TGFß signaling pathway in salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are the most prevalent salivary gland tumors. Their pathogenesis has been recently associated with complex molecular cascades, including the TGFß signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes associated with the TGFß signaling pathway (TGFB1, ITGB6, SMAD2, SMAD4, FBN1, LTBP1, and c-MYC) to map possible downstream alterations in the TGFß cascade. DESIGN: Thirteen PA, 17 MEC, 13 ACC, and 10 non-neoplastic salivary gland samples were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: Cases of PA presented increased TGFB1, LTPB1, c-MYC, and FBN1 expressions, whereas SMAD2 expression was decreased when compared to non-neoplastic tissue. MEC patients displayed increased expressions of TGFB1, ITGB6, FBN1, and c-MYC and decreased expressions of SMAD2 and SMAD4. ACC cases exhibited elevated expressions of the investigated genes except TGFB1. The present results suggest that decreased expression of SMAD2 and SMAD4 does not impede the transcriptional regulation of c-MYC, especially in PA and MEC. Increased expressions of ITGB6, TGFB1, LTBP1, and FBN1 appear to be related to the regulation of the TGFß signaling pathway in these tumors. Additionally, we observed a higher expression of SMAD4 in ACC and a raised expression of ITGB6 and lowered expression of SMAD2 in MEC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the differential expression of TGFß cascade members in salivary gland tumors such as SMAD2/SMAD4 and c-MYC as well as the participation of ITGB6, TGFB1, LTBP1, and FBN1, contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in tumor progression.

Gastric adenocarcinoma and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The oral cavity is a link between of external environment with gastrointestinal tract. Studies are controversial on the presence of Periodontal Disease (PD) and its association with Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GAC). Methods The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the association between PD and GAC. Six electronic databases were evaluated between 1961 and 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently according to the eligibility criteria, assessing full texts of selected studies. The quality of the included research was verified using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies. Statistical analyses were performed based on fixed and/or random effects models to calculate the summarized Relative Risk (RR) and its 95 % Confidence Interval (95 % CI). Results There were 639 studies, of which nine articles were included (3 case-controls and 6 cohorts). Overall, the authors identified 1,253 cases of GAC 2,501 controls in case-control studies, and 1,631 patients with GAC enrolled in cohort studies. Patients presenting PD increased the risk of developing GAC by 17 % (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.03‒1.32), which remained regardless of the diagnostic method for PD, i.e., clinical examination (RR = 1.19; 95 % CI 1.14‒1.24) and self-report (RR = 1.34; 95 % CI 1.06‒1.69). Moreover, Asian patients (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.00‒1.36) with PD had a higher risk of having GAC than American and European patients (RR = 1.18; 95 % CI 0.84‒1.66). Conclusions The presence of PD the risk of GAC suggesting that its infectious-inflammatory process of PD may be related to GAC development. Further investigations on the oral-gastric microbiota and its role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer should be carried out, and the screening of patients with potential risk for GAC should be considered in the clinical practice of dentists.

Analysis of muscle mass by computed tomography in patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective study / Análise da massa muscular por tomografia computadorizada em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço: um estudo prospectivo

