Role of CSE1L expression in determining recurrence and survival of laryngeal tumors.

PURPOSE: The correlation of CSE1L (human chromosomal segregation 1-like) staining intensity with disease-free survival, disease recurrence and development of distant metastases in Advanced Laryngeal Tumors. METHODS: Specimens of patients with advanced glottic larynx cancer (T3, T4) were evaluated for nuclear CSE1L staining intensity. According to mild, moderate and severe CSE1L staining, patients were compared in terms of disease-free survival, disease recurrence and development of distant metastases. RESULTS: 17 of the 57 patients died within 5 years, distant metastases developed in 5 patients, and recurrence in 5 patients. Of the 17 patients who died within 5 years, 10(%59) showed severe staining with CSE1L, 6 (%35) showed moderate staining, and only 1 (%6) patient showed mild staining. 4 (%80) out of 5 patients who developed distant metastases were those with moderate staining with CSE1L. Metastases did not develop in any patient who stained poorly with CSE1L. 2 (%40) of the 5 patients who developed relapse were patients with severe staining with CSE1L, while 3 (%60) were patients with moderate staining with CSE1L. No recurrence was observed in any patient with mild staining with CSE1L. CONCLUSION: CSE1L will help in demonstrating the increased risk of distant metastasis, increased recurrence probability and shortened life expectancy of advanced laryngeal carcinoma.

Lip cancer: Reconsidering the at-risk patients with pathological assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to overview the treatment protocols of lip cancer and find out a cutoff point of tumor diameter and depth of invasion (DOI) for the survival parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-one patients with lip SCC were studied. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 62 years. Among 191 patients, 82.7% of the patients were men, 96.4% of them had lower lip cancer, and 84% were staged as early (pT1, pT2 ). Primary tumor excision with neck dissection was applied to 62.3% of the patients. Lymph node metastases rate was found to be 11%, and recurrence rate was 6.3%. There was statistically significant difference in between the tumor diameters and DOI values of patients with and without metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Regarding to the lymph node metastasis, the optimal cutoff point was found to be 7.5 mm for DOI and 21.5 mm for tumor diameter. Regarding to the recurrence, the optimal cutoff point was found to be 7.5 mm for DOI and 24.5 mm for tumor diameter. CONCLUSION: T2 lip cancer patients also seem to be in at-risk group for metastasis and recurrence. As a conclusion, elective neck dissection and frequent follow-up are recommended for these early-stage lip cancer patients.

Is intensity-modulated radiotherapy superior to conventional techniques to prevent late ear complications of nasopharyngeal cancer?

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the late ear complications of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and compared the conventional and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (2D-RT and IMRT, respectively). METHODS: At 2-21 years after the end of NPC treatment, 104 ears of 52 patients were evaluated with the otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry test, tympanometry, and subjective complaints by being blinded to the radiotherapy technique. RESULTS: There were no differences in terms of the pathology of the external, middle or inner ear, air and bone-conduction hearing thresholds, and the air-bone (A-B) gap at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, and tympanometry types between 2D-RT and IMRT groups (p > 0.05). There were positive correlations between the values of A500 and A1000 thresholds; gap 500, 4000, and mean cochlear RT dose (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the values of A500, A1000, and A4000 thresholds; gap 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and maximum cochlear RT dose (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMRT was not found to be superior to 2D-RT to prevent RT-induced ear complications. The solution of the middle ear problems must be the goal of the strategies for complications treatment.

Correlation of sleep-disordered breathing and laryngopharyngeal reflux: a two-channel triple-sensor pHmetry catheter study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) using a two-channel triple-sensor pHmetry catheter. METHODS: The study was carried out on a total of 34 people with complaints of snoring, witnessed apnea and daytime sleepiness. 24-h pH monitoring with a two-channel, triple-sensor antimony pH catheter was applied to individuals simultaneously with polysomnography (PSG) on the day they would sleep in the sleep laboratory. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity and reflux grade were compared with each other. Data obtained from PSG and pHmetry results were numerically compared with each other. The relationship between apnea, hypopnea, and arousal periods and reflux episodes was then examined by overlaying pHmetry graphics for each patient. RESULTS: A total of 34 individuals (18 males-52.9% and 16 females-47.1%), age ranging from 27 to 71 years (mean 50.5 ± 11.0) participated in the study. GER was detected in 52.9% and LPR in 85.3% of the patients. In 35.3% of cases, pathologic GER was not observed despite LPR detection. No statistically significant relationship was found between the numerical values of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and arousal numbers and reflux parameters of individuals and between OSAS severity and LPR and GER (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between respiratory events and reflux episodes with regard to timing (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GER and LPR is found to be high in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. There is no significant relationship between OSAS severity and GER and LPR grade or respiratory events and reflux episodes with regard to timing.

Long-term effects of parotidectomy.

The present study investigated the long-term complications of parotidectomy, the differences in these complications in regard to the pathological diagnosis and type of surgery. The patients were questioned regarding the presence of facial paresis-paralysis, pain, loss of sensation, scarring, collapse, and mouth dryness in the area of operation. Complaints of pain (p = 0.287), scarring (p = 0.456), and mouth dryness (p = 0.136) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases with benign or malignant pathological outcomes. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p < 0.001), collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.025), paresis-paralysis (p < 0.001), and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.032) were present at significantly higher rates. Complaints of pain (p = 0.258), scarring (p = 0.665), mouth dryness (p = 0.113) and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.053) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases who underwent superficial or total parotidectomy. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p = 0.002), paresis (p < 0.001), and collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.019) were present at significantly higher rates. The type of tumor and surgical approach significantly affect the quality of life; however, parotidectomy generally does not lead to serious long-term complications that would disturb the patients.

Long-Term Results of Partial Laryngectomized Patients.

AIM: This study was to present long-term oncological results, as well as the variables, that can increase nodal metastasis and reduce survival in patients diagnosed in the early and late stages of laryngeal cancer. METHODS: A total of 85 patients were included in the study. These patients were grouped as supracricoid partial laryngectomy (PL), supraglottic horizontal PL, and vertical frontolateral PL. Furthermore, at least 3 years of the long-term outcomes of the patients in these 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the patients (26%) had nodal metastasis, 16 (72%) of these patients were in Group I (P = 0.017); 14 patients (51%) had preepiglottic space (P = 0.075); 12 patients (50%) had paraglottic space involvement (P = 0.002); 9 (45%) patients with nodal metastasis had a depth of invasion more than 20 mm (P < 0.001). Out of the 16 patients who had positive intraoperative surgery margins, 5 (18%) of them had nodal metastasis (P = 0.589) and 14 (16%) patients were positive for perineural invasion, 3 (19%) of these patients had lymph node involvement (P = 0.074). One (5%) patient died with nodal metastasis. Median survival rate of all the patients was 44 ±â€Š0.836 (42.36-45.63) months and the overall survival rate was 92.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Paraglottic space involvement and tumor invasion depth were statistically effective on increased nodal metastasis. However, we suggest that depth of invasion may not be effective alone as a prognostic factor. In contrast to the known effect on overall survival was less lymph node.

Division of the stapedial tendon results in noise-induced damage to the inner ear.

BACKGROUND: The effect of division of the stapedial tendon on susceptibility to noise-induced inner ear damage has not been previously studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of noise exposure following division of the stapedial tendon in guinea pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten adult albino guinea pigs were used. The stapedial tendon of each right ear was cut. The stapedial tendon in each left ear was left intact and these ears served as a control group. DPOAEs and ABR tests were performed before and 10 days after noise exposure. The animals were exposed to a 110-dB noise stimulus for 6 h in a silent room a week after surgery. Cochleas of the animals were removed, and inner and outer hair cells were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: We found that noise exposure adversely affected DPOAE measurements at all frequencies except 2 KHz in experimental ears. Noise exposure also produced significantly elevated ABR thresholds in experimental ears at 2, 4, 8, and 16 KHz. On histopathological examination, we found a significantly greater prevalence of apoptotic cells in the experimental ears. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, we can conclude that after division of the stapedial tendon, noise exposure may cause damage to the inner ear. This is the first study in the English literature that demonstrates the potential protective effect of the stapedial tendon against acoustic damage.

Correlation of PET-CT, MRI and histopathology findings in the follow-up of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment options are limited for nasopharyngeal cancer for many reasons including epidemiological and histological properties, proximity to important structures, heavy lymphatic drainage, and the difficulty in ensuring a safe surgical margin; therefore primary treatment is generally radiotherapy and chemotherapy. With current radiotherapy technology, oncological success has been increased and the quality of life of patients during the post- radiotherapy period is improved. OBJECTIVE: The role of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography in the follow-up of recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were initially treated with radiotherapy was evaluated with respect to histopathological findings. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who had received radiotherapy were included in the study. Patients who were suspected to have recurrence according to endoscopic nasopharyngeal examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings were requested to undergo positron emission-computed tomography. Biopsies were taken from 40 patients who had suspicious lesions in positron emission-computed tomography images. These patients' age, gender, presence/absence of contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, the SuvMax values of nasopharyngeal and neck lesions, T/N phases at initial diagnosis, histopathological recurrence, and history of neck dissection were assessed. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in 8 patients (20.0%). Among these, 4 (10.0%) had recurrence at the nasopharynx and 4 (10.0%) at the neck. Patients with recurrence were found to be of older age, male gender, advanced T/N phase, contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, and higher nasopharyngeal and neck SuvMax values in positron emission-computed tomography. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Only the history of neck dissection was significantly more common among those with recurrence (p < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, those with a nasopharyngeal SuvMax value higher than 4.58 were found to have 7.667-fold higher risk for recurrence (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography should be evaluated together in the follow-up of nasopharyngeal cancer. Patients with minimal SuvMax 4.58 on positron emission-computed tomography after contrast enhancement in the T2 sequence on magnetic resonance imaging may considered appropriate for biopsy. Biopsies in patients with a SuvMax value lower than 4.58 can be avoided. Thus, patients avoid surgical stress and unnecessary costs.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Temporomandibular Joint After Radiotherapy in Rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was administered into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space, which had been exposed to radiotherapy (RT), in an attempt to prevent and/or treat the late-term complications associated with RT when used for the treatment of head and neck cancers (nasopharyngeal cancer in particular) on the musculoskeletal system. METHODS: A total of 13 adult male New Zealand ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) rabbits were used in the study. The animals were classified into 3 groups: 6 in the RT group, 6 in the RT+PRP group, and 1 in the control group (exposed to neither). The TMJ space of each rabbit was exposed to 2240 cGy external RT in total, and PRP was administered into the TMJ space 1 month later. The joints were surgically removed 1 month later and examined histopathologically. RESULTS: In the group given RT+PRP, the level of inflammation, amount of muscle fibrosis, vascular wall fibrosis, synovial membrane and condyle cartilage thickness, temporal extrabone fibrous cell layer count, and intramuscular changes were similar to those recorded in the control group, although the positive effects of PRP were not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrate that injections of PRP may increase joint inflammation and therefore enhance blood supply, resulting in the onset of regeneration. These favorable effects of PRP may be helpful in the fight against late-term musculoskeletal complications of RT and may minimize such side effects as sore jaw, malnutrition, and weight loss.

Numerical study of the aerodynamic effects of septoplasty and partial lateral turbinectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, first, the effects of septal deviation and concha bullosa on nasal airflow, and second, the aerodynamic changes induced by septoplasty and partial lateral turbinectomy, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). METHODS: A three-dimensional model of a nasal cavity was generated using paranasal sinus computed tomography images of a cadaver with concha bullosa and septal deviation. Virtual septoplasty and partial lateral turbinectomy were performed on this model to generate a second model representing the postoperative anatomy. Aerodynamics of the nasal cavity in the presence of concha bullosa and septal deviation as well as postoperative changes due to the virtual surgery were analyzed by performing CFD simulations on both models. Inspiratory airflow with a constant flow rate of 500 mL/second was used throughout the analyses. RESULTS: In the preoperative model, the airflow mostly pass through a narrow area close to the base of the nasal cavity. Following the virtual operation, a general drop in the maximum intranasal air speed is observed with a significant increase of the airflow through right middle meatus. While in the preoperative model the greatest reduction in pressure is found to be in the localization of anterior septal deviation on the right side and confined to a very short segment, for the postoperative model, it is observed to be in the nasal valve region in both nasal cavities. Following septoplasty and partial lateral turbinectomy, total nasal resistance is reduced significantly. CONCLUSIONS: CFD simulations promise to make great contributions to understand the airflow characteristics of healthy and pathologic noses. Before surgery, planning for any specific intervention using CFD techniques on the nasal cavity model of the patient may help foreseeing the aerodynamic effects of the operation and might increase the success rate of the surgical treatment.

