Association between number of parathyroid glands identified during total thyroidectomy and functional parathyroid preservation.

PURPOSE: Systematic identification of all 4 parathyroid glands has been recommended during total thyroidectomy (TT); however, it is unclear whether this strategy necessarily translates into optimized functional parathyroid preservation. We wished to investigate the association between number of parathyroids identified intraoperatively during TT, and incidence of incidental parathyroidectomy, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of 511 consecutive patients undergoing TT at an academic teaching hospital. The association between number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively and incidence of biochemical hypocalcaemia (defined as any calcium < 2 mmol/L n first 48 h after surgery), symptomatic hypocalcaemia; permanent hypoparathyroidism (defined as any hypocalcaemia or need for calcium or vitamin D > 6 months after surgery), and incidental parathyroidectomy, was investigated. The association between number of parathyroid glands visualized and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels was investigated in a subset of 454 patients. RESULTS: Patients in whom a greater number of parathyroids had been identified had a significantly higher incidence of biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and significantly lower postoperative PTH levels, than patients with fewer glands identified. There were no significant differences in incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism or incidental parathyroidectomy. On multivariate analysis, malignancy, Graves disease, and identification of 3-4 parathyroids were independent predictors of biochemical hypocalcaemia. For symptomatic hypocalcaemia, identification of 2-4 parathyroids, and identification of 3-4 parathyroids, were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic identification of as many parathyroid glands as possible during TT is not necessary for functional parathyroid preservation.

Cytokeratin 7 and 19 expression in oropharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The precise etiopathogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and reasons for predilection for crypt epithelium, remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction between HPV and specific cytokeratins 7 (CK7) and 19 (CK19) in crypt epithelium. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting between 1999 and 2015 at a tertiary referral center. CK7 and CK19 positivity and H Scores were determined by immunohistochemistry. Disease-specific and overall survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 253 patients presenting with OPSCC (134), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of unknown primary site (22), and oral tongue SCC (97). Primary tumor CK7 and CK19 positivity and H Scores were significantly higher in HPV-positive OPSCC than HPV-negative OPSCC and oral tongue SCC. Higher CK19 Scores, but not CK7 Scores, were also seen in regional metastases from HPV-positive OPSCC than other sites. No impact on disease-specific or overall survival was identified on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of CK7 and CK19 in HPV-positive OPSCC compared to HPV-negative disease supports the theory for a role for these cytokeratins in the etiopathogenesis of HPV-related OPSCC.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: outcomes of trimodal therapy.

BACKROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of trimodal therapy [surgery, chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)] in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) treated with curative intent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with ATC treated at a tertiary referral centre between January 2009 and June 2020. Data were collected regarding demographics, histology, staging, treatment and outcomes. RESULTS: Seven patients (4 female) were identified. Median age was 58 years (range 52-83 years). All patients received EBRT with concurrent doxorubicin. Six patients received surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and one underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery. Median radiological tumour size was 50mm (range 40-90 mm). Six patients had gross extrathyroidal extension and three had N1b disease. Prescribed radiotherapy schedules were 46.4 Gy in 29 bidaily fractions (n = 2, treated 2010), 60 Gy in 30 daily fractions (n = 2), 66 Gy in 30 fractions (n = 2) and 70 Gy in 35 fractions (n = 1; patient received neoadjuvant CRT). CRT was discontinued early for two patients due to toxicities. At median follow up of 5.8 months, 42.9% (3/7) patients were alive and disease-free. Only one patient developed a local failure. Three patients died from distant metastases without locoregional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite poor prognosis of ATC, selected patients with operable tumours may achieve high locoregional control rates with trimodal therapy, with possibility of long-term survival in select cases.

Is excision biopsy of fibroadenomas based solely on size criteria warranted?

Fibroadenomas (FA) are the most common benign tumor in the female breast. Most are managed conservatively provided there is clinical, radiologic, and pathologic concordance. However, surgical excision is typically recommended for cellular fibroepithelial lesions or those lesions with clinical, radiologic, or pathologic features concerning for phyllodes tumor (PT). Some studies have suggested surgical excision in all FA >30 mm to reduce core needle biopsy (CNB) sampling errors. The aim of our study was to evaluate, in the absence of any other concerning clinicopathologic features, whether surgical excision of FA was warranted based on size criteria alone. Cork University Hospital is a large academic center in Southern Ireland. Its breast cancer center provides both a screening and symptomatic service and diagnoses approximately 600 cancers per year. The breast histopathological data base was reviewed for all CNBs from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2015, with a diagnosis of FA that went on to have excision at our institution. We excluded all cellular fibroepithelial lesions and those cases with co-existent lobular neoplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinoma, atypical ductal hyperplasia, or lesions which would require excision in their own right. Cases in which the radiologic targeted mass was discordant with a diagnosis of FA were also excluded. Patient demographics and preoperative radiologic size and the radiologic target were recorded in each case. All radiology was reviewed by a breast radiologist prior to inclusion in the study, and there was histologic radiologic concordance with a diagnosis of FA in all cases. A total of 12,109 consecutive radiologically guided CNB were performed January 2010-June 2015; 3438 with a diagnosis of FA were identified of which 290 cases went on to have surgical excision. Of those 290 cases; 98.28% (n = 285) were confirmed as FA on excision. The remaining 1.72% (n = 5) had atypical features-FA with LCIS (n = 1), benign PT (n = 3), and invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 1). Our study suggests that, excision based solely on size is not warranted in clinical and radiologically concordant cases with a diagnosis of FA on CNB.

Incidence of intraglandular lymph nodes within submandibular gland, and involvement by floor of mouth cancer.

Resection of the submandibular gland is generally undertaken as an integral component of level I neck dissection for oral cancer. However, it is unclear whether lymph nodes are present within the submandibular gland which may form the basis of lymphatic spread. Our purpose was to investigate the frequency of lymph nodes within the submandibular gland, and the incidence and mechanism of submandibular gland involvement in floor of mouth cancer. Retrospective review of 177 patients with oral cancer undergoing neck dissection. Original pathology slides of floor of mouth cases were re-reviewed by two pathologists to determine frequency of intraglandular lymph nodes, and incidence and mechanism of submandibular gland involvement by cancer. The overall incidence of cervical metastases was 36.4 %, of whom 44 % had level I metastases. Level I metastases were significantly more common in floor of mouth than tongue cancers (p = 0.004). Among 50 patients with floor of mouth cancer undergoing re-review of pathology slides, intraglandular lymph nodes were not found in any of 69 submandibular glands. Submandibular gland involvement by cancer was present in two patients, representing 1 % of all oral cancers, and 4 % FOM cases. Mechanisms of involvement were direct extension, and by an apparent novel mechanism of carcinoma growing along bilateral Wharton's ducts. Despite the high incidence of level I metastasis in floor of mouth, lymphatic metastases to submandibular gland are unlikely based on absence of intraglandular lymph nodes. We describe a previously unreported mechanism of submandibular gland involvement.