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the preoperative muscle mass of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) with computed tomography (CT), comparing the results obtained through analysis of cross-sectional areas at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) with those obtained through analysis of cross-sectional areas at the levels of the third cervical and fourth thoracic vertebrae (C3 and T4, respectively). Materials and Methods: A total of 63 patients with HNC were evaluated preoperatively. Using CT, we assessed muscle mass at L3, as well as at C3 and T4. Results: Most (73.0%) of the patients had low muscle mass at L3, whereas 50.8% had a normal body mass index. The cross-sectional area at L3 correlated strongly with those at C3 and T4 (r = 0.831 and r = 0.763, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). In addition, the muscle mass index at L3 correlated strongly with those at C3 and T4 (r = 0.781 and r = 0.715, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: Low muscle mass appears to be highly prevalent in patients with HNC. Measurements at C3 and T4 could represent alternative means of assessing muscle mass in such patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar a massa muscular de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) durante o período pré-operatório com tomografia computadorizada (TC), por meio da análise das áreas transversais no nível da terceira vértebra lombar (L3) em comparação com níveis cervical (C3) e torácico (T4). Materiais e Métodos: Sessenta e três pacientes com CCP foram avaliados no pré-operatório. A TC foi utilizada para avaliar a massa muscular de L3, assim como as secções transversais de C3 e T4. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes (73,0%) tinha baixa massa muscular analisada pela TC de L3, mas índice de massa corpórea normal (50,8%). Também foi observada forte correlação entre as áreas e o índice de massa muscular (IMM) de L3 com C3 (área: r = 0,831, p < 0,001; IMM: r = 0,781, p < 0,001) e T4 (área: r = 0,763, p < 0,001; IMM: r = 0,715, p < 0,001). Conclusão: A baixa massa muscular é altamente prevalente em pacientes com CCP. As análises de TC em C3 e T4 podem representar opção para avaliar a massa muscular em pacientes com CCP.

Analysis of muscle mass by computed tomography in patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective study.

Objective: To evaluate the preoperative muscle mass of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) with computed tomography (CT), comparing the results obtained through analysis of cross-sectional areas at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) with those obtained through analysis of cross-sectional areas at the levels of the third cervical and fourth thoracic vertebrae (C3 and T4, respectively). Materials and Methods: A total of 63 patients with HNC were evaluated preoperatively. Using CT, we assessed muscle mass at L3, as well as at C3 and T4. Results: Most (73.0%) of the patients had low muscle mass at L3, whereas 50.8% had a normal body mass index. The cross-sectional area at L3 correlated strongly with those at C3 and T4 (r = 0.831 and r = 0.763, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). In addition, the muscle mass index at L3 correlated strongly with those at C3 and T4 (r = 0.781 and r = 0.715, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: Low muscle mass appears to be highly prevalent in patients with HNC. Measurements at C3 and T4 could represent alternative means of assessing muscle mass in such patients.

Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar a massa muscular de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) durante o período pré-operatório com tomografia computadorizada (TC), por meio da análise das áreas transversais no nível da terceira vértebra lombar (L3) em comparação com níveis cervical (C3) e torácico (T4). Materiais e Métodos: Sessenta e três pacientes com CCP foram avaliados no pré-operatório. A TC foi utilizada para avaliar a massa muscular de L3, assim como as secções transversais de C3 e T4. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes (73,0%) tinha baixa massa muscular analisada pela TC de L3, mas índice de massa corpórea normal (50,8%). Também foi observada forte correlação entre as áreas e o índice de massa muscular (IMM) de L3 com C3 (área: r = 0,831, p < 0,001; IMM: r = 0,781, p < 0,001) e T4 (área: r = 0,763, p < 0,001; IMM: r = 0,715, p < 0,001). Conclusão: A baixa massa muscular é altamente prevalente em pacientes com CCP. As análises de TC em C3 e T4 podem representar opção para avaliar a massa muscular em pacientes com CCP.

Characterization of BRAF mutation in patients older than 45 years with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma / Caracterização da mutação em BRAF em pacientes acima de 45 anos com carcinoma bem diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine neoplasia and its incidence has tripled over the past 35years. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma carries a good prognosis, 10%-30% of patients still develop recurrence and metastasis. Some clinical and genetic features are associated with worse prognosis. The most frequent mutation is the BRAF p.V600E, which has been associated with many clinical features of poor prognosis. However, many studies have produced controversial results without any association between BRAF mutation and clinicopathological features of poor prognosis. Objective: Since the prognostic value of BRAF mutations remains controversial, this study aims to investigate the importance of this mutation in therapeutic decisions for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Therefore, we evaluated whether the presence of BRAF mutation is associated with features of poor prognosis in 85 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma older than 45years treated at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, from 1980 to 2007. BRAF mutation was evaluated by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The mean age of patients was 54 years (range: 45 - 77 years), 73 were women (85.8%) and 12 were men (14.2%). Among them, 39 cases (45.9%) presented extrathyroidal extension and 11 cases had recurrent disease. BRAF mutation was detected in 57 (67%) patients. No significant association was observed between BRAF mutation and gender (p =0.743), age (p = 0.236), N-stage (p =0.423), vascular and perineural infiltration (p =0.085 or multifocality (p = 1.0). Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients with recurrent disease were BRAF positive (9 out of 11) (p =0.325). Patients affected by BRAF mutation are associated with tumors larger than 1 cm (p =0.034) and with extrathyroidal extension (p =0.033). Conclusion: Although BRAF testing is widely available, there are no consistent data to support improvement in outcomes from incorporating it into therapeutic decision for thyroid cancer.

