Orthovoltage for basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Excellent local control and low toxicity profile.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Evaluation of treatment results of orthovoltage X-rays for a selection of previously untreated favorable basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in the head and neck area concerning local control, cosmetic and functional outcome, and toxicity profile. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with primarily treated BCCs who were irradiated by means of orthovoltage X-rays in the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam between January 2000 and February 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-three BCCs in 232 patients were primarily treated with orthovoltage X-rays. The local control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years for this selection of basal cell carcinomas were 98.9%, 97.5%, and 96.3%, respectively. Tumor size was the only significant predictor for local control because BCCs < 20 mm had a significantly higher 5-year local control rate than lesions ≥ 20 mm (96.8% vs. 89.4%, P = 0.041). Acute toxicity healed spontaneously without medical intervention, and late toxicity rates were low. Functional impairments were negligible, and the cosmetic outcome was excellent. CONCLUSION: Orthovoltage therapy for well-selected favorable BCCs in the head and neck area resulted in excellent local control rates, a low toxicity profile, and apparently satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. Orthovoltage irradiation is a good alternative for surgery for BCCs with favorable histologic prognosis at locations that are at risk for postoperative functional or cosmetic changes, such as the nose or canthus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1796-1802, 2016.

A thin tracheal silicone washer to solve periprosthetic leakage in laryngectomies: direct results and long-term clinical effects.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the immediate results and long-term clinical effects of a thin silicone washer placed behind the tracheal flange of voice prostheses to treat periprosthetic leakage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three year retrospective analysis of 32 laryngectomized patients with 107 periprosthetic leakage events (PLEs). Custom-made silicone washers (outer diameter 18 mm, inner diameter 7.5 mm, thickness 0.5 mm) were placed behind the tracheal flange either in combination with prosthesis replacement or later. RESULTS: There was immediate resolution of periprosthetic leakage in 88 PLEs (median, 38 d; mean, 53 d; range, 8-330 d) and in 6 PLEs with the washer still in situ at the date of analysis (median, 75; mean, 97 d; range, 38-240 d). There was no resolution for periprosthetic leakage in 13 PLEs. Thus, in total, 94 of 107 PLEs (88%) were successfully resolved. In 29 of 32 (91%) patients, the washer resolved the problem at least in one PLE successfully. Twelve of 32 patients, including all 3 with washer failures, also required other interventions to ultimately solve the problem. The vast majority of patients (80%) did not consider placement of the washer to be inconvenient. CONCLUSIONS: In consideration of the high success rate and limited inconvenience for patients, this simple thin silicon washer application provides a good first option for the treatment of periprosthetic leakage.