Comparison of levo-bupivacaine and lidocaine for postoperative analgesia following septoplasty.

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of levo-bupivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic and lidocaine in postoperative analgesia following septoplasty. 112 patients randomized into two groups were included in the study. 56 patients were operated using levo-bupivacaine and 56 using lidocaine as the local anesthetic. All patients were asked to mark their pain levels on a Visual analogue scale (VAS) at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6trh 8th, 12th, and 24th hours postoperatively. In addition, the amount of analgesics used by each patient was recorded. The results indicated that the VAS scores of the levo-bupivacaine patients were significantly lower within the postoperative 4 hours (p < 0.05) compared to the lidocaine group. In the levobupivacaine patients the earliest time for analgesic need was delayed (p < 0.001) and the total amount of analgesics used was significantly lower when compared to lidocaine group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, levo-bupivacaine is effective for obtaining postoperative analgesia following septoplasty with local anesthesia. When compared to lidocaine, it increases the postoperative comfort of the patients by reducing pain levels.

Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma: two different clinical presentations.

In this report we present 2 cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma (CSCS) cases with different clinical presentations, one being a pulsatile neck mass associated with Horner's syndrome and the other being an asymptomatic neck mass. CSCS usually presents as an asymptomatic neck mass and atypical findings such as Horner's syndrome and/or pulsation may occur in rare cases. Pulsatile CSCSs are generally diagnosed as carotid body tumors at initial workup and patients are referred to vascular surgeons. The differences in symptomatology, the preoperative management, and the importance of differential diagnosis are discussed.

Swallowing and Aspiration: How Much Is Affected by the Number of Arytenoid Cartilages Remaining After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the presence of one or two arytenoids on early/late period swallowing-aspiration functions. METHODS: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were categorized into two groups as follows: group I, patients who underwent SCPL with one arytenoid cartilage and group II, patients who underwent SCPL with two arytenoid cartilages. The time of decannulation and oral feeding onset, and swallowing-aspiration functions were evaluated and compared in the early nutritional period, first, and third months. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between decannulation time and swallowing-aspiration. The aspiration rates in group I and group II were similar and there was no significant difference in oral feeding onset and aspiration grades in the first and third months between both groups. CONCLUSION: We found similar oncological and functional outcomes in SCPL which protected one or two arytenoid cartilages. Therefore we suggest to be performed one arytenoid cartilage SCPL in selected patients who was advance stage and tumor volume over with larynx cancer.

An atypical esthesioneuroblastoma of the inferior nasal cavity and maxillary sinus: report of a case.

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the nasal cavity that originates from the olfactory epithelium. In this paper a very rare clinical presentation of this tumor is described. The tumor originated from the maxillary sinus and alveolar process, and was independent of the olfactory region. The patient was a 14-year-old girl presenting with facial swelling and nasal obstruction. Paranasal computed tomography showed a mass filling the right nasal cavity, infiltrating the alveolar process, eroding the anterior wall of the maxilla and invading the subcutaneous tissues of the cheek. Fine-needle aspiration and incisional biopsies identified an esthesioneuroblastoma. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we performed a right subtotal and left inferior maxillectomy and reconstructed the maxillary defect with a permanent obturator. At 2 years' follow-up the patient is free of recurrence.