Sonographic differences between conventional and follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) may pose a diagnostic challenge due to higher likelihood of lower risk cytology compared to conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC). Recent guidelines have recommended the use of sonographic features to guide decisions to biopsy thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sonographic features of CPTC and FVPTC. This is a retrospective study design done in an Academic teaching hospital setting. Preoperative ultrasounds of 79 patients with conventional CPTC (48) and FVPTC (31) were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to histological diagnosis. Sonographic features of nodules were classified according to the British Thyroid Association (BTA) U-classification system as normal (U1), benign (U2), indeterminate (U3), suspicious (U4), and malignant (U5). Pathology slides of patients with FVPTC were reviewed by two pathologists and subclassified into encapsulated, well circumscribed/partly encapsulated, and infiltrative subtypes. FVPTC had a significantly lower incidence of any calcifications (p = 0.0005), microcalcifications (p = 0.002), and irregular or lobulated margins (p = 0.03) than CPTC. Differences in hypoechogenicity (p = 0.06), taller > wide shape (p = 0.17) and presence of halo (p = 0.07) were not significant. FVPTC was significantly less likely to be classified sonographically as malignant (U5) (p = 0.006) or suspicious/malignant (U4/5) (p = 0.009) than conventional PTC. Among FVPTC cases, infiltrative FVPTC were more likely to be sonographically classified as suspicious/malignant (U4/5) than non-infiltrative FVPTC. FVPTC nodules are less likely to show sonographic features of malignancy than conventional PTC. Reliance solely on sonographic features for thyroid nodule evaluation may not be sufficient to exclude FVPTC.

Pattern of invasion and lymphovascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth: an interobserver variability study.

AIMS: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and the histological pattern of invasion (POI) at the invasive tumour front have been reported as adverse prognosticators in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, assessment of these parameters is hampered by variation in the criteria used for their evaluation. Our objective was to evaluate interobserver variability in the assessment of the POI and LVI in SCC of the floor of the mouth (FOM), and to study the impact of the POI on clinical outcomes by using varying quantitative cut-offs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases of FOM SCC were independently evaluated for the POI and LVI by three pathologists. Interobserver variability was analysed by the use of Fleiss kappa statistics. Interobserver agreement was substantial for the assessment of LVI [κ = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.68]. Interobserver agreement was moderate for evaluation of the POI with a 50% cut-off (κ = 0.58, 95% CI 0.54-0.62), a 20% cut-off (κ = 0.58, 95% CI 0.54-0.62) cut-off, and worst POI (κ =0 .43, 95% CI 0.39-0.46). A consensus diagnosis of the POI was a significant predictor of locoregional recurrence (LRR), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis when a 50% cut-off was used (LRR, P = 0.01; DSS, P = 0.01; OS, P = 0.01) and when a 20% cut-off was used (LRR, P = 0.02; DSS, P = 0.02; OS, P = 0.03), but was not significant when worst POI was used (LRR, P = 0.18; DSS, P = 0.16; OS, P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of LVI was substantial. The POI at the 50% and 20% cut-offs is moderately reproducible, and has prognostic value in FOM SCC. Further studies are necessary to establish the optimum quantitative cut-off for the POI.

Distinguishing luminal breast cancer subtypes by Ki67, progesterone receptor or TP53 status provides prognostic information.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prognostic significance of subgrouping estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast tumors into low- and high-risk luminal categories using Ki67 index, TP53, or progesterone receptor (PR) status. The study group comprised 540 patients with lymph node negative, invasive breast carcinoma. Luminal A subtype was defined as being ER positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 low (<14% cells positive) and luminal B subtype as being ER positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 high (≥ 14% cells positive). Luminal tumors were also subgrouped into risk categories based on the PR and TP53 status. Survival analysis was performed. Patients with luminal B tumors (n=173) had significantly worse disease-free survival compared to those with luminal A tumors (n=186) (log rank P-value=0.0164; univariate Cox regression relative risk 2.00; 95% CI, 1.12-3.58; P=0.0187). Luminal subtype remained an independent prognostic indicator on multivariate analysis including traditional prognostic factors (relative risk 2.12; 95% CI, 1.16-3.88; P=0.0151). Using TP53 status or PR negativity rather than Ki67 to classify ER-positive luminal tumors gave similar outcome results to those obtained using the proliferation index. However, it was a combination of the three markers, which proved the most powerful prognostically. Ki67 index, TP53 status, or PR negativity can be used to segregate ER-positive, HER2-negative tumors into prognostically meaningful subgroups with significantly different clinical outcomes. These biomarkers particularly in combination may potentially be used clinically to guide patient management.

