Fatores prognósticos clínicos, histopatológicos e biomoleculares na recidiva loco-regional do carcinoma epidermóide de língua e soalho submetido à cirurgia de resgate: estudo de 28 casos / Clinicals, histopathologicals and biomolecular prognostic factors in the recurrence squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue and floor of mouth: study of 28 cases

Introdução: O carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço tem na cirurgia e na radioterapia, as principais modalidades terapêuticas iniciais. Nas recidivas loco-regionais, a cirurgia é a escolha padrão de tratamento. Objetivos: Identificação de fatores prognósticos clínicos, histopatológicos e biomoleculares e a avaliação da sobrevida após cirurgia de resgate. Casuística e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico inicial, com revisão de variáveis histopatológicas e expressão imunohistoquímica de VEGF, ciclina d1 e EGF-R no tumor inicial e no resgate. Das recidivas, 10 eram de estádio clínico precoce (I e II) e 18, avançado (III e IV). O período de seguimento médio foi de 33,4 meses. Resultados: A comparação das variáveis histológicas e dos marcadores moleculares no tumor inicial e na recidiva não apresentou alterações estatisticamente significantes. A sobrevida global após cirurgia de resgate foi superior nas recidivas com diagnóstico após seis meses (p=0,02). Conclusões: Os achados sugerem que a expressão de VEGF superior a 75% é fator preditivo para controle da doença após a recidiva. A sobrevida entre o tempo decorrido do tratamento inicial e a recidiva foi estatisticamente significante.

Introduction: The usual management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) head and neck is the surgery associated or not to post surgical radiotherapy. Salvage surgery is the first therapeutic option for recurrent tumors. Objective: The identification of prognostic factors and to assess survival interval after salvage surgery for SCC. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with surgery and review of histopathological variables and immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, EGF-R and Ciclina in the initial tumor and salvage surgery. Twenty eight patients were submitted salvage surgery with 10 were staged as early tumors (I and II) and 18 as advanced ones (III and IV). The average follow-up was 33.4 months. Results: The comparison of histopathologicals variables in the initial tumor and loco regional recurrence no statistically significant changes. Survival after salvage surgery was 70% in cases with recurrences diagnosed after six months of follow-up (p=0.02). Conclusions: The findings suggest that variables immunohistopathologicals in loco regional recurrence were of minor importance in prognosis. The time between the initial treatment and recurrence loco regional was independent variable of survival.

Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth / Retardo da radioterapia pós-operatória no controle local do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho de boca

Objective To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Methods A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy. Results Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49). Conclusion In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance. .

Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do tempo entre o tratamento cirúrgico e a radioterapia pós-operatória nas recidivas locais do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho da boca. Métodos Foram selecionados 154 pacientes tratados entre 1996 e 2007, considerando a frequência das recidivas locais e o tempo para início da radioterapia adjuvante. Resultados As recidivas locais foram diagnosticadas em 54 (35%) pacientes. A radioterapia reduziu a frequência de recidivas locais, embora sem significância estatística. O tempo entre a cirurgia e o início da radioterapia pós-operatória não influenciaram, de forma significante, no risco de recidivas locais entre o pacientes que tinham indicação de tratamento adjuvante (p=0,49). Conclusão Na presença de fatores de risco para recidiva local, um pequeno atraso no início da radioterapia adjuvante não contra-indica sua realização. .

Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth. METHODS: A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49). CONCLUSION: In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance.

Análise do PET-CT no estadiamento do câncer epidermoide de cabeça e pescoço / Analysis of PET-CT in the staging of head and neck cancer

Introdução: O carcinoma epidermoide na cabeça e pescoçotem uma recidiva loco-regional em 40% dos casos em dois anos,tornando necessário o seguimento convencional e por meio deexames de imagens, somando-se a técnica do 18F-FDG-PET.Objetivo: Demonstrar os primeiros dois anos de indicações eresultados da PET-CT em uma instituição pública. Método: Estudoretrospectivo de 50 exames de julho de 2009 a junho de 2012,realizados consecutivamente em 49 pacientes com carcinomaepidermoide das vias aerodigestivas superiores de estádiosclínicos I (4,1%), II (10,2%), III (32,7%) e IV (53%). Resultados:Em 12 casos, o exame foi realizado durante o estadiamento inicial.Em quatro casos, a PET foi realizado por tumor primário oculto naapresentação inicial. A PET-CT foi realizada pós-tratamento em31 casos, sendo que houve mudança de estádio clínico em 12desses pacientes após a realização da PET-CT. Foram realizadosdois exames em pacientes sob cuidados paliativos com sobrevidasuperior à esperada, sendo um diagnosticado sem doença e outrocom segunda lesão. Conclusão: O diagnóstico e estadiamento docâncer na cabeça e pescoço fazem-se por meio de exame diretocom biópsia e exame histológico. Exames de imagem metabólicose anatômicos - PET-CT - auxiliam, especialmente, no diagnósticodas recidivas loco-regionais.

