Paranasal Research Articles

The expression of MUC5AC in patients with rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To understand the connection between Muc5AC expression and the likelihood of rhinosinusitis, with the goal of providing insights into its prospective use as a biomarker. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for studies up to November 2023 to conduct a literature review. After screening and quality assessment, eligible studies meeting the criteria were included. Muc5AC expression and rhinosinusitis association was analyzed by STATA 14.0. Including weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval, were reported. The meta-analysis included 16 studies with 1448 rhinosinusitis patients. MUC5AC expression was significantly up-regulated in both chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; WMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41-0.63) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP; WMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.28-0.56) patients compared to controls. IHC positive area analysis corroborated these findings, with elevated MUC5AC levels in CRSwNP (WMD: 25.61; 95% CI: 22.41-28.81) and CRSsNP (WMD: 39.74; 95% CI: 25.6-53.88) patients. Subgroup analysis based on tissue type (nasal tissue fluid and sinus mucosa) consistently supported the overall results. Our meta-analysis robustly demonstrates a significant association between elevated MUC5AC expression and rhinosinusitis risk. This finding underscores the potential of MUC5AC as a molecular marker, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic interventions in rhinosinusitis management. CRD42024518932.

Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of Left Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report of Rare Tumor on Rare Location

Introduction: Primary extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare and aggressive tumor with diverse clinical manifestations. In the realm of head and neck pathology, EPSCC most commonly presents in the larynx or oral cavity. Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma represents a particularly infrequent and aggressive neoplasm affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Case Presentation: Here in, we are presenting a case of a 40-year-old nonsmoking male with left maxillary sinus EPSCC, demonstrating extensive local invasion and regional lymphadenopathy. The patient presented with nasal obstruction, ocular swelling, visual loss, and multiple neck swellings. Diagnosis was challenging, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and histopathological confirmation. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and synaptophysin markers validating the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexities and highlights the importance of swift intervention and a multidisciplinary treatment approach for optimizing patient outcomes in rare and aggressive tumors like EPSCC. Early detection and prompt management are crucial in resource-limited settings to mitigate morbidity and mortality.

Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Nasal Lavage Fluid in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

(1) Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and the paranasal sinuses. The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is multifactorial and, as of yet, not well understood. (2) Methods: Nasal lavage fluid samples were collected from patients diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) (n = 10) and individuals without sinusitis (control group) (n = 10) who had no nasal complaints. In the present study, we used an untargeted label-free LC-MS/MS mass spectrometric approach combined with bioinformatics and network pathway analysis to compare the changes in the proteomic profiles of the CRSwNP group and the control group. Data from LC-MS/MS underwent univariate and multivariate analyses. (3) Results: The proteomic analyses revealed distinct differences in the abundances of nasal lavage fluid proteins between the CRSwNP and control groups: a total of 234 proteins, 151 up- and 83 down-regulated in CRSwNP. Functional Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that dysregulated proteins were involved in airway inflammatory reaction, immune response, and oxidative stress. The biomarkers were evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve; an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.999 (95% CI) identified potential biomarkers between the CRSwNP and control group. EMILIN-3 and RAB11-binding protein RELCH were down-regulated, and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor and deoxyribonuclease-1 were up-regulated, in CRSwNP compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: These differentially expressed proteins identified in CRSwNP are involved in airway inflammatory reaction, immune response, and oxidative stress. In particular, the identification of increased interleukin-36 gamma (IL-36γ), which contributes to inflammatory response, and a decrease in SOD, in this group are notable findings. In the future, several of these proteins may prove useful for exploring the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis or as objective biomarkers for quantitatively monitoring disease progression or response to therapy.

Sinonasal Ringertz Tumor

Abstract Inverted papilloma is a benign epithelial tumor characterized by ingrowth into the ectodermal Schneiderian membrane in the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. A 35-year-old male patient presented to our Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Outpatient Department with complaints of left-sided nasal obstruction for 4 years. Histopathological examination was reported as inverted papilloma. The patient recovered well without any evidence of residual lesion.

