Sox2 and ßIII-Tubulin as Biomarkers of Drug Resistance in Poorly Differentiated Sinonasal Carcinomas.

Poorly differentiated sinonasal carcinomas (PDCs) are tumors that have a poor prognosis despite advances in classical treatment. Predictive and prognostic markers and new personalized treatments could improve the oncological outcomes of patients. In this study, we analyzed SOX2 and ßIII-tubulin as biomarkers that could have prognostic and therapeutic impacts on these tumors. The cohort included 57 cases of PDCs: 36 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) cases, 13 olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) cases, and 8 sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) cases. Clinical follow-up data were available for 26 of these cases. Sox2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in 6 (75%) SNEC cases, 19 (53%) SNUC cases, and 6 (46%) ONB cases. The absence of Sox2 staining correlated with a higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.015), especially distant recurrence. The majority of cases showed ßIII-tubulin expression, with strong positivity in 85%, 75%, and 64% of SNEC, ONB, and SNUC cases, respectively. Tumors with stronger ßIII-tubulin expression demonstrated longer disease-free survival than those with no expression or low expression (p = 0.049). Sox2 and ßIII-tubulin expression is common in poorly differentiated sinonasal tumors and has prognostic and therapeutic utility.

Matched-Pair Analysis of Survival in the Patients with Advanced Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Induction Chemotherapy Plus Chemo-Radiation or Total Laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: We performed a comparative analysis between an organ-preservation protocol and surgery followed by radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx; Methods: 60 previously untreated patients who were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy in responders were compared with a control group of 60 patients treated with up-front surgery. Both groups were statistically comparable, according to the subsite, TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) stage, age, and sex; Results: Mean age was 58 years and 92% were male. No significant statistical difference was observed for overall survival (OS) (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.48-1.18; P = 0.22) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.52-1.83, P = 0.96). Also, there was no significant difference for recurrence-free survival (HR 0.931; 95% CI 0.57-1.71; P = 0.81), metastases-free survival (HR 2.23; 95% CI 0.67-7.41; P = 0.19), and the appearance of second primary tumors (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.51-2.88; P = 0.64); Conclusions: The results of the organ-preservation approach did not appear inferior to those of surgery plus (chemo)radiotherapy for patients with T3/T4a larynx and T2-T4a hypopharynx cancer with respect to OS and DSS, locoregional control and metastases-free survival.

Retropharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis as an uncommon complication of varicella infection.

Varicella infection is one of the most common and contagious infection in children and could course with severe complications. We report the case of a 4-year-old patient derived to our hospital for suspicion of suppurative complication in the context of a varicella infection. A computerized tomographic scanning was performed, showing a large retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinitis. Complications of varicella are up to 2% of patients, but this is the first report of a retropharyngeal and mediastinal abscess in this context. In the face of clinical suspicion, early intervention is important through imaging, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage in necessary cases.

Selective neck dissection in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with a clinically positive neck.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and outcomes of SND in the treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with clinically positive neck (cN+) at diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 159 patients with SCCHN with cN+ at diagnosis, who underwent a SND with curative intent at a tertiary care academic teaching hospital in Spain. We registered patient and tumor characteristics, date and site of recurrences, together with the outcomes. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The minimum follow-up was 18 months or till death. RESULTS: A total of 28 neck recurrences were found in the whole series but only 10 neck recurrences occurred in absence of local recurrence. The regional control in the neck in absence of local recurrence was observed in 94% of patients. The neck recurrence rates did not correlated with the pN classification (P = 0.49), the administration of postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.49) or extranodal extension (P = 0.43). The 5-year regional recurrence-free survival rate was 80% and 92% if only isolated neck recurrences are considered. CONCLUSIONS: SND offers an effective and oncologically safe surgical procedure in selected patients with clinically positive metastatic nodes in the neck. Our findings suggest that in cN1 and cN2 tumors, SND could replace the modified radical neck dissection without compromising oncologic efficacy.