Update of assessment of survival in head and neck cancer after regional recurrence.

Objective. To evaluate site of regional recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract after neck dissection and the results of salvage treatment. Methods. 95 patients with regional recurrence as the first manifestation of relapse were selected between 943 patients who underwent neck dissection. We evaluated level and side of recurrence, as well disease control after salvage treatment. Results. Level II was the most frequent site of recurrence. Salvage treatment was performed in 51% of ipsilateral and in 75% of contralateral (nondissected neck) recurrences. Control of the disease 12 months after salvage surgery was 25% in the ipsilateral and 37% in contralateral recurrences. Conclusions. Cervical recurrences occur predominantly in level II. Relapse in level I is frequent only in oral cavity tumors and relapse in level V is rare. The neck recurrence carries a poor prognosis even among patients who underwent retreatment with curative intent.

Neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: indication of elective contralateral neck dissection.

UNLABELLED: Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection must be considered in the treatment of laryngeal cancer AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of contralateral metastases in larynx cancer and distribution of these metastases according to lymph node levels in the neck. METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of 272 charts from patients with squamous cell cancer of the larynx treated between 1996 and 2004; and we selected 104 surgical cases submitted to neck dissection. We evaluated the incidence of bilateral or contralateral metastases, according to the location and extension of the primary tumor, considering the anatomical sub-sites and the midline. RESULTS: Contralateral metastases in lateral tumors were observed in 3.5% of glottic lesions and in 26% of supraglottic lesions. Contralateral metastases were uncommon in N0 patients. Lymph nodes levels IIa and III were the most commonly involved in the neck. CONCLUSION: In lateral glottic tumors there is no need for elective contralateral neck dissection. In supraglottic lesions without ipsilateral metastases, the incidence of hidden metastasis does not justify elective contralateral dissection. The midline is not a reliable indicator of the risk of contralateral laryngeal tumors.

Prognostic significance of the number of lymph nodes in elective neck dissection for tongue and mouth floor cancers.

UNLABELLED: The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant aspect in the treatment of head and neck cancer, bringing about a 50% reduction in survival. OBJECTIVE: To assess the number of lymph nodes removed in the neck dissection and their relationship with the prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 143 patients with tongue and mouth floor epidermoid carcinoma, which histological exam showed no lymph node metastases. Among those, 119 were males and 24 females, with mean age of 54 years. As to the primary tumor site, 65 were in the tongue and 78 in the mouth floor. T stage distribution was of four T1, 84 T2, 36 T3 and 19 T4. We carried out 176 neck dissections, unilateral in 110 cases and bilateral in 33. Of these, 78 were radical and 98 selective. The patients were broken down into three groups, according to the 33 and 66 percentiles of the number of lymph nodes resected. RESULTS: The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 27; 24 in selective dissections and 31 in the complete ones. We did not have statistically significant differences when associated to the T and N stages. CONCLUSIONS: The larger number of lymph nodes dissected in the neck dissection identifies the group of better prognoses among pN0 cases.

Esvaziamento cervical no carcinoma epidermoide de laringe: indicação de esvaziamento eletivo contralateral / Neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: indication of elective contralateral neck dissection

O planejamento terapêutico dos tumores da laringe inclui a possibilidade de esvaziamento cervical uni ou bilateral. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e localização de metástases linfonodais bilaterais ou contralaterais nos tumores de laringe. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo de 272 prontuários de pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide de laringe tratados entre 1996 e 2004, selecionados 104 submetidos à cirurgia com esvaziamento cervical. Avaliada a incidência de metástases bilaterais ou contralaterais, de acordo com a localização e extensão do tumor primário, considerando os subsítios anatômicos e a linha mediana. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de metástases contralaterais nos tumores lateralizados foi de 3,5% nas lesões glóticas e 26% nas lesões supraglóticas. As metástases contralaterais foram infrequentes nos casos N0. Tanto no esvaziamento eletivo como no terapêutico, os níveis linfonodais IIa e III foram os mais acometidos. CONCLUSÃO: Nas lesões glóticas lateralizadas, mesmo nos tumores transglóticos, não há necessidade de esvaziamento contralateral eletivo. Nas lesões da supraglote sem metástases ipsilaterais, a incidência de metástases ocultas não justifica o esvaziamento eletivo contralateral. A linha mediana não é um indicador fidedigno do risco de metástases contralaterais nos tumores da laringe.

Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection must be considered in the treatment of laryngeal cancer AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of contralateral metastases in larynx cancer and distribution of these metastases according to lymph node levels in the neck. METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of 272 charts from patients with squamous cell cancer of the larynx treated between 1996 and 2004; and we selected 104 surgical cases submitted to neck dissection. We evaluated the incidence of bilateral or contralateral metastases, according to the location and extension of the primary tumor, considering the anatomical sub-sites and the midline. RESULTS: Contralateral metastases in lateral tumors were observed in 3.5% of glottic lesions and in 26% of supraglottic lesions. Contralateral metastases were uncommon in N0 patients. Lymph nodes levels IIa and III were the most commonly involved in the neck. CONCLUSION: In lateral glottic tumors there is no need for elective contralateral neck dissection. In supraglottic lesions without ipsilateral metastases, the incidence of hidden metastasis does not justify elective contralateral dissection. The midline is not a reliable indicator of the risk of contralateral laryngeal tumors.

Significado prognóstico do número de linfonodos no esvaziamento cervical eletivo no câncer de língua e soalho de boca / Prognostic significance of the number of lymph nodes in elective neck dissection for tongue and mouth floor cancers

A presença de linfonodos metastáticos é aspecto relevante no tratamento do câncer na cabeça e pescoço, resultando em 50% de redução na sobrevida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o número de linfonodos removidos no esvaziamento cervical e sua relação com o prognóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 143 pacientes portadores de carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho bucal, cujo exame histológico evidenciou ausência de metástases linfonodais. Desses, 119 eram masculinos e 24 femininos, com idade média de 54 anos. Quanto ao sítio do tumor primário, 65 eram na língua e 78 no soalho bucal. A distribuição do estádio T foi de quatro T1, 84 T2, 36 T3 e 19 T4. Foram realizados 176 esvaziamentos cervicais, sendo unilateral em 110 casos e bilateral em 33. Desses, 78 radicais e 98 seletivos. Os pacientes foram separados em três grupos, de acordo com os percentis 33 e 66 do número de linfonodos ressecados. RESULTADOS: O número médio de linfonodos ressecados foi de 27, sendo 24 nos esvaziamentos seletivos e 31 nos completos. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes quando relacionado aos estádios T e N. CONCLUSÕES: O maior número de linfonodos dissecados no esvaziamento cervical identifica um grupo de melhor prognóstico nos casos pN0.

The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant aspect in the treatment of head and neck cancer, bringing about a 50% reduction in survival. OBJECTIVE: To assess the number of lymph nodes removed in the neck dissection and their relationship with the prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 143 patients with tongue and mouth floor epidermoid carcinoma, which histological exam showed no lymph node metastases. Among those, 119 were males and 24 females, with mean age of 54 years. As to the primary tumor site, 65 were in the tongue and 78 in the mouth floor. T stage distribution was of four T1, 84 T2, 36 T3 and 19 T4. We carried out 176 neck dissections, unilateral in 110 cases and bilateral in 33. Of these, 78 were radical and 98 selective. The patients were broken down into three groups, according to the 33 and 66 percentiles of the number of lymph nodes resected. RESULTS: The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 27; 24 in selective dissections and 31 in the complete ones. We did not have statistically significant differences when associated to the T and N stages. CONCLUSIONS: The larger number of lymph nodes dissected in the neck dissection identifies the group of better prognoses among pN0 cases.

Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland: study of 70 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics, treatment and complication of Warthin tumors. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective study of 70 patients undergoing resection of papillary lymphomatous cystadenoma. VARIABLES: age, sex, ethnicity, presence or absence of smoking, primary site of tumor, tumor size in cm, presence of bilateral tumor, type of operation, multicentricity, treatment complications, recurrence and follow up. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (62.8%) were male and 26 (37.2%) female, with a mean age of 56.7; smoking was present in 55 (78.6%) patients; 66 (94.3%) tumors were unilateral and four (5.7%) bilateral, with an average size of 4.1 cm on physical examination. The complications were 14 (19%) cases of facial paresis and / or paralysis, seroma in 10 (13.8%), Frey's syndrome in three (4%), hematoma in two (2.7%) and wound infection in one (1.5%) case. CONCLUSIONS: Warthin tumors have a higher incidence in male smokers and predominantly unilateral location of the parotid gland. Superficial parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve was effective in 100% cases. Complications were transient paresis or paralysis, seroma, Frey syndrome, hematoma and wound infection.

