Oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas in patients with no identified risk factors: Feeling like an outsider.

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) mainly affect smokers and drinkers. However, oral cavity squamous cell cancers (OCSCCs) are increasingly affecting patients with no identified risk factors (NIRFs). This study aimed at characterising their experience of the disease. METHODS: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews of 20 survivors of OCSCC with NIRF. Methods used in grounded theory approach were applied. RESULTS: Patients with NIRF had a similar experience to that of patients with risk factors regarding treatments. The absence of identified causes led to stigma and led the patients to distance themselves, both from the stereotypic HNSCC cancer patient and the identity as a cancer patient. Furthermore, having no identified risk factors seemed to reinforce the fear of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to address key gaps in knowledge regarding patients with NIRF having survived OCSCC. Their experience is similar to that of patients with orphan diseases. Owing to confrontation with other patients and the repeated questions of caregivers about tobacco/alcohol consumption, these patients felt stigmatised during their treatment. OCSCC patients with NIRF may benefit from guidance and support on how to engage in prevention.

Resection and reconstruction of the carotid artery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a GETTEC study.

OBJECTIVES: Main: To describe 1-year overall survival (OS) after primary or salvage management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) invading the common or internal carotid artery (CCA/ICA). Secondary: To assess disease control rate, treatment morbidity, and radio-anatomopathologic correlation. METHODS: Retrospective study of 67 patients, treated between 1999 and 2020 for N3bM0 HNSCC invading the CCA/ICA as identified by CT-scan. Tumors that could not have been resected with a complete en-bloc resection sacrificing and reconstructing the CCA/ICA were excluded. Patients were separated into two groups (primary or salvage treatment) and studied according to the type of treatment they received: radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy (RT/RCT), surgery, or systemic therapy (ST). RESULTS: For newly treated patients, the 1-year OS was significantly better after RT/RCT (73%) than after surgery (40%, p < 0.0001). In the salvage setting, the 1-year OS after surgery (40%) was better than after ST (14%, statistically suggestive difference with p = 0.0241). Surgery improved cervical control, but distant metastases occurred in more than 50% of cases regardless of treatment. No neurological complication occurred after carotid reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 7% (1/15). The carotid invasion was confirmed by pathological examination in all five patients with an arterial deformation on CT-scan, in seven among eight patients with CCA/ICA encasement greater than 270°, and in four out of seven patients with CCA/ICA encasement between 180° and 270°. CONCLUSION: Neck dissection with carotid resection and reconstruction is technically feasible with acceptable neurovascular morbidity. For newly treated patients, survival is better after RT/RCT. For salvage treatment, surgery could be proposed to selected patients.

Donor site sequelae and patient satisfaction after head and neck reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap.

PURPOSE: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) being a workhorse flap in head and neck reconstruction, we investigated its donor site delayed consequences. METHODS: Multicentric case series evaluating 189 patients who underwent RFFF for carcinologic reasons at least 6 months before. Patients and surgeon's appreciation regarding the aesthetic and functional consequences of the flap harvest on their daily life were evaluated by questionnaires using likert scales. Medical data were collected from patients' charts retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients had at least one sequelae. Experiencing a graft necrosis did not worsen long-term results. Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly worst for women, according to patients' and surgeons' opinion. For 81% and 92% patients, respectively, the flap harvest had no impact on daily life nor sport practice. Ratio between the benefits of reconstruction and the sequelae at the donor site was judged "excellent" for 77% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although objectively important, RFFF morbidity has little impact in head and neck cancer patient's life.