Post COVID rhino-cerebral mucormycosis at a tertiary hospital in Central India: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundUsually non-pathogenic in immunocompetent individuals, mucormycosis is an aggressive, angio-invasive fungus. It is a rare, opportunistic infection belonging to the zygomycete family. The second wave of COVID-19 saw the emergence of a more dangerous and a potentially deadly invasive fungal sinusitis evolving in rhino-cerebral mucormycosis thus compounding and complicating the pandemic. Alarming and exponential rise in the number of cases of rhino-cerebral mucormycosis in India versus the rest of the world when the treatment protocols essentially remained the same needs to be probed scientifically along with its prompt management. Here an attempt has been made to explore this in the study of 50 cases of rhino-cerebral mucormycosis. This study aims to explore the cause and extension of the disease along with its treatment and outcome in 50 cases of post COVID rhino-cerebral mucormycosis.ResultsThis is a retrospective cohort study conducted on 50 patients with post COVID-19 invasive mucormycosis of the paranasal sinuses with extension to surrounding structure visiting Otorhinolaryngology department at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Wardha. Among 50 patients, 86% males in 4th to 7th decade with mean age of 51.08 years. Large majority had mild–moderate severity on high-resolution computed tomography thorax with 84% having uncontrolled diabetes and 18% newly diagnosed diabetic cases. Seventy-two percent had history of steroid intake for COVID-19 management. Maxillary sinus was most commonly involved sinus in 94% cases while 32% had commonest extra nasal spread hard palate. Seventy-eight percent of the post operated mucormycosis cases are alive with no recurrence, 8% are alive and had recurrence of the disease while 14% resulted in death.ConclusionEffective management and control of the infection can be achieved with the use of strong antibiotics, oral or systemic antifungal drugs, extensive surgical excision of diseased tissue, and addressing underlying risk factors can effectively manage and control the infection. This approach results in positive outcomes and reduced morbidity compared to the time prior to the COVID-19 pandemic including cases with extensive disease.

Radiographic Variants Associated With Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Key Differences for Pre-Operative Planning.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) often results in expansion of disease beyond the paranasal sinuses, which may put important structures, such as the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) or lateral lamella of the cribiform, at risk of injury during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This study aims to compare the AEA to skull base (AEA-SB) length in patients with AFRS versus chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), as well as additional anatomic variants. A single institutional retrospective chart review of patients undergoing ESS for AFRS and CRSwNP was performed. AEA-SB length were compared between the 2 groups. Other anatomic variants, including Keros measurement and presence of supraorbital ethmoid air cells (SOEC), concha bullosa (CB), sphenoethmoidal, and infraorbital ethmoid cells were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Twenty-one patients were included in each cohort. The AFRS group was younger in age (P = .015) and had a significantly longer AEA-SB length (P = .014) compared to the CRSwNP group. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding Keros measurement, presence of concha bullosa, infraorbital ethmoid, sphenoethmoidal, or SOEC. No association was seen between AEA-SB length and Keros class in either group. AFRS harbors anatomical differences when compared to CRSwNP, with the former associated with a longer AEA-SB length. This key difference should be considered in preoperative planning to prevent injury to the AEA in patients undergoing ESS for AFRS.

Intracranial Off-Midline Mature Teratoma and Pneumosinus Dilatans: A Unique Clinical Report

AbstractTeratomas typically arise as midline lesions in the suprasellar and pineal regions. Pneumosinus dilatans is a rare condition characterized by the expansion of one or more of the paranasal sinuses and thinning of their bony walls with a normal covering mucosa. It usually involves the sphenoid and posterior ethmoid sinuses and has been associated with meningiomas and arachnoid cysts. Off-midline mature teratomas are uncommon, and no reports have described an association with pneumosinus dilatans. We present a rare association between an intracranial off-midline mature teratoma and pneumosinus dilatans in an 18-year-old male patient who presented with a second episode of a left-sided seizure, which has not yet been reported in the literature.

