How we do it: head and neck cancer waiting times.
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
Biomedical subjects
N J Roland
Publications and source records attributed to N J Roland.
Look before you pack: key point in epistaxis management.
We report a patient with epistaxis who used cotton wool to pack his nose before reaching the hospital, and underwent further packing in the accident and emergency department, which probably pushed the cottonwool further back. This led to the formation of foreign body granuloma inside the nasal cavity. It is difficult to examine the nose without proper equipment and experience, and the examination is more difficult in the presence of active bleeding to find a foreign body such as cotton wool. Hence, it is important to ask the patient about any temporary pack they have used in the nose and to look for and remove it before inserting a proper pack. It is also important for trainees to have a better understanding of the different levels of management of epistaxis. Hence, we propose the term "epistaxis management ladder" for easy understanding of the treatment of epistaxis.
Epistaxis↗
Myringoplasty using a subcutaneous soft tissue graft.
A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent myringoplasty using an autologous subcutaneous soft tissue graft over a 5-year period. Details including age, site and size of perforation, grade of surgeon, surgical approach, postoperative dressings, overnight stay, complications and outcome were recorded and analysed. Fifty-two patients underwent myringoplasty using a subcutaneous soft tissue graft. Their ages ranged from 4 to 78 years (median = 36 years). The mean follow-up period was 19 months. Successful closure to give an intact tympanic membrane was obtained in 82.7% of patients. Thresholds improved on pure tone audiometry in 57.1% and deteriorated in only one patient. There was no case of dead ear as a result of surgery. Subcutaneous tissue graft has comparable outcomes with temporalis fascia graft with additional advantages of a smaller incision, minimum dissection and a lower risk of bleeding.
Adolescent↗
Hearing loss due to mannosidosis and otitis media with effusion. A case report and review of audiological assessments in children with otitis media with effusion.
A case of a child with mannosidosis and bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) is reported here along with some discussion of relevant literature to emphasize the need for age appropriate audiometric assessment before and after insertion of grommets for glue ear (OME). There is a need for multidisciplinary teamwork in the management of children with hearing loss. If OME is treated surgically, age-appropriate hearing assessment is required before and after insertion of grommets. The need for audiological assessments will be relevant even if children had passed the newborn hearing screening test.
Audiometry↗
Day-case myringoplasty: five years' experience.
A retrospective study of patients who underwent myringoplasty as a day-case procedure in two freestanding day-surgery units during a five-year period was carried out. Their case notes were identified and details including age, site and size of perforation, grade of surgeon, surgical approach, graft material, post-operative dressings, overnight stay, complications, and outcome were noted and analysed. The total number of patients including both children and adults who had myringoplasty as a day case was 144. Of these, 125 patients with 143 procedures were included in this study. Their ages ranged from four to 74 years (mean = 31 years). The perforation size was small in 40 cases, medium in 61 cases, and large/subtotal in 42 cases. The overnight stay rate was 2.7 per cent and this was for immediate post-operative problems such as nausea and bleeding from the wound. The readmission rate for post-operative complications was 2.1 per cent. The follow-up ranged from six months to five years (mean = 19 months). The success rate was 83.3 per cent and thresholds on pure tone audiometry improved in 69.2 per cent of cases. The age of the patient, grade of the surgeon, and graft material did not influence the surgical outcome. There was no case of dead ear as a result of surgery. Myringoplasty can be safely performed in both adults and children as a day-case procedure with low overnight stay and readmission rates. Success rates are comparable to when the procedure is performed on an in-patient basis.
Adolescent↗
Carcinosarcoma (malignant mixed tumor) of the submandibular gland: A case report and review of the literature.
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Carcinosarcoma↗
Foreign body reaction to calcium alginate fibre mimicking recurrent tumour of the submandibular salivary gland.
A 50-year-old woman was referred after the discovery of adenoid cystic carcinoma in an excised left submandibular gland. Treatment involved clearance of the left submandibular fossa, and bilateral levels II and III selective neck dissections. A left-sided submandibular haematoma developed during the immediate postoperative period. After removal of the clot, there was a persistent, low volume capillary ooze from the left submandibular fossa and a calcium alginate fibre pack (Kaltostat) was left in place to control the bleeding. After an extended period of time the pack excited a foreign body reaction which, on a computed tomogram, mimicked a recurrence of the tumour. We review the role of Kaltostat in this setting and its potential for foreign body reaction, which may mimic serious disease.
Alginates↗
Waiting times during the management of head and neck tumours.
The waiting times incurred during the management of 75 consecutive head and neck oncology patients attending for post-treatment follow-up were reviewed. Data were gleaned from general practitioner (GP) referral letters, patient case-notes as well as radiology and histology reports. The mean time for GP referral to ENT was 5.1 weeks. From ENT to endoscopy was 3.1 weeks, to histology 3.5 weeks, to computed tomography (CT) scan 5.6 weeks, to magnetic resonance scan (MR) 4.1 weeks, to primary radiotherapy 10.3 weeks and to surgery 5.5 weeks. The mean symptom duration prior to referral was 4.9 months. Our results compare unfavourably with the standards recommended by the BAO-HNS. Local modifiations may improve matters, but significant increases in funding, manpower and equipment are required to achieve the stipulated standards. Moreover, criteria for referral have to be re-emphasized and patient education has to be addressed as these appear to contribute the longest delay in the diagnosis of head and neck tumours.
