Optimising Patient Outcomes in Tongue Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

A multidisciplinary approach to the management of tongue cancer is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes. Nursing and allied health professionals play essential roles within the team. We developed symposia comprising a series of online lectures offering a detailed perspective on the role each discipline and consumer perspective has in the management of patients with tongue cancer. The topics, including epidemiology and prevention, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, adjuvant care, and the management of recurrent or metastatic disease, were thoroughly examined. The symposia highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration and continuous learning through a multidisciplinary approach. This initiative should be relevant to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers striving to enhance patient outcomes in tongue cancer care through innovative collaboration.

Relationship between tumor thickness and GATA3 immunoexpression in lip and tongue squamous cell carcinomas.

PURPOSE: Lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCCs) exhibit lower levels of aggressiveness, low relations with metastases and better prognosis when compared with intraoral squamous cell carcinomas. Differently from the oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCCs) have a high tendency towards local invasion and lymph nodal dissemination. Our aim was to evaluate tumor thickness in cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlate it with histological grade of malignancy and GATA3 immunoreactivity. METHODS: Sixty specimens (30 LLSCCs and 30 OTSCCs) were scanned and digitized for the subsequent measurement of tumor thickness, histopathological examination, and quantitative analysis of GATA3 in the parenchyma and stroma of the tumors. RESULTS: Tumor thickness was lower in LLSCC compared to OTSCCs. Immunohistochemical analysis of GATA3 in parenchyma, stroma and both compartments showed higher immunoreactivity in LLSCCs compared to OTSCCs. We observed a negative correlation between tumor thickness and GATA3 expression in parenchyma, stroma, and both compartments. Our results revealed the presence of GATA3 in all cases both in the parenchyma and in the stroma. Higher expression was more related to LLSCCs, which are known to be less aggressive tumors than OTSCCs. CONCLUSIONS: A greater tumor thickness was found in OTSCCs, which was correlated with lower expression of GATA3, suggesting that this protein is involved in the inhibition of proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacity.

Favourable swallowing outcomes after subtotal glossectomy with laryngeal suspension.

Subtotal or total glossectomy for advanced tongue cancer has an adverse impact on swallowing. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse postoperative swallowing outcomes and to determine the ideal reconstruction method in these patients. The clinical and swallowing data of patients with tongue cancer who underwent subtotal glossectomy at the study institution between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Data were available for 101 patients. The most common reconstruction method was a free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (69 cases). The postoperative feeding tube dependency rate was 11.1% at discharge and 9.4% at 1 year. During the study period, laryngeal suspension and/or a cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in 39 patients (38.6%), with 25 of these operations performed after 2017. Patients treated in 2017-2019 were significantly more able to take thin liquid (P < 0.001) and lost less weight (P = 0.015) compared to those treated in 2005-2016. Multivariate analysis of 61 patients who did not undergo laryngeal suspension and/or cricopharyngeal myotomy showed significant feeding tube dependency in those aged 65 years and older (P = 0.004). Thin liquid intake was significantly improved after subtotal glossectomy with laryngeal suspension, which led to better postoperative swallowing and improved quality of life.

Volumetric changes in post hemiglossectomy reconstruction with anterolateral thigh free flap versus radial forearm free flap.

The volume of the reconstructed tongue is considered a critical factor for tongue function. Studies investigating the difference in volume loss between the anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTF) and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) used in reconstruction of the tongue after hemiglossectomy are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in shrinkage between these two flaps. This was a retrospective study of all patients treated for tongue cancer by hemiglossectomy who underwent either ALTF or RFFF reconstruction at the University of Florida College of Medicine between January 2018 and April 2022. Computed tomography scans were used to measure the volumetric changes in the ALTF and RFFF at two time points over a 6-month period. Of the 85 patients assessed, 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria: five were reconstructed with an ALTF and five with a RFFF. All underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean ALTF percentage shrinkage was 39.6% ± 3.9%, while for the RFFF it was 51.1% ± 6.2% (P = 0.008). Therefore, it is recommended that the difference in volume loss between the two flaps is taken into consideration. It is suggested that in hemiglossectomy cases, the ALTF is made 1.4 times larger than the defect, while the RFFF is made 1.5 times larger.