Incidence of head and neck cancer among Baquba Teaching Hospital Patients

Background: Squamous cells lining the tissues of the head and neck region, such as the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, lip, salivary glands, and hypopharynx, give growth to a group of malignancies together recognized as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which is the seventh utmost communal cancer diagnosis around the world. Objective: Determine the prevalence of head and neck cancer in Diyala province during 2022-2023 and their distribution according to age and gender of patients. In addition, this study aimed to identify the numbers of each type of head and neck cancer. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study achieved on the prevalence of head and neck cancer in the region accomplished in oncology center of Baquba teaching hospital in Diyala province, Iraq. Head and neck cancer patients recorded from 2022 to 2023. During this dated, a total of 172 patients were recorded. A search was accomplished on numerous databases, moreover, the information evaluated by age, gender and cancer type. Results: Regarding patients during 2022 (first group) which is contained of (94) patients with different head and neck cancer, 38(40.4%) were males and 56(59.6%) were females with statistically significant relationship. The patients during 2023 (second group) comprises of (78) patients with different head and neck cancer, 43(50.1%) were men and 35(44.9%) were women with statistically no significant correlation. Conclusion: Oral and pharyngeal cancer is more common in men than in women. The most common age group is 4th and 5th decade for head and neck cancer.

Allergic rhinitis: a brief overview of the etiopathogenesis and rehabilitation of patients

The article presents a brief overview of modern literature sources concerning the prevalence, etiopathogenetic approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. The relevance of the problem under consideration is due to the high prevalence of this pathology, the variety of etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the variability of classifications. One of the most popular classifications is seasonal. When studying pathogenetic mechanisms, the following patterns were revealed: the nasal mucosa is the main air conditioner of the respiratory tract and the first line of defense against infectious agents transmitted by airborne droplets. These roles require maintaining and restoring epithelial integrity and the ability to initiate immune responses. When conditions or factors are present that compromise the integrity of the mucosa, the epithelium releases alarmins and other molecular patterns associated with damage that trigger repair mechanisms but can also cause protective inflammation. In allergic rhinitis, the same mechanisms can activate the development of the disease. Many authors consider various diagnostic methods for allergic rhinitis. Such as a detailed and competent collection of complaints and anamnesis, including family history, physical examination, endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity, rhinomanometry, skin prick tests, radiological studies, including computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses, intradermal tests, study of total and specific immunoglobulins E in blood serum, basophil activation test, nasal provocation test, nasal cytology and biopsy histology, acoustic rhinometry, nasal inspiratory peak flow testing, and nitric oxide measurements are used. Attention is also paid to laboratory and instrumental methods for the differential diagnosis of rhinitis of pseudoallergic origin; the following methods are used: ultrasound diagnostics of the hepatobiliary system, biochemical blood test, and immunological studies. Treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis requires an integrated and interdisciplinary approach and, of course, requires differential and personalized methods taking into account etiopathogenetic mechanisms.

Compare nasal endoscopy with Computed Tomography scans for chronic rhinosinusitis detection in adult Iraqi patients

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is often diagnosed based on clinical features. Assurance in this context is based on the finding of inflammatory features during nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans of the paranasal sinuses. While a CT scan is considered the most reliable method, research has shown that nasal endoscopy is also valuable and can sometimes provide additional information to supplement the CT scan in diagnosing CRS. Objective: The study goal was to demonstrate the comparative reliability of nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scans in diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis in adult patients treated at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. Patients and Methods: The study sample consisted of consecutive adult participants clinically diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients who had a computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses and a nasal endoscopy during three months were the subjects of this investigation; the outcomes were linked. Results: Study results exhibit that the most prevalent symptoms seen in the study participants were nasal discharge and nasal obstruction, reported by 95% and 90%, respectively; the most prevailing observation during nasal endoscopy was middle meatus purulent discharge, noticed in 58% of the patients. Maxillary sinus was most often affected, seen in 65% of the patients on a CT scan, and 40% had obstruction of the osteomeatal complex on CT imaging. The nasal endoscopy had a sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 85.3%, positive predictive value of 92.7%, and negative predictive value of 55.8%. The research also found no significant differences in positive predictive value (PPV) between nasal endoscopy and CT scan. In contrast, the sensitivity of nasal endoscopy was significantly greater than that of CT scan. Conclusion: The study found that nasal endoscopic findings for patients with positive clinical features were purulent (cream-colored) discharge and middle meatus polyps, which is sufficient for diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis; the study showed that Nasal endoscopy is almost as accurate as CT scans and CT scan findings are well correlates with sinus endoscopy, due to its precision, cheap cost, and radiation dosage.