Biopsy↗
Observer error in the assessment of nodal disease in head and neck cancer.
BACKGROUND: There is no previously published information on clinicians' abilities to accurately differentiate between different stages of node positive disease in head and neck cancer. METHODS: Forty-two surgeons examined standardized nodes in a model neck and estimated nodal size. Each recorded their confidence in their ability to perform the task using a visual analogue scale. Reference nodes of known size were provided for comparison during a second examination of each node. The study was repeated after 1 month. RESULTS: Accuracy was poor and was not dependent on experience or confidence. There was a tendency to underestimate the size of smaller nodes. Estimates were strongly influenced by volume independent of largest diameter (p <.001). Reference nodes aided accuracy (p =.031). Subjects were not consistent on repeated testing (p <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both trainees and specialists are poor at accurately staging nodal disease using palpation alone.
Clinical Competence↗
Management of a lump in the neck.
This article reviews the management of adults who present with a neck lump, and discusses the potential causes and relevant investigations. The review emphasizes the avoidance of open biopsy and need for early referral to the appropriate specialist.
Adult↗
p53 protein expression in tumours from head and neck subsites, larynx and hypopharynx, and differences in relationship to survival.
The present study involves an immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein expression in head and neck tumours located at two separate subsites, the larynx and hypopharynx. It attempts to relate differences in expression to differences in the behaviour of these tumours. Detection of the p53 protein was performed using immunohistochemistry on 32 specimens of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 35 specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. p53 overexpression was found in 66% of the hypopharyngeal tumours and in 51% of the laryngeal specimens analysed. Some differences between the two tumour types were noted in the pattern staining. p53 staining in those with hypopharyngeal tumours was associated with a statistically significant increased survival. For laryngeal carcinoma the converse was true but did not reach statistical significance. Differences in the behaviour of different head and neck tumour types may be reflected in differences in expression of the p53 protein. While p53 protein expression does not appear to be a useful prognostic indicator in laryngeal carcinoma it might be a useful prognostic indicator in tumours of the hypopharynx. Moreover, it may help predict those tumours which are radioresistant, thus suggesting other modes of treatment for these tumours. Of particular importance is the molecular basis for the observed differences in survival associated with p53 expression in the two tumour sites. This is under further investigation.
Biomarkers, Tumor↗
Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.
Two hundred and fifty-nine patients with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck were reviewed. The data of these patients were obtained from the records of the Department of Head and Neck Oncology at the University of Liverpool and from the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Registry. Survival curves were constructed using the life table method and differences were investigated by the Log Rank Test. Prognostic factors were further analysed by Cox's proportional hazards model. Melanomas of the nasal cavities and sinuses accounted for 69%; 22% occurred in the oral cavity and 9% in the pharynx, larynx and upper oesophagus. In 49% treatment was by wide local resection and in 8% by irradiation. Thirty-six per cent had combined modalities of treatment. Primary site recurrence occurred in 52% and 36% developed nodal recurrence. The tumour specific survival at 5 years was 45% at 10 years 28%, at 20 years 17% and closely resembled the observed survival. Young male patients tended to have a favourable prognosis as did those treated surgically. Radiotherapy on its own was ineffective. Amelanotic melanoma had a particularly poor survival. Whereas site had no effect on survival. The study confirms the poor prognosis of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Young patients should be offered radical surgical treatment combined with radical radiotherapy if feasible as this offers the best chance of cure.
Adult↗
General practitioner consultations after a paediatric tonsillectomy.
General Practitioner (GP) consultations were audited in paediatric patients who have undergone an elective tonsillectomy on our unit over a 6 month period. As there is no formal follow-up, it is the department's practice to discuss with the patients the problems to expect following the operation. This is reinforced with a tonsillectomy advice sheet. An initial audit of GP consultations was performed by a telephone survey of the relevant GP. This revealed an attendance rate of 41%. Following the implementation of a change in management (chewing gum was added to the post operative care instructions) a subsequent audit of 91 children was performed. A marked reduction in the GP attendance was observed. We now routinely recommend the use of chewing gum in the post-operative period after tonsillectomy to our patients.
Chewing Gum↗
An immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein expression in pre-malignant and malignant tissues of the oral cavity.
This study looks at p53 protein expression in dysplastic and malignant lesions of the oral cavity using an immunohistochemical staining technique. Archival biopsy specimens of oral dysplasia of squamous cell carcinoma from 64 patients were analysed immunohistochemically. Sections from 90 oral biopsy specimens were examined in all. Positive immunohistochemical detection of the p53 protein, demonstrated by brown nuclear staining, was detectable in over 80% of mild, moderate and severe dysplastic tissues as well as carcinoma-in-situ and squamous carcinoma specimens. We concluded that p53 protein expression occurs frequently in both malignant and dysplastic lesions of the oral cavity, suggesting that abnormally detectable p53 protein is present at the very early stages of development of oral squamous carcinoma. Oral cancer may provide a good model for the study of multistage tumorigenesis in head and neck cancer as the lesions are frequently detected at the pre-invasive stage and are accessible to biopsy.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
Do positive resection margins after ablative surgery for head and neck cancer adversely affect prognosis? A study of 352 patients with recurrent carcinoma following radiotherapy treated by salvage surgery.
