tumors are increasingly being genetically studied and, in several of them, molecular classifications have been created (the most widely studied and used is that for breast cancer). Colon and rectum cancer are no exception. In this short review, the evolution of colon and rectum cancer molecular classification is explained and the consensus conclusions on the subject are addressed.

Tradicionalmente las clasificaciones de los carcinomas se han basado en características clínicas o patológicas. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas, con el desarrollo de la biología molecular, cada vez más tumores se están estudiando genéticamente y en varios se han creado clasificaciones moleculares (la más estudiada y utilizada es la de cáncer de mama). El cáncer de colon y recto no es la excepción. En esta revisión corta se explica la evolución de la clasificación molecular del cáncer de colon y recto y se abordan los conclusiones consensuadas al respecto.

Impacto de la medicina nuclear en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides.

Los pacientes afectados por el cáncer diferenciado de tiroides habitualmente presentan un curso clínico favorable, ya que la piedra angular del tratamiento es la cirugía; a pesar de esto, algunos pueden desarrollar un ominoso desenlace, debido a las características clinico-patológicas de esta enfermedad. El tratamiento óptimo aún es controvertido, en especial respecto a la extensión de la cirugía, indicaciones de radioyodo y la supresión de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides. La correcta evaluación de los riesgos, antes y después de la cirugía, facilita un selectivo enfoque del tratamiento; destacando la relevancia de revisar el impacto de la medicina nuclear en la correcta evaluación, tratamiento y seguimiento de los pacientes que padecen esta neoplasia.Patients affected by differentiated thyroid cancer usually have a favorable clinical course, since the cornerstone of treatment is surgery; despite this, some patients may develop an ominous outcome, due to the clinical-pathological features of this disease. Optimal treatment remains controversial, especially regarding the extent of surgery, indications for radioiodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The correct evaluation of risks before and after surgery facilitates a selective treatment approach; highlighting the importance of reviewing the impact of nuclear medicine on the correct evaluation, treatment and follow-up of patients suffering from this neoplasm.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma, case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Chondrosarcoma constitutes 0.2% of all malignant tumors of the larynx. Many surgeons treat it with total laryngectomy due to the limited experience with this neoplasm because its rarity, and although several conservative approaches have been proposed, the data of these techniques are limited and based on retrospective series. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 52-year-old male with a transglottic submucosal tumor and glottic stenosis in fiberoptic examination showed by tomography a laryngeal tumor that infiltrates vocal cords, glottis, cricoid and thyroid cartilage of 3 × 2.7 × 4 cm. Patient was submitted to total laryngectomy with selective bilateral neck dissection because obstructive tumor. Pathology reported a cricoid cartilage tumor consistent with grade 2 chondrosarcoma. DISCUSSION: Biopsy by laryngoscopy is considered the standard procedure for the diagnosis of laryngeal tumors, however the need for general anesthesia and the difficulty in intubation in some patients with large tumors make difficult to obtain an adequate biopsy in some cases with submucosal tumor. Conservative surgeries should be individualized based on the size and location of the tumor as well as on the patient's general conditions. Radical treatment is recommended for high-grade and large tumors in which conservative surgery would destabilize the cricoid ring. CONCLUSION: There is no diagnostic and treatment approach established for laryngeal chondrosarcoma, we believe that percutaneous biopsy would be the diagnostic test of choice because it is less invasive and has a high sensitivity and specificity; it could also identify patients who are candidates for conservative surgeries.

Diagnosis of brain metastases in breast cancer patients resulting from neurological symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Neurological symptoms are highly feared because they are associated with central nervous system metastases (CNSm). So, we aimed to analyze the association of neurological symptoms with CNSm. PATIENTS & METHODS: Patients with BC referred for a neuro-oncological evaluation at a cancer referral center from June 2012 to December 2017 were included. Demographic, oncological history, comorbidities, clinical symptoms and signs, and their correlation with CNSm were prospectively acquired during consultation in a computerized database. Analyses included descriptive observations, bivariate, and logistic linear regression tests that compared associations. RESULTS: A total of 857 patients with BC were referred for assessment. The most frequently occurring symptoms included headache, focal motor weakness, focal-sensitive complaints, and visual complaints. Of the 1029 neuro-oncology diagnoses made, the most common were CNSm, primary headache, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The risk factors associated with CNSm in patients with neurological symptoms were HER2+, younger age at cancer diagnosis, presence of extracranial metastases, and >1 neurological symptom (mainly headache: hazard ratio (HR), 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-2.7]; visual complaints: HR, 2.3 (95%CI, 1.2-4.2); and ataxia: HR, 2.1 (95%CI,1.04-4.3). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical symptoms and cancer characteristics were correlated with the development of CNSm. Specific risk and protective factors were identified. Among BC patients with neurological symptoms, CNSm should always be considered, especially in patients with certain oncological and clinical features.

