Essential data variables for a minimum dataset for head and neck cancer trials and clinical research: HNCIG consensus recommendations and database.

The Head and Neck Cancer International Group (HNCIG) has undertaken an international modified Delphi process to reach consensus on the essential data variables to be included in a minimum database for HNC research. Endorsed by 19 research organisations representing 34 countries, these recommendations provide the framework to facilitate and harmonise data collection and sharing for HNC research. These variables have also been incorporated into a ready to use downloadable HNCIG minimum database, available from the HNCIG website.

Diagnostic challenges and prognostic implications of extranodal extension in head and neck cancer: a state of the art review and gap analysis.

Extranodal extension (ENE) is a pattern of cancer growth from within the lymph node (LN) outward into perinodal tissues, critically defined by disruption and penetration of the tumor through the entire thickness of the LN capsule. The presence of ENE is often associated with an aggressive cancer phenotype in various malignancies including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In HNSCC, ENE is associated with increased risk of distant metastasis and lower rates of locoregional control. ENE detected on histopathology (pathologic ENE; pENE) is now incorporated as a risk-stratification factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM classification. Although ENE was first described almost a century ago, several issues remain unresolved, including lack of consensus on definitions, terminology, and widely accepted assessment criteria and grading systems for both pENE and ENE detected on radiological imaging (imaging-detected ENE; iENE). Moreover, there is conflicting data on the prognostic significance of iENE and pENE, particularly in the context of HPV-associated HNSCC. Herein, we review the existing literature on ENE in HNSCC, highlighting areas of controversy and identifying critical gaps requiring concerted research efforts.

Patient preference for commonly-used, head and neck cancer-specific quality of life questionnaires in the follow-up setting (Determin): A multi-centre randomised controlled trial and mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) assessment forms an integral part of modern cancer care and research. The aim of this study is to determine patients' preferences and willingness to complete commonly used head-and-neck cancer (HNC) QoL questionnaires (QLQs) in routine follow-up clinics. METHODS: This is a randomised control trial of 583 subjects from 17 centres during follow-up after treatment for oral, oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer. Subjects completed three structured validated questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-HN35; FACT-HN and UW-QOL, and an unstructured patient-generated list. The order of questionnaire presentation was randomised, and subjects were stratified by disease site and stage. Patients self-rated the questionnaires they found most helpful to communicate their health concerns to their clinicians. RESULTS: Of the 558 respondents, 82% (457) found QLQs useful to communicate their health concerns to their clinician (OR = 15.76; 95% CI 10.83-22.94). Patients preferred the structured disease-specific instruments (OR 8.79; 95% CI 5.99-12.91), while the open list was the most disliked (OR = 4.25; 95% CI 3.04-5.94). There was no difference in preference by treatment modality. More women preferred the FACT-HN (OR = 3.01, 95% CI 1.05-8.62), and patients under 70 preferred EORTC QLQ-HN35 (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.3-7.59). However, only 55% of patients expressed preference to complete questionnaires routinely at the clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients found QLQs helpful during their follow-up and 55% supported routine questionnaires in follow-up clinics. Males and people over 70 years old were the least willing to complete the routine questionnaires and preferred shorter questionnaires (e.g., UW-QOL). Women preferred FACT-HN, and younger patients preferred EORTC QLQ-HN35. Reasons for the reluctance to complete questionnaires require elucidation.

Correlation Between Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Postoperative Histology: A 10-Year Single-Centre Experience.

Introduction Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) forms part of the routine workup for suspicious thyroid nodules. Whilst cytological analysis is less precise than histological assessment, it is quick and easy to perform and may avoid the need for invasive and potentially risky surgery. Methods This retrospective study spanned a 10-year period comparing preoperative FNAC with postoperative histology results to establish the accuracy of diagnosis and malignancy rates within our population. These results were then compared to the published figures in the literature. Results The histological reports of 659 consecutive cases of thyroid surgery between 2006 and 2015 were retrieved from our hospital database. Among the 471 patients (71.5%) who underwent preoperative FNAC, the postoperative histology was reported as benign in 352 (74.7%) and malignant in 119 cases (25.3%). Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) was the commonest histological diagnosis. Thy1 grade was reported in 165 (30%) cases, with 19.4% having a final histological diagnosis of malignancy. In the Thy2 group, 85.3% of patients had a benign final histological diagnosis, while 14.7% had malignancy (false-negative results). Malignancy was found in 89% of Thy4 and 100% of Thy5 group patients.  Conclusions Rates of malignancy varied considerably from those in the published literature. Each centre should be able to quote a local malignancy rate during patient counselling. It is also prudent for all units performing thyroid diagnostics to investigate the factors that might lead to inaccuracies in reporting.