Vascular anatomy of the free fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle applied to maxillo-mandibular reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Initially described by Baudet in 1982, the fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle allows a one-stage reconstruction for large maxillo-mandibular defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of muscular branches destined to the soleus muscle and their distance from the origin of the fibular artery, to assess the vascular anatomy of the free fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle applied to maxillo-mandibular reconstruction. METHODS: We performed a cadaveric anatomic study on ten lower limbs, and a CT angiography anatomic study on 38 legs. The number of soleus branches originating from the fibular artery, and the distance between the origin of the fibular artery and each of the identified branches were measured. RESULTS: The number of soleus branches destined to the lateral head of the soleus muscle is variable, with in our study 1-3 branches found. Soleus branches destined to the lateral head of the soleus muscle emerged at a distance ranging between 0 and 2.9 cm (mean value = 1.82 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 40% of cases, between 3 and 5.9 cm (mean value = 4.27 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 37% of cases, and was at a distance of 6 cm or more (mean value = 6.93 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 20% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: An origin of the soleus vessels in close proximity to the origin of the fibular artery represents the main limitation of this flap, the length of the remaining fibular pedicle making it difficult to achieve secure anastomosis in the cervical area. The vascular distribution of the proximal part of the lateral head of the soleus muscle being segmental, it is possible to lengthen the flap pedicle ligating the most proximal soleus branches originating from the fibular artery.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: State of the Art.

Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the epithelial cells of the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinonasal cavities. There are many associated risk factors, including alcohol drinking coupled with tobacco use, which accounts for 70% to 80% of HNSCCs. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another independent risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, but it is only a minor contributor to oral cavity SCC (OSCC). Betel quid chewing is also an established risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, OSCC, and especially oral tongue cancer, incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries, suggesting risk factors that have not been identified yet. This review summarizes the established risk factors for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and examines other undemonstrated risk factors for HNSCC.

Predicting acute severe toxicity for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining dosimetry with a radiosensitivity biomarker: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy (RT) against head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) may lead to severe toxicity in 30-40% of patients. The normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models, based on dosimetric data refined the normal tissue dose/volume tolerance guidelines. In parallel, the radiation-induced nucleoshuttling (RIANS) of the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated protein (pATM) is a predictive approach of individual intrinsic radiosensitivity. Here, we combined NTCP with RADIODTECT©, a blood assay derived from the RIANS model, to predict RT toxicity in HNSCC patients. METHODS: RADIODTECT© cutoff values (i.e. 57.8 ng/mL for grade⩾2 toxicity and 46 ng/mL for grade⩾3 toxicity) have been previously assessed. Validation was performed on a prospective cohort of 36 HNSCC patients treated with postoperative RT. Toxicity was graded with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale and two criteria were considered: grade⩾2 oral mucositis (OM2), grade⩾3 mucositis (OM3) and grade⩾2 dysphagia (DY2), grade⩾3 dysphagia (DY3). pATM quantification was assessed in lymphocytes of HNSCC patients. The discrimination power of the pATM assay was evaluated through the Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristics Curve (AUC-ROC). Two previously described NTCP models were considered, including the dose to the oral cavity and the mean dose to the parotid glands (OM2 and OM3) and the dose to the oral cavity, to the larynx and the volume of pharyngeal constrictor muscles (DY2 and DY3). RESULTS: Combining NTCP models with RADIODTECT© blood test improved the AUC-ROC. Considering the prediction of mucositis, AUC-ROCNTCP+RADIODTECT©=0.80 was for OM2, and AUC-ROCNTCP+RADIODTECT©=0.78 for OM3. Considering the prediction of acute dysphagia, AUC-ROCNTCP+RADIODTECT©=0.71 for DY2 and for DY3. CONCLUSIONS: Combining NTCP models with a radiosensitivity biomarker might significantly improve the prediction of toxicities for HNSCC patients.

Addictions, Social Deprivation and Cessation Failure in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survivors.

AIM: To evaluate the evolution of addictions (tobacco and alcohol) and social precarity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivors when these factors are addressed from the time of diagnosis. METHODS: Addictions and social precarity in patients with a new diagnosis of HNSCC were assessed through the EPICES score, the Fagerström score, and the CAGE questionnaire. When identified as precarious/dependent, patients were referred to relevant addiction/social services. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-two patients were included. At the time of diagnosis, an active tobacco consumption was associated with alcohol drinking (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Active smokers were more socially deprived (mean EPICES score = mES = 36.2 [±22.1]) than former smokers (mES = 22.8 [±17.8]) and never smokers (mES = 18.9 [±14.5]; Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). The EPICES score was correlated to the Fagerström score (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). Active drinkers (mES = 34.1 [±21.9]) and former drinkers (mES = 32.7 [±21]) were more likely to be socially deprived than those who never drank (mES = 20.8 [±17.1]; Krukal-Wallis, p < 0.001). A Fagerström score improvement at one year was associated to a CAGE score improvement (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Tobacco and alcohol consumption were more than halved one year after treatment. Patients who continued to smoke one year after diagnosis were significantly more likely to continue to drink (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001) and had a significantly higher initial EPICES score (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At one year, addictions and social deprivation tend to improve when taken care of from the diagnosis. The most dependent patients and those with multiple frailties are at highest risk of cessation failure.