Brain angiometastasis from a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Brain metastasis from non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) is rare. Herein, we describe the second reported case of brain metastasis from a NSGCT with high-flow arteriovenous (AV) shunts, and propose a novel surgical treatment plan. CLINICAL CASE: The patient was a 34-year-old male who presented with hemiparesis and hemianesthesia. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed three vascular lesions with afferent vessels and efferent vessels. Angiography displayed two high-flow AV shunts. During angiography, the patient experienced sudden neurological deterioration and consequently underwent surgery. During surgery, a lesion with large AV shunts was observed, with arterialized drainage veins, pedicled arterial vessels affluent to the nidus, and an absent pial plane. The surgical technique was adapted to lesion morphology using special bipolar forceps. Histological and immunohistochemical tests confirmed that the lesion was a NSGCT. DISCUSSION: NSGCTs are clinically more aggressive than seminomas. Lesions with an AV shunt and glioma combination are designated as angiogliomas. Therefore, we termed the lesion in the present case as an "angiometastasis," which was formed from numerous AV shunts. The use of presurgical embolization has been reported to improve long-term survival in patients with intra-axial hypervascular tumors with AV shunts. CONCLUSION: We here propose a novel strategy for the management of hypervascular brain metastasis from NSGC, consisting of angiography, tumor embolization, and the use of an angiometastatic surgical technique with special bipolar forceps. This case report may help neurosurgeons make better surgical decisions in the management of highly vascularized brain metastasis.

Management of radiodermatitis associated with cetuximab in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

The objective of this review is to report to the medical community the most recent knowledge on prevention and management of dermatitis with the use of cetuximab simultaneously with radiotherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. A review was conducted in PubMed of English language publications between 2010 and 2015. The search employed the terms 'skin toxicity', 'radiodermatitis', 'cetuximab', 'radiotherapy', and 'head and neck cancer'. Data related to the classification and management of dermatitis, associated with cetuximab with concomitant radiotherapy (n = 22), were critically reviewed. We conclude that dermatitis associated with bioradiotherapy is a predictable, treatable, and reversible event that does not affect administration of therapy or its clinical outcome when treated appropriately.

Papillary carcinoma of hyoid.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroglosal duct cyst is a common anomaly with an incidence of 7% in adults, the rate of carcinoma in TGDC is 0.7-1.6%, and are extremely rare those originated in the hyoid bone. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 60 years old male patient, had a hard mass in the anterior neck. CT revealed a hyoid tumor. Hyoid bone resection was performed, the pathological report show a conventional papillary carcinoma in bone tissue. We rule out primary tumor in thyroid gland. Five years later, he developed a neck node recurrence. Total thyroidectomy and a selective left neck dissection (II-IV levels) was performed. He received radioiodine adjuvant treatment. DISCUSSION: Hyoid cancer originates of a persistent thyroglosal duct remnants inside hyoid bone. CONCLUSION: We propose to add a new subdivision to pathology derived from thyroglosal duct remnants). The diagnostic approach with ultrasound and CT are necessary. A primary in te hyoid gland mustang be discorded, and then the entire hyoid bone must be removed. Treatment of the thyroid gland and neck should be considered when there are significant risk factors of recurrence, similarly to thyroid cancer based on the risk assessment.

Central Nervous System Metastases in Patients With Cervical Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common malignancy throughout developing countries, although considered rare, central nervous system metastasis (CNSm) does occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe our experiences and compare them to other published cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2009 to August 2015, the files of all patients with CC treated at our referral center were reviewed. RESULTS: We found 27 patients with CC and CNSm. Mean age at the time of CNS diagnosis was 50 ± 11 years, mean interval between initial CC and CNSm was 46 months; the most frequent initial International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was IIB with 17 patients followed by IB in 4. Fifty-nine percent of patients had lung metastases at the time CNSm were diagnosed. Headache was the most common symptom, followed by weakness, altered mental status, and ataxia/cerebellar. Mean survival was 8.2 months after CNSm was discovered; 3 patients are still alive. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes the largest series of patients with CNSm from CC; this rare complication should be suspected in patients with CC who present with headache, ataxia, cranial nerve palsy, visual disturbance, altered mental status, focal weakness, or other neurological symptom, without other plausible explanation.

Oropharyngeal cancer: an emergent disease?

Oropharyngeal cancer incidence has recently increased, thereby attracting public attention. Akin to other malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, it has been attributed to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and alcohol use. However, recent evidence shows that a substantial increase in the disease is attributable to the effects of human papillomavirus (HPV). Marked progress has been made in relation to the knowledge of molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of these cancers. This has led to the development of new and promising therapies of a more specific and less toxic nature that have prolonged life and improved its quality. However, these therapies have failed to significantly increase the proportion of patients who are cured. To decrease the mortality associated with these neoplasms, it is necessary to adopt public health measures aimed at prevention and early diagnosis.

Manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes con cáncer: más de 17.000 motivos de consulta / Neurological manifestations in patients with cancer: more than 17, 000 reasons for consultation

Introducción. El cáncer es una de las primeras causas de muerte en nuestra población. Las complicaciones neurológicas asociadas son frecuentes e incrementan significativamente la morbilidad y la mortalidad de estos pacientes. Objetivo. Describir las manifestaciones neurológicas en pacientes con cáncer. Pacientes y métodos. Desde enero de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2014 se creó una base de datos de pacientes con cáncer que merecían una valoración por neurooncología en un centro de referencia. Resultados. Se describen 17.092 motivos de consulta de neurooncología. Las neoplasias que más se relacionaron con manifestaciones neurológicas fueron: cáncer de mama, neoplasias hematológicas, tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central, cáncer de pulmón y neoplasias ginecológicas. Las manifestaciones neurológicas más frecuentes fueron: afección neuromuscular, actividad tumoral en el sistema nervioso central, cefalea primaria, crisis convulsivas, enfermedad vascular cerebral y tumores neurológicos primarios. Conclusiones. Es importante que los neurólogos, médicos de distintas áreas de la medicina y personal paramédico, involucrados en el manejo de estos pacientes, reconozcan las complicaciones neurológicas de manera temprana (AU)

Introduction. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in our population; neurologic manifestations are frequent and are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Aim. To describe the neurological manifestations in patients with cancer. Patients and methods. From January 2010 to December 2014 a database was created from patients with cancer, required a neuro-oncological assessment at a referral cancer center. Results. 17,092 reasons for neuro-oncological consultation are described. Neoplasms most frequently associated with neurological manifestations were: breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, primary central nervous system tumors, lung cancer and gynecological malignancies. The most frequent neurological manifestations were: neuromuscular disease (including neuropathy), central nervous system metastasis, primary headaches, seizures, stroke and primary neurological tumors. Conclusion. It is important that neurologists, physicians and those involved in the management of patients with cancer recognize and get to know the neurological complications (AU)

Oropharyngeal cancer: an emergent disease? / Cáncer de orofaringe: ¿una enfermedad emergente?

Abstract Oropharyngeal cancer incidence has recently increased, thereby attracting public attention. Akin to other malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, it has been attributed to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and alcohol use. However, recent evidence shows that a substantial increase in the disease is attributable to the effects of human papillomavirus (HPV). Marked progress has been made in relation to the knowledge of molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of these cancers. This has led to the development of new and promising therapies of a more specific and less toxic nature that have prolonged life and improved its quality. However, these therapies have failed to significantly increase the proportion of patients who are cured. To decrease the mortality associated with these neoplasms, it is necessary to adopt public health measures aimed at prevention and early diagnosis.

Resumen El cáncer de orofarínge recientemente ha incrementado su incidencia, por lo que ha atraído la atención pública. Como en otras neoplasias malignas de las vías aerodigestivas superiores se atribuye a los efectos carcinogénicos del tabaco y alcohol, sin embargo evidencia reciente señala un incremento substancial atribuible a los efectos del virus del papiloma humano. Mucho se ha avanzado en relación a los conocimientos de los mecanismos moleculares y genéticos implicados en la génesis y progresión de estas neoplasias, lo que ha conducido al desarrollo de nuevas y prometedoras terapias, mas especificas y menos tóxicas, que han prolongado la vida y mejorado su calidad, pero no han logrado incrementar significativamente la proporción de pacientes curados. Si se desea abatir la mortalidad por estas neoplasias es necesario emprender medidas de salud publica dirigidas a su prevención y diagnóstico temprano.

Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: The Current Role of Cetuximab.

We review clinical trials of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to address the current and potential uses of cetuximab (CTX). PubMed was reviewed to identify papers published between 2010 and 2016. The search terms used were "cetuximab" and "head and neck cancer." A total of 634 articles were identified. Phase II or III studies with CTX in patients with advanced SCCHN without treatment or with recurrent/metastatic tumors were selected. Forty-six registries were obtained. Information was critically reviewed and relevant information presented. As definitive treatment of advanced squamous cells carcinomas and as palliative treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease, CTX alone or associated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is an alternative to chemoradiotherapy because of its distinct and favorable toxicity profile.

[First Mexican consensus on recommendations of the multidisciplinary care of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): Mexican Interdisciplinary Group on Neuro-Oncology Research (GIMINO)]. / Primer consenso mexicano sobre recomendaciones de la atención multidisciplinaria del paciente con glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Grupo Interdisciplinar Mexicano de Investigación en Neurooncología (GIMINO).

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggressive central nervous system tumors and with worse prognosis. Until now,treatments have managed to significantly increase the survival of these patients, depending on age, cognitive status, and autonomy of the individuals themselves. Based on these parameters, both initial or recurrence treatments are performed, as well as monitoring of disease by imaging studies. When the patient enters the terminal phase and curative treatments are suspended, respect for the previous wishes of the patient and development and implementation of palliative therapies must be guaranteed.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: multimodal treatment results.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and lethal disease. It accounts for 1-2% of thyroid malignancies, but specific mortality is higher than 90%. It is an aggressive locoregional disease with a high metastatic capacity. There is no agreement with regards to the best treatment. We analysed the results of treatment in a mestizo population treated in the National Cancer Institute (Mexico). METHODS: We reviewed 1,581 files of thyroid carcinomas; of these, 29 (1.83%) had anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Demographic variables, clinical manifestations, tumour characteristics, and treatments were analysed. RESULTS: The median age was 64.5 ± 13.2 years. Females were more affected (female/male ratio: 2.6:1); 21 cases occurred in women (72.4%), and eight in males (27.6%). The most common manifestations were neck enlargement (93.10%) and hoarseness (71.31%). The median tumour size was 8 cm (range: 4-20 cm). The percentage of cases which presented in clinical stage IVA was 10.3%, with 62.1% presenting in clinical stage IVb and 27.6% presenting in clinical stage VIc. Complete resection (R0) (p = 0.05), radiation doses of higher than 33.1 Gy (p = 0.04), and multimodal therapy were associated with better survival. Surgery plus radiotherapy with or without systemic treatment (p = 0.006). The median overall survival was 119 days (IC 95%, 36.3-201.6). Six-month, one-year and two-year survival was 37.9%, 21% and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Complete surgical resection is associated with better survival but is very difficult to achieve due to aggressive biological behaviour. Multimodal therapy is associated with better survival and a better quality of life. There is a need for more effective systemic treatments as extensive surgical resections have little overall benefit in highly invasive and metastatic disease.

[Differentiated thyroid cancer: an ancient disease with new knowledge]. / Cáncer diferenciado de tiroides: una antigua enfermedad con nuevos conocimientos.

Differentiated thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its incidence appears to be rising rapidly with a good prognosis. However, the involvement of different medical specialties has changed the focus of treatment and triggered a number of controversies. In the absence of controlled trials, the guidelines for treatment are founded on prognostic factors for survival and local control, the effects of the treatments, and comorbidities. Recently, the major advances in the field of genetics and molecular biology have been applied in the treatment of iodine refractory disease, and the use of tracers and recombinant hormones have succeeded in improving adjuvant treatment. Based on this information, we present this review with the aim of updating the knowledge of an ancient disease.

Operative technique for en bloc resection of upper cervical chordomas: extended transoral transmandibular approach and multilevel reconstruction.