Evaluation of the presence of Th1 response through T-bet and IFN-gamma immunohistochemical expression in lower lip and oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of T-bet and IFN-γ in lower lip (LLSCC) and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), verifying the presence of Th1 responses in lesions with different clinical conditions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty OTSCC and 30 LLSCC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. T-bet was quantitatively assessed by parenchyma cell and stroma quantification, and IFN-γ was semi-quantitatively analyzed: 1:0-25%; 2:26-50%; 3:51-75%; 4:> 75% immunopositive cells. Histological differentiation degrees were categorized as well differentiated (WD), moderately differentiated (MD), or poorly differentiated (PD). RESULTS: OTSCC presented the highest number of T-bet+, parenchyma (p: 0.006), stroma (p: 0.156), parenchyma/stroma (p: 0.015), with no relationship to histological malignancy grade. IFN-γ higher concentrations in LLSCC were detected in parenchyma, stroma and in parenchyma/stroma (p: 0.000), as well as greater immunoreactivity in WD and MD (p: 0.001). In OTSCC, a positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between T-bet+ in parenchyma and IFN-γ in stroma(r: 0.388; p: 0.034), in addition to a statistically significant positive correlation between T-bet in parenchyma compared to stroma(r: 0.411; p: 0.024) and for IFN-γ in both parenchyma and stroma(r: 0.775; p: 0.000) in LLSCC. Higher T-bet+ was observed in OTSCCs, although higher IFN-γ was detected in LLSCCs. CONCLUSION: Thus, we suggest that, even though LLSCC presented lower T-bet+, the favorable microenvironment in these lesions led to an expressive activation of IFN-γ by T-bet+, considerably acting on Th1 differentiation and in antitumor activity, which, admittedly, present less aggressive behavior, reinforcing once again the important role of this cytokine and its use in strategy to fight cancer.

A Site-Based Analysis of Relationship Between Clinicopathological Factors and Their Influence on Locoregional Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

In India, oral cancers are the major cause of cancer-related death. Tongue and buccal mucosa being the major subsites in oral cancer have varying clinicopathological presentations. This study is intended to know the difference in clinicopathological behavior of these two subsites. This retrospective study included 474 patients of which 232 patients had tongue cancer and 242 patients had buccal alveolar complex (BAC) cancer. Comparison between the pathological characters including pattern of nodal involvement was analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and factors influencing the DFS were analyzed and compared using Cox regression analysis. Mean age of the study population was 52.7 years. Tongue oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) differed significantly from BAC OSCC in terms of age of presentation, tumor staging, and perineural invasion. Among neck nodal involvement, tongue OSCC commonly involved level IIa (p < 0.001) whereas BAC involved level Ib (p < 0.001). At a median follow-up of 27 months, 141 patients had disease recurrence, tongue OSCC commonly recurred in neck (p = 0.008), and BAC OSCC relapsed at primary site (p = 0.001). Patients older than 45 years with BAC cancer had lesser risk of recurrence (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5; p < 0.0001). Pathological tumor stage in tongue cancer (HR, 14.9; 95% CI, 2.6-84.8; p = 0.002) and grade of tumor differentiation in BAC OSCC (HR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.9-43.3; p < 0.005) were the most significant factors that influenced tumor recurrence. There was a significant difference in factors influencing disease recurrence among tongue and BAC OSCC. Also, pattern of nodal metastasis and pattern of recurrence were different. Hence, further research on OSCC may be done site specific. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-023-01750-8.

Coexistence of Thyrolipomatosis and Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Thyrolipomatosis, a diffuse non-neoplastic infiltration of fatty tissue in the thyroid gland, is an extremely rare condition with only about 30 cases reported worldwide. A few of these cases report the concurrency of thyrolipomatosis and malignant neoplasms in the thyroid or colon, but never with tongue cancer. A 44-year-old female patient with an infiltrative tongue mass suggestive of carcinoma presented for an outpatient consultation. Cervical imaging revealed multiple lymphadenopathies and a multinodular goitre with diffuse fatty infiltration, suggestive of thyrolipomatosis. Surgical intervention included partial resection of the tongue and thyroid (left hemiglossectomy and right hemithyroidectomy, respectively) and lymphadenectomy. The thyroid specimen showed diffuse fat metaplasia of the stromal thyroid tissue, confirming incidental thyrolipomatosis. During post-operative follow-up, the patient presented with recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma as indicated by new right-sided thyroid nodules, left-sided lymphadenopathies with confirmatory biopsy, and a growing neck mass that became infected. The patient developed septic shock and later died. Thyrolipomatosis causes thyroid swelling and can be clinically detected as goitres or as an incidental finding. Diagnosis is suggested by cervical imaging (ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance), but confirmation is histological after thyroidectomy. Although thyrolipomatosis is benign, it could develop concurrently with neoplastic diseases, especially on embryologically related tissues (e.g. thyroid and tongue). This case report is the first in the literature describing the coexistence between thyrolipomatosis and tongue cancer in an adult Peruvian patient.

