Neck Tumors Research Articles

Meningocele in the Parapharyngeal Space: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The parapharyngeal space has been described as an inverted pyramid shape with the base of the skull and the great cornu of the hyoid bone at the top. Tumors of the parapharyngeal space account for 0.5% of head and neck tumors and a wide range of tumor types can occur in this area, 80% of which are benign, the most common being pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands and neurogenic tumors. We present a 39-year-old woman who was hospitalized due to left-sided neck pain with a feeling of blockage in the left ear and hearing loss for 10 months. Imaging showed that the mass was not connected to the cranium and the patient underwent surgical resection via a transoral approach, where the contents of the mass were found to be cerebrospinal fluid, and meningocele in the parapharyngeal space is a rare occurrence. The patient presented mainly with painful symptoms, which were eventually relieved by nerve block therapy.

Laryngeal Paraganglioma with Neck Metastasis.

Paragangliomas are neoplasms of neural crest cells. They represent less than 1% of head and neck tumors. Laryngeal paragangliomas constitute a smaller fraction of head and neck paragangliomas. Malignant laryngeal paragangliomas with metastasis are extremely rare tumors. Definitive treatment includes complete surgical excision with maximum preservation of laryngeal function. Here, we report a rare case of a 55year old woman who was diagnosed with recurrent laryngeal paraganglioma along with neck metastasis. A complete excision of mass with a lateral pharyngotomy approach along with neck dissection followed by chemotherapy was done.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a young adolescent with unilatral palatal palsy and neck mass – A rare case report

Less than 1% of all head and neck neoplasms are juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, a cancer almost exclusively found in adolescent males. Here we present a case report of 14 year old male presented with neck swelling, nasal discharge mixed with blood, right sided proptosis and right sided palatal palsy where we performed CECT scan of the patient which showed homogenous opacity over nasopharynx extending to soft palate and posteriorly to C1 vertebra and DNE was performed. Later patient was planned for DNE along with biopsy which came out to be undifferentiated non-keratinized squamous cell carcinoma grade III. Further patient received external beam intensity modulated radiation therapy with complete response to treatment.

Multiple Myeloma Revealed by a Plasmacytoma of the Sphenoid Sinus in a Young Subject: Case Report

Extramedullary plasmacytomas are a rare entity. They represent less than 1% of malignant head and neck tumors. We report the case of a 42-year-old patient complaining of headache, ptosis of the right eye and hypoesthesia of the face evolving for a few weeks. MRI showed a mass in the sphenoid sinus with local extension. The myelogram objectified the presence of 60% dystrophic plasma cells, which confirms the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. The patient received chemotherapy with a good course. Here, we report a rare case of sphenoidal sinus plasmacytoma that evolved into multiple myeloma.

Merkel cell carcinoma primary sites and overall survival: The prognostic indications of head and neck tumors

Merkel cell carcinoma primary sites and overall survival: The prognostic indications of head and neck tumors

The Role of PTEN in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck tumor that is influenced by a variety of molecular factors during its pathogenesis. Among these, the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) plays a crucial role in regulatory networks. This article systematically reviews the multifaceted functions of PTEN in NPC, including its roles in inhibiting cell proliferation, regulating migration and invasion, promoting autophagy and apoptosis, and influencing resistance to radiotherapy. Molecular factors such as long non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA can modulate PTEN through various pathways, thereby impacting the biological behavior of NPC. In addition, PTEN is involved in regulating the tumor microenvironment of NPC, and its interaction with the Epstein-Barr virus has also recently become a focus of research. A comprehensive understanding of the PTEN regulatory network provides a foundation for future personalized and targeted therapeutic strategies. This study expands our understanding of the pathogenesis of NPC and suggests new directions in the field of tumor biology and NPC treatment.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland: a case report

Salivary gland tumors are relatively rare and constitute only about 1-4 % of head and neck tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor of salivary glands. Approximately 80% of pleomorphic adenomas occur in the parotid gland, rest 10-20% in submandibular and minor salivary glands. Here, we present a confirmed case of pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland. July 2024; Vol. 18(2):004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.016 *Correspondence: Zeeshan Ahmad, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ESIC Medical College Hospital, Bihta , Patna - 801103, Bihar, India. Email: ahmad66zeeshan@gmail.com

The psychosocial needs of head and neck cancer patients: a multicenter study.