Ameloblastoma de maxila: Estudo de 3 casos / Ameloblastoma in the maxilla: Study of three cases

O ameloblastoma é um tumor benigno originário do epitélioodontogênico, caracterizado por crescimento lento e progresso e,por vezes, localmente agressivo. Tem predileção pela mandíbula.Tem apresentação clínica variável de sinais e sintomas, taiscomo a presença de expansão óssea assintomática, crescimentotecidual intra-oral, dor e ulceração da mucosa oral, mobilidade eperda dentária e obstrução nasal. São tumores de comportamentorecidivante, localmente agressivo e a ressecção cirúrgica commargem de segurança é recomendada. Relatam-se três casosde ameloblastomas localizados na maxila, sendo dois pacientesdo sexo masculino e um feminino. Todos foram submetidos àressecção cirúrgica. Quando de localização na maxila possuitendência à maior agressividade e prognóstico mais reservado,quanto às recidivas. O tratamento cirúrgico é recomendado e anecessidade de margens de segurança se dá pelas taxas elevadasde recorrência tumoral quando de ressecções incompletas oucom margens exíguas. A raridade do ameloblastoma de maxilapode levar tanto a dificuldades para o diagnóstico quanto para otratamento.

[Neck skin collision tumor]. / Tumor de colisão de pele do pescoço.

The collision or mixed tumor is a malignant neoplasm of the skin related to sun exposure and incidence rates of up to 1.5%. It displays a distinctive clinical behavior in relation to other malignancies of the skin and the histological diagnosis, characterized by the collision between a basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, i.e., two malignancies with distinct histologies and sharp interface between them. The case reported was of a male, 73-year-old patient, with two cervical lesions progressively growing in recent months. The chosen treatment was surgery. Histological examination showed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma adjacent to basal cell carcinoma. These tumors preferentially occur in light-skinned men in the fifth or sixth decades of life. Their most common location is in the head and neck, especially in the central part of the face. The differential diagnosis of basal-squamous carcinoma is defined by distinct histological criteria, since both tumors have similar clinical behavior. Local recurrence rates vary from 12% to 45%, whereas regional ones are of approximately 7.5%. The main prognostic factors are gender, surgical margins, perineural infiltration and lymph node status. The treatment of choice is resection, radiotherapy being indicated as adjuvant or to inoperable lesions. Local recurrence is the main limiting factor in disease-free survival, with poor results.

Tumor de Warthin da glândula parótida: estudo de 70 casos / Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland: study of 70 cases

OBJETIVO: Relatar as características clínicas, tratamento e complicações.dos tumores de Warthin. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com 70 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de cistoadenoma papilífero linfomatoso,. Variáveis analisadas: idade, sexo, etnia, presença ou não de tabagismo, sítio primário do tumor, tamanho do tumor em centímetros, presença de bilateralidade, tipo de operação, multicentricidade, complicações do tratamento, presença de recidiva no seguimento e tempo de seguimento.. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e quatro pacientes (62,8 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e 26 (37,2 por cento), do sexo feminino, com média etária de 56,7 anos, O tabagismo estava presente em 55 (78,6 por cento) pacientes, (94,3 por cento) dos tumores eram unilaterais e quatro (5,7 por cento) bilaterais, com tamanho médio de 4,1cm ao exame físico. As complicações foram 14 (19 por cento) casos de paresia e/ou paralisia facial, seroma em 10 (13,8 por cento), síndrome de Frey em três (4 por cento), hematoma em dois (2,7 por cento) e infecção de ferida operatória em um (1,5 por cento) caso. CONCLUSÃO: O tumor de Warthin tem maior incidência no sexo masculino, em tabagistas e localização unilateral predominante na glândula parótida. A parotidectomia superficial com preservação do nervo facial mostrou-se eficaz em 100 por cento casos. As complicações encontradas foram paresias ou paralisias transitórias, seroma, síndrome de Frey, hematoma e infecção de ferida operatória.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics, treatment and complication of Warthin tumors. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective study of 70 patients undergoing resection of papillary lymphomatous cystadenoma. Variables: age, sex, ethnicity, presence or absence of smoking, primary site of tumor, tumor size in cm, presence of bilateral tumor, type of operation, multicentricity, treatment complications, recurrence and follow up. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (62.8 percent) were male and 26 (37.2 percent) female, with a mean age of 56.7; smoking was present in 55 (78.6 percent) patients; 66 (94.3 percent) tumors were unilateral and four (5.7 percent) bilateral, with an average size of 4.1 cm on physical examination. The complications were 14 (19 percent) cases of facial paresis and / or paralysis, seroma in 10 (13.8 percent), Frey's syndrome in three (4 percent), hematoma in two (2.7 percent) and wound infection in one (1.5 percent) case. CONCLUSIONS: Warthin tumors have a higher incidence in male smokers and predominantly unilateral location of the parotid gland. Superficial parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve was effective in 100 percent cases. Complications were transient paresis or paralysis, seroma, Frey syndrome, hematoma and wound infection.