Resumo Introdução: O carcinoma papilífero de tireoide é a neoplasia endócrina mais frequente e sua incidência triplicou nos últimos 35 anos. Embora o carcinoma papilífero de tireoide tenha um bom prognóstico, 1% a 30% dos pacientes desenvolvem recorrência e metástase. Algumas características clínicas e genéticas estão associadas a um pior prognóstico. A mutação mais frequente é a BRAF p.V600E, a qual tem sido associada a muitas características clínicas de pior prognóstico. No entanto, muitos estudos apresentam resultados controversos, sem qualquer associação entre a mutação em BRAF e características clinicopatológicas de pior prognóstico. Objetivo: Uma vez que o valor prognóstico das mutações em BRAF permanece controverso, investigar a importância dessa mutação em decisões terapêuticas para o carcinoma papilífero de tireoide. Método: Foi avaliada a associação da mutação em BRAF com características de pior prognóstico em 85 pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide acima de 45 anos tratados no A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, de 1980 a 2007. A mutação em BRAF foi avaliada por pirossequenciamento. A análise estatística foi feita com o software SPSS. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 54 anos (variação de 45 - 77), 73 eram mulheres (85,8%) e 12 eram homens (14,2%). Entre eles, 39 casos (45,9%) apresentaram extensão extratireoidiana e 11, doença recorrente. A mutação em BRAF foi detectada em 57 (67%) pacientes. Não foi observada associação significante entre mutação em BRAF e sexo (p = 0,743), idade (p = 0,236), estágio N (p = 0,423), infiltração vascular e perineural (p = 0,085) ou multi-focalidade (p = 1,0). Apesar de não apresentar associação estatística, a maioria dos pacientes com doença recorrente foi positiva para BRAF (9 em 11) (p = 0,325). Os pacientes afetados pela mutação em BRAF estão associados a tumores maiores do que 1 cm (p = 0,034) e com extensão extratireoidiana (p = 0,033). Conclusão: Embora a mutação em BRAF seja amplamente avaliada, não há dados consistentes que demonstrem uma melhor sobrevida ou benefício clínico ao incorporá-la à decisão terapêutica para o câncer de tireoide.

Characterization of BRAF mutation in patients older than 45 years with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine neoplasia and its incidence has tripled over the past 35 years. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma carries a good prognosis, 10%-30% of patients still develop recurrence and metastasis. Some clinical and genetic features are associated with worse prognosis. The most frequent mutation is the BRAF p.V600E, which has been associated with many clinical features of poor prognosis. However, many studies have produced controversial results without any association between BRAF mutation and clinicopathological features of poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: Since the prognostic value of BRAF mutations remains controversial, this study aims to investigate the importance of this mutation in therapeutic decisions for papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: Therefore, we evaluated whether the presence of BRAF mutation is associated with features of poor prognosis in 85 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma older than 45 years treated at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, from 1980 to 2007. BRAF mutation was evaluated by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 54 years (range: 45 - 77 years), 73 were women (85.8%) and 12 were men (14.2%). Among them, 39 cases (45.9%) presented extrathyroidal extension and 11 cases had recurrent disease. BRAF mutation was detected in 57 (67%) patients. No significant association was observed between BRAF mutation and gender (p  = 0.743), age (p  = 0.236), N-stage (p  = 0.423), vascular and perineural infiltration (p  = 0.085 or multifocality (p  = 1.0). Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients with recurrent disease were BRAF positive (9 out of 11) (p  = 0.325). Patients affected by BRAF mutation are associated with tumors larger than 1 cm (p  = 0.034) and with extrathyroidal extension (p  = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Although BRAF testing is widely available, there are no consistent data to support improvement in outcomes from incorporating it into therapeutic decision for thyroid cancer.