Anatomical Variations in Nasal Cavities and Paranasal Sinuses on Computed Tomography in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Anatomical Variations in Nasal Cavities and Paranasal Sinuses on Computed Tomography in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

A Wearable, Steerable, Transcranial Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound System.

Transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) offers unique opportunities for precisely neuromodulating small and/or deep targets within the human brain, which may be useful for treating psychiatric and neurological disorders. This article presents a novel ultrasound system that delivers focused ultrasound through the forehead to anterior brain targets and evaluates its safety and usability in a volunteer study. The ultrasound system and workflow are described, including neuronavigation, LIFU planning, and ultrasound delivery components. Its capabilities are analyzed through simulations and experiments in water to establish its safe steering range. A cohort of 20 healthy volunteers received a LIFU protocol aimed at the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (amPFC), using imaging and questionnaires to screen for adverse effects. Additional development after the study also analyzes the effect of the skull and sinus cavities on delivered ultrasound energy. Simulations and hydrophone readings agreed with <5% error, and the safe steering range was found to encompass a 1.8 cm × 2.5 cm × 2 cm volume centered at a depth 5 cm from the surface of the skin. There were no adverse effects evident on qualitative assessments, nor any signs of damage in susceptibility-weighted imaging scans. All participants tolerated the treatment well. The interface effectively enabled the users to complete the workflow with all participants. In particular, the amPFC of every participant was within the steering limits of the system. A post hoc analysis showed that "virtual fitting" could aid in steering the beams around subjects' sinuses. The presented system safely delivered LIFU through the forehead while targeting the amPFC in all volunteers, and was well-tolerated. With the capabilities validated here and positive results of the study, this technology appears well-suited to explore LIFU's efficacy in clinical neuromodulation contexts.

Variations of Anterior Skull Base Seen on Computed Tomography Scans of the Paranasal Sinuses

Abstract Context: The anterior skull base (ASB) and the paranasal sinuses are known for anatomical variations. Therefore, a preoperative assessment for the assessment of these variations is a necessity. This study aims to determine the profile of variations of the ASB using computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (CT-PNS) scans. Settings and Design: Observational Study. Materials and Methods: Forty CT-PNS scans were studied with measurement of different parameters. Statistical Analysis: Observational study analysis – Descriptive stats, t-tests, Chi-square, nonparametric tests, analysis of variance, regression, P &lt; 0.05 significance level. A significance level of P &lt; 0.05 was used for all tests. Results: Seventeen male and 23 female CT-PNS scans were studied. Different measurements on the right and left sides, as well as between genders, were examined and compared. The supraorbital ethmoidal cell is the most often seen anatomical variation. Variations in the ASB are equally visible on both sides in men and on the right in females (Type-II &gt; Type-1). Type I was more common among female, whereas Type II was more common. The existence of the anterior ethmoidal foramen is a dependable marker for the anterior ethmoidal artery. In the group under investigation, there was no lamina papyracea abnormality. Conclusion: This study aims to assess anatomical variations in the Indian population undergoing ASB surgeries, contributing to the current understanding of Indian paranasal sinuses and skull base dynamics.