Risk Stratification Tools to Aid Decisions on Adjuvant Chemotherapy Usage in Resected Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Ten-Year Review of an Irish Sarcoma Center Experience.

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is comprised of approximately 80 subtypes, with an incidence of 4 - 5 per 100,000 annually in Europe. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend consideration of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy in tumors at high risk of recurrence based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. Alternatively, the Sarculator is a risk prediction tool that has identified a threshold of risk, above which chemotherapy may provide an overall survival (OS) benefit. Using this nomogram, patients with a 10-year predicted OS < 60% are classified as high risk and should be considered for chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of these two risk prediction methods in an Irish population. Methods: All newly diagnosed patients with resected STS discussed in the STS tumor board in Cork University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2021 were identified. Clinicopathological data were collected. Risk assessment using AJCC and Sarculator nomogram was performed on all patients with an extremity/trunk sarcoma. The OS was calculated including Kaplan-Meier method for time to event analysis. Results: In total, 200 STS patients were reviewed, of whom 134 had truncal or extremity tumors. Sarculator score was calculated for 60 of these (well differentiated liposarcomas, desmoid tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were excluded). Using the Sarculator nomogram to calculate 10-year predicted OS, 19 patients were categorized as high risk and 41 were categorized as low risk. Using AJCC staging, 25 patients were categorized as high risk and 35 as low risk. The 5-year OS rate in the Sarculator high-risk group was 60.2%, compared with 87.1% in the low-risk group (P = 0.009). The 5-year OS rate in the AJCC high-risk group was 67.6%, compared with 86.3% in the low-risk group (P = 0.083). Conclusions: Our cohort is representative of the broad histological subtypes expected. In our population, Sarculator score results correlate with international outcomes and higher scores were associated with increased mortality. The Sarculator was more predictive of clinical outcome than AJCC staging, and its use would lower the proportion of patients being considered for adjuvant chemotherapy thereby sparing toxicity, which is important in the setting of uncertain clinical benefit.

Significance of Worst Pattern of Invasion-5 in Early-Stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing need to identify pathologic prognosticators in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to aid selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic ability of worst pattern of invasion-5 (WPOI-5) defined by the presence of satellite nodules, extratumoural perineural invasion (PNI) and/or extratumoural lymphovascular space invasion (LVI) in low-stage, node negative OCSCC. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 160 patients with T1/T2N0 tumours staged using TNM7 treated surgically. Histology of the primary tumour was re-reviewed as appropriate to assess for the presence of WPOI-5 parameters. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing impact of pathological features on survival outcomes was performed. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, WPOI-5 and its 3 constituent components of satellite nodules, extratumoural PNI and extratumoural LVI were all significantly associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). On multivariate analysis, satellite nodules (odds ratio 6.61, 95% CI 2.83-15.44, p < 0.0001) and extratumoural LVI (odds ratio 9.97, 95% CI 2.19-45.35, p = 0.003) were independently associated with OS. Postoperative radiotherapy (odds ratio 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.87, p = 0.02) and non-tongue subsite (odds ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.70-5.39, p = 0.0002) were also significantly associated with OS on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Satellite nodules and extratumoural LVI correlated significantly with survival outcomes in our early-stage OSCC cohort. Further study is required to investigate the benefit of adjuvant treatment in these cases and to ascertain if WPOI-5 parameters including satellite nodules should be mandatory reporting data elements.

Radiation-induced morphea of the breast-A case series.

Radiation-induced morphea (RIM) is a rare but recognized late complication of radiotherapy. It was first described in 1905, not long after the initial discovery of X-rays by Roentgen. Characterized by the deposition of excess collagen in the dermis, it results in thickening of the skin. Its frequency is approximately 2 in 1000. We present a series of three cases involving patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer, each of which subsequently developed RIM. Because of its rarity, RIM is often misdiagnosed as infection or metastatic disease. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to poorer outcomes such as chronic pain issues. Early dermatological involvement and tissue sampling to examine histopathological features can avoid this, leading to better care and improved results. A variety of treatment options are available, ranging from topical to systemic, with early induction more likely to result in a positive response.

