Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma with lung metastasis

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is relatively a rare tumour of head and neck region. Without histopathological confirmation, it appears and behaved as like malignant epithelial tumor of the head and neck region as will be illustrated in the present case. Cutaneous involvement of the tumor with distant metastasis has made the prognosis unfavorable. This isolated case of head and neck PC-ALCL was highlighted as it has a tendency to behave aggressively and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid poor survival outcome.

An outcome of Surgically Treated Head and Neck Cancer in one of the tertiary Referral Center in the East Coast of Malaysia: A 6-year Retrospective Analysis

Background: Surgical management of head and neck cancer is undoubtedly challenging, and we would like to see the outcome of managing such cases at one of the tertiary referral center in the East Coast of Malaysia. Methods: A 6-year retrospective analysis of surgically treated head and neck cancer cases in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan, Pahang was conducted. Results: The total number of patients reviewed was 55 and mean age of the patients was 59 years (SD 12). The larynx was the most common surgically treated site (29.1%), followed by the oral cavity (16.4%) and the paranasal sinuses (14.5%). Majority of the patients presented with stage III (32.8%) and stage IV (41.8%) cancer. Post-operative local complications (23.6%) and wound breakdown was identified as the most common cause (20%). Low hemoglobin level prior to surgery was associated with anemia after surgery (P = 0.007) and prolonged hospital stay (P = 0.030). Tumor recurrence was observed in 21.8% of the cases. Advanced stage tumor had more percentage of positive margin than early stage tumor i.e., 23% in early stage versus 58% in advanced stage (P = 0.050). Conclusion: Surgical management of head and neck cancer in this center has an acceptable outcome.

Inflammatory Pseudotumour of Skull Base – Diagnostic Challenge and Treatment Outcome

We report a case of an inflammatory pseudotumour (IP) involving the floor of the skull base, which demonstrated aggressive behavior both clinically and radiologically. In this case, the diagnosis was established by clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathological examination (HPE) and the dramatic response towards high dose steroid therapy. The clinical features improved with oral cyclophosphamide in combination with oral steroid, which were given for a period of three months.