Can postoperative pains following tonsillectomy be relieved by honey? A prospective, randomized, placebo controlled preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of acetaminophen versus acetaminophen-plus-honey following pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, and placebo controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary care facility in Ankara, Turkey. PATIENTS: Sixty consecutive tonsillectomy patients randomized to two groups. INTERVENTIONS: The acetaminophen group was treated with antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulonic acid), acetaminophen and placebo, acetaminophen-plus-honey group was treated with antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulonic acid), acetaminophen, and honey. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied for subjective assessment of postoperative pains, while the number of painkillers taken daily and awakening at night due to pain were used for objective assessment. The amount of epithelization was used for assessment of tonsillary fossa recovery. OUTCOME MEASURES: The difference between acetaminophen and acetaminophen-plus-honey groups was statistically significant both in terms of VAS and number of painkillers taken within the first 2 postoperative days (p<0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the VAS scores on the 3rd postoperative day and after, the number of painkillers taken differed significantly until the 8th postoperative day (p<0.001 for first 7 postoperative days; p=0.003 for 8th day). No significant difference was found between groups regarding the number of awakening at night (p=0.36). Tonsillary fossa epithelization was more rapid in the acetaminophen-plus-honey group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of honey following pediatric tonsillectomy may relieve postoperative pain and may decrease the need for analgesics. Prospective, randomized, and double-blind studies should further be conducted in order to confirm the data obtained in this study and develop a standard protocol to achieve maximum clinical efficiency.

Schwannoma originating from the infraorbital nerve: a case report.

A 16-year-old female admitted to otolaryngology outpatient clinic with the complaints of pain and replacement of her left eyeball upwards. Radiological imaging demonstrated a solid mass inferior to the left globe. The anterior wall of the maxilla was thinned and the mass pushed the orbital floor inferiorly. Following subciliary incision, the bone over the mass was removed from the orbital rim and the mass was exposed. The mass originated from the infraorbital nerve. The mass was excised and the orbital rim, malar region and the orbital floor were reconstructed by a titanium mesh. The histopathological report was "schwannoma". Seven cases of schwannomas arising from the infraorbital nerve reported in English literature. In this paper we report a case of infraorbital schwannoma and review the literature.

Correlation of PET-CT, MRI and histopathology findings in the follow-up of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer / Correlação dos achados de PET-CT, RM e histopatologia no seguimento de pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo

Abstract Introduction: Surgical treatment options are limited for nasopharyngeal cancer for many reasons including epidemiological and histological properties, proximity to important structures, heavy lymphatic drainage, and the difficulty in ensuring a safe surgical margin; therefore primary treatment is generally radiotherapy and chemotherapy. With current radiotherapy technology, oncological success has been increased and the quality of life of patients during the postradiotherapy period is improved. Objective: The role of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography in the follow-up of recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were initially treated with radiotherapy was evaluated with respect to histopathological findings. Methods: A total of 110 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who had received radiotherapy were included in the study. Patients who were suspected to have recurrence according to endoscopic nasopharyngeal examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings were requested to undergo positron emission-computed tomography. Biopsies were taken from 40 patients who had suspicious lesions in positron emission-computed tomography images. These patients' age, gender, presence/absence of contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, the SuvMax values of nasopharyngeal and neck lesions, T/N phases at initial diagnosis, histopathological recurrence, and history of neck dissection were assessed. Results: Recurrence was observed in 8 patients (20.0%). Among these, 4 (10.0%) had recurrence at the nasopharynx and 4 (10.0%) at the neck. Patients with recurrence were found to be of older age, male gender, advanced T/N phase, contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, and higher nasopharyngeal and neck SuvMax values in positron emission-computed tomography. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Only the history of neck dissection was significantly more common among those with recurrence (p < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, those with a nasopharyngeal SuvMax value higher than 4.58 were found to have 7.667-fold higher risk for recurrence (p = 0.036). Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography should be evaluated together in the follow-up of nasopharyngeal cancer. Patients with minimal SuvMax 4.58 on positron emission-computed tomography after contrast enhancement in the T2 sequence on magnetic resonance imaging may considered appropriate for biopsy. Biopsies in patients with a SuvMax value lower than 4.58 can be avoided. Thus, patients avoid surgical stress and unnecessary costs.