It is generally accepted by surgeons that failure to eradicate malignant disease at the primary site has an adverse effect on survival. The present study investigates 352 patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck treated by primary radical radiotherapy and who subsequently underwent surgical ablation for a recurrent carcinoma. A total of 303 (86%) patients had a negative resection margin and 49 (14%) had a positive resection margin. Oral carcinoma was 1.7 times more likely to be associated with a positive margin than other tumours (P = 0.0292). Actuarial calculations demonstrated that 47% of patients with negative margins and 66% of patients with positive margins developed a primary site recurrence (P = 0.0286). Neck node recurrence occurred in 10% of those patients with negative margins and 12% of patients with positive margins. Patients with positive margins had a significantly poorer survival than those with negative margins (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis failed to confirm any independent adverse effect from a positive margin. The 5 year tumour-specific survival of patients with a positive margin was poorer by 12% than for those patients with a negative margin. The pattern of failure differed between the two groups, with patients having positive margins tending to die of local recurrence.
Combined Modality Therapy↗
MIB-1 and involucrin expression in laryngeal squamous carcinoma: the relationship to host and tumour factors and survival.
MIB-1 is an antibody which attaches to the Ki67 antigen expressed by proliferating cells. MIB-1 immunoreactivity may be used to quantify the proliferative component of a tumour. Involucrin is a protein expressed by mature keratinocytes and may be used as a marker of differentiation. The present paper studies the expression of these two markers in a group of patients with squamous carcinoma of the larynx. Tumour cell kinetics were studied in 49 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx using antibodies to "Ki67' and involucrin. The median potential follow-up for the group was 8.1 years with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The median MIB-1 index was 32%. The median involucrin index was 56%. Fifteen patients had no or only slight involucrin staining whereas 34 stained intensely for this protein. Involucrin expression was found to be associated with histological grade with those patients expressing involucrin tending to have well differentiated tumours and those not expressing this parameter tending to have poorly differentiated tumours (P = 0.045). There were no other associations between host and tumour factors and the various biological parameters. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with an involucrin count above the median value had a better 5-year survival than those below the median (89% and 56% respectively) (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with no (or poor) involucrin expression had an increased risk of developing a recurrence at the primary site (P < 0.05). Involucrin appears to be a promising marker of tumour differentiation and survival in squamous carcinoma of the larynx.
Biomarkers, Tumor↗
Malignant tumours of the cervical oesophagus.
Forty-seven patients with malignancy of the cervical oesophagus are described and compared with a group of 647 patients with hypopharyngeal malignancy. There was a higher proportion of non-squamous malignancy in cervical oesophageal cancer compared with hypopharyngeal cancer. Cervical oesophageal malignancy tended to present earlier with significantly lower T stage and neck node metastases were relatively unusual at presentation. Patients with cervical oesophageal malignancy were frequently incurable at the time they are first seen and 21 had palliative treatment only, 26 patients had curative treatment, 12 underwent radical radiotherapy and 14 had surgery. Cervical oesophageal malignancy had a significantly worse prognosis than hypopharyngeal malignancy with an 18% 3 year survival compared with a 33% 3 year survival (chi (1)2 = 7.1089, P < 0.01). Those patients with oesophageal malignancy who were treated fared considerably better than the whole group with 30% being alive at 3 years (chi (1)2 = 10.5185, P < 0.01).
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
Free revascularized jejunal loop repair following total pharyngolaryngectomy for carcinoma of the hypopharynx: report of 90 patients.
Ninety patients with carcinoma of the hypopharynx underwent pharyngolaryngectomy and reconstruction with a jejunal free autograft. Fifty-five patients had primary surgery and 35 salvage surgery for recurrence after radiotherapy. Following primary surgery 28 patients had postoperative radiotherapy and 27 did not. Complications occurred in 51 per cent of patients, the most common being necrosis of the jejunal graft (19 per cent); 12 per cent developed significant stenosis and 4 per cent died in the perioperative period. Eleven per cent of patients developed a fistula. The total number of complications diminished as the experience of the unit increased. Median follow-up was 4.9 years. Of patients treated with primary surgery, 48 per cent developed primary site recurrence (at 3 years) and 53 per cent neck node recurrence (at 5 years). The tumour-specific 5-year survival rate for all patients was 42 per cent. Following primary surgery 28 per cent survived for 5 years and after salvage surgery the rate was 59 per cent. Positive resection margins and extensive neck disease adversely affected survival (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001 respectively). The free revascularized jejunal graft is a safe and predictable method of repair following total pharyngolaryngectomy.
Adult↗