An evidence-based analysis of the management of N0 neck in patients with cancer of the parotid gland.

Introduction: Management of clinically negative neck (cN0) in patients with parotid gland cancer is controversial. Treatment options can include observation, elective neck dissection or elective radiotherapy. Areas covered: We addressed the treatment options for cN0 patients with parotid gland cancer. A literature review was undertaken to determine the optimal management of this group of patients. Expert opinion: Patients with parotid carcinoma and clinically negative neck have various options for their management. The analysis of tumor stage, histology and grade is essential to better define patients at risk for occult lymph node metastasis. These patients can be managed by surgery, radiotherapy or their combination, depending on the presence of risk factors, the moment at which such risk factors are detected, patient-related clinical conditions, medical provider expertise and institutional facilities.

Decision making for the central compartment in differentiated thyroid cancer.

The central compartment is a common site for nodal spread from differentiated thyroid carcinoma, often occurring in patients without clinical or ultrasonographic (US) evidence of neck lymph node metastasis (cN0). However, the role of elective central compartment neck dissection (CND) among patients with DTC remains controversial. We performed a systematic literature review, also including review of international guidelines, with discussion of anatomic and technical aspects, as well as risks and benefits of performing elective CND. The recent literature does not uniformly support or refute elective CND in patients with DTC, and therefore an individualized approach is warranted which considers individual surgeon experience, including individual recurrence and complication rates. Patients (especially older males) with large tumors (>4 cm) and extrathyroidal extension are more likely to benefit from elective CND, but elective CND also increases risk for hypoparathyroidism and recurrent nerve injury, especially when operated by low-volume surgeons. Individual surgeons who perform elective CND must ensure the number of central compartment dissections needed to prevent one recurrence (number needed to treat) is not disproportionate to their individual number of central compartment dissections per related complication (number needed to harm).

Clinicopathologic analysis of 14 cases of odontogenic myxoma and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic myxoma is a rare benign neoplasm that originates from odontogenic ectomesenchyme. There is no standard of care and recurrences are frequent after conservative surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at a single cancer center, with analysis of medical records of all patients diagnosed with odontogenic myxoma from 1980 to 2010, along with a literature review. RESULTS: There were 14 patients with diagnosis of odontogenic myxoma (OM). Most patients were female (78.6%) and Caucasian (100%), with ages ranging from 7 to 51 years (21.6 ± 11.6 years). The time period between the first symptom and first consultation ranged from 0 to 60 months (19.4 ± 19.97 months). The most frequent complaints were increased local volume or failure to tooth eruption. The most common tumor site was the mandible (11 cases, 78.5%). About radiological findings, most lesions were multilocular (9 cases, 64.3%) and with imprecise limits (12 cases, 85.7%). Surgery was performed in all cases and curettage was the most applied technique (10 cases, 71.4%). Three patients underwent mandibulectomy and complex reconstructions including iliac crest microvascular flap. Three patients had postoperative complications and 4 had local recurrences of the tumor. The follow up time ranged from 12 to 216 months (112 ± 70.8 months). All patients are without clinical and radiographic evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: OM is a locally aggressive and rare tumor. There is no gold standard surgical management and the therapeutic decision should be individualized taking into account the characteristics and extension of the tumor. Key words:Mandible, myxoma, odontogenic, odontogenic tumor.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lymphatic spread and survival: Relevance of vascular endothelial growth factor family for tumor evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is primarily a locoregional disease in which the cervical lymph nodes are the chief site of metastasis. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lymphangiogenesis and clinicopathological aspects of HNSCC and its metastasis. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with HNSCC and metastatic lymph nodes from 21 of these subjects were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The HNSCC samples were predominantly negative for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)3. There was an association between the density of lymph vessels (measured by D2-40 staining) in the lymph nodes and advanced-stage tumors. There was no link between the expression of these proteins and survival rates. CONCLUSION: Although lymphatic spread is a significant event in the progression of HNSCC, the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGFR3 does not correlate with clinicopathological characteristics, suggesting that other signaling pathways mediate lymphangiogenesis in HNSCC.

