CD147 expression correlates with lymph node metastasis in T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Cervical lymph node metastasis causes a poor prognosis in cases of stage T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue. Recent studies have reported that cluster of differentiation (CD)147, also known as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, contributes to tumor progression. The present study evaluated the role of CD147 in the tumorigenesis of SCC of the tongue in vitro, as well as the association between CD147 expression and cervical lymph node metastasis in clinical samples of SCC of the tongue. Tongue SCC cell lines were used to evaluate in vitro tumorigenesis. In addition, 41 patients with clinical stage T1-T2 tongue SCC were assessed with a histopathological analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis associated with histopathological findings. In the in vitro study, cell invasiveness was upregulated by S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) stimulation and downregulated following CD147-blocking antibody treatment. The univariate and multivariate analyses identified CD147 expression in the invasive tumor front as an independent risk factor for metastasis. It was concluded that CD147 induces tongue carcinoma cell invasion through its interaction with S100A9. Thus, an evaluation of the extent of CD147 expression in cancer cell nests at the invasive tumor front may help in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical N0 T1-T2 tongue SCC.

Feasibility and toxicity of adjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 granules for local advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

S-1 granulated powder has recently been released to the market as an additional format to that of the capsule. Patients who previously found it difficult to swallow the capsules are now able to take S-1 in powder form. This study evaluated the feasibility of S-1 granulated powder as adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer. S-1 was orally administered for 2  weeks, followed by 1  week of rest (one course) for 12  months (16 courses). Twenty-four stage III and IV head and neck cancer patients were enrolled in this study. In total, 10 (47.6%) of the patients follow the planned schedule and dose. Severe adverse events were observed in 22 patients (91.7%), whereas no grade 4 adverse events were observed. S-1 granulated powder should be presented as an additional option for the treatment of head and neck cancer, especially for patients experiencing difficulty in swallowing oral medications.

Effects of proton pump inhibitors in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is not well known. Our aim was to assess the HRQoL before and after administration of a PPI in patients with LPRD. METHODOLOGY: A total of 27 LPRD patients (14 women, 13 men; mean age 54 years) were enrolled. We determined the HRQoL using three different inquiry systems: 1) Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG); 2) the 36 item short form of the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire (SF-36); and 3) the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The HRQoL was determined at baseline and after eight weeks of treatment with lansoprazole at a dose of 30mg once daily or rabeprazole at a dose of 10mg once daily. RESULTS: After administration of the PPI, the FSSG, the SF-36 general health scale and mental health scale, GSRS reflux syndrome score, abdominal pain syndrome score and the indigestion syndrome score were significantly improved compared to baseline pretreatment scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PPI therapy would be useful for the treatment of LPRD.

A case of hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis localized to the external auditory canal.

Amyloidosis of the external auditory canal is extremely rare. Only 12 cases, including the present case, have been reported, and this is the second reported case attributed to dialysis. This case involved a 56-year-old man who had been on dialysis for 12years. A tumor was visible in the right external auditory canal and caused pain. The tumor was resected at another hospital, but subsequently recurred with rapid increase in size due to infection. We therefore performed further resection at our hospital. We report our experiences herein, together with a discussion of the literature.

[A clinical study of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation].

We reviewed 165 cases of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation treated in the last 9 years (2000-2008). Of these, 103 sustained direct injury and 62 indirect injury. Ear picking accounted for 90.3% of direct injuries. Perforation size followed the classification of Yoshikawa, with Grade I perforation the most common, according for 129 (78.2%). The anteroinferior quadrant perforation site was the most common, with 98 (59.4%). Of the 165, 66 were lost during followup. Of the remaining 99, perforations closed spontaneously in 85 (85.9%), within a mean 25.9 days. Tympanoplasty was done in 14, in whom postoperative hearing improved in 12. The remaining 2 had ossicular fractures associated with perilymph fistula. In the 14 undergoing surgery, tympanic membrane perforation relapsed in 4 and 2 developed cholesteatoma as tympanoplasty sequelae.

Infantile congenital petrosal cholesteatoma: a case report and literature review.

Congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear is frequently seen in younger children including infant. By contrast, that of the petrous bone is rarely seen in younger children. We report an exceptional case occurring in 23-month-old infant who presented with unilateral facial nerve paralysis at about 18-month-old. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed congenital cholesteatoma measuring approximately 2 cm in the area of the right geniculate ganglion. The mass was completely eradicated via the middle fossa approach, which allowed for preservation of hearing. The facial nerve maintained intact during surgery and paralysis showed partial recovery after the operation. To our knowledge, the present case seems to be the youngest case of congenital petrosal cholesteatoma reported, and also demonstrates congenital petrosal cholesteatoma could exhibit facial nerve paralysis in early childhood.