Solitary plexiform neurofibroma of the tongue: report of a case with no evidence of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromas are frequently present in the skin, but are uncommon in the oral and maxillofacial region. There are three histological variants of neurofibroma: localized, diffuse, and plexiform. The plexiform histological variant of neurofibroma is the least common and is a rare occurrence in the oral cavity. Furthermore, plexiform neurofibroma is usually pathognomonic of neurofibromatosis type 1. A case of solitary plexiform neurofibroma of the tongue with no evidence of neurofibromatosis in a 50-year-old female Chinese patient is reported here. The lesion presented as a single, large, well-circumscribed rounded mass in the left hemi-tongue. The tumour was completely excised. No recurrence was observed at the 6-month follow-up.

Use of tongue base palpation among oral healthcare providers: Cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of tongue base palpation during cancer screening exams by Oral Healthcare Providers (OHPs) and explore attitudes about (1) the usefulness of oral cancer screening (OCS) in detecting early, asymptomatic lesions and (2) routine OCS of the general population. STUDY DESIGN: Survey study. SETTING: Private and hospital-based clinical practices of OHPs located in Massachusetts and Connecticut, United States. METHODS: An anonymous, online 9-item survey assessing beliefs and practice patterns about cancer screening exams was distributed to OHPs with practices in Massachusetts and Connecticut from August 2020 to June 2021. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and Pearson correlations. Statistically significant levels were established at P < .050. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one responses were analyzed (response rate 17 %). Tongue base palpation was performed as part of a routine cancer screening exam by 55 % of otolaryngologists, 34 % of dentists and 29 % of OMFS (P = .030). Providers who palpated the tongue base were also more likely to use palpation as an exam technique in the tonsils (r = 0.52 [95 % CI 0.40-0.62]; P < .001) among other intra-and extra-oral anatomical subsites. Almost all dentists (92 %) and OMFS (98 %) but only 58 % of otolaryngologists considered OCS useful for detection of early, asymptomatic malignant lesions in the oral cavity (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: While tongue base palpation can detect oropharyngeal cancers in a pre-symptomatic stage, it is underutilized during routine cancer screening exams. Considering the rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancer, tongue base palpation should be established as a routine part of cancer screening by OHPs.

Preoperative evaluation of depth of invasion in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The inclusion of depth of invasion (DOI) in the American Joint Committee on Cancer's staging system for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has major clinical impacts. Recent studies have evaluated the reliability of imaging modalities and biopsy techniques to measure DOI preoperatively. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively include all previously described methods to measure preoperative DOI in oral tongue SCC (OTSCC) and to compare their reliability. A systematic review was conducted on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that evaluated the reliability of DOI measured on biopsy or imaging (rDOI) by comparing it to DOI on histopathology (pDOI) were included for extraction. A meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled correlation coefficients for each imaging modality. The pooled correlation coefficients between rDOI and pDOI were 0.86 (CI95% = [0.82-0.88]) and 0.80 (CI95% = [0.70-0.87]) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and computed tomography (CT) studies, respectively. For ultrasound (US), the correlation coefficient could only be measured by including studies which measured not only DOI but also tumor thickness. It was 0.89 (CI95%= [0.82-0.94]). Overall, MRI is the better studied modality. It has a good reliability to measure preoperative rDOI in OTSCC. CT is less studied but appears to be less reliable. US cannot be compared to these imaging modality as it has been used more often to measure TT than DOI.