Validation of an Instrumented Hammer for Rhinoplasty Osteotomies: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Osteotomies during rhinoplasty are usually based on surgeon's proprioception to determine the number, energy, and trajectory of impacts. Objective: The first objective was to detect the occurrence of fractures. The second objective was to determine when the thicker frontal bone was encountered by the osteotome. Materials and Methods: An instrumented hammer was used to measure the impact force during lateral osteotomies on nine human anatomic specimens. A prediction algorithm was developed using machine learning techniques, to detect the occurrence of fractures, and the proximity of the osteotome to the frontal bone. Results: The algorithm was able to predict the occurrence of fractures and the proximity to the frontal bone with a prediction rate of 83%, 91%, and 93% when allowing for an error of 0, 1, and 2 impacts, respectively. The location of the osteotome in the frontal bone was predicted with an error of 7.7%. Conclusion: An osteotomy hammer measuring the impact force when performing lateral osteotomies can predict the occurrence of fractures and the proximity to the frontal bone, providing the surgeon with instant feedback.

Efficiency of advanced-PRF usage in the treatment of alveolar cleft with iliac bone graft: A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a new alveolar bone grafting protocol using advanced-PRF (a-PRF) by comparing the volumes of newly formed bone after a bone graft combining autogenous iliac crest bone with either PRF or a-PRF. Patients presenting with unilateral or a bilateral alveolar cleft were included retrospectively in two groups: one group was grafted using cancellous iliac crest bone with PRF (PRF group), whereas for the other group the same procedure was followed using a-PRF (a-PRF group). CBCT scans were performed 3 months preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The volume of newly formed bone was measured by subtracting the postoperative cleft volume from the preoperative cleft volume. The mean volume of newly formed bone was compared between the two groups using Student's t-test. Twenty-four patients were included, with 12 allocated to each group. Forty-eight CBCT scans were analyzed. The mean volume of newly formed bone was 0.29 (±0.09) cm3 in the a-PRF group, versus 0.20 (±0.08) cm3 in the PRF group (Student's t-test, p = 0.024). The percentage of newly formed bone was 60.4 (±10.4) % in the a-PRF group versus 51.4 (±18.4) % in the PRF group (Student's t-test, p = 0.165). Our study demonstrated improved bone regeneration in the a-PRF group. While bearing in mind the limitations of this study, the a-PRF procedure should be adopted in cleft bone grafting whenever possible.

Predictive value of the milking patency test when performing the arterial microanastomosis in head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: The milking patency test (MPT) is widely used to assess the patency of microanastomosis, despite it being proven to be a traumatic test. METHODS: We performed microanastomoses with intentional two-wall stitches and asked senior microsurgeons to evaluate the permeability of the anastomoses by looking first at the results of the MPT, then according to artery pulsation. RESULTS: Microsurgeons were all accurate in evaluating normal or clamped anastomoses. But in anastomoses with defects, the MPT was considered normal 94%, 85%, and 73%. MPT has a positive predictive value of 100% but with a negative predictive value of 27.5%. Observation of the artery pulsation distal to the anastomosis gave similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiment shows that the two-wall stitches on arterial anastomoses are hardly detected by an MPT. The observed pulsation of the artery gives the same results and could be used instead, without damaging the vessels.

Pediatric case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT) are exceptional in children and adolescents as they usually occur in the third decade. The present study reports the case of a 15 years old girl who was diagnosed with a KCOT that underwent malignant transformation. KCOT diagnostic was based on clinical, radiological, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. A conservative treatment by enucleation was performed. Histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen concluded to a KCOT, with an infra-centimetric focus of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Owing to the well-differentiated character of the squamous cell carcinoma, a single clinical and MRI surveillance every 3 months was decided, without complementary treatment.