Evolution in the profile of thyroid cancer cases treated in an oncology reference service: what changed in the last 20 years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of thyroid carcinoma cases treated at a reference hospital for cancer between 2008 and 2010. METHODS: we studied 807 cases and analyzed the following clinicopathologic variables: symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests, staging, histological type, treatment performed and complications. RESULTS: Females were more affected, with 660 cases (82%). The average age at diagnosis was 44.5 years. Prior exposure to ionizing radiation was reported by 22 (3%) patients, a family history of thyroid cancer by 89 (11%), and 289 (36%) individuals reported other types of cancer in the family. The fine needle aspiration biopsy was the main parameter for surgical indication and was suggestive of carcinoma in 463 patients (57%). Papillary carcinoma was the most common histological type, with 780 cases (96.6%). There were 728 (90%) total thyroidectomies, 43 (5.3%) reoperations or partial thyroidectomies followed by totalization, 23 (2.8%) extended thyroidectomies and only 13 (1.6%) partial thyroidectomies (lobectomy with isthmectomy). Neck dissection associated with thyroidectomy was done in 158 patients (19.5%). We observed a predominance of tumors classified as T1 in 602 (74.6%) patients. Transient hypocalcemia was the most frequent complication. CONCLUSION: The results show that the worldwide increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer has changed the profile of patients seen at a referral service. In addition, there were changes in the type of surgical treatment used, with increased use of total thyroidectomy in relation to partial and subtotal ones, and decreased use of elective neck dissections.

Evolution in the profile of thyroid cancer cases treated in an oncology reference service: what changed in the last 20 years / Evolução no perfil dos casos de câncer de tireoide tratados em um serviço de referência em oncologia: o que mudou nos últimos 20 anos

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of thyroid carcinoma cases treated at a reference hospital for cancer between 2008 and 2010. Methods: we studied 807 cases and analyzed the following clinicopathologic variables: symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests, staging, histological type, treatment performed and complications. Results: Females were more affected, with 660 cases (82%). The average age at diagnosis was 44.5 years. Prior exposure to ionizing radiation was reported by 22 (3%) patients, a family history of thyroid cancer by 89 (11%), and 289 (36%) individuals reported other types of cancer in the family. The fine needle aspiration biopsy was the main parameter for surgical indication and was suggestive of carcinoma in 463 patients (57%). Papillary carcinoma was the most common histological type, with 780 cases (96.6%). There were 728 (90%) total thyroidectomies, 43 (5.3%) reoperations or partial thyroidectomies followed by totalization, 23 (2.8%) extended thyroidectomies and only 13 (1.6%) partial thyroidectomies (lobectomy with isthmectomy). Neck dissection associated with thyroidectomy was done in 158 patients (19.5%). We observed a predominance of tumors classified as T1 in 602 (74.6%) patients. Transient hypocalcemia was the most frequent complication. Conclusion: The results show that the worldwide increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer has changed the profile of patients seen at a referral service. In addition, there were changes in the type of surgical treatment used, with increased use of total thyroidectomy in relation to partial and subtotal ones, and decreased use of elective neck dissections. .