Correlation between radiologic depth of invasion and pathologic depth of invasion in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively assess the correlation between radiologic depth of invasion (rDOI) and pathologic depth of invasion (pDOI) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were searched to find pertinent articles reporting rDOI of OSCC. Studies evaluating the correlations and mean differences (MDs) between rDOI and pDOI were included. The rDOI was measured based on ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The correlation coefficients and MDs between rDOI and pDOI were meta-analytically pooled. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins' inconsistency index (I2). Subgroup analysis was performed based on imaging modality. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies with 1787 patients were included. The pooled correlation coefficient and MD were 0.86 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.90; I2 = 66.9 %) and 1.84 mm (95 % CI, 1.02-2.65 mm; I2 = 88.2 %), respectively. In subgroup analysis, MRI showed the largest MD (n = 12, 2.61 mm), followed by US (n = 2, -0.41 mm) and CT (n = 2, 0.12 mm). US showed the highest correlation coefficient (n = 3, 0.91), followed by MRI (n = 12, 0.85) and CT (n = 3, 0.82). CONCLUSION: rDOI measured by US, CT, and MRI demonstrated excellent correlations with pDOI.

Prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis from immunostained specimens of tongue cancer using a multilayer perceptron neural network.

BACKGROUND: Although cervical lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor for oral cancer, occult metastases remain undetected even by diagnostic imaging. We developed a learning model to predict lymph node metastasis in resected specimens of tongue cancer by classifying the level of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for angiogenesis- and lymphangiogenesis-related proteins using a multilayer perceptron neural network (MNN). METHODS: We obtained a dataset of 76 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue who had undergone primary tumor resection. All 76 specimens were IHC stained for the six types shown above (VEGF-C, VEGF-D, NRP1, NRP2, CCR7, and SEMA3E) and 456 slides were prepared. We scored the staining levels visually on all slides. We created virtual slides (4560 images) and the accuracy of the MNN model was verified by comparing it with a hue-saturation (HS) histogram, which quantifies the manually determined visual information. RESULTS: The accuracy of the training model with the MNN was 98.6%, and when the training image was converted to grayscale, the accuracy decreased to 52.9%. This indicates that our MNN adequately evaluates the level of staining rather than the morphological features of the IHC images. Multivariate analysis revealed that CCR7 staining level and T classification were independent factors associated with the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis in both HS histograms and MNN. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IHC assessment using MNN may be useful for identifying lymph node metastasis in patients with tongue cancer.

A precise glossectomy for tongue cancer adjacent to or crossing the midline: a novel anatomical unit resection surgery.

Previous studies have lacked a clear anatomical and functional definition of glossectomy for tongue cancer adjacent to or crossing the midline (TCML). The aim of this study was to provide a novel surgical approach based on anatomical unit resection surgery to treat TCML. A total of 120 patients with TCML who had undergone radical surgery were recruited retrospectively into the study. The patients who were treated with compartment surgery formed the control group; those treated with anatomical unit resection surgery formed the experimental group. The TCML was classified into cancer adjacent to the midline, cancer invading but not breaching the contralateral musculus verticalis linguae-genioglossus complex (MGC), and cancer breaching the contralateral MGC. No significant difference in the overall survival rate was found between the experimental and control groups overall (P = 0.853) or by TCML classification. In patients with cancer adjacent to the midline, the swallowing score (P = 0.040) and cosmetic outcome (P = 0.015) were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group. For patients with cancer invading but not breaching the contralateral MGC, the speech intelligibility score (P = 0.001), swallowing score (P = 0.002), and cosmetic outcome (P = 0.037) were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group. Anatomical unit resection surgery was found to provide a precise surgical treatment to address tongue cancer adjacent to or crossing the midline and maximally maintain tongue tissue and function.

Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life and psychological distress of patients with tongue cancer undergoing total/subtotal glossectomy (TG) or extended hemiglossectomy (HG) and free flap transfer. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Short Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 43 patients with tongue cancer, 24 (56%) underwent TG and 19 (44%) underwent HG. The general health and social functioning scores in the SF-8 and depression in the HADS were significantly worse in the TG group than in the HG group at 12 months after surgery, indicating that patients in the TG group may experience social isolation and psychological distress, and have difficulty in employability even 12 months after surgery. In contrast, all items of the SF-8 in the HG group were nearly equal to those in the general population. Due to the extensive psychological impact on patients with tongue cancer who are planned for an extended resection, curative surgery with free flap transfer and multidisciplinary psychiatric support are essential to improve quality of life and manage psychological distress.