Manejo de las epistaxis graves y/o refractarias / Management of severe and/or refractory epistaxis

Introducción y objetivos: El objetivo fue determinar los resultados del tratamiento de las epistaxis graves y/o refractarias que requirieron ingreso hospitalario. Además se compararon los resultados del tratamiento mediante ligadura arterial o embolización. Material y método: Se incluyeron de forma prospectiva 63 pacientes con epistaxis grave y/o refractaria que requirieron ingreso hospitalario entre agosto de 2014 y diciembre de 2016. Resultados: En 11 pacientes (17%) se realizó embolización, 5 (8%) fueron intervenidos mediante endoscopia y en los 47 restantes (75%) se realizó tratamiento conservador. La edad media de los pacientes en los que las medidas conservadoras fueron suficientes fue de 72 años, mientras que la edad de aquellos tratados con embolización fue de 71 años y de los que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente fue de 53 años. En los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento conservador o a cirugía la estancia media fue de 6 días, frente a 9 días en aquellos en los que se realizó embolización. Un paciente sufrió un ictus hemisférico tras la embolización. No se observaron complicaciones posquirúrgicas. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes con epistaxis graves y/o refractarias se resuelven mediante taponamiento convencional. El tratamiento mediante ligadura arterial está asociado a una disminución de la estancia hospitalaria, sin observarse complicaciones graves. Es aconsejable disponer de todas las opciones terapéuticas posibles para lo cual la presencia de radiólogos intervencionistas y cirujanos experimentados es fundamental para evitar complicaciones y decidir el tratamiento a realizar de forma individual en cada paciente

Objective: The objective was to determine the results of the treatment of severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission. In addition, the results of arterial ligation versus embolization were compared. Material and method: Sixty-three patients with severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission between August 2014 and December 2016 were included prospectively. Results: Eleven patients (17%) underwent embolization, 5 (8%) endoscopy ligation and the remaining 47 (75%) underwent conservative treatment with tamponade. The mean age of the patients in which conservative measures were sufficient was 72 years, while the age of those treated with embolization was 71 years and of those who underwent surgery was 53 years. For the patients who underwent conservative treatment or surgery, the average stay was 6 days, compared to 9 days for those who underwent embolization. One patient suffered a hemispheric stroke after embolization. No post-surgical complications were observed. Conclusions: Most cases of severe and/or refractory epistaxis are resolved by conventional tamponade. Endoscopy ligation is associated with a decrease in hospital stay, without serious complications. It is advisable to have all the possible therapeutic options available, for which the presence of interventional radiologists and experienced surgeons is essential to avoid complications and decide the treatment to be performed individually for each patient

Manejo de los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides / Management of differentiated thyroid carcinomas

Introducción y objetivos: El tratamiento principal de los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides es la cirugía seguida de radioyodo. El propósito de este estudio es exponer nuestra experiencia en el manejo de estos tumores. Material y método: Se presenta un estudio retrospectivo de los 55 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente de un carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides en nuestro hospital entre los años 2007 y 2011. Resultados: La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 49 años, con un predominio femenino (78% de los casos). El 78% de los pacientes se encontraban en fases iniciales (estadios i y ii). El diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo fue de carcinoma papilar en el 84% y folicular en el 16% restante. A todos, salvo a 2 pacientes (4%), se les realizó una tiroidectomía total, acompañada de linfadenectomía en el 58% de los casos. Un 9% de los pacientes presentó hipoparatiroidismo permanente y aunque un 18% sufrió parálisis recurrencial unilateral transitoria, un 40% de ellos se recuperó completamente a los 6 meses. Se administró radioyodo en el postoperatorio al 89% de los pacientes. Se produjo un 40% de recidivas, la mayor parte de las cuales (29% de los pacientes) se localizaron a nivel cervical. La supervivencia a los 5 años fue del 87%, siendo del 95% en el subtipo papilar y descendiendo al 56% en el folicular (p = 0,001). Discusión/conclusiones: Los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides son tumores con un pronóstico excelente tras un tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado previa valoración preoperatoria exhaustiva y seguimiento postoperatorio estricto debido a las tasas significativas de recidiva

Introduction and objectives: Radioiodine is the principal treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of these tumours. Material and method: We present a retrospective study of 55 patients operated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in our hospital between 2007 and 2011. Results: The mean age at time of diagnosis was 49 years, and females predominated (78% of cases). Seventy eight percent of the patients were in the initial stages (stages i and ii). The definitive histopathological diagnosis was papillary carcinoma in 84% and follicular carcinoma in the remaining 16%. All of the patients, with the exception of 2 (4%), underwent total thyroidectomy, with lymphadenectomy in 58% of cases. Nine percent of the patients had permanent hypoparathyroidism and although 18% suffered transitory unilateral paralysis, 40% of these female patients had completely recovered after 6 months. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were given radioiodine postoperatively. There was a recurrence rate of 40% most of which was at cervical level (29% of the patients). Survival at 5 years was 87%, 95% of the papillary subtype, falling to 56% of the follicular subtype (P = .001). Discussion/conclusions: The prognosis for differentiated thyroid carcinomas is excellent after appropriate surgical treatment, thorough preoperative assessment,and strict postoperative follow-up due to the significant recurrence rates