A Lesson on Human Factors in Airway Management Learnt From the Death of George Washington.

On December 14, 1799, 3 prominent physicians-Craik, Brown, and Dick-gathered to examine America's first president, George Washington. He was complaining of severe throat symptoms and was being treated with bloodletting, blistering, and enemas. Dick advised performing an immediate tracheotomy to secure the airway. Both Craik and Brown were not keen on trying tracheotomy and overruled that proposal. Washington was not involved in making that decision. He most likely had acute epiglottitis that proved to be fatal at the end. If Dick had prevailed, a tracheotomy could have saved Washington's life. Human factors analysis of these events shows that his physicians were totally fixated on repeating futile treatments and could not comprehend the need for a radical alternative, like tracheotomy. That was aggravated by an impaired situational awareness and significant resistance to change. Leadership model was also based on hierarchy instead of competency, which might have also contributed to Washington's death.

Recommendations for head and neck surgical oncology practice in a setting of acute severe resource constraint during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international consensus.

The speed and scale of the global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented pressures on health services worldwide, requiring new methods of service delivery during the health crisis. In the setting of severe resource constraint and high risk of infection to patients and clinicians, there is an urgent need to identify consensus statements on head and neck surgical oncology practice. We completed a modified Delphi consensus process of three rounds with 40 international experts in head and neck cancer surgical, radiation, and medical oncology, representing 35 international professional societies and national clinical trial groups. Endorsed by 39 societies and professional bodies, these consensus practice recommendations aim to decrease inconsistency of practice, reduce uncertainty in care, and provide reassurance for clinicians worldwide for head and neck surgical oncology in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the setting of acute severe resource constraint and high risk of infection to patients and staff.

Analysis of the Peri-Operative Cost of Non-Traumatic Major Lower Extremity Amputation in Jordan.

PURPOSE: Non-traumatic major lower extremity amputation (NMLEA) is a commonly performed procedure that presents a substantial cost burden. Patients who undergo NMLEA are usually considered as a high-risk group with significant comorbidities, which translates into a protracted peri-operative course and increased health-care costs. The primary aim of this study was therefore to perform a contemporary peri-operative cost analysis of NMLEA performed in our center. We are a major tertiary referral hospital that provides vascular surgery services to the entire northern counties in Jordan. We also aimed to assess the various factors that influence the cost of NMLEA in less economically developed countries. METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent NMLEA at King Abdullah University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrieved. Total inpatient cost was calculated and analyzed against different patients' variables. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients underwent NMLEA between 2012 and 2017 in our facility. Below-knee amputations accounted for 110 cases, while above-knee amputations included 30 patients. Approximately two-thirds of the cases (61.4%) were males, with average age of the patients being approximately 62.9 years. The commonest comorbidities were diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which were recorded in 89.3% and 80.3% of the patients, respectively. The average operative time was 133.0 ± 10.8 mins, and the average length of stay (LOS) was 6.7±0.4 days. The mean cost for amputations was 4904.7± 429.3 United States dollars. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that LOS and admission-to-operation time were the independent predictors of cost. CONCLUSION: Delayed amputations and prolonged LOS remain the most important determinants for the peri-operative cost of NMLEA. When amputation is deemed inevitable, an expedited multidisciplinary approach may possibly reduce undue delays and result in cost-effective delivery of this age-old remedy.

Treatment of calcium pyrophosphate deposition in the temporomandibular joint with resection and simultaneous reconstruction using a custom joint prosthesis.

PURPOSE: The authors present a rare case of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), successfully treated with complete resection and immediate reconstruction using a custom-made prosthesis. This one-stage approach has prevented the patient from requiring two surgeries and has proven effective in the management of the condition. METHODS: Our patient, a 56-year-old male, presented with left TMJ pain and trismus. Investigations showed a destructive left TMJ mass, confirmed by biopsy to be tophaceous pseudogout. The treatment involved excising all the affected tissues followed by condylectomy, coronoidectomy, and a total TMJ replacement. The patient recovered well from surgery with good mouth opening. RESULTS: CPPD disease is a metabolic arthropathy of poorly understood aetiology. Management options vary from conservative non-surgical to surgical treatment depending on the severity. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the feasibility of a one-stage procedure with reconstruction using a custom-made prosthesis and virtual planning.

