Factors affecting lymph node yield and density in neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that neck dissections with a minimum of 16-18 yielded nodes are associated with better overall survival compared to neck dissections with lower yields. AIMS: We aimed to identify factors affecting the lymph node yield and density in patients with oral cavity cancer undergoing elective neck dissection levels 1-3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using prospectively registered data, we conducted a population-based cohort study on all patients surgically treated for oral cavity cancer including levels 1-3 neck dissection at our institution from 2018 to 2022. Uni and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with lymph node yields. RESULTS: In total, 221 patients were included. The mean lymph nodes yield and density were 19 (95%CI 18-20) and 0.12 (95%CI 0.09-0.16), respectively. In multivariate analysis, increasing body weight (p = .034) was positively and previous radiotherapy (p = .006) were negatively correlated with the number of yielded lymph nodes. Lymph node density was positively correlated with body weight (p = .011) and body mass index (p = .032) in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Increasing body weight was positively and previous radiotherapy was negatively correlated to lymph node yield. These factors should be taken into consideration when interpreting the lymph node yield as an indicator of neck dissection quality.

Predictors in the treatment of malignant central airway obstruction with silicone stents.

PURPOSE: To examine the role of the silicone stent in palliation of malignant central airway obstruction and identify potential preprocedural predictors for postprocedural outcome. METHODS: Patients treated with endoscopic insertion of tracheobronchial silicone stents for malignant central airway obstruction at Aarhus University Hospital from 2012 to 2022 were identified from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were carried out to identify factors affecting Days Alive and Out of Hospital, complications and overall survival. RESULTS: 81 patients underwent a total of 90 tracheobronchial stent insertions. Days Alive and Out of Hospital (DAOH) for the first 30 days were affected negatively by urgent intervention, p < 0.001, preprocedural non-invasive respiratory support, p < 0.001, and preprocedural intubation, p = 0.02. Post-procedural oncological treatment was associated with a significant improved DAOH, p = 0.04. Symptomatology and lesion characteristics were not significantly associated with any impact on DAOH. Overall survival was poor (mean survival was 158 days), and only significantly affected by severe degree of dyspnea, p = 0.02, and postprocedural oncological treatment, p < 0.001. Complication where registered in 25.6% of cases within the first 30 days was observed. Procedure-related mortality was 3.7%. Based on chart annotations by an ENT-surgeon, 95% of the patients experienced relief of symptoms following stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative tracheobronchial airway stenting with silicone stents is found to have a beneficial impact, more research is required for identification of predictors for postprocedural outcome based on preprocedural classifications.

Severe midface necrosis after liver failure induced fungal infection: A case report on the outcome after reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the complex anatomy of the midface is challenging and requires meticulous preparation. Immunosuppression therapy increases patient susceptibility to infection and can compromise wound healing. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 22-year-old male presented with acute hepatic failure and underwent liver transplantation. The subsequent immunosuppressing therapy resulted in an invasive fungal infection in the midface involving the left lower eyelid, skin and soft tissue of the cheek and the underlying maxilla and zygoma. After multiple revisions, a primary surgical closure of the defect was performed with a free partial myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. 3 years post-transplantation the patient was referred to our hospital with no nasal airflow on the right side and completely obliterated nasal airway on the left side. He experienced trouble with the left eye tearing up and double vision when looking upward. Furthermore, he was troubled by missing 4 teeth in the left upper jaw. Lastly, he was not entirely satisfied with the general cosmetic outcome. These issues were addressed in two stages of surgery while considering that the patient was immunosuppressed. DISCUSSION: The patient did not suffer any complications or adverse side effects. Overall, the patient was satisfied with the results, and a questionnaire showed a clear improvement in patient reported outcome on both functional and cosmetic results of the problems addressed. CONCLUSION: Here we present how to plan a complex 3D midface reconstruction on an immunosuppressed patient and a questionnaire follow up on patient reported outcome. The patient reported overall satisfaction.

Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck in Denmark, 1982-2012: Demographic and clinical aspects. A retrospective DAHANCA study.

Background The study was performed to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological characteristics and prognosis of primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) in Denmark. Material and methods This was a national retrospective multicenter study of patients diagnosed with MMHN between 1982 and 2012 in Denmark. Data were retrieved from national databases and patient records. Incidence trends were examined for the entire period. We prepared survival curves and performed univariate and multivariate analysis for the period 1992-2012 to identify possible prognostic factors. Results No significant trends in incidence were found in the study period. The three-year overall and disease-free survival rates for MMHN were 46.5% and 35.5%, respectively. Negative margins was an independent predictor of disease-free survival, and age below 65, absence of distant metastases, and low overall TNM stage were predictors of overall survival. Radiotherapy did not improve survival significantly. Recurrence rates were high, even for patients with negative margins. Conclusions MMHN remains a rare disease with a poor prognosis, particularly for patients aged over 65, those with distant metastasis, and those with advanced TNM stage. Importantly, the rate of recurrence is lowest in patients with negative margins.

[Atypical debut of symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma]. / Atypisk symptomdebut af kolangiokarcinom.

Malignancy of the sphenoid sinus is rare and metastasis from a cholangiocarcinoma (CC) to this location is even rarer. We present a 74-year-old female with CC metastasis to the sphenoid sinus. This case demonstrates that metastases to the sphenoid sinus occur and that the tumour can have its origin far from the head and neck region. Thus, the possibility of metastasis must always be considered when discovering a tumour in the sphenoid sinus.