Revisão do paradigma terapêutico do câncer da hipofaringe / New look on the therapeutical paradigm for hypopharyngeal cancer

Revisão do paradigma terapêutico do câncer da hipofaringe

Tumor de colisão de pele do pescoço / Neck skin collision tumor

O tumor de colisão ou tumor misto é uma neoplasia maligna de pele, relacionada à exposição solar e com índices de incidência de até 1,5 por cento. Apresenta comportamento clínico peculiar, em relação às demais neoplasias malignas de pele e com diagnóstico histológico, caracterizado pela colisão entre um carcinoma basocelular e um carcinoma epidermóide, ou seja, duas neoplasias com histologias distintas e interface nítida entre ambas. O caso relatado foi de paciente do sexo masculino, 73 anos, com duas lesões cervicais de crescimento progressivo nos últimos meses. O tratamento realizado foi cirúrgico, com exame histológico demonstrando a presença de carcinoma de células escamosas contíguo ao carcinoma de células basais. O acometimento preferencial ocorre em homens de pele clara, na quinta ou sexta décadas de vida. Sua localização mais comum é na cabeça e pescoço, principalmente na parte central da face. O carcinoma basoescamoso é diagnóstico diferencial, definido através de critérios histológicos distintos, uma vez que ambas neoplasias apresentam comportamento clínico semelhante. Os índices de recidiva local variam de 12 por cento a 45 por cento, enquanto que é baixo na recidiva regional, de aproximadamente 7,5 por cento. Os principais fatores prognósticos são o gênero do paciente, margens cirúrgicas, infiltração perineural e status linfonodal. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção, sendo a radioterapia indicada na sua adjuvância e lesões irressecáveis. A recidiva local é o principal fator limitante na sobrevida livre de doença que apresenta resultados pobres.

The collision or mixed tumor is a malignant neoplasm of the skin related to sun exposure and incidence rates of up to 1.5 percent. It displays a distinctive clinical behavior in relation to other malignancies of the skin and the histological diagnosis, characterized by the collision between a basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, i.e., two malignancies with distinct histologies and sharp interface between them. The case reported was of a male, 73-year-old patient, with two cervical lesions progressively growing in recent months. The chosen treatment was surgery. Histological examination showed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma adjacent to basal cell carcinoma. These tumors preferentially occur in light-skinned men in the fifth or sixth decades of life. Their most common location is in the head and neck, especially in the central part of the face. The differential diagnosis of basal-squamous carcinoma is defined by distinct histological criteria, since both tumors have similar clinical behavior. Local recurrence rates vary from 12 percent to 45 percent, whereas regional ones are of approximately 7.5 percent. The main prognostic factors are gender, surgical margins, perineural infiltration and lymph node status. The treatment of choice is resection, radiotherapy being indicated as adjuvant or to inoperable lesions. Local recurrence is the main limiting factor in disease-free survival, with poor results.

Diagnostic and therapeutic delay in patients with larynx cancer at a reference public hospital.

UNLABELLED: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is very often diagnosed at advanced stages. The time interval between the specialist consultation and the start of treatment may contribute to better outcomes. AIM: the interval assessment between the first specialist evaluation and the treatment of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: longitudinal historical cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 272 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma seen between January, 1996 and December of 2004. Clinical and epidemiological data were evaluated, as well as their association with the time interval between the first specialist visit and the start of treatment. RESULT: the median time between first evaluation and treatment was 49 days. There was no relationship with gender, age, birth place, disease stage or education. CONCLUSION: the treatment median delay was 49 days, similar to what has been reported in other studies.

Retardo diagnóstico e terapêutico em pacientes com câncer da laringe em hospital público de referência / Diagnostic and therapeutic delay in patients with larynx cancer at a reference public hospital

O carcinoma epidermoide da laringe, apesar dos sintomas precoces, ainda é frequentemente diagnosticado em estádio avançado. Apesar da demora até chegar ao atendimento especializado, o tempo despendido no diagnóstico e a espera para o tratamento definitivo também são importantes para o resultado final. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o intervalo de tempo entre a primeira consulta no especialista e o tratamento nos pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide da laringe. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Coorte histórica longitudinal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo de 272 pacientes com carcinoma epidermoide da laringe atendidos consecutivamente entre janeiro de 1996 e dezembro de 2004. Avaliadas as características clínicas e epidemiológicas, assim como sua relação com o tempo despendido entre a consulta inicial e o tratamento. RESULTADO: O intervalo de tempo entre a primeira consulta e o início do tratamento apresentou mediana de 49 dias e média de 57 dias. Não houve diferença em relação ao estadiamento, faixa etária, sexo, naturalidade ou escolaridade. CONCLUSÃO: O tempo entre o atendimento inicial com especialista e o início do tratamento apresentou mediana de 49 dias, similar ao relatado em outros estudos.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is very often diagnosed at advanced stages. The time interval between the specialist consultation and the start of treatment may contribute to better outcomes. AIM: the interval assessment between the first specialist evaluation and the treatment of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: longitudinal historical cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 272 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma seen between January, 1996 and December of 2004. Clinical and epidemiological data were evaluated, as well as their association with the time interval between the first specialist visit and the start of treatment. RESULT: the median time between first evaluation and treatment was 49 days. There was no relationship with gender, age, birth place, disease stage or education. CONCLUSION: the treatment median delay was 49 days, similar to what has been reported in other studies.

Impacto da associação terapêutica na sobrevida livre de doença no câncer da hipofaringe / Impact of combination therapy on disease free survival in hypopharynx cancer

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sobrevida livre de doença nos tumores de hipofaringe submetidos ao tratamento operatório e à radioterapia pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 174 pacientes com distribuição, de acordo com o estádio clínico em: dois casos de estádio clínico I; quatro II; 46 III e 122 IV. Quanto ao gênero, 163 eram masculinos e 11 femininos, com idade média de 56 anos. Todos os casos foram submetidos à faringolaringectomia e realizados 206 esvaziamentos cervicais radicais e 16 seletivos. Cento seis pacientes foram submetidos à radioterapia pós-operatória, com dose média de 58,2 Gy. RESULTADOS: O exame histológico demonstrou dois casos de estádio clínico pT1, 15 pT2, 100 pT3 e 57 pT4. Quanto aos linfonodos, 25 pacientes apresentavam ausência de linfonodos comprometidos pela neoplasia (pN0) e 149 com linfonodos comprometidos pela neoplasia (pN+). A sobrevida livre de doença há cinco anos foi de 40% e a global de 28%. A sobrevida livre de doença há cinco anos foi de 75% no estádio clínico III versus 28% no IV, de acordo com o resultado do exame histológico. CONCLUSÃO: A manifestação inicial do carcinoma epidermóide de hipofaringe ocorre na fase avançada (estádios III e IV), com sobrevida livre de doença a cinco anos superior no estádio clínico III.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the disease-free survival in hypopharyngeal tumors submitted to postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: we retrospectively studied 174 patients with the following distribution: two cases of stage I, four stage II, 46 stage III and 122 stage IV. Regarding gender, 163 were male and 11 female; mean age was 56 years. All patients underwent pharyngolaryngectomy; neck dissections were radical in 206 and selective in 16. One hundred six patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy, with a mean dose of 58.2 Gy. RESULTS: Histological examination showed two cases of stage pT1, 15 stage pT2, 100 stage pT3 and 57 stage pT4. As for lymph nodes, 25 patients had no involvement (pN0); 149 presented with lymph node invasion (pN +). Five-year disease-free survival was 40% and the overall survival was 28%. According to the results of histological examination, five-year disease-free survival was 75% in clinical stage III versus 28% in IV. CONCLUSION: The initial manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx happens in advanced stages (III and IV), with superior five-year disease-free survival in clinical stage III.