Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to U Milanesi.
The authors report a case of a salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) of the parotid gland revealed by a facial palsy. The clinical and pathological features of this highly malignant neoplasm are described. The aggressive nature of this form demands a combined chemo-radio-surgical treatment; only early recognition and treatment are likely to result in a favourable outcome.
The combination of modern bivalved operative laryngoscopes, laryngeal telescopes and videotaping techniques has given us a new tool in the objective evaluation of organic laryngeal lesions. The purpose of the present study has been to describe a new method for direct video-laryngoscopy, an alternative to the classical Kleinsasser microlaryngoscopy technique, in diagnosis, clinical documentation and endolaryngeal microsurgery under video control without using an operating microscope. The direct video-laryngoscopy system consists of: a Weerda distending operating laryngoscope, Hopkins rod lens and Lumina telescopes (0 degrees, 25 degrees, 70 degrees or Mueller subglottoscope), an original telescope holder for a distending laryngoscope, a lightweight medical videocamera, a VHS videorecorder, laryngoscope holder and chest support. From November 1987 to May 1989, 370 patients with laryngeal lesions were examined and recorded. Only in 3 cases was the microlaryngoscopy technique used as it proved difficult to introduce the telescope into its holder because of patient anatomy: one short-necked, obese patient, and two with a prominent tongue base and limited ability to open the mouth. In 367 cases direct video-laryngoscopy made careful diagnosis possible leaving a permanent record of the size and extent of the lesion. Such information could be used in accurate staging and follow-up. 320 patients were also treated by endolaryngeal microsurgery under video control without an operating microscope. Thanks to the width of the bivalved scope, the space for microsurgical instruments would be appreciably extended laterally, making it possible to better control the instruments on the monitor. The telescope lies on the superior spatula of the laryngoscope without interfering with the surgical procedures. The video material obtained was of high quality and of great value for diagnosis, pre- and post-operative evaluation, follow-up and documentation of various laryngeal disorders.
Paragangliomas of the carotid body with an autosomal dominant genetic transmission have been described in a familial presentation in 7-10% of all the cases observed. In less than 10% malignancy is confirmed by secondary metastatic localization rather than by typical histological features of malignant diseases, such as vascular or perineural invasion, nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic activity. The purpose of the study is to present a familial group of paragangliomas of the carotid boy and a flow cytometric analysis of tumor content DNA and to discuss the prognostic value of the results. The paragangliomas of these related patients (father and daughter) are diploid, without regional lymph node or distant metastases; clinical and cytometric findings support a good prognosis even if an accurate follow up of such neuroendocrine tumors is nonetheless mandatory. Considering data in Literature, the Authors also propose a prognostic classification of paragangliomas as follows: noninvasive (capsulated, without vascular or perineural infiltration, diploid); locally invasive (histological signs such as vascular or perineural infiltration, nuclear pleomorphism, abnormal mitoses etc, diploid); potentially malignant (histological signs, non-diploid, expression of few antigens) and malignant (regional or distant metastases).