Target Delineation in Postoperative Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer After Flap Reconstruction.

Delineation of the clinical target volume (CTV) after resection of head and neck cancer can be challenging, especially after flap reconstruction. The main area of contention is whether the entire flap should be included in the CTV. Several case series have reported marginal misses and intraflap failures when the entire flap was not routinely included in the CTV. On the other hand, available data have not convincingly demonstrated a detriment to long-term outcomes using intensity modulated radiotherapy after flap reconstruction. On the contrary, postoperative radiation can facilitate epilation and mucosalization of the flap tissue, reduce flap bulk, and improve long-term esthetic and functional outcomes. Therefore, our standard practice is to include the entire flap in the CTV. In certain scenarios, we may allow for a lower dose to part of flap distant from the resection bed than the flap-tumor bed junction, where recurrences are most likely. We provide three case vignettes describing such scenarios where sparing part of the flap, and more importantly, the nearby uninvolved native tissue, from high-dose radiation may be justified.

Time to treatment patterns of head and neck cancer patients before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The delivery of healthcare has changed significantly over the past decades. This study analyzes the clinicodemographic factors and treatment patterns of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients between 2004 and 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of HNSCC patients from the National Cancer Data Base from 2004 to 2020. RESULTS: A total of 164,290 patients were included. Increased times from diagnosis to definitive surgery (TTS) were seen across all facility types (academic centers, AC; non-academic centers, NAC) between 2004 and 2019, with NAC affected more. TTS < 15 days (RR = 1.05, 95%CI:1.05-1.09) and > 75 days (1.07, 95%CI:1.05-1.09) were associated with increased mortality risk. This association was more prominent among HPV + HNSCC (RR = 1.45; 95%CI:1.18-1.78). Treatment in AC was associated with a decreased mortality risk (RR = 0.94, 95%CI:0.93-0.95). Despite the universal increase in wait times from 2004 to 2019, short-term mortality was significantly decreased from 2016 to 2019, relative to 2004-2007 (3-month mortality: RR = 0.77, 95%CI:0.70-0.85; 12-month mortality: RR = 0.80, 95%CI:0.77-0.84). Wait times decreased in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: TTS increased between 2004 and 2019, with NAC affected more. However, despite longer wait times, short-term survival increased significantly. Very short (<15 days) and very long (>75 days) TTS were associated with increased mortality risk. Patients with HPV + HNSCC have the highest increase among those treated > 75 days from diagnosis. Treatment at AC was associated with improved survival, which could be explained by the presence of multidisciplinary teams and subspecialists that may be less available at NAC. The 2021 NCDB data are required for a comprehensive analysis of wait times in 2020.

Presentation and outcomes of patients with clinically T1-2, N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma: The roles of elective neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Examine the role of elective neck dissection (END) and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in early-stage clinically N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, 2004-2016. The study population included adult patients with MEC who underwent parotidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 1233 patients were included. Histopathology demonstrated well, moderately, and poorly differentiated MEC 47.12%, 39.98%, and 12.90% of the time, respectively. END was performed in 78.67% of patients, resulting in nodal upstaging in 4.43% and identification of extracapsular extension (ECE) in 0.72%. RT was utilized in 67.33% of patients with advanced pathological features. Neither END nor RT improved overall survival separately (p < 0.05) or combined (adjusted HR: 1.19, 95%CI: 0.52, 2.70, p = 0.68). CONCLUSION: This study provides an epidemiological perspective regarding patients with clinically T1-2, N0 MEC. There was no observed survival advantage with END and RT.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of epithelioid-mesenchymal neoplasm with PTCH1-GLI1 fusion: A case report.

Mesenchymal tumors harboring GLI1 gene fusions are a rare new entity that typically occur in the head and neck region of young to middle aged adults, with a particular predilection for the tongue. We report herein a case of epithelioid mesenchymal tumor with PTCH1-GLI1 gene fusion of the right submental region in an 82-year-old male never smoker. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) with concomitant core needle biopsy was performed. Cytology smears revealed a hypercellular, monotonous aspirate comprised of epithelioid to plasmacytoid cells with round regular nuclei and moderate amounts of cytoplasm. There were admixed granulomata. The patient underwent surgical resection with limited neck dissection and subsequent pathologic examination with performed next generation sequencing confirmed the presence of epithelioid mesenchymal tumor with PTCH1-GLI1 gene fusion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported example of a mesenchymal tumor harboring GLI1 gene fusion initially evaluated by FNA.

Can Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Predict Laryngectomy Complications or Survival Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a reported biomarker for morbidity and mortality in chronic disease and following certain surgeries, has not been well-studied in head and neck cancer patients. The aim of the study was to examine the association of RDW with postoperative complications and survival among patients who underwent primary or salvage laryngectomy. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective case series study of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated with total laryngectomy. Survival outcomes were examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the final analysis. The most common tumor subsite was the supraglottis (60%). On bivariate analysis, patients with RDW ≥14.5 had higher prevalence of non-surgical, systemic complications, including deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, cardiovascular events, and difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in laryngectomy-specific post-operative complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula, wound infection, stoma complications, and chyle leak. RDW was not found to be associated with survival outcomes following laryngectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Among laryngectomy patients, RDW ≥14.5 is associated with higher prevalence of systemic morbidity, but not with specific local surgical complications or decreased survival.

Presentation and outcomes of patients with undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma: a national perspective.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC) accounts for only 1-2% of all thyroid cancers. UTC is one of the most aggressive solid tumors with high metastatic rates and mortality. The objectives of this study are to examine the characteristics of patients with UTC and their overall survival. METHODS: Retrospective analysis utilizing the National Cancer Database, 2004-2014 is performed. The study population included adults (≥18 years) patients with UTC or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), which served as a reference group. RESULTS: A total of 1,870 UTC and 209,707 DTC patients were identified. The median follow-up time of UTC patients was 3.9 months (interquartile range: 1.6-9.0 months). When compared to DTC patients, patients with UTC were more likely to be ≥45-year-old [OR: 48.62, 95% CI: (35.75, 66.14), P<0.001], male [OR: 2.02, 95% CI: (1.84, 2.22), P<0.001], and/or black [OR: 1.27, 95% CI: (1.08, 1.49), P=0.004]. UTC patients were more likely to have Medicaid/Medicare or no insurance and treated in low-volume hospitals (P<0.001). Overall survival in patients with UTC was lower in patients older than 65 years [OR: 1.63, 95% CI: (1.12, 2.38), P=0.011], with multiple comorbidities [OR: 1.65, 95% CI: (1.02, 2.67), P=0.040] and/or presented with metastatic disease [OR: 1.93, 95% CI: (1.71, 2.17), P<0.001]. Compared to thyroidectomy alone, patients without metastasis who received adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy had a better overall survival (P<0.001 each). In patients with metastatic disease, any intervention or combination of interventions other than thyroidectomy alone improved survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, male, and/or black are associated with a higher prevalence of UTC compared to DTC. Although overall survival is poor in UTC, utilization of multi-modal treatment may improve survival.

Analysis of palliative care treatment among head and neck patients with cancer: National perspective.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the characteristics and survival patterns of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who received palliative treatment during their first course of treatment. METHODS: Cohort analysis utilizing the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) of patients with a diagnosis of oral cavity/oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal SCC. Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression and Cox Hazard ratio modeling, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: 165 081 patients were included, of which 2747 patients received palliative treatment. Patients who received palliative treatment tended to be ≥65 years old, black, Charlson/Deyo score ≥3, hypopharyngeal cancer, stage (III-IV), with Medicaid insurance (P < .05). Patients were more likely to be treated with palliative intent if they underwent chemotherapy/radiotherapy and declined surgery (P < .001) compared to patients who underwent surgery and declined chemotherapy/radiotherapy (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care use in head and neck oncology is associated with older patients, non-whites, Medicaid patients, and nonsurgically treated patients.