Objetivo: avaliar características casos de carcinoma de tireoide atendidos em um hospital de referência em câncer entre 2008 e 2010. Métodos: foram analisadas variáveis clínico-patológicas de 807 casos tratados em três anos: sintomas, fatores de risco, exames de diagnóstico, estadiamento, tipo histológico, tratamento realizado e complicações. Resultados: o sexo feminino foi o mais acometido com 660 casos (82%). A média de idade ao diagnóstico foi 44,5 anos. A exposição prévia à radiação ionizante foi referida por 22 (3%) pacientes, a história familiar de câncer de tireoide por 89 (11%) pacientes e 289 (36%) pacientes relataram outros tipos de câncer na família. A punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi o principal parâmetro para indicação operatória e foi sugestiva de carcinoma em 463 pacientes (57%). O carcinoma papilífero foi o tipo histológico mais incidente, com 780 casos (96,6%). Foram realizadas 728 (90%) tireoidectomias totais, 43 (5,3%) reoperações ou tireoidectomias parciais seguidas de totalização, 23 (2,8%) tireoidectomias ampliadas e apenas 13 (1,6%) tireoidectomias parciais (lobectomia com istmectomia). O esvaziamento cervical, associado à tireoidectomia, foi feito em 158 pacientes (19,5%). Observamos predomínio dos tumores classificados como T1 em 602 (74,6%) dos pacientes. A hipocalcemia transitória foi a complicação mais frequente. Conclusão: os resultados mostram que o aumento mundial da incidência do câncer de tireoide alterou o perfil dos pacientes atendidos em serviço de referência. Além disso, ocorreram mudanças no tipo de tratamento cirúrgico empregado, com aumento no uso da tireoidectomia total em relação às parciais e subtotais e diminuição ...

Analysis of surgical margins in oral cancer using in situ fluorescence spectroscopy.

UNLABELLED: Oral cancer is a public health problem with high prevalence in the population. Local tumor control is best achieved by complete surgical resection with adequate margins. A disease-free surgical margin correlates with a lower rate of local recurrence and a higher rate of disease-free survival. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can aid in real-time cancer detection. The technique, which evaluates the biochemical composition and structure of tissue fluorescence, is relatively simple, fast and, accurate. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions to surgical margins and the mucosa of healthy volunteers by fluorescence spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 56 individuals, 28 with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 28 healthy volunteers with normal oral mucosa. Thirty six cases (64.3%) were male and the mean age was 60.9 years old. The spectra were classified and compared to histopathology to determine fluorescence efficiency for diagnostic discrimination of tumors. RESULTS: In the analysis of the other cases we observed discrimination between normal mucosa, injury and margins. At two-year follow up, three individuals had local recurrence, and in two cases investigation fluorescence in the corresponding area showed qualitative differences in spectra between the recurrence area and the area without recurrence at the same anatomical site in the same patient. CONCLUSION: In situ analysis of oral mucosa showed the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool that can aid in discrimination of altered mucosa and normal mucosa.

Mudanças no perfil de atendimento do departamento de cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço em um hospital de referência para câncer / Changes in the attending profile of the department of head and neck surgery in a reference hospital to cancer

Introdução: Serviços especializados em Cirurgia de Cabeça ePescoço até o fim do século passado era praticamente exclusividadede hospitais terciários localizados em grandes centros. Nos anosmais recentes eles vêm se difundindo não só nos grandes centros,mas também em cidades menores, acompanhando o fenômenoda interiorização da medicina especializada. Em hospitais dereferência para câncer, o perfil de atendimento tem se modificadodrasticamente nos últimos anos. Objetivo: Analisar de formadescritiva o perfil atual de atendimento de um departamento decirurgia de cabeça e pescoço e otorrinolaringologia de um hospitalde referência no tratamento do câncer e comparar os números atuaiscom os dos anos de 1990 e 2000. Material: Foram analisados 23910atendimentos ambulatoriais e 1285 cirurgias consecutivas realizadaspelos médicos do Departamento de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoçoe Otorrinolaringologia de um hospital oncológico no período de 1 deJaneiro a 31 de Dezembro de 2010. Método: Revisão do prontuárioeletrônico de todos os pacientes atendidos através do sistema MV2000. Análise descritiva de dados hospitalares e de atendimentoambulatorial do departamento. Resultados: Em 2010, foramrealizados 23910 atendimentos ambulatoriais no departamento, comuma média mensal de 1993 atendimentos, sendo 1692 pacientesatendidos pela primeira vez na instituição. No mesmo período, 1285cirurgias foram realizadas, sendo 1115 (86,8%) delas por cirurgiõesde cabeça e pescoço, 91 (7%) por cirurgiões plásticos e 79 (6,2%)por otorrinolaringologistas. 138 cirurgias foram indicadas comotratamento de resgate. As doenças da tireoide foram responsáveispela indicação 38% das cirurgias. Em divisão por porte cirúrgico217 cirurgias foram consideradas de grande porte, 703 de médioporte e 365 de pequeno porte. Em relação às complicações, asmais frequentes foram: infecção de ferida operatória (57 casos)e o hipocalcemia (81 casos). No período houve nove óbitos pósoperatórios, dos quais 8 após cirurgias de grande porte. Conclusão:Esta análise do ano de 2010, mostra que em um mesmo hospitalde referência para câncer, vêm crescendo a parcela de pacientestireoideopatias tratadas, o que provavelmente reflete o aumento daincidência do câncer de tireoide detectado nas últimas décadas. Domesmo modo, observou-se um aumento no número de pacientessubmetidos a cirurgias de resgate.

Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer following initial nonsurgical therapy.

Surgery is the preferred modality for curative treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer after failure of nonsurgical treatments. Patients with initial early-stage cancer experiencing recurrence following radiotherapy often have more advanced-stage tumors by the time the recurrence is recognized. About one third of such recurrent cancers are suitable for conservation surgery. Endoscopic resection with the CO(2) laser or open partial laryngectomy (partial vertical, supracricoid, or supraglottic laryngectomies) have been used. The outcomes of conservation surgery appear better than those after total laryngectomy, because of selection bias. Transoral laser surgery is currently used more frequently than open partial laryngectomy for treatment of early-stage recurrence, with outcomes equivalent to open surgery but with less associated morbidity. Laser surgery has also been employed for selective cases of advanced recurrent disease, but patient selection and expertise are required for application of this modality to rT3 tumors. In general, conservation laryngeal surgery is a safe and effective treatment for localized recurrences after radiotherapy for early-stage glottic cancer. Recurrent advanced-stage cancers should generally be treated by total laryngectomy.

Vocal handicap and quality of life after treatment of advanced squamous carcinoma of the larynx and/or hypopharynx.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate and correlate voice-specific quality of life (QOL) and health-related QOL (HR-QOL) after treatment for advanced cancer of the larynx and/or hypopharynx. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients submitted to partial laryngectomy (PL), salvage PL (sPL), concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT+Chemo), total laryngectomy (TL), salvage TL (sTL), total pharyngolaryngectomy (TP) and salvage total pharyngolaryngectomy (sTP). The following questionnaires were used: (1) Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and (2) University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL; version 4). RESULTS: Eighty-four patients participated in the study. All the patients PL (10), sPL (1), and RT+Chemo (24) communicated by laryngeal voice. Of the 49 patients submitted to total removal of the larynx, 30 communicated with alaryngeal phonation, the major part being tracheoesophageal prosthesis (17). The worst subscale of VHI for the total patient group was functional (mean=13.15), and the value of the total score was 31. Patients submitted to PL, RT+Chemo, and TL presented slight handicap (medians of 27, 14, and 21.5, respectively). Patients treated with sTL, TP, and sTP presented moderate handicap (medians of 45, 37.5, and 31.5, respectively). HR-QOL was considered between good and excellent for 78.6% of the patients, and poor for 21.4%. The correlation between voice-specific QOL and HR-QOL was significant (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients treated for advanced cancer of the larynx/hypopharynx present slight to moderate voice handicap and good/excellent HR-QOL. Stricter analysis of both the VHI and UW-QOL data suggests that more attention be given to the vocal handicap of the individual patient.

Salvage surgery for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma

Local and regional recurrences are the main sites of treatment failure in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment failure depends fundamentally on tumor biologic behavior, previous treatment and the initial clinical stage. The rates of loco-regional recurrences range from 25 to 48%, and distant metastasis rarely occur in an isolated manner. When recurrent cancer is significant and there are no distant metastasis salvage surgery is the most widely used treatment approach. Most of these patients were previously treated with radiotherapy. Therefore, when recurrence occurs, salvage surgery is the only possible treatment option with curative intent. The aim of this study was to review the data in the literature regarding results of salvage surgical treatment for patients with recurrent oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas