Molecular pathways of lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer.

Metastasis to regional lymph nodes constitutes the main route toward progression and dissemination of head and neck carcinoma; at the same time it is the most significant adverse prognostic indicator for this disease. In recent years, significant focus has been given on the molecular mechanisms behind lymph node metastasis of head and neck cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the role of growth factor expression and function in association with lymph node metastasis and overall prognosis of head and neck cancer. Current literature, searching for experimental data regarding the molecular pathways of lymph node dissemination of head and neck cancer, is reviewed giving special emphasis on the expression and prognostic significance of specific growth factors. Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mostly VEGF-C and VEGF-D, with their action through the receptors VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2, constitute the most extensively studied growth factors associated with lymphangiogenesis so far. High expression of these as well as other molecules, including angiopoietins, insulin-like growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor, has been associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Numerous growth factors seem to play an important role regarding the lymph node metastatic potential of head and neck cancer. Further research is necessary in order to further clarify the molecular pathways and introduce novel therapeutic options.

Studying the effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the central nervous system: a review of the literature and future directions.

The wide spread of mobile communication since the late 1980 s raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the human body. Most studies have focused on the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Low-energy EMFs seem to cause structural and functional changes in the cell membrane of different cell types, leading to abnormal cell response. Such changes within the central nervous system (CNS) and auditory system, which directly receive EMR during mobile phone use, are of particular interest. Various studies suggest that EMR directly affects neurons by reducing the neuronal reactivity, increasing the neural membrane conductivity and prolonging their refractory period. Furthermore, although it has been suggested that EMR is related with increased incidence of specific tumors and can interact with known carcinogenic agents, no conclusive evidence exists supporting its role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, no safe conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential harmful effects of mobile phone use. Experiments are underway by our laboratory to investigate possible effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the CNS. These along with other studies are expected to further clarify whether mobile phone use truly presents a health hazard.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate: case report.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a histologically distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It occurs in various sites of the head and neck region and is believed to carry a dismal prognosis. The palate is a very rare site of BSCC development and only three cases have been reported in the international literature. In this report, we present a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate. The therapeutic strategy and histological findings are described in detail, including immunohistochemistry with the use of involucrin, an agent used for the first time for BSCC diagnosis. In addition, a brief review of the literature is presented.

The risk of foreign body aspiration in children can be reduced with proper education of the general population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a campaign for proper education of the public on the risk of foreign body aspiration in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 87 endoscopic foreign body removals in children was performed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the University Hospital of Crete, during the period between January 2000 and December 2004. Results were compared with those of a previous study conducted by the same Department during the period between 1991 and 1999. RESULTS: A foreign body was discovered in 44 cases, while in 43 cases there were no findings. Twenty-one foreign bodies (47.73%) were found in the right main bronchus, 20 foreign bodies (45.45%) were found in the left main bronchus and 3 (6.82%) in the trachea. Both crude and age-standardized bronchoscopy rates appear to be lower in the time period 2000-2004, as compared to the time period prior to the educational program. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in the total number of bronchoscopies during recent years has been a result of a campaign for proper education of the public and especially parents, caretakers and families. All aspects of the educational campaign are described in detail. The risk of high morbidity and mortality from foreign body aspiration makes it mandatory to increase even more the awareness of the general population.

The combined endoscopic CO(2) laser posterior cordectomy and total arytenoidectomy for treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Upper airway obstruction, because of bilateral vocal cord paralysis, presents a serious challenge to the Otolaryngologist. Various surgical techniques have been advocated for the management of patients with vocal cord paralysis. Among these techniques, the individual use of laser CO(2) arytenoidectomy and posterior cordotomy has gained wide acceptance. In this report, we describe our experience in the management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis by combining posterior partial cordotomy as described by Dennis and Kashima, with total arytenoidectomy as described by Ossoff et al. We report the long-term results in the management of 18 patients treated in our department during the last 8 years.

PFAPA syndrome in children evaluated for tonsillectomy.

Among 40 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis, 15 (37.5%) had presented preoperatively with complaints compatible with PFAPA syndrome. All 15 had had periodic fever every three to four weeks and pharyngitis; 12 (80%) had cervical adenitis and five (33%) aphthous stomatitis. All children had been well between episodes and showed a dramatic postoperative improvement. PFAPA syndrome is not uncommon among children having tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is curative in most of these patients.