Functional outcomes and quality of life in patients who undergone conventional or endoscopic/robotic retroauricular neck dissection: a case-control study.

Background: Neck dissection performed via retroauricular approach emerged as an alternative to the conventional approach, aiming to maintain therapeutic efficacy with lower postoperative morbidity. Differences among these modalities in terms of functional aspects and quality of life (QOL) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical and functional aspects and the QOL in patients undergoing unilateral neck dissection via conventional or retroauricular (endoscopic or robotic) access. Methods: This study involved consecutively 35 patients who underwent unilateral neck dissection for head and neck cancer, 25 submitted to the conventional surgery [conventional group (CG)] and 10 to the retroauricular approach [retroauricular group (RG)]. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and on the 30th postoperative day (POD) regarding range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and shoulder, trapezius muscle strength and QOL. Results: The CG and RG were similar in terms of anthropometric, clinical and surgical variables. The mean age of both groups was between 52 and 55 years old. There was a predominance of females in the CG (52%) and males in the RG (70%); P=0.08. The most affected site was the oropharynx followed by the thyroid in the two groups and the most frequently dissected levels were I-III in both groups. There was a difference in the length of hospital stay {CG: 5 [1-22] days and RG: 2 [1-6] days; P=0.02} and pain scores at the 30th POD was higher in CG group (P=0.002). Regarding the cervical spine ROM, it was better in RG in the 30th POD for neck extension, ipsilateral lateroflexion, contralateral lateroflexion and contralateral rotation (P<0.05). No significant differences were found regarding shoulder ROM. Trapezius muscle strength, was also higher at the 30th POD in RG group (P<0.05). QOL was most impacted in the CG in the Chewing and Shoulder domains and Physical Function dimension at the 30th POD (P<0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative functional morbidity was lower in patients undergoing retroauricular neck dissection. The cervical spine ROM and trapezius muscle strength were better in patients undergoing retroauricular approach and postoperative QOL was worse in patients undergoing conventional neck dissection.

Latin American Consensus on the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is well known as a serious health problem worldwide, especially in low-income countries or those with limited resources, such as most countries in Latin America. International guidelines cannot always be applied to a population from a large region with specific conditions. This study established a Latin American guideline for care of patients with head and neck cancer and presented evidence of HNSCC management considering availability and oncologic benefit. A panel composed of 41 head and neck cancer experts systematically worked according to a modified Delphi process on (1) document compilation of evidence-based answers to different questions contextualized by resource availability and oncologic benefit regarding Latin America (region of limited resources and/or without access to all necessary health care system infrastructure), (2) revision of the answers and the classification of levels of evidence and degrees of recommendations of all recommendations, (3) validation of the consensus through two rounds of online surveys, and (4) manuscript composition. The consensus consists of 12 sections: Head and neck cancer staging, Histopathologic evaluation of head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-oral cavity, Clinical oncology-oral cavity, Head and neck surgery-oropharynx, Clinical oncology-oropharynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-reconstruction and rehabilitation, and Radiation therapy. The present consensus established 48 recommendations on HNSCC patient care considering the availability of resources and focusing on oncologic benefit. These recommendations could also be used to formulate strategies in other regions like Latin America countries.

Detection of serum biomarkers of HPV-16 driven oropharynx and oral cavity cancer in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: HPV-16 driven oropharynx/oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas prevalence varies globally. We evaluated the presence of HPV-16 ctDNA and HPV-16 E6 antibodies in samples obtained from participants treated at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo, ICESP, and from whom tumoral HPV DNA, HPV-16 E6*I mRNA, and p16INK4a status was also accessed. METHODS: HPV was genotyped by PCR-hybridization. All HPV DNA positive and ∼10 % HPV DNA negative cases underwent p16INK4a immunohistochemistry and E6*I RNA testing using a multiplex bead based protocol. HPV-16 ctDNA and anti-E6 antibodies were assessed by ddPCR (digital droplet PCR) and multiplex serology, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV-16 in oropharynx carcinoma (OPC) cases was low (8.7 %) when considering solely HPV-16 DNA detection, and even lower (5.2 %) when taken into consideration the concomitant detection of HPV-16 E6*I RNA and/or p16INK4 (HPV-16 attributable fraction - AF). None of the oral cavity cancer (OCC) cases were detected with HPV-16 DNA. HPV-16 ctDNA was more commonly detected than HPV-16 E6 antibodies (29.8 % versus 10.6 %). Both serum biomarkers attained 100 % sensitivity of detecting HPV-16 AF OPC, however the specificity of the HPV-16 anti-E6 biomarker was higher compared to ctDNA (93.2 % versus 75.0 %). Finally, when both HPV-16 ctDNA and anti-E6 biomarkers were considered together, the sensitivity and specificity for HPV-16 OPC detection was 100 % and about 70 %, respectively, independently of analyzing HPV-16 DNA positive or HPV-16 AF tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings corroborate that serum biomarkers are highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for detection of HPV-associated OPC.

Brazilian Consensus on the Application of Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Thyroid Nodules: A Task Force Statement by the Brazilian Society of Interventional Radiology and Endovascular Surgery (SOBRICE), Brazilian Society of Head and Neck Surgery (SBCCP), and Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM)

ABSTRACT There is increasing interest in ultrasound-guided ablation treatments for thyroid diseases, including benign and malignant ones. Surgeons, radiologists, and endocrinologists carry out these treatments, and various organizations within these specialties have recently released multiple international consensus statements and clinical practice standards. The aim of the present consensus statement is to provide guidance, cohesion, and standardization of best practices for thermal ablation procedures of thyroid nodules. The statement includes the indications for these procedures, preprocedural evaluations, technical aspects of the procedures, posttreatment care, follow-up, complications, and training recommendations. This document was written by a panel of specialists from the Brazilian Society of Interventional Radiology and Endovascular Surgery (SOBRICE), the Brazilian Society of Head and Neck Surgery (SBCCP), and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM). The statement does not aim to provide criteria for assessing the capability of specialists to perform the procedure. Instead, it aims to promote the standardization of best practices to reduce potential adverse outcomes. Additionally, it strives to enhance the delivery of high-quality care and the widespread adoption of these technologies on a national level. The recommendations collectively serve as a guidebook for applying best practices in thyroid ablation.

Prognostic Value of Hematological Parameters in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant public health concern. The variables utilized to determine appropriate treatment for this disease also represent its most unfavorable prognostic factors, with these parameters solely determined by the neoplasm and its behavior. However, a lack of well-established indices is evident in the literature that specifically relate to the patient and indicate a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic impact of hematological indices in patients with OSCC. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent curative-intent treatment. Treatment encompassed surgery, followed by adjuvant therapy, as necessary. Laboratory tests were conducted immediately prior to surgery, and demographic information was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 600 patients, with 73.5% being male subjects. Adjuvant treatment was recommended for 60.3% of patients. Throughout the follow-up period, 48.8% of participants died. Univariate analysis indicated that perineural invasion, angiolymphatic invasion, pT4 tumors, lymph node metastases, extranodal extravasation, RDW > 14.3%, NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) > 3.38, PLR (platelet-lymphocyte ratio) > 167.3, and SII (systemic inflammatory/immune response index) > 416.1 were factors associated with increased mortality. These threshold values were established through ROC curve analysis. In the multivariate analysis, angