Tobacco and Alcohol Use and Clinical Staging of Head and Neck Tumors

Abstract Objective: To determine the relationship between tobacco and alcohol consumption and staging of head and neck cancer in patients treated at a referral hospital for cancer treatment. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on medical records of patients with head and neck cancer treated between 2008 and 2015. The following variables were considered: gender, age, marital status, educational level, place of residence, profession, affected site, clinical staging of neoplasms, histopathological diagnosis, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Results: Of the 154 medical records analyzed, there was a predominance of male patients (72.7%), single (50%), with low education (88.1%), rural workers (38.3%), residents in the state countryside (70.2%) and aged 20-94 years. T3 and T4 size tumors prevailed. A significant correlation was found between alcohol use and tumor size (p=0.03) and presence of nodules (p<0.001), as well as between alcohol use and smoking with tumor size (p=0.04) and presence of nodules (p=0.019). No correlations were observed between tobacco use and injury staging. Conclusion: There was strong significance between tumor size and presence of nodules, both with the use of alcohol alone and with tobacco, thus suggesting the existence of important carcinogenic action of this substance.

Effect of the sense of coherence and associated factors in the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients

Abstract The sense of coherence (SOC) is a measure of global orientation regarding the ability of individuals to cope with stressful situations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between SOC and quality of life (QoL) and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics among survivors of oral, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 cancer patients in follow up at the Santa Maria University Hospital in southern Brazil who had completed conformal 3D radiotherapy at least three months earlier. QoL was assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire and SOC was measured using the Brazilian version of the SOC-13 questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and the disease were obtained from patients' charts. Oral clinical conditions were also evaluated. Associations between exploratory variables and mean UW-QOL scores were evaluated through Poisson regression and the results were presented as rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The mean overall UW-QOL score was 67.90 (± 18.71). Moderate and high SOC scores were associated with higher mean UW-QOL scores, that is, individuals with a stronger SOC demonstrated better QoL, (p < 0.05). Regarding the clinical variables, individuals with advanced stage cancer and those with hyposalivation and trismus had poorer QoL (p < 0.05). Patients with a greater SOC reported a better quality of life. Our findings show the importance of focusing on psychosocial factors, which can alleviate the impact caused by the disease and improve the QoL of these patients.

Effect of the sense of coherence and associated factors in the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients

Abstract The sense of coherence (SOC) is a measure of global orientation regarding the ability of individuals to cope with stressful situations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between SOC and quality of life (QoL) and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics among survivors of oral, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 cancer patients in follow up at the Santa Maria University Hospital in southern Brazil who had completed conformal 3D radiotherapy at least three months earlier. QoL was assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire and SOC was measured using the Brazilian version of the SOC-13 questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and the disease were obtained from patients' charts. Oral clinical conditions were also evaluated. Associations between exploratory variables and mean UW-QOL scores were evaluated through Poisson regression and the results were presented as rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The mean overall UW-QOL score was 67.90 (± 18.71). Moderate and high SOC scores were associated with higher mean UW-QOL scores, that is, individuals with a stronger SOC demonstrated better QoL, (p < 0.05). Regarding the clinical variables, individuals with advanced stage cancer and those with hyposalivation and trismus had poorer QoL (p < 0.05). Patients with a greater SOC reported a better quality of life. Our findings show the importance of focusing on psychosocial factors, which can alleviate the impact caused by the disease and improve the QoL of these patients.

Patient Concerns Inventory for head and neck cancer: Brazilian cultural adaptation / Inventário de Preocupações dos Pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço: adaptação cultural brasileira

Summary Objective: The purpose of this study was to translate, culturally validate and evaluate the Patients Concerns Inventory - Head and Neck (PCI-H&N) in a consecutive series of Brazilian patients. Method: This study included adult patients treated for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer. The translation and cultural adaptation of the PCI-H&N followed internationally accepted guidelines and included a pretest sample of patients that completed the first Brazilian Portuguese version of the PCI. Use, feasibility and acceptability of the PCI were tested subsequently in a consecutive series of UADT cancer patients that completed the final Brazilian Portuguese version of the PCI and a Brazilian Portuguese version of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL). Associations between physical and socio-emotional composite scores from the UW-QOL and the PCI were analyzed. Results: Twenty (20) patients participated in the pretest survey (translation and cultural adaptation process), and 84 patients were analyzed in the cultural validation study. Issues most selected were: fear of cancer returning, dry mouth, chewing/eating, speech/voice/being understood, swallowing, dental health/teeth, anxiety, fatigue/tiredness, taste, and fear of adverse events. The three specialists most selected by the patients for further consultation were speech therapist, dentist and psychologist. Statistically significant relationships between PCI and UW-QOL were found. Conclusion: The translation and cultural adaptation of the PCI into Brazilian Portuguese language was successful, and the results demonstrate its feasibility and usefulness, making this a valuable tool for use among the Brazilian head and neck cancer population.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e avaliar o Inventário de Preocupações dos Pacientes - Cabeça e Pescoço (IPP-CP) em uma série consecutiva de pacientes brasileiros. Método: Este estudo incluiu pacientes adultos tratados por câncer do trato aerodigestivo superior (TADS). A tradução e a adaptação cultural do IPP-CP seguiram diretrizes internacionalmente aceitas e incluíram uma amostra piloto de pacientes que completaram a primeira versão em português do IPP-CP. O uso, a viabilidade e a aceitabilidade do IPP-CP foram testados posteriormente, em uma série consecutiva de pacientes com câncer do TADS que completaram a versão final em português do PCI e uma versão em português do questionário de qualidade de vida da Universidade de Washington (UW-QOL). As associações entre os escores físicos e socioemocionais do UW-QOL e do IPP foram analisadas. Resultados: Vinte pacientes participaram da pesquisa piloto (processo de adaptação cultural e tradução), e 84 pacientes foram analisados no estudo de validação cultural. As questões mais selecionadas foram: medo de o câncer voltar, boca seca, mastigação/comer, fala/voz/ser compreendido, deglutição, saúde dental/dentes, ansiedade, fadiga/cansaço, paladar e medo de eventos adversos. Os três especialistas mais selecionados foram fonoaudiólogo, dentista e psicólogo. Relações estatisticamente significativas entre IPP e UW-QOL foram encontradas. Conclusão: A tradução e a adaptação cultural do IPP para o português foram bem-sucedidas, e os resultados demonstram a viabilidade e a utilidade da ferramenta, tornando-a valiosa para uso na população brasileira com câncer de CP.

Cutaneous angiosarcoma: report of three different and typical cases admitted in a unique dermatology clinic

Abstract: Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor with high rates of metastasis and relapse. It shows a particular predilection for the skin and superficial soft tissues. We report three distinct and typical cases of angiosarcoma that were diagnosed in a single dermatology clinic over the course of less than a year: i) Angiosarcoma in lower limb affected by chronic lymphedema, featuring Stewart-Treves syndrome; ii) a case of the most common type of angiosarcoma loated in the scalp and face of elderly man and; iii) a skin Angiosarcoma in previously irradiated breast. All lesions presented characteristic histopathological findings: irregular vascular proliferation that dissects the collagen bundles with atypical endothelial nuclei projection toward the lumen.

Reconstrução em cirurgia micrográfica / Reconstruction in Mohs micrographic surgery

Introdução: A cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs é empregada para exérese de neoplasias cutâneas, especialmente carcinomas basocelulares de subtipos histológicos localmente agressivos, tumores recidivados ou localizados em regiões nobres. Apresenta elevados índices de cura e permite preservação tecidual. O objetivo é analisar a eficácia da cirurgia micrografia de Mohs e os métodos de reconstrução utilizados. Método: Foram coletados, retrospectivamente, dados de 50 pacientes submetidos à exérese de tumores cutâneos por meio da cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs e à reconstrução da perda de substância. Todos os pacientes foram operados no período entre janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2013 na Clínica de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital Felício Rocho (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil). Os pacientes foram estudados com relação à idade, gênero, localização do tumor, tratamento prévio, tipo histológico, número de fragmentos analisados na cirurgia micrográfica, método de reconstrução empregado e proservação. Resultados: Trinta e um pacientes (62%) foram do gênero feminino e 19 (38%) do masculino. A média de idade foi de 63,8 anos. Todas as lesões encontravam-se na face, com 66% dos casos com acometimento da região nasal. Considerando o diagnóstico pré-operatório, 48 casos (96%) eram carcinoma basocelulares e dois casos (4%) correspondiam ao carcinoma microcístico anexial. Retalhos locais foram o tipo de reconstrução mais utilizado. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por média de 48,4 meses. Nenhum caso de recidiva tumoral foi observado. Conclusão: A cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs se mostrou altamente eficaz no tratamento dos 50 casos de neoplasias cutâneas. Recomenda-se que os defeitos cirúrgicos sejam reparados pelo cirurgião plástico.

Introduction: Mohs micrographic surgery is used for the excision of skin neoplasms, especially in locally aggressive histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma, tumor recurrences, or tumors located in critical areas . This technique has a high cure rate and allows maximum preservation of tissues. In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction methods. Method: Data from 50 patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery to excise skin tumors and reconstruct lost tissue were collected retrospectively. All patients were operated on between January 2005 and December 2013 at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of the Felício Rocho Hospital (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil). The patients' age, sex, tumor location, previous treatment, histological type, number of segments analyzed by micrographic surgery, reconstruction method used, and preservation were studied. Results: Thirtyone patients (62%) were women and 19 (38%) were men. The mean age was 63.8 years. All lesions were facial, with 66% of cases affecting the nasal area. Pre-surgery, there were 48 cases (96%) of basal cell carcinoma and 2 cases (4%) of microcystic adnexal carcinoma. Local flaps were the most used reconstruction method. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 48.4 months. We did not observe any cases of tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Mohs micrographic surgery was shown to be effective in the treatment of 50 skin neoplasms. We recommend that surgical defects should be repaired by the plastic surgeon.

Invasive head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and histopathological characteristics, frequency of local recurrence and metastasis

BACKGROUND: squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin malignancy and may evolve to regional lymph node and distant metastases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to identify its clinical and histopathological characteristics, as well as the frequency of local recurrence and metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Inclusion criteria: histopathological confirmation, follow-up for longer than one year after diagnosis. Exclusion criteria: immunosuppression; lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma; and non-surgical resection of the lesion. We evaluated demographic, clinical and anatomopathologic findings and explored their associations. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with 79 tumors and followed by 4.8±3.0 years were selected. The average age was 67.1 years, and 63% of tumors had up to two centimeters. Seven tumors (8.9%) recurred and two of them had positive margins. Recurrence was associated with higher Broders' grade (p<0.01). Two patients (3.3%) had regional lymph node metastases. There were no distant metastases. Seventy tumors were considered to be usual tumors (89.7%), and 68 (87.2%) were classified as Broders' grade 1 and 2. Additionally, 64.1% of tumors had a depth of invasion below four millimeters. Thirteen tumors (16.7%) had positive histological margins. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients had good prognosis in the first year of follow-up, confirming that head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has a better prognosis than squamous cell carcinoma of other regions such as mucosa, oral cavity, and internal organs. .

Correlacao entre sintomas e tempo de evolucao do cancer do trato aerodigestivo superior com o estadio inicial e avancado / Correlation between symptoms and course duration of upper aerodigestive tract cancer at early and advanced stages

Muitos dos aspectos clínicos e biológicos da história natural do câncer do trato aerodigestivo superior estão por elucidar, o que no Brasil tem como consequência direta a falha sistemática das campanhas de prevenção e de diagnóstico precoce. OBJETIVO: Analisar os sinais e sintomas apresentados por portadores da doença em estadiamentos iniciais e avançados. Outras variáveis como o tempo de evolução da doença, o estado geral e nutricional foram consideradas. MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal em 895 indivíduos portadores do câncer do trato aerodigestivo superior. RESULTADOS: Os sinais e sintomas encontrados não se correlacionaram de forma estatisticamente significativa com o tempo de evolução da doença nem com a doença em fases iniciais, mas evidenciaram um desenvolvimento rápido da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem uma doença de início insidioso nas fases iniciais e de rápida evolução. O tempo longo de evolução - maior que três meses, associou-se às pioras nos estados geral e nutricional dos pacientes. .

There still are many clinical and biological aspects of the natural history of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract to be unveiled; which in Brazil is a direct consequence of the failure of systematic prevention and early diagnosis campaigns. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the signs and symptoms presented by patients with the disease at initial and advanced stages. Other variables such as disease duration, general and nutritional status were considered. METHOD: A historical cohort study with a cross-section involving 895 subjects with cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. RESULTS: Clinical findings were not statistically correlated with disease progression, nor with the disease in early stages, but it showed rapid disease development. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a disease of insidious onset in the early stages and fast course afterwards. The long disease duration - greater than three months, was associated with worsening in general and nutritional states of patients. .

Significant differe nces in demographic, clinical, and pathological features in relation to smoking and alcohol consumption among 1,633 head and neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVE: As a lifestyle-related disease, social and cultural disparities may influence the features of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in different geographic regions. We describe demographic, clinical, and pathological aspects of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck according to the smoking and alcohol consumption habits of patients in a Brazilian cohort. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the smoking and alcohol consumption habits of 1,633 patients enrolled in five São Paulo hospitals that participated in the Brazilian Head and Neck Genome Project - Gencapo. RESULTS: The patients who smoked and drank were younger, and those who smoked were leaner than the other patients, regardless of alcohol consumption. The non-smokers/non-drinkers were typically elderly white females who had more differentiated oral cavity cancers and fewer first-degree relatives who smoked. The patients who drank presented significantly more frequent nodal metastasis, and those who smoked presented less-differentiated tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck demonstrated demographic, clinical, and pathological features that were markedly different according to their smoking and drinking habits. A subset of elderly females who had oral cavity cancer and had never smoked or consumed alcohol was notable. Alcohol consumption seemed to be related to nodal metastasis, whereas smoking correlated with the degree of differentiation. .

Epidemiología del linfoma con compromiso de cabeza y cuello en el Centro Asistencial Sótero del Río / Epidemiology of lymphoma of the head and neck in the Centro Asistencial Sótero del Río

Introducción: Los linfomas son la neoplasia hematológica más frecuente del adulto, ocupando el tercer lugar de las neoplasias de cabeza y cuello (CyC). Se distinguen dos tipos, el linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) y el linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH), constituyendo dos entidades clínicas separadas. Objetivo: Evaluar las manifestaciones de los linfomas en la región de CyC, analizando las diferencias de presentación y comportamiento entre en LH y el LNH. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos de linfomas de CyC en el Centro Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Roo (CASR) entre los años 2005 y 2009, documentando específicamente presentación clínica, factores de riesgo, el tipo de linfoma, diagnóstico histológico, localización anatómica, etapificación al momento del diagnóstico, tratamiento administrado, sobrevida. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 casos de pacientes con linfoma de CyC en el estudio, 16 (20 por ciento) con LH y 64 (80 por ciento) con LNH. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos para la edad de diagnóstico, el compromiso extranodal, compromiso de mediastino, presencia de síntomas B y sobrevida. Conclusión: En el CASR la presentación de los linfomas es similar a la reportada mundialmente con diferencias similares entre LH y LNH.

Introduction: Lymphomas are the most common hematologic neoplasia in the adult and the third most common neoplasias of the head and neck (CyC). There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which constitute two unique clinical entities. Aim: To evaluate the clinical manifestations of lymphomas in the CyC region, analizing the diferences between the clinical presentation and behavior of LH and LNH. Material and method: This is an retrospective study of all the cases of lymphoma of CyC in the Centro Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río (CASR) between the years 2005 and 2009, describing specifically the clinical presentation, risk factors, type of lymphoma, histologic diagnosis, anatomical localization, etapification at diagnosis, treatment received and survival. Results: Eighty cases of lymphoma of the CyC were included, 16 patients (20 percent) with LH and 64 patients (80 percent) with LNH. We found statistically significant differences between both groups for their age at diagnosis, extranodal disease, mediastinal compromise, presence of "B" symptoms and survival. Conclusion: in the CASR the clinical presentation of lymphomas is similar to that reported in the international literature, maintaining the unique characteristics for LH and LNH.

Pacientes miológicos com defeitos extensos: opcões de reconstrucão. Relato de caso / Cancer patients with large defects. Reconstructional options: a case study

Referimo-nos ao caso de um paciente masculino de setenta e cinco anos de idade, com um carcinoma espinocelular (SCC), que se originou na parte exterior da orelha direita há quatro anos. Sofreu uma remocão cirúrgica da parte lesionada combinada com disseccão modificada do pescoco e reconstrucão com o uso de retalho peitoral maior. Além disso, teve radioterapia com 6000 rads na região temporal direita. Há dois meses o paciente mostrou urna recorrência expansiva no que diz respeito ao músculo temporal e ao osso, o osso litóide, os músculos masseter e os músculos pterigóideos, a parte direita da mandíbula, a glândula da parótida com o nervo facial, e o bulbo superior da veia jugular interna. Sofreu uma remocão cirúrgica da lesão afetada até as extremidades saudáveis e reconstrucão estética e funcional com a utilizacão combinada de uma prótese de metal fixa do côndilo e da mandíbula direita e o uso de músculo-cutâneo trapezious flap. Apresentamos o relato de um caso sobre as opcões de reconstrucão que nós temos em nossos dias para proporcionar qualidade de vida a doentes que sofrem de cancro.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Puerto Ricans

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to characterize head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the Puerto Rican population. This is a follow-up to our initial published report on the first 134 patients. Specifically, demographic characteristics, stage at presentation, initial treatment given, and rate of recurrence were studied. METHODS: Relevant data was obtained from 445 histologically confirmed HNSCC cases identified through the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine Otolaryngology Department Head and Neck Cancer Clinics between August 1993 and January 2003. Data collected after informed consent included demographic factors (sex, age, areas of residence, income); risk factors (occupation, alcohol intake, cigarette usage); and pathological variables (tumor location, histopathology, stage at presentation, current disease status, tumor recurrence). RESULTS: The average age at diagnosis was 64.0 years (range 18-98); 84.5 per cent of the patients were male, 16 per cent were females. The most frequent anatomical sites of the primary tumor were the larynx (36.4 per cent) and the oral cavity (29.9 per cent). The majority of patients (61.1 per cent) presented with advanced stage (III-IV) disease at the time of diagnosis and over half (55.5 per cent) had moderately-differentiated tumors. Most patients had less than 12 years of formal education (81.2 per cent). Prolonged use of tobacco and alcohol identified in 88.1 per cent and 79.8 per cent of patients, respectively. The most frequent therapeutic modality used was radiation therapy followed by the combination of radiation and surgery. Twenty five percent of the cases experienced a recurrence of disease during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the need for early detection programs for HNSCC in Puerto Rican patients given the high rate of advanced-stage disease at time of diagnosis. The key role of heavy alcohol intake and tobacco use as risk factors in the development of HNSCC is once again highlighted.