Presentation and Outcomes of Elderly Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgeries: A National Perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To examine clinical profile and outcomes of elderly patients (65-90 years) undergoing head and neck surgeries in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: The Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010 to 2015. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent head and neck surgeries. Analysis included χ2 test and logistic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 113,602 and 32,580 patients <65 and ≥65 years old, respectively, were included. Patients ≥65 years old were more likely to have multiple comorbidities (62.8% vs 32.6%, P < .001) and to present with head and neck cancer (19.8% vs 11.4%, P < .001). The most common comorbidity was diabetes (21.0%). The most common cancer types by site were mouth (29.12%), thyroid (28.08%), and nonmelanoma skin cancer (13.22%). The percentage of geriatric patients who underwent head and neck surgeries increased from 21.8% in 2010 to 25.0% in 2015 (P < .001). A total of 5450 (16.85%) patients developed postoperative complications, and the most common complications were pulmonary related (10.55%), bleeding (6.96%), acute renal failure (6.01%), and infection (3.97%). Blood transfusion was required in 3.53% of the patients. Readmission prevalence was 0.32%, and mortality risk was twice as likely (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-2.38; P < .001). Independent risk factors of mortality were older age, multiple comorbidities, type of surgery, blood transfusion, and tracheostomy (P < .05, each). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients currently represent 25% of patients admitted for head and neck surgery. This population should be provided with a different level of care due to a higher risk of complications and mortality.

Prevalence of major structures injury in thyroid and neck surgeries: a national perspective.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the study is to examine the prevalence and burden of major structures injury (pharynx, esophagus, trachea, larynx, lymphatic, vessels & nerves) in patients who underwent thyroid, parathyroid, and neck dissection surgeries in the United States. METHODS: The study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010-2015. The study population included adults (≥18 years) patients who underwent thyroid, parathyroid, and neck dissection surgeries. RESULTS: A total of 54,443 patients were included. Major structures injury was reported in 221 (0.48%) patients. The injured structures were vascular (0.22%), lymphatic (0.18%), pharynx/esophagus (0.06%), neural (0.03%), and trachea/larynx (0.002%). The risk of injury increased annually during the study period (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.44, P<0.001). The risk of injury was highest in patients who underwent thyroidectomy with neck dissection (1.01%) or neck dissection alone (1.81%) (P<0.001 each). The risk was also highest for patients with a head and neck cancer diagnosis (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.61, P=0.002). Patients with those injuries had a higher prevalence of blood transfusion (2.82% vs. 0.17%), postoperative fistula (3.10% vs. 0.03%), readmission (28.90% vs. 3.59%), and postoperative mortality (0.87% vs. 0.06%) (P<0.05 each). Management of patients with those injuries was associated with a longer hospital stay by 4.86±0.48 days (P<0.001), and a higher cost by $16,151.00±173.36 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injuries of major structures in thyroid and neck surgeries are more prevalent in cancer patients. There has been a recent increase in the risk of such injuries in the United States. Those injuries are associated with significant clinical and economic burden.

Surgical Outcomes in Idiopathic Recurrent Facial Nerve Paralysis: A Rare Clinical Entity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative facial nerve dysfunction, audiometric outcomes, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes of patients with idiopathic recurrent facial nerve paralysis (RFP) after middle cranial fossa (MCF) microsurgical decompression. METHODS: Retrospective chart analysis of 11 (mean age 37.0 years, range 5 to 67) patients at an academic tertiary referral center who underwent MCF facial nerve decompression. Data analysis included evaluation of pre- and postoperative House-Brackmann (HB) score, pre- and postoperative pure-tone average (PTA), pre-and postoperative word recognition scores (WRS), and postoperative Facial Clinimetric Evaluation survey. RESULTS: Mean number of preoperative facial paralysis episodes was 3.5 (range 2 to 6), and preoperative HB score was 4.5 (range 1 to 6). Postoperatively, 0 patients had further episodes of facial nerve paralysis at an average of 6.5 years (range 0.1 to 17.6) (P = 0.005), and the average postoperative HB score was 2.1 (range 1 to 3) (P = 0.011). Postoperative audiometry was stably maintained as assessed with PTA and WRS scores. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical facial nerve decompression for idiopathic RFP may be a reliable therapeutic modality to prophylactically decrease the number of facial nerve paralysis episodes and may also help to improve facial nerve functional status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:200-205, 2020.

Primary Laryngectomy Versus Salvage Laryngectomy: A Comparison of Outcomes in the Chemoradiation Era.