Cancer is among the most frequent pathologies and a major cause of death and disability. Scientific research and surgeons focus mainly on aspects relating to etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, but often neglect the psychological needs of patients and related social factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological and social needs of patients affected by head and neck cancer to improve patient management and achieve more empathetic care. The Need Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) was administered to adult patients who had to undergo surgery in 4 Italian tertiary head and neck cancer centers the day before the operation. 188 patients affected by stage I-IV head and neck tumors were enrolled. The main needs expressed by patients fall under the categories of either "information and dialogue", (64.3% more information about future conditions, 50% more information about treatments, 45% more information about the diagnosis, 44% more reassurance) or "spiritual support" (50% need to talk to someone who had the same experience as them). Common methods of explaining diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis have proven unsatisfactory to patients and most also require more psychosocial support. This highlights the need to implement interventions and activities that are increasingly geared toward supporting the psychological and relational aspects of the care journey.

Acceptance of digital apps in the follow-up of patients with head and neck tumors

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures lead to improved quality of life in cancer patients and possibly to earlier detection of tumor recurrence. Patient interest in complementing tumor follow-up care with apps for recording PROs was assessed using a questionnaire. An independently created questionnaire to record the interest of tumor patients in adigitalized form of tumor follow-up care was evaluated (n = 110). In the study, the majority of tumor patients were interested in using an app for tumor disease. Taking age into account, the number increased even further for patients < 60years of age, as expected. In line with this, human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patients showed significantly greater interest (p = 0.021). The introduction of an app is supported by the majority of tumor patients. In addition to recording PROs, other applications (appointment reminders, patient files, sports/nutrition programs) could also be integrated.

3593: Target volume standardisation and reduction in head and neck tumours: Chances and risks

3593: Target volume standardisation and reduction in head and neck tumours: Chances and risks

611: Diving deep into the uncertainty estimation methods for head and neck tumor auto-segmentation

611: Diving deep into the uncertainty estimation methods for head and neck tumor auto-segmentation

Deep Learning Reconstruction for DWIs by EPI and FASE Sequences for Head and Neck Tumors.

Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) obtained by echo-planar imaging (EPI) are frequently degraded by susceptibility artifacts. It has been suggested that DWI obtained by fast advanced spin-echo (FASE) or reconstructed with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) could be useful for image quality improvements. The purpose of this investigation using in vitro and in vivo studies was to determine the influence of sequence difference and of DLR for DWI on image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) evaluation, and differentiation of malignant from benign head and neck tumors. For the in vitro study, a DWI phantom was scanned by FASE and EPI sequences and reconstructed with and without DLR. Each ADC within the phantom for each DWI was then assessed and correlated for each measured ADC and standard value by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. For the in vivo study, DWIs obtained by EPI and FASE sequences were also obtained for head and neck tumor patients. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ADC were then determined based on ROI measurements, while SNR of tumors and ADC were compared between all DWI data sets by means of Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. For the in vitro study, all correlations between measured ADC and standard reference were significant and excellent (0.92 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.99, p < 0.0001). For the in vivo study, the SNR of FASE with DLR was significantly higher than that of FASE without DLR (p = 0.02), while ADC values for benign and malignant tumors showed significant differences between each sequence with and without DLR (p < 0.05). In comparison with EPI sequence, FASE sequence and DLR can improve image quality and distortion of DWIs without significantly influencing ADC measurements or differentiation capability of malignant from benign head and neck tumors.

Ultrasonic Shears Decrease Postoperative Hematomas in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction.

To evaluate postoperative hematoma and takeback rates in a large series of microvascular reconstructions. We sought to determine whether the use of ultrasonic shears reduced these rates. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral hospital. A total of 2288 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects between 1995 and 2022 were reviewed. Patients undergoing dissection with and without ultrasonic shears were compared to determine postoperative hematoma and takeback rates. The overall hematoma rate was 1.3% (29/2288) for the entire cohort. The postoperative hematoma rates with and without ultrasonic shears were 0.63% (9/1418) and 2.3% (20/870), relative risk = 0.28, P = .0015. Of 870 patients undergoing surgery without ultrasonic shears, 14 (1.61%) were taken back to the operating room for control of bleeding compared to 8 of 1418 (0.56%) in the ultrasonic shears cohort. Our large series of patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction shows a decrease in postoperative hematoma rate and takeback for bleeding with the adoption of ultrasonic shears. Ultrasonic shears are an effective tool that can help decrease perioperative morbidity secondary to hematoma after head and neck tumor resection and microvascular reconstruction.