Oral carcinogenesis triggers a nociceptive behavior and c-Fos expression in rats' trigeminal pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To recognize changes that occur along the trigeminal pathway in oral cancer in order to establish an effective approach to pain control. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into control and 4-NQO groups for 8, 12, 16, or 20 weeks. 4-NQO suspension was administered on the animals' tongues. Mechanical hyperalgesia, assessment of facial expressions, and an open-field test were performed. After euthanasia, the animals' tongues were removed for macro- and microscopic analysis. c-Fos expression was analyzed in the trigeminal pathway structures. RESULTS: 4-NQO induced time-dependent macroscopic lesions that were compatible with neoplastic tumors. Histopathological analysis confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma in 50% of the animals on the 20th week. There was a significant nociceptive threshold reduction during the first two weeks, followed by a threshold return to the baseline levels, decreasing again from the 12th week. Facial nociceptive expression scores were observed on the 20th week, while increased grooming and exploratory activity were observed on the 8th week. Trigeminal ganglion showed an increased c-Fos immunoexpression on the 20th week, and in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis, it occurred on the 16th and 20th. The long-term carcinogenic exposure caused changes in the nociceptive behavior and c-Fos expression in the rats' trigeminal pathway.

Prognostic significance of tumor budding thresholds in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) represents the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. Tumor budding (TB) is a reliable prognostic factor in OTSCC; however, a standardized scoring system is not still validated. AIMS: The study aims to evaluate the prognostic role of TB in 211 OTSCC patients treated between 1997 and 2018. MATERIALS & METHODS: TB was evaluated on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections in the hotspot area of the infiltrative front (×200-magnification). It was scored using a two-tier system, a three-tier system, and according to BD-model and revised-Grading system. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were performed. A p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The two-tier and three-tier systems resulted an independent prognostic factor of DSS. High-risk patients had a 2.21 and 3.08 times increased probability of poor DSS compared with low-risk group. It is significantly increased even for intermediate-risk group. No significant differences emerged classifying patients according to BD-model and revised-Grading system. DISCUSSION: These data confirm the prognostic value of TB in predicting DSS in OTSCC. Classifying patients into two groups using the 5-bud cutoff significantly discriminates their outcomes. CONCLUSION: Since the established role of DOI and the poor prognostic value of grading, TB could be considered an independent prognostic marker.

Radiation modulates expression and related activities of c-Met protein in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

OBJECTIVES: c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in the growth, invasion and metastasis of a variety of cancers. In a set of cell lines from several solid tumors, a five-fold increase in c-Met expression after irradiation has been reported. This study aimed to assess if c-Met is likewise abundantly expressed in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) upon exposure to irradiation, followed by a Met-induced biological response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six OTSCC cell lines were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gray. The changes in c-Met protein levels were assessed by western blot and flow cytometry. c-Met gene expression, cell migration, proliferation and cell cycle assays were performed as phenotypic readouts. RESULTS: Irradiation resulted in upregulation of c.Met in all cell lines with different time kinetics. On average the cells displayed minimal c-Met expression on their surface ranging from 5 to 30% of total protein. Abrupt downregulation of c-Met surface expression occurred one hour after radiation but recovered 48 h post-radiation. Intracellularly, the highest level of expression was found on day 5 after radiation exposure. Irradiation induced aggressive invasive potential of the cells as determined in cell migration assays, particularly in cell lines with the highest c-Met expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide novel insights into both intracellular and extracellular dynamics of c-Met expression profiles upon irradiation of OTSCC cells in vitro. It might also suggest that radiation enhances cell migration, indicative of invasiveness, through c-Met up-regulation, at least for certain types of OTSCC cells.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of depth of invasion in tongue carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tongue carcinoma constitutes 10.4-46.9% of all oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and is notoriously known for invading tissues deeper than the evident gross margins. The deeper the tumor invades, the higher are its chances of future morbidity and mortality due to extensive neck dissection and risk of recurrence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive diagnostic aid used for measuring a preoperative tumor's depth of invasion (DOI) as it can efficiently outline soft tissue tumors from adjacent normal tissue. To assess various MRI modalities used in measuring DOI in tongue carcinoma and their reliability compared with other DOI measuring modalities. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42022330866), and the following Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines were performed. PubMed electronic database was searched using a combination of keywords for relevant articles in the English language since 2016. Critical appraisal was carried out using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative (QUADAS-C) risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment tool. A weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated between MRI and histopathological DOI along with pooled correlation and subgroup analysis, where possible. A total of 795 records were retrieved of which 17 were included in the final review with 13 included for meta-analysis. A high RoB was found for most studies for all parameters except flow and timing. WMD showed a statistically significant MRI overestimation of 1.90 mm compared with histopathology. Subgroup analysis showed the 1.5 Tesla machine to be superior to the 3.0 Tesla machine, while imaging sequence subgroup analysis could not be performed. MRI is a viable preoperative DOI measurement modality that can help in efficient treatment planning to decrease surgical morbidity and mortality.