Validez de las medidas del pico cepstral para la valoración objetiva de la disfonía en sujetos de habla hispana / Validation of the measures of cepstral peak prominence as a measure of dysphonia severity in Spanish-speaking subjects

Introducción y objetivos: La fiabilidad de las calificaciones perceptuales de la calidad global de la voz y sus dimensiones específicas es difícil de alcanzar, por cuanto estos juicios dependen de la subjetividad del examinador. De este modo, la búsqueda de unas medidas clínicas que sean objetivas, válidas y accesibles es una prioridad para incluirlas en los protocolos de evaluación de la voz. El propósito del presente estudio fue: 1) determinar la exactitud diagnóstica de un único parámetro acústico, la prominencia del pico cepstral suavizado (CPPS), para predecir la presencia y severidad de una disfonía en vocales sostenidas y habla conectada utilizando el programa Praat; 2) determinar la relación entre las medidas del CPPS y las calificaciones perceptuales de la calidad vocal; y 3) describir los valores normativos del CPPS. Método: Se obtuvo el valor del CPPS de muestras vocales sostenidas y de habla conectada de 72 sujetos hispanohablantes con trastornos vocales y de 52 sujetos hispanohablantes sanos utilizando el programa Praat. Se llevó a cabo un estudio estadístico completo utilizando el programa SPSS de IBM versión 23. Resultados: Se encontró una sensibilidad de un 70% y una especificidad de un 85%. La severidad estimada de la voz, tanto en vocal sostenida como en habla conectada, se correlacionó de forma importante con las calificaciones perceptuales de severidad global de la disfonía. Conclusiones: Un parámetro acústico único, el CPPS calculado mediante el programa Praat, predice de forma importante el estatus de un trastorno vocal. Se considera la incorporación del CPPS para complementar la valoración clínica de la voz

Introduction and objectives: Perceptual rating of overall voice quality and other more specific perceptual dimensions is difficult, as such judgments depend on the listener's subjectivity. Thus, finding objective, valid, and accessible clinical measures to include in comprehensive voice evaluation protocols is a priority. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the diagnostic accuracy of a single acoustic measure, smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), to predict voice disorder status from sustained vowels and connected speech samples using the software Praat; 2) to determine the relationship between measures of CPPS and perceptual ratings of vocal quality; and 3) describe the normative values of CPPS. Method: Measures of CPPS were obtained from connected speech and sustained vowel recordings of 72 Spanish-speaking subjects with voice disorders and 52 nondysphonic Spanish-speaking subjects with no vocal disorders using freely downloadable Praat software. IBM SPSS Statistics software version 23 was used to complete the statistical analyses. Results: results revealed a 70% sensitivity rate, a specificity rate of 85%. Estimated severity for sustained vowels and connected speech were strongly correlated and significantly associated with listener ratings of dysphonia severity. Conclusions: A single acoustic measure of CPPS was highly predictive of voice disorder status using Praat software. Clinicians may consider using CPPS to complement clinical voice evaluation and screening protocols

Valor pronóstico de la ruta de EGFR-PI3K-pAKT-mTOR-pS6 en los carcinomas epidermoides nasosinusales / Predictive value of EGFR-PI3K-pAKT-mTOR-pS6 pathway in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas

Antecedentes y objetivos: En estudios previos hemos indicado que EGFR tiene un papel en la carcinogénesis en un subgrupo de carcinomas epidermoides nasosinusales (CENS). Además, EGFR activa a 2 de las más importantes vías de señalización intracelular como son la PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 y la vía MAP-cinasas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la participación de la ruta de EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 y su relación con parámetros clínico-patológicos y de seguimiento de los CENS. Material y métodos: La expresión proteica de PTEN, pAKT, mTOR y pS6 fue analizada mediante inmunohistoquímica en 54 CENS. Los resultados fueron relacionados con diversos parámetros clínico-patológicos y la supervivencia. Resultados: La pérdida de expresión de PTEN se observó en 33/54 casos (61%) y la sobreexpresión de pAKT, mTOR y pS6 se observó en 19/54 casos (35%), 8/54 casos (15%) y 47/54 casos (87%), respectivamente. La pérdida de expresión de PTEN se relacionó con la invasión intracraneal y el desarrollo de metástasis regionales (p = 0,005). La ausencia de sobreexpresión de pS6 se relacionó con una supervivencia específica (p = 0,008) y global (p = 0,007) más favorables y la ausencia de recidivas locales (p = 0,055). No se observaron relaciones significativas entre la expresión de pAKT y mTOR y los parámetros clínico-patológicos estudiados. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones en la expresión de los componentes de la vía EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 son frecuentes en un subgrupo de CENS. Este estudio revela que la ausencia de sobreexpresión de pS6 se relaciona con mejores resultados clínicos, por lo que la expresión pS6 podría considerarse como un marcador pronóstico