Comparison of royal college of pathologists and college of american pathologists definition for positive margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pathological margin assessment is an essential component of surgical management of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), however, in many studies, variable definitions of involved margins have been used. The purpose of the present study was to compare the prognostic ability of involved margins according to Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidance. METHODS: Retrospective study of 300 patients with previously untreated OCSCC undergoing definitive surgical management. Main specimen margin status was defined according to RCPath guidance and CAP guidance. "Final margin status", incorporated the results of frozen sections and extra tumour bed resections. The prognostic impact of each margin definition was studied using univariate analysis, and in multivariate models including T-stage (AJCC 8th edition), nodal status (pN+), extranodal extension (ENE), and use of adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Both RCPath and CAP positive margins were associated with local recurrence (LR), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) on univariate analysis, while final margin status was associated with LR and DSS, but not OS. On multivariate analysis, only CAP positive main specimen margin status was independently associated with LR (odds ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.37, 4.34), DSS (odds ratio 2.28, 95% CI 1.31, 3.82), and OS (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.04, 2.42). CONCLUSIONS: Involved main specimen margin as defined by CAP guidance has the advantage of being an independent prognosticator of LR and survival in our cohort.

Label-Free Optical Spectroscopy for Early Detection of Oral Cancer.

Oral cancer is the 16th most common cancer worldwide. It commonly arises from painless white or red plaques within the oral cavity. Clinical outcome is highly related to the stage when diagnosed. However, early diagnosis is complex owing to the impracticality of biopsying every potentially premalignant intraoral lesion. Therefore, there is a need to develop a non-invasive cost-effective diagnostic technique to differentiate non-malignant and early-stage malignant lesions. Optical spectroscopy may provide an appropriate solution to facilitate early detection of these lesions. It has many advantages over traditional approaches including cost, speed, objectivity, sensitivity, painlessness, and ease-of use in clinical setting for real-time diagnosis. This review consists of a comprehensive overview of optical spectroscopy for oral cancer diagnosis, epidemiology, and recent improvements in this field for diagnostic purposes. It summarizes major developments in label-free optical spectroscopy, including Raman, fluorescence, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy during recent years. Among the wide range of optical techniques available, we chose these three for this review because they have the ability to provide biochemical information and show great potential for real-time deep-tissue point-based in vivo analysis. This review also highlights the importance of saliva-based potential biomarkers for non-invasive early-stage diagnosis. It concludes with the discussion on the scope of development and future demands from a clinical point of view.

Metrics of pN-staging in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of 1,905 patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the predictive performance of pN-categories in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) encompassing the most recent 8th edition (TNM8), its predecessor (TNM7), and a newly proposed algorithm (pN-N+), which classifies patients according to the number of positive lymph nodes and extranodal extension. METHODS: Consecutive, primary OSCC patients from seven previously published cohorts were included and classified according to the three pN-classifications: TNM7, TNM8 and pN-N+. Overall survival probabilities were summarised with the Kaplan-Meier method. We added each of the three metrics to a Cox regression adjusted for pT-category, lymph nodal yield, age, sex, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and trained these models in one institution. We evaluated the predictive performance in the remaining six institutions and assessed the predicted 5-year risk of death using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and Brier scores. RESULTS: All 1,905 included patients were classified according to TNM7 and pN-N+. A subset of 1,575 patients was additionally classified according to TNM8, leading to upstaging in 27.0%. The pN-N+ ranked overall best determined by the obtained AUC and Brier scores. In contrast to pN-N+, TNM7 and TNM8 both suffered from disproportionate patient distribution across pN-categories and poor pN-categorial discrimination on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The TNM8 pN-classification designates a larger subset to more advanced disease stages but failed to show improvement of its predictive performance compared to TNM7. The pN-categories of TNM7/8 are disproportionate and inconsistently discriminated. The pN-N+ conveyed the best measures of prognosis and should be considered in future TNM iterations.

Prognostic performance of TNM8 staging rules in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Two major changes to the staging of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) were adopted in TNM8: (1) depth of invasion is now used for T staging and (2) extranodal extension for N staging. The aim of this study was to evaluate if TNM8 stratifies OCSCC patients more accurately than TNM7 based on overall survival (OS) statistics and hazard discrimination. METHODS: Retrospective study of 297 patients with OCSCC who underwent surgery at our institution. Clinical and pathological data were previously populated from review of medical charts and histological reports. Slides were re-reviewed for depth of invasion measurements. Patients were staged using both TNM7 and TNM8 with overall survival statistics analysed. RESULTS: Overall 118 patients (39.7%) were upstaged using TNM8. Both TNM7 and TNM8 stage categories were highly significant for OS (all p values < 0.0001). Hazard discrimination analysis showed that TNM7 could only differentiate stage III from stage IV disease with significance (OS p = 0.01). In comparison TNM8 could distinguish between stage II and III disease (OS p = 0.047) and between stage III and IV disease (OS p = 0.004). Subsite analysis suggested that both editions of the staging system perform best for tongue primaries. CONCLUSIONS: Although TNM8 showed improved hazard discrimination in comparison to TNM7, problems with discriminative ability persisted with 8th edition staging criteria. Large scale validation studies will be required to direct future refinement of the staging rules and to establish if the continued use of a single staging system for all oral cavity subsites is appropriate.

Impact of 3 mm margin on risk of recurrence and survival in oral cancer.

INTRODUCTION: While positive surgical margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is generally considered an adverse prognosticator, the significance of close (≤5 mm) margins is more debatable, and has not been widely adopted as an indicator for radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 244 patients undergoing primary surgical resection of OSCC. The impact on local control (LC), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) of margins at 1 mm intervals was studied. RESULTS: 65 patients had involved (<1 mm), 119 close (1-5 mm), and 60 clear (>5 mm) main specimen margins. Involved margins was predictive of DSS (p = 0.04), but not LC (p = 0.20) or OS (p = 0.09). Both the 2 mm and 3 mm margin cut-offs were significantly associated with LC (p = 0.02, and p = 0.01), DSS (p = 0.02, and p = 0.007), and OS (p = 0.03. and p = 0.005). In a 3-tier model, use of 3 mm for demarcation between close and clear yielded good separation between survival curves of clear (≥3 mm), and close (1-<3 mm) or involved (<1 mm). Final margins, determined after incorporation of frozen sections and extra margins taken separately, was significant for LC (p = 0.04), but not for DSS (p = 0.05) or OS (p = 0.17). On multivariate analysis, <3 mm margin, T-classification, nodal status, extranodal spread, and postoperative radiotherapy, were independent predictors of DSS and OS. For LC, only T-classification was significant. CONCLUSION: A 3 mm main specimen margin is significantly associated with survival in OSCC and may be useful for demarcation between close and clear. Further study is required to determine any impact on survival of radiotherapy for patients with <3 mm margins as sole indicator for radiotherapy.

Tumour Cell Anaplasia and Multinucleation as Prognosticators in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) tend to have good outcomes, however a subset does not share this favourable prognosis. The aim of this paper is to investigate the utility of tumour cell anaplasia and multinucleation as prognostic markers in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Retrospective review of 104 patients with OPSCC or squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary site (SCCUP) who underwent primary resection and/or lymph node dissection. Slides of both primary and nodal metastatic disease were assessed for the presence of anaplasia and multinucleation. 53 patients were HPV-positive. Anaplasia was more frequent in males (p = 0.005), smokers (p = 0.003), and HPV-negative disease (p = 0.04). HPV status and > 10 pack-year smoking history were independent predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Neither anaplasia, nor multinucleation, at the primary site or in cervical metastases, had any significant impact on RFS or DSS. We did not find either anaplasia or multinucleation to have any significant prognostic impact in OPSCC. However, given the small number of adverse events in the HPV-positive cohort, we may have lacked sufficient power to detect significance in what was the subgroup of primary interest. Our study highlights the challenge of identifying markers of poor prognosis in HPV-positive OPSCC.