Lemierre's syndrome following perianal abscess: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Lemierre's syndrome (LS) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV), and a history of head and neck (H&N) sepsis. LS is usually caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, which is part of the normal flora in the oro-pharynx, and the digestive and urogenital tracts. We here report the first case of LS following perianal sepsis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 60-year-old man with a painful left neck swelling, dysphagia and worsening sepsis was referred from a peripheral unit where he had an incision and drainage of a perianal abscess a week earlier. Urgent Doppler ultrasound and computed tomographic scans demonstrated suppurative thrombophlebitis of the left IJV, and the patient was subsequently commenced on intravenous Piperacillin/Tazobactam and heparin. The symptoms gradually improved, and the patient was eventually discharged on the 10th day. DISCUSSION: Vigilant examination of the H&N region searching for a primary source is paramount, but LS following infections in the gastrointestinal or uro-genital tracts has also been described. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis, especially in patients with unresolving pharyngitis with a unilateral neck swelling, and septicaemia. Early resuscitation and treatment with broad-spectrum parenteral antimicrobials are important for favourable outcome. CONCLUSION: LS is well known to specialists in the H&N region, but other disciplines like general surgery, urology, or obstetrics and gynaecology might also rarely encounter the disease. We present a case of LS complicating a perianal abscess that was successfully treated with good outcome.

Anatomical variants of lower limb vasculature and implications for free fibula flap: Systematic review and critical analysis.

Sound knowledge of the anatomical patterns of lower limb vasculature is crucial for raising the free fibula flap (FFF). The tibial arteries are particularly susceptible to anatomical variations with a dominant role of peroneal artery (PR) for lower leg perfusion, and hence precluding fibular flap harvest. In this systematic review we study the prevalence of lower limbs with dominant peroneal artery (dPR). A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted using a comprehensive combination of keywords and search algorithm according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles describing the branching patterns of lower limb arteries, in cadaveric or angiographic studies, were included. A total of 5,790 limbs were included from 26 studies. dPR was found in 5.2% of all limbs. The combination of dPR with hypoplastic or aplastic posterior tibial artery was the most common pattern (3.3%) followed by hypoplastic anterior tibial artery (1.5%). Peronea arteria magna (PAM) was seen in 0.4% of limbs. Bilateral variants were seen in 20% of all cases with a dPR. A greater awareness of dPR as anatomical variation and its prevalence among healthy subjects can prevent ischemic donor-site complications after FFF harvest. Clinical examination alone may not suffice to detect anatomical variations, hence preoperative imaging of lower limb vascular system is recommended.

Metastasising pleomorphic salivary gland adenoma presenting as synchronous pulmonary and hepatic metastases.

Pleomorphic salivary adenomas (PAs) are the commonest benign tumours of glandular origin in the head and neck. Occasionally PAs undergo malignant transformation to carcinoma-ex-PA and can metastasise. More rarely they metastasise without malignant transformation of the primary tumour. We present a case of a benign pleomorphic salivary gland adenoma, presenting 7 years later with multiple liver metastases and a synchronous pulmonary metastasis. Histological analysis of the lung and liver lesions confirmed a diagnosis of metastasising pleomorphic adenoma (MPA). The lung lesion was fully excised, but the multifocal nature of the liver lesions rendered them inoperable. The patient is being managed conservatively and to date has no local recurrence of the primary salivary gland tumour or any further metastases. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of MPA with simultaneous metastasis to both lungs and liver, and also the first to describe multiple liver metastases.

Herpes simplex virus type 2-associated recurrent aseptic (Mollaret's) meningitis in genitourinary medicine clinic: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cases of idiopathic recurrent benign aseptic meningitis were first described by Mollaret. Today, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is considered the cause of most cases of Mollaret's meningitis. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old male was referred to our genitourinary medicine clinic with recurrent genital herpetic lesions. He had HSV-2-positive genital ulcers 8 years earlier. One year after the first infection, he developed severe recurrent attacks of headache associated with meningitis symptoms. The results of all radiological and biochemical tests were normal, but the patient reported a correlation between his attacks and genital herpes flare-ups. We diagnosed the patient with Mollaret's meningitis and started him on continuous suppressive acyclovir therapy, which resulted in marked clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Mollaret's meningitis is a rare form of idiopathic recurrent aseptic meningitis that has a sudden onset, short duration, and spontaneous remission with unpredictable recurrence. We believe that the presence of concurrent or recurrent mucocutaneous herpetic lesions can aid its diagnosis, prior to which, affected patients usually have many unnecessary investigations and treatments. Therefore, detailed sexual history should be sought in all patients with aseptic meningitis, and clinicians should also ask about history of recurrent headaches in all patients with recurrent herpetic anogenital lesions. Continuous suppressive acyclovir therapy may reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and can dramatically improve lifestyle.