Resumo Introdução: As opções de tratamento cirúrgico são limitadas para o carcinoma nasofaríngeo por várias razões, inclusive aspectos epidemiológicos e histológicos, proximidade de estruturas importantes, drenagem linfática carregada e dificuldade de garantir uma margem cirúrgica segura; portanto, o tratamento primário é geralmente radioterapia e quimioterapia. Com a tecnologia atual de radioterapia, o sucesso oncológico aumentou e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes durante o período pós-radioterapia é garantida. Objetivo: O papel da ressonância magnética e da tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons no seguimento de pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo recorrente, inicialmente tratados com radioterapia, foi avaliado em relação aos achados histopatológicos. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 110 pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo que receberam radioterapia. Pacientes com suspeita de recorrência de acordo com o exame endoscópico nasofaríngeo e com achados de ressonância magnética foram solicitados a fazer tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Foram feitas biópsias de 40 pacientes com lesões suspeitas nas imagens de tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo idade, sexo, presença/ausência de realce por contraste na ressonância magnética, valores SUVmax de lesões nasofaríngeas e cervicais, estágios T/N no diagnóstico inicial, recorrência histopatológica e histórico de esvaziamento cervical. Resultados: A recorrência foi observada em 8 pacientes (20,0%). Entre esses, 4 (10,0%) apresentaram recorrência na nasofaringe e 4 (10,0%) no pescoço. Pacientes com recorrência eram do sexo masculino, apresentavam idade mais avançada, estágio avançado T/N, realce por contraste na ressonância magnética e maiores valores de SuvMax nasofaríngeo e cervical na tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Entretanto, essas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significantes. Apenas o histórico de esvaziamento cervical foi significantemente mais comum entre aqueles com recorrência (p < 0,001). No entanto, na análise multivariada, aqueles com um valor de SUVmax nasofaríngeo superior a 4,58 apresentaram um risco 7,667 vezes maior de recorrência (p = 0,036). Conclusão A ressonância magnética e a tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons devem ser avaliadas em conjunto no seguimento da doença. Pacientes com valor de SUVmax mínimo de 4,58 na tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons após realce com contraste na sequência T2 na ressonância magnética podem ser considerados mais adequados para biópsia. Biópsias em pacientes com um valor de SUVmax menor do que 4,58 podem ser evitadas. Dessa forma, podemos evitar o estresse cirúrgico para o paciente e custos desnecessários.

Retropharyngeal space and lymph nodes: an anatomical guide for surgical dissection.

Identification of the alar fascia is the key part of surgical dissection of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLNs). In cases where mandibulotomy is not performed for the removal of the primary tumor and/or the posterior pharyngeal wall is not incised, the medial or lateral approaches described in this paper can be performed. Surgical dissection of the RPLNs may improve prognosis and locoregional control in oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinomas. There have been no previous anatomical studies concerning landmarks and approaches for the surgical dissection of the RPLNs. This study was designed to illustrate the fascial anatomy of the retropharyngeal region (RPR), provide anatomical guidelines for RPLN dissection and describe and compare approaches for surgical removal of the RPLNs. Twelve fixed cadavers were used. Slices were obtained from the necks of the first three cadavers and the RPRs of the slices were dissected under an operating microscope. The other nine cadavers were dissected in a surgical position to expose the RPLNs and the fasciae of the RPR. In the coronal plane, the alar fascia divides the space between the buccopharyngeal and prevertebral fasciae into two compartments and constitutes the posterior border of the retropharyngeal space, which contains the RPLNs. The alar fascia, an important landmark for reaching the RPLNs, can be identified by the cervical sympathetic trunk, superior sympathetic ganglion and superior laryngeal nerve. Two approaches can be performed to remove the RPLNs, namely medial or lateral to the internal and external carotid arteries, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve.

Ameloblastic carcinoma arising from anterior skull base.

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is an aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor. It may appear de novo or originate from a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. To our knowledge, an AC that originates from the anterior skull base has not been reported before in the English literature. We report a case of an AC that originated from the anterior skull base and invaded the dura of the anterior fossa and discuss its clinical course and treatment.

Simultaneous antrochoanal and sphenochoanal polyps: a rare clinical entity.

Choanal polyps almost always appear as solitary growths and most commonly arise from the maxillary sinus. Sphenochoanal and ethmoidochoanal polyps are extremely rare. Co-existence of more than one choanal polyp is even more infrequent. We present a patient with an antrochoanal and an accompanying sphenochoanal polyp for the first time in the literature. We discuss the clinical presentation, pathogenesis and surgical management of this rare clinical entity.