OBJECTIVE: To compare primary total laryngectomy (TL) versus salvage TL and analyze the functional outcomes, complications, recurrence rates, and survival. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen-year retrospective analysis of 208 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated by TL was completed. Outcome measures included survival, swallowing rehabilitation, speech rehabilitation, complications, and assessment of comorbidity. Survival estimates were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method, and regression analysis utilized the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Alaryngeal speech was not significantly different between primary TL and salvage TL, 68% versus 82% (P = 0.14). Comparing primary and salvage TL, the perioperative complication rate was 33% versus 48% (P = 0.036). Thirty-six percent of primary TL patients had recurrence compared to 26% of salvage patients. Five-year overall survival rates between primary TL and salvage TL were not significantly different (P = 0.68). Comorbidity was an independent predictor of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Development of a functional voice was not significantly different between salvage and primary TL patients, with a majority achieving alaryngeal speech. Perioperative complications were more prevalent in the salvage TL group. Recurrence and survival are significantly associated with comorbidity status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:2179-2185, 2020.

Long-term audiologic outcomes after cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term audiometric outcomes, sound localization abilities, binaural benefits, and tinnitus assessment of subjects with cochlear implant (CI) after a diagnosis of unilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss. METHOD: The study group consisted of 60 (mean age 52 years, range 19-84) subjects with profound hearing loss in one ear and normal to near-normal hearing in the other ear who underwent CI. Data analysis included pre- and postoperative Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) Word scores, AzBio Sentence scores, pure tone thresholds, sound localization, and Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire scores. RESULTS: Preoperative average duration of deafness was 3.69 years (standard deviation 4.31), with an average follow-up time of 37.9 months (range 1-87). CNC and AzBio scores significantly improved (both P < 0.001) postoperatively among the entire cohort, and there was much heterogeneity in outcomes with respect to deafness etiology subgroup analysis. Sound localization abilities tended to improve longitudinally in the entire cohort. Binaural benefits using an adaptive Hearing in Noise Test test showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement with head shadow effect. Utilizing the Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, there was significant improvement in social, physical, and emotional well-being (P = 0.011), along with hearing abilities (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This case series is the largest cohort of CI SSD subjects to date and systematically analyzes their functional outcomes. Subjects have meaningful improvement in word understanding, and sound localization tends to gradually improve over time. Binaural benefit analysis showed significant improvement with head shadow effect, which likely provides ease of listening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1805-1811, 2020.

Survival Outcomes for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

OBJECTIVES: Survival outcomes for advanced non-melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck treated with surgical resection are not well described in the literature. We aimed to describe outcomes for T3 and T4 cutaneoous squamous cell carcinoma of the head or neck treated with surgical resection at 1 tertiary academic medical center. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with T3 or T4 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head or neck from 2005 to 2016 treated with definitive surgical resection. Survival outcomes were examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and multivariate analysis was completed with Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Forty-three patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 74.7 years (SD = 10.2), and 34 (79.1%) patients were male. Twelve (27.9%) patients were immunosuppressed. Radical resection, defined as temporal bone resection, orbital exenteration, calvarial resection, mandibulectomy, or maxillectomy, was performed in 25 (58.1%) cases. Final surgical margins were positive in 19 (44.2%) cases. Patients with tumors of the scalp/neck had a 1-year survival probability of 85.7%, and the probability of survival 1 year after a neck dissection was greater than 93%. CONCLUSION: Anatomical subsites, specifically scalp/neck tumors, tended to have worse overall survival. Positive final margins tended to indicate a worse prognosis, and overall survival and recurrence were not significantly different among patients who underwent radical surgical resection compared to soft tissue resection.

Relationship of a "Fundal Fluid Cap" and Vestibular Schwannoma Volume: Analysis of Preoperative Radiographic Findings and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between radiographic fundal fluid cap in the lateral internal auditory canal, preoperative clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma who underwent microsurgical excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Thirty-six consecutive patients (mean age 49.4 yr [range 29-74]) who underwent microsurgical vestibular schwannoma excision. INTERVENTIONS: Microsurgical excision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Linear fundal fluid size and tumor size calculated using volumetric analysis were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and correlated to hearing status and postoperative facial nerve function. RESULTS: Mean fundal fluid size was 2.18 mm (range 0-7.32). Mean tumor volume was 5.58 cm (range, 0.210-40.3 cm). Short- and long-term postoperative House-Brackmann scores were 2.4 and 1.4, respectively. Fundal fluid size was associated with tumor volume (rs = 0.488, p = 0.003) but not preoperative hearing status (p = 0.333). The presence of fundal fluid and larger tumor volumes were statistically associated with poorer short-term and long-term postoperative facial nerve function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic fundal fluid size is correlated to tumor volume.