Background and objectives: We have previously indicated that EGFR has a role in carcinogenesis in a subgroup of sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCC). In addition, EGFR activates 2 of the most important intracellular signalling pathways: PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 and MAP pathway kinases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway and its relationship with clinical-pathological parameters and follow-up of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. Material and methods: The immunohistochemical expression of different components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway and its relationship with various clinical-pathological parameters was studied in a series of 54 patients with SNSCC. Results: Loss of PTEN expression was observed in 33/54 cases (61%) and pAKT, mTOR and pS6 pre-expression was observed in 19/54 cases (35%), 8/54 cases (15%), and 47/54 cases (87%), respectively. Loss of PTEN expression was related to intracranial invasion and development of regional metastases (p=0.005). Overexpression of pS6 was associated with a decrease in survival (p=0.008), presence of local recurrences (p=0.055), and worsening of overall prognosis (p=0.007). No significant relationships were observed between pAKT and mTOR expression and the clinicopathological parameters studied. Conclusions: Alterations in the expression of EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway components are common in a subgroup of SNSCC. This study reveals that the absence of pS6 overexpression is associated with better clinical outcomes. Therefore, pS6 expression could be considered as an unfavourable prognostic marker

Validation of the measures of cepstral peak prominence as a measure of dysphonia severity in Spanish-speaking subjects. / Validez de las medidas del pico cepstral para la valoración objetiva de la disfonía en sujetos de habla hispana.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Perceptual rating of overall voice quality and other more specific perceptual dimensions is difficult, as such judgments depend on the listener's subjectivity. Thus, finding objective, valid, and accessible clinical measures to include in comprehensive voice evaluation protocols is a priority. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the diagnostic accuracy of a single acoustic measure, smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), to predict voice disorder status from sustained vowels and connected speech samples using the software Praat; 2) to determine the relationship between measures of CPPS and perceptual ratings of vocal quality; and 3) describe the normative values of CPPS. METHOD: Measures of CPPS were obtained from connected speech and sustained vowel recordings of 72 Spanish-speaking subjects with voice disorders and 52 nondysphonic Spanish-speaking subjects with no vocal disorders using freely downloadable Praat software. IBM SPSS Statistics software version 23 was used to complete the statistical analyses. RESULTS: results revealed a 70% sensitivity rate, a specificity rate of 85%. Estimated severity for sustained vowels and connected speech were strongly correlated and significantly associated with listener ratings of dysphonia severity. CONCLUSIONS: A single acoustic measure of CPPS was highly predictive of voice disorder status using Praat software. Clinicians may consider using CPPS to complement clinical voice evaluation and screening protocols.

Predictive value of EGFR-PI3K-pAKT-mTOR-pS6 pathway in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas. / Valor pronóstico de la ruta de EGFR-PI3K-pAKT-mTOR-pS6 en los carcinomas epidermoides nasosinusales.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We have previously indicated that EGFR has a role in carcinogenesis in a subgroup of sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCC). In addition, EGFR activates 2 of the most important intracellular signalling pathways: PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 and MAP pathway kinases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway and its relationship with clinical-pathological parameters and follow-up of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The immunohistochemical expression of different components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway and its relationship with various clinical-pathological parameters was studied in a series of 54 patients with SNSCC. RESULTS: Loss of PTEN expression was observed in 33/54 cases (61%) and pAKT, mTOR and pS6 pre-expression was observed in 19/54 cases (35%), 8/54 cases (15%), and 47/54 cases (87%), respectively. Loss of PTEN expression was related to intracranial invasion and development of regional metastases (p=0.005). Overexpression of pS6 was associated with a decrease in survival (p=0.008), presence of local recurrences (p=0.055), and worsening of overall prognosis (p=0.007). No significant relationships were observed between pAKT and mTOR expression and the clinicopathological parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the expression of EGFR/PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/pS6 pathway components are common in a subgroup of SNSCC. This study reveals that the absence of pS6 overexpression is associated with better clinical outcomes. Therefore, pS6 expression could be considered as an unfavourable prognostic marker.

Management of differentiated thyroid carcinomas. / Manejo de los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Radioiodine is the principal treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of these tumours. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We present a retrospective study of 55 patients operated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in our hospital between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: The mean age at time of diagnosis was 49 years, and females predominated (78% of cases). Seventy eight percent of the patients were in the initial stages (stages i and ii). The definitive histopathological diagnosis was papillary carcinoma in 84% and follicular carcinoma in the remaining 16%. All of the patients, with the exception of 2 (4%), underwent total thyroidectomy, with lymphadenectomy in 58% of cases. Nine percent of the patients had permanent hypoparathyroidism and although 18% suffered transitory unilateral paralysis, 40% of these female patients had completely recovered after 6 months. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were given radioiodine postoperatively. There was a recurrence rate of 40% most of which was at cervical level (29% of the patients). Survival at 5 years was 87%, 95% of the papillary subtype, falling to 56% of the follicular subtype (P=.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for differentiated thyroid carcinomas is excellent after appropriate surgical treatment, thorough preoperative assessment,and strict postoperative follow-up due to the significant recurrence rates.

Management of severe and/or refractory epistaxis. / Manejo de las epistaxis graves y/o refractarias.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the results of the treatment of severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission. In addition, the results of arterial ligation versus embolization were compared. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty-three patients with severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission between August 2014 and December 2016 were included prospectively. RESULTS: Eleven patients (17%) underwent embolization, 5 (8%) endoscopy ligation and the remaining 47 (75%) underwent conservative treatment with tamponade. The mean age of the patients in which conservative measures were sufficient was 72 years, while the age of those treated with embolization was 71 years and of those who underwent surgery was 53 years. For the patients who underwent conservative treatment or surgery, the average stay was 6 days, compared to 9 days for those who underwent embolization. One patient suffered a hemispheric stroke after embolization. No post-surgical complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of severe and/or refractory epistaxis are resolved by conventional tamponade. Endoscopy ligation is associated with a decrease in hospital stay, without serious complications. It is advisable to have all the possible therapeutic options available, for which the presence of interventional radiologists and experienced surgeons is essential to avoid complications and decide the treatment to be performed individually for each patient.

Resultados de la laringectomía total en carcinomas localmente avanzados de hipofaringe / Results of total laryngectomy as treatment for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

Introducción y objetivos: La laringectomía total (LT), más eventual radioterapia, ha demostrado ser un tratamiento eficaz en los casos de cáncer de hipofaringe localmente avanzado. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los resultados oncológicos de este procedimiento en pacientes con cáncer de hipofaringe T3 y T4. Métodos: Se incluyeron 59 pacientes (33 pacientes con estadio T3 y 26 con estadio T4a) con carcinoma epidermoide primario de hipofaringe tratados mediante LT entre los años 1998 y 2012. Resultados: La edad media fue de 61 años, con predominio de varones (96,6%). Todos los pacientes excepto uno eran fumadores y el 96% consumía alcohol. Se realizó vaciamiento cervical funcional unilateral en 12 pacientes, radical unilateral en 11 pacientes, funcional bilateral en 20 pacientes y funcional más radical en 14. El 66% de los pacientes recibieron radioterapia postoperatoria. Un 81% de los pacientes presentaba metástasis ganglionares y de estos un 56% presentaba invasión extracapsular. Un 29% de los pacientes presentaron recidiva locorregional, un 17% desarrollaron metástasis a distancia y un 25% un segundo tumor primario. La supervivencia específica fue del 46% a los 5 años. Conclusiones: La LT ampliada a faringe (con eventual radioterapia complementaria) ofrece buenos resultados oncológicos en términos de control locorregional de la enfermedad y supervivencia en el cáncer de hipofaringe localmente avanzado, de modo que los protocolos de preservación de órgano deben alcanzar resultados oncológicos similares a los demostrados por la LT (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Total laryngectomy (TL), with eventual postoperative radiotherapy, has proven to be effective in treating cases of locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the oncological outcomes of this procedure in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer classified T3 and T4. Methods: We studied 59 patients (33 T3 and 26 T4a) with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx treated with TL from 1998 to 2012. Results: Mean age was 61 years with a male predominance (96.6%). All the patients were smokers and 96% consumed alcohol. Unilateral selective neck dissection (ND) was performed in 12 patients, unilateral radical ND in 11 patients, bilateral selective ND in 20 patients and radical ND plus selective ND in 14 patients. 66% of the patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Lymph node metastases occurred in 81% of the patients and extranodal invasion in 56% of them. 29% of the patients had loco-regional recurrence, 17% developed distant metastases, and 25% a second primary tumour. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 46%. Conclusions: TL extended to pharynx (with eventual postoperative radiotherapy) offers good oncological results in terms of loco-regional control and survival in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer, so organ preservation protocols should achieve similar oncological results to those shown by TL (AU)

Tratamiento con toxina botulínica del síndrome del primer mordisco / Treatment of the first bite syndrome

El síndrome del primer mordisco es una secuela potencial de la cirugía del espacio infratemporal, lóbulo profundo de parótida y del espacio parafaríngeo. Se trata de un dolor agudo e intenso en la región parotídea que se desencadena con el primer mordisco de cada comida. Se relaciona con el daño de las fibras simpáticas que inervan la parótida, lo que resulta en una hipersensibilidad de las células mioepiteliales a la inervación parasimpática, provocando una intensa contracción de las mismas, responsable del dolor causado. No responde a los analgésicos habituales. La inyección de toxina botulínica tipo A en la parótida afectada se presenta como un tratamiento sencillo y eficaz contra este problema por el bloqueo colinérgico que produce. Presentamos la técnica y los resultados de 5 pacientes a los que se les inyectó la toxina botulínica en la parótida afectada (AU)

First bite syndrome is a potential complication of surgery involving the infratemporal fossa, deep lobe of the parotid gland and parapharyngeal space. It is described as an acute and intense pain in the parotid region caused with the first bite of each meal. It is related to damage to sympathetic innervation of the parotid gland. Parasympathetic hyperactivation is believed to stimulate an exaggerated myoepithelial cell contraction causing pain. Usual analgesic treatments have poor results. Botulinum toxin type A causes parasympathetic nerve paralysis of the parotid gland and this fact would minimize salivation and decrease first bite syndrome. The aim of this study is to show the details of the technique and our outcomes in 5 patients treated with botulinum toxin type A (AU)

Paciente con nódulos supurativos en el dorso nasal / A patient with suppurative nodules on the nasal dorsum

No disponible

Treatment of the first bite syndrome. / Tratamiento con toxina botulínica del síndrome del primer mordisco.

First bite syndrome is a potential complication of surgery involving the infratemporal fossa, deep lobe of the parotid gland and parapharyngeal space. It is described as an acute and intense pain in the parotid region caused with the first bite of each meal. It is related to damage to sympathetic innervation of the parotid gland. Parasympathetic hyperactivation is believed to stimulate an exaggerated myoepithelial cell contraction causing pain. Usual analgesic treatments have poor results. Botulinum toxin type A causes parasympathetic nerve paralysis of the parotid gland and this fact would minimize salivation and decrease first bite syndrome. The aim of this study is to show the details of the technique and our outcomes in 5 patients treated with botulinum toxin type A.

Results of total laryngectomy as treatment for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. / Resultados de la laringectomía total en carcinomas localmente avanzados de hipofaringe.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Total laryngectomy (TL), with eventual postoperative radiotherapy, has proven to be effective in treating cases of locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the oncological outcomes of this procedure in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer classified T3 and T4. METHODS: We studied 59 patients (33 T3 and 26 T4a) with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx treated with TL from 1998 to 2012. RESULTS: Mean age was 61 years with a male predominance (96.6%). All the patients were smokers and 96% consumed alcohol. Unilateral selective neck dissection (ND) was performed in 12 patients, unilateral radical ND in 11 patients, bilateral selective ND in 20 patients and radical ND plus selective ND in 14 patients. 66% of the patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Lymph node metastases occurred in 81% of the patients and extranodal invasion in 56% of them. 29% of the patients had loco-regional recurrence, 17% developed distant metastases, and 25% a second primary tumour. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 46%. CONCLUSIONS: TL extended to pharynx (with eventual postoperative radiotherapy) offers good oncological results in terms of loco-regional control and survival in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer, so organ preservation protocols should achieve similar oncological results to those shown by TL.