LINC00313 suppresses autophagy and promotes stemness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through PTBP1/STIM1 axis

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a kind of malignant head and neck tumor with high mortality. lncRNAs are valuable diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various tumors. This study investigated the effects and mechanism of LINC00313 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MethodsCell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and immunohistochemistry were used for assessing cell proliferation. The levels of autophagy-related proteins, and stem cell markers were detected. Immunofluorescence assay was used for LC3 detection. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (meRIP) of LINC00313 in NPC cells was assessed. The localization of LINC00313 was verified by luorescence in situ hybridization (FIHS). The interaction between LINC00313 and the downstream targets were analyzed and confirmed by immunoprecipitation (RIP). Besides, the tumorigenesis roles of LINC00313 were confirmed in tumor growth mice model. ResultsLINC00313 was increased in NPC tissues and cells. LINC00313 knockdown enhanced autophagy, and decreased stemness and cell viability of NPC cells through regulating STIM1. METTL3/IGF2BP1-mediated m6A modification promoted the stabilization and up-regulation of LINC00313. LINC00313 activated AKT/mTOR pathway in NPC cells through PTBP1/STIM1 axis. Moreover, LINC00313 promoted tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft model. ConclusionUpregulation of LINC00313 suppressed autophagy and promoted stemness of NPC cells through PTBP1/STIM1 axis.

Identification of protein methyltransferases 5 associated with ferroptosis and immune cell infiltration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck tumors are malignant tumors that appear in the head and neck. Although much progress has been made in the treatment of head and neck tumors, many challenges remain. The prognosis of some advanced cases remains poor and survival and quality of life after treatment face certain limitations. Therefore, further research into the pathogenesis and treatment options for head and neck tumors is important in order to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients. The Protein Arginine Methyltransferase (PRMT) family is a class of enzymes that are responsible for adding methyl groups to arginine residues in proteins. PRMT family members play important roles in regulating many cellular processes, such as transcriptional regulation, signaling, and cell cycle regulation. Recent studies have shown that the PRMT family also plays an important function in tumorigenesis and development. Here, we found that PRMT family members are significantly overexpressed in head and neck tumors and that PRMT5 may serve as an independent prognostic factor in head and neck tumors. We found that PRMT5-regulated differential genes were significantly enriched in tumor-associated signaling pathways such as IL-17 and p53. And we also found that the expression of PRMT5 in head and neck tumors was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, m6A as well as the expression of ferroptosis-related genes, and drug sensitivity. These results suggest that PRMT may play an important role in the development of head and neck tumors.

Factors Influencing the Preference of Medical Students at Umm Al-Qura University for Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as a Future Specialty: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) specialists treat patients of different ages, ranging from elderly patients with head and neck tumors to neonates with respiratory problems. No studies have been conducted to explore the factors that affect the preference for ORL among Umm Al-Qura University students. We aimed to investigate factors and motivators influencing medical students at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, who choose to pursue a career in ORL-head and neck surgery. This cross-sectional study was conducted over two months in 2023 among 439 students in the pre-clinical, clinical, and internship years of the Faculty of Medicine at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia.We shared a Google Forms questionnaire(Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) and explored factors associated with interest in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) as a future specialty.We used Pearson's chi-squaretest to arrive at the results. A total of 339 (77.2%) participants were female. Participants were evenly divided between pre-clinical years (213 (48.5%)) and clinical years (207 (47.2%)), with a smaller percentage in the internship category (19 (4.3%)). ORL involvement was reported in 159 (36.2%) of the participants. The surgical specialty of ORL focuses mostly on conditions affecting the head, neck, nose, and ears. Since students found this specialty fascinating, we recommend that senior doctors make a greater effort to enlighten doctors-in-training about this field of expertise through lectures and campaigns at hospitals and universities.