Unilateral obstruction of the nasal sinuses with epistaxis

Unilateral obstruction of the nasal sinuses with epistaxis

Achieving clinical remission in asthma with mepolizumab: a subanalysis on vitamin D as a predictor of response

Objective Mepolizumab, an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in reducing exacerbations and steroid dependency in severe eosinophilic asthma. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mepolizumab in achieving clinical remission in asthma over 12 months and explore Vitamin D levels as a predictor of response. Method We assessed Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores, spirometry, number of exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use in 32 patients, observing significant clinical improvements. Data were collected 1 year prior to starting mepolizumab and one year after starting mepolizumab. Nasal polyps were not seen in all the patients, and computed tomography of para-nasal sinuses are not available for all the patients, so nasal polyps status are not evaluated to avoid any bias. Result Our results indicate that 12 patients achieved clinical remission after starting mepolizumab, with a strong correlation between higher Vitamin D levels and positive treatment outcomes. This suggests that optimizing Vitamin D levels could enhance the response to mepolizumab in asthma patients, and help in achieving better asthma control. Conclusion Mepolizumab is an effective treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma, significantly improving clinical outcomes and reducing corticosteroid use. This study highlights the importance of Vitamin D as a predictor of response to mepolizumab, suggesting that higher Vitamin D levels may enhance treatment efficacy.

Metachronous Cutaneous Melanoma Metastases of the Left Anterior Paranasal Sinuses and the Right Nasopharynx That Were Treated Surgically: A Case Report With Literature Review

Metachronous Cutaneous Melanoma Metastases of the Left Anterior Paranasal Sinuses and the Right Nasopharynx That Were Treated Surgically: A Case Report With Literature Review

Primary ciliary dyskinesia in children: clinical, laboratory-instrumental and genetic characteristics

Background. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an orphan disease, and diagnosis is difficult because there is no gold standard for diagnosis. Aim. Clinical, laboratory-instrumental, genetic characteristics of PCD in children. Materials and methods. From 2009 to 2024, 31 patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of PCD were observed as part of a multicenter, open-ended, descriptive pilot longitudinal study. Examination methods: clinical and anamnestic method; X-ray examination and computed tomography of the chest organs and paranasal sinuses, tracheobronchoscopy; sputum/aspirate cultures of the tracheobroncheal tree with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics; transmission electron microscopy, high-speed video microscopy of the ciliated epithelium, cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage; monitoring computer pulse oximetry, echocardiography, audiometry, spirometry with bronchodilator test. Results. Respiratory symptoms in the neonatal period have 80% of children with PCD, lateralization defects – 35%, congenital heart defects – 13%, bronchiectasis – 68%, purulent endobronchitis – 62%, year-round rhinitis – 84%, hearing loss, otitis – 65%. The average age of onset of symptoms was 1 [1; 1] weeks, and the verification of diagnosis was 6 [2,5; 8] years. The main pathogens of chronic respiratory infection with PCD are Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus. The most common cause of PCD was biallelic variants of the DNAH5 gene. Conclusion. The diagnosis of PCD should be based on the application of the maximum number of diagnostic tests.

Variable anatomical features of acromegaly in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: implications for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most common cause of acromegaly. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EEA) is commonly employed to remove them. Although morphological differences in the nasal cavity exist between acromegaly patients and those with other types of PitNET, few quantitative studies have been performed. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical features of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in patients with acromegaly. Preoperative computed tomography images of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were compared between 20 patients with a GH-secreting PitNET (acromegaly group) and 22 with a non-functioning PitNET (control group). In the acromegaly group, the relationships between preoperative GH and/or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and anatomical characteristics were assessed. In the acromegaly group, the distance between the nostril and dorsum sellae was significantly longer and the distance between the parasellar internal carotid arteries was significantly shorter (p = 0.0022 and 0.0092, respectively). Pneumatization volume in the nasal cavity did not differ between the groups. Nasal mucosa and bony hypertrophy were observed in the acromegaly group. Preoperative GH level was correlated with the width of the piriform aperture (p = 0.0171). The nasal and paranasal changes associated with acromegaly can make EEA challenging to perform. Widening the surgical corridor anterior to the sphenoid sinus is important in these patients.