Anterior exposure for cervical chordomas remains challenging because of the anatomical complexities and the restoration of the dimensional balance of the atlanto-axial region. In this report, we describe and analyze the transmandibular transoral approach and multilevel spinal reconstruction for upper cervical chordomas. We report two cases of cervical chordomas (C2 and C2-C4) that were treated by marginal en bloc resection with a transmandibular approach and anterior-posterior multilevel spinal reconstruction/fixation. Both patients showed clinical improvement. Postoperative imaging was negative for any residual tumor and revealed adequate reconstruction and stabilization. Marginal resection requires more extensive exposure to allow the surgeon access to the entire pathology, as an inadequate tumor margin is the main factor that negatively affects the prognosis. Anterior and posterior reconstruction provides a rigid reconstruction that protects the medulla and decreases axial pain by properly stabilizing the cervical spine.

[Surgical oncology: historical development and current status]. / Cirugía oncológica: evolución histórica y estado actual.

The surgical oncology remains an essential part in the multidisciplinary management for patients with cancer, even though the current progress in field of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, systemic therapies, including therapies directed to molecular targets. Their role impact in several moments during the management of an oncological patient: prevention, diagnosis, assessment of the spread of the disease, curative treatment, management of the sequels, complications by the treatment and not less important, the palliation. The current state of the surgical oncology as a result of a constant development, inspired by skillful hands with creative and restless minds, have achieved to mark the history of the medicine in an area which currently has a great transcendence and an accelerated growth in a short period of time. Under this argument, we have decided to present an updated overview about the role of the surgical oncology, from the evolution through the history until all their applications in the different areas of the oncology.

Evaluación de la morbilidad por disección del compartimiento central en cáncer papilar de tiroides / Assessment of morbidity of central neck compartment dissection in papillary thyroid cancer

Objetivo: Evaluar la hipocalcemia y lesión del nervio laríngeo recurrente secundaria a tiroidectomía total acompañada de disección del compartimiento central en cáncer papilar de tiroides. Sede: Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México. Diseño: Estudio clínico descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo, longitudinal. Análisis estadístico: Porcentajes como medida de resumen para variables cualitativas. Pacientes y métodos: Veinte y cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer papilar de tiroides (CPT) establecido mediante citología y/o histopatología, que se llevaron a disección central del cuello como parte del tratamiento quirúrgico inicial con seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. Variables estudiadas: Tiempo quirúrgico, sangrado transoperatorio, movilidad cordal evaluadas por laringoscopia directa pre y postoperatoriamente, hipocalcemia e hipoparatiroidismo, reintervención y número de ganglios resecados. Resultados: De los 24 pacientes, 16 con enfermedad confinada al tiroides y 8 con afección al cuello, el tiempo quirúrgico medio de 2 a 4.30 horas con una media de 2.2, sangrado de 100 a 400 ml con media de 196 ml. Un paciente con hipocalcemia transitoria, cero pacientes con hipocalcemia permanente corroborado con paratohormona, cero lesiones del nervio laríngeo recurrente (NLRL), cero reintervenciones, el número de ganglios resecados fue de 7 a 16. Conclusiones: La morbilidad de la tiroidectomía total más disección del compartimiento central fue de hipocalcemia transitoria de 4.1%. No existió lesión de nervio laríngeo recurrente ni hipoparatiroidismo.

Objective: To assess hypocalcemia and injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve secondary to total thyroidectomy plus central compartment dissection in papillary thyroid cancer. Setting: National Institute of Cancerology, Mexico Design: Descriptive, observational, retrospective, prospective, longitudinal clinical study. Statistical analysis: Percentages as summary measure for qualitative variables. Patients and methods: Twenty-four patients with diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), established by cytology and histopathology, subjected to central dissection of the neck as part of the initial surgical treatment with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Assessed variables were: surgical time, trans-operative bleeding, vocal cords mobility, assessed through direct laryngoscopy pre- and postoperatively, hypocalcemia and hypothyroidism, re-intervention, and number of dissected ganglia. Results: Twenty four patients, 16 with thyroid-confined disease, and 8 with neck involvement. Average surgical time of 2 to 4.30 hours, mean of 2.2, bleeding of 100 to 400 ml, mean of 196 ml. One patient with transient hypocalcemia, nill patients with permanent hypocalcemia confirmed with PHT testing, nill Recurrent laryngeal nerve (NLRL) injuries, nill re-interventions; the number of dissected ganglia was 7 to 16. Conclusions: Morbidity of total thyroidectomy plus dissection of the central compartment consisted of transient hypocalcemia (4.1%). Neither recurrent laryngeal nerve injury nor hypoparathyroidism occurred.