The Role of Estrogen and Estrogen Receptors in Head and Neck Tumors.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. The main risk factors include consumption of tobacco in all forms and alcohol, as well as infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus. Regardless of the etiological agent, the risk of developing different types of HNTs is from two to more than six times higher in males than in females. The reason for such disparities probably lies in a combination of both biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure to female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, provides women with protection against the formation and metastasis of HNTs. In this review, we synthesized available knowledge on the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the development and progression of HNTs, with special emphasis on membrane ERs, which are much less studied. We can summarize that in addition to epidemiologic studies unequivocally pointing to the protective effect of estrogen in women, an increased expression of both nuclear ERs, ERα, and ERβ, and membrane ERs, ERα36, GPER1, and NaV1.2, was present in different types of HNSCC, for which anti-estrogens could be used as an effective therapeutic approach.

Machine Learning Prediction of Tongue Pressure in Elderly Patients with Head and Neck Tumor: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This investigation sought to cross validate the predictors of tongue pressure recovery in elderly patients' post-treatment for head and neck tumors, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques. Methods: By employing logistic regression, support vector regression, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting, the study analyzed an array of variables including patient demographics, surgery types, dental health status, and age, drawn from comprehensive medical records and direct tongue pressure assessments. Results: Among the models, logistic regression emerged as the most effective, demonstrating an accuracy of 0.630 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.370-0.778], F1 score of 0.688 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.435-0.853], precision of 0.611 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.313-0.801], recall of 0.786 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.413-0.938] and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.626 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.409-0.806]. This model distinctly highlighted the significance of glossectomy (p = 0.039), the presence of functional teeth (p = 0.043), and the patient's age (p = 0.044) as pivotal factors influencing tongue pressure, setting the threshold for statistical significance at p < 0.05. Conclusions: The analysis underscored the critical role of glossectomy, the presence of functional natural teeth, and age as determinants of tongue pressure in logistics regression, with the presence of natural teeth and the tumor site located in the tongue consistently emerging as the key predictors across all computational models employed in this study.

Friend or Foe? Exploring the Role of Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Infection in Head and Neck Tumors.

Although not regarded as an oncogenic pathogen, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been associated with a wide array of malignancies. Conversely, a number of studies report on possible anti-tumor properties of the virus, apparently mediated via HCMV-galvanized T-cell tumor killing; these were recently being investigated in clinical trials for the purposes of anti-cancer treatment by means of dendritic cell vaccines and HCMV-specific cytotoxic T cells. In the present study, we have analyzed the relation between a complement of head-and-neck tumors and HCMV infection across 73 countries worldwide using Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Intriguingly, HCMV was found to be pro-oncogenic in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma; contrarywise, the virus manifested an inverse (i.e., anti-tumor) association with the tumors of the lip/oral region and the salivary glands. Although this putative protective effect was noted initially for thyroid neoplasia and hypopharyngeal tumors as well, after multivariate regression analysis the connection did not hold. There was no association between laryngeal cancer and HCMV infection. It would appear that, depending on the tissue, HCMV may exert both protective and oncogenic effects. The globally observed protective feature of the virus could potentially be utilized in future therapeutic approaches for salivary tumors and neoplasia in the lip/oral region. As correlation does not necessarily imply causation, more in-depth molecular analyses from comprehensive clinical studies are warranted to substantiate our findings.

Reconstructive Head and Neck Microsurgery in a High-Volume Cancer Center—Long-Term Impact of an Early Experience

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate a 16-year-long outcome of an evolving practical approach to reconstructive microsurgery in a high volume, resource-constrained, head and neck cancer care setting. Patients and Methods Seventy-three consecutive cases of free flap reconstruction done by the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology team of Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, from October 2004 to May 2020 were prospectively studied for flap viability, cosmesis, morbidity, and oncologic safety. The cases were selected based on their “emphatic” superiority to the conventional alternative as determined by two or more surgeons of the head and neck team or the recommendations of the head and neck tumor board. Results With the long-term results, this article discusses and validates our strategy for controlled patient recruitment for reconstructive microsurgery to ensure the best resource utilization in a tertiary cancer care center. Conclusions Adequate training and optimal application are the key factors determining success in microvascular reconstructive surgery in resource-constrained, high-volume cancer care facilities.