The role of tumour morphology in assigning HPV status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus on the optimal approach to human papilloma virus (HPV) testing in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Our objective was to classify OPSCC as HPV positive or negative based on (1) morphology alone, (2) p16 status alone, (3) combined morphology and p16 status with additional HPV testing in discordant cases in keeping with 2012 College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines (combined approach), and to evaluate and compare survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 168 patients, 146 with OPSCC and 22 with cervical SCC of unknown primary site (SCCUP). Morphology was classified as keratinizing or non-keratinizing, p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed and additional HPV DNA PCR testing undertaken in cases in which morphology and p16 status were discordant. Survival statistics were evaluated and compared for the 3 different approaches to classification. RESULTS: On univariate analysis all 3 classification methods significantly predicted for overall survival (OS). Both p16 status and the combined approach also predicted for disease specific survival (DSS), whereas morphology fell just outside significance (p = 0.06). On multivariate analysis only the combined approach retained significance for both OS and DSS, whilst morphology was also significant for DSS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that tumour morphology significantly predicts for survival in OPSCC. However, we found combined tumour morphology and p16 IHC, with additional testing for discordant cases to be superior to either morphology or p16 IHC alone. Further study is required to establish the optimal testing method for HPV in OPSCC particularly in low prevalence populations.

Utility of CT and MRI in assessment of mandibular involvement in oral cavity cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may present with early invasion of mandibular bone. Preoperative planning of surgery is essential considering patient's postoperative quality of life. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of computer tomography scan (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting mandibular bone involvement in oral SCC. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 98 patients with SCC of floor of mouth, lower alveolus and retromolar trigone operated on with curative intent. Preoperative CT and MRI scans were re-reviewed by a consultant radiologist and original histology slides were re-reviewed by 3 pathologists. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included in the final study. Combined CT and MRI had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 72%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that combined CT and MRI have diagnostic utility in detecting mandibular invasion by oral cancer, but with a significant false positive rate.

BRAF V600 mutation detection in melanoma: a comparison of two laboratory testing methods.

AIMS: The assessment of B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene status is now standard practice in patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma with its presence predicting a clinical response to treatment with BRAF inhibitors. The gold standard in determining BRAF status is currently by DNA-based methods. More recently, a BRAF V600E antibody has been developed. We aim to investigate whether immunohistochemical detection of BRAF mutation is a suitable alternative to molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS: We assessed the incidence of BRAF mutation in our cohort of 132 patients, as determined by PCR, as well as examining clinical and histopathological features. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the anti-BRAF V600E VE1 clone antibody in detecting the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in 122 cases deemed suitable for testing. RESULTS: The incidence of BRAF mutation in our cohort was 28.8% (38/132). Patients with the BRAF mutation were found to be significantly younger at age of diagnosis. BRAF-mutated melanomas tended to be thinner and more mitotically active. The antibody showed a sensitivity of 86.1% with a specificity of 96.9%. The positive predictive value was 96.9%; the negative predictive value was 94.4%. The concordance rate between PCR and immunohistochemical BRAF status was 95.1% (116/122). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of BRAF mutation in our cohort (28.8%) was lower than international published rates of 40%-60%. This may reflect ethnic or geographic differences within population cohorts. The high concordance rate of PCR and immunohistochemical methods in determining BRAF status suggests that immunohistochemistry is potentially a viable, cost-effective alternative to PCR testing and suitable as a screening test for the BRAF mutation.