Quality of life in tongue cancer treated patients before and after speech therapy: a randomized clinical trial / Qualidade de vida em pacientes tratados por câncer de língua pré e pós fonoterapia: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction: Tongue cancer is one of the most common subtypes of head and neck cancer. The aggressive effects of treatment cause aesthetic, psychosocial and functional deficits, especially dysphagia, which affects patient quality of life. Rehabilitation, which is essential for functional maximum recovery, helps patients deal with new and altered structures and has a positive impact on quality of life. Objective: To verify the impact of speech therapy on swallowing quality of life in tongue cancer patients after treatment. Methods: This parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted at a public hospital in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Before and after the intervention, a quality of life questionnaire (the Deglutition Handicap Index) was employed, dysphagia severity was assessed with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, and the Functional Oral Intake Scale carried out. The experimental group underwent four-week sessions of speech therapy over one month, while the control group received the institution's usual follow-up. Results: Thirty individuals treated for tongue cancer were divided into a study and a control group. Deglutition Handicap Index scores decreased significantly (approximately 40 points) (p < 0.001) after the intervention in the study group. There was a significant correlation between improved quality of life, reduced dysphagia severity and increased in Functional Oral Intake Scale scores (p <0.001). Conclusion: After speech therapy, quality of life scores related to deglutition and dysphagia severity improved in patients treated for tongue cancer.

Resumo Introdução: O câncer de língua é um dos subtipos mais comuns do câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Os efeitos agressivos do tratamento causam impactos estéticos, psicossociais e funcionais, principalmente a disfagia, os quais afetam a qualidade devida do paciente. A reabilitação, essencial para a máxima recuperação funcional, auxilia o paciente a lidar com as novas estruturas e tem impacto positivo na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Verificar o impacto da fonoterapia na Qualidade de Vida relacionada à deglutição de pacientes tratados por câncer de língua. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado paralelo, realizado em um hospital público de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Antes e após a intervenção, os participantes foram avaliados por meio de um questionário de Qualidade de Vida (o Índice de Desvantagem da Deglutição), classificados quanto a gravidade da disfagia (por meio do exame de Videoendoscopia da Deglutição) e quanto ao nível da escala funcional de ingestão por via oral. O grupo experimental foi submetido a quatro sessões semanais de fonoterapia no período de um mês, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu o acompanhamento habitual da instituição. Resultados: Trinta indivíduos tratados para câncer de língua foram divididos em um grupo estudo e um grupo controle. Houve uma diminuição significativa, de aproximadamente 40 pontos (p <0,001), nos escores de Qualidade de Vida após a intervenção no grupo experimental. Verificou-se correlação significativa entre a melhora da Qualidade de Vida, a redução da gravidade da disfagia e o aumento dos níveis da escala funcional de ingestão por via oral (p <0,001). Conclusão: Após a fonoterapia, pacientes tratados por câncer de língua apresentaram melhora nos escores de Qualidade de Vida relacionada à deglutição e na gravidade da disfagia.

Enteric duplication cyst of the tongue in a newborn: A case report and literature review.

Enteric duplication cysts (EDCs) are congenital anomalies. We report the case of a 5-day-old girl with a 2.0 cm congenital oral mass in the tongue, an extremely uncommon site of EDC. The tongue mass was resected without complication; microscopic findings were characteristic of an EDC, and the patient is doing very well. The English literature was researched for the cases of single congenital oral cavity masses diagnosed prenatally or at birth as EDC or EDC-like lesions. Cystic lesions of the oral cavity partially lined by gastrointestinal epithelium, without teratoma features, have received several names. Similarities between EDC and EDC-like lesions favor the idea of one lesion with several morphologies manifest along a spectrum and that the necessity for EDC diagnosis of the smooth muscle coat criteria could be re-evaluated to improve the categorization of these lesions and better understand the pathogenic mechanism.