Puffed-Cheek CT Improved Evaluation of Buccal Mucosal Neoplasm in Contest to Conventional CT Scan

Background: Oral cancer is a frequent cancer in our country, most people are affected by this cancer are older age. Accurate evaluation of this cancer difficult due to close proximity of bones and soft tissue. So for improve diagnostic accuracy Puffed cheek maneuver should be used with traditional Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT).Objective: To determine the improved diagnostic accuracy of Puffed cheek Computed Tomography (PCCT) in evaluation of buccal mucosa tumors in contest to non puffed cheek Computed Tomography.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Radiology and Imaging department of Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital from 2022(January) to 2023(July). Cases were referred from different department. After meeting the inclusion criteria patients were subjected for CT scan. Imaging was performed from paranasal sinus and neck region with axial sections from pituitary fossa to arch of aorta, after injection of intravenous iodinated contrast media, multiplanar sagittal, coronal reformation images were obtained. Puffed cheek manoeuvre was performed to separate gingival and oral buccal mucosa in all the cases for improved detailed evaluation. The CT result were then compared with non puffed cheek scans results. Results: Among 30 patients 7 cases were missed by conventional CT scan, thirteen patients showed a mass in the oral cavity that were inseparable from 2 mucosal surfaces. Puffed-cheek images clearly showed the mass and surface of tumor involvement. Other 10 patients in conventional CT showed mass in the margins of tongue, oral cavity but extension and infiltration of surrounding structures by the lesion could not be well delineated, puffed-cheek images clearly showed the specific location, extension, adjacent muscles and other structures infiltration. Conclusion: Puffed cheek CT gives better performance to diagnosis the small buccal mucosal tumors, any irregularity, thickening, more detailing of mucosal surface of oral cavity than conventional CT scan, so can helps in choosing the management &amp; surgical approach also. KYAMC Journal Volume: 15, No: 01, April 2024: 29-32.

Pediatric non-nasopharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program with review of the literature

BackgroundDespite its prevalence in adults, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered a rare entity in pediatrics where lymphomas, neural tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas predominate in the head and neck. Given the association of squamous cell carcinoma with the human papillomavirus, a risk factor that may be present from birth, and the difficulties in staging this disease for prognostication in children, it is important to revisit nationally collected data for prevalence and outcomes assessments. ObjectiveTo examine a publicly available national database to describe the incidence, pathology, treatment, and survival of pediatric HNSCC. To review the available literature regarding management, outcomes, and risk factors for this disease process. MethodsThe National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) tumor database was queried to identify pediatric subjects ages 0 to 19 diagnosed HNSCC between 1973 and 2019. ResultsTwo-hundred ninety-two cases were identified. Subjects were 62.7 % male (n = 183) and the average age was 15.4 years (range 2–19, median 16). Subjects were 65.8 % white (n = 192), 22.9 % black (n = 67), 8.9 % Asian/Pacific Islander (n = 26), 1 % American Indian (n = 3), and 1.4 % unknown (n = 4). The most common primary sites were nasopharynx (45.9 %), oral cavity (30.5 %), larynx (8.6 %), salivary gland (4.1 %), nasal cavity & paranasal sinus (3.4 %), and lip (2.7 %). There was no statistically significant difference between primary subsite and age, race, histologic grade, or extent of disease. The 5-year overall survival was 83.6 %. DiscussionHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to present in older children and is more prevalent in White populations. The nasopharynx is the most common subsite involved, which differs from adult populations in which non-nasopharyngeal subsites including the larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx are most frequently affected. ConclusionHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma is rare in pediatric patients but should not be overlooked by physicians in the differential diagnosis, particularly in teenagers. Further study is needed to determine whether this represents a unique entity or can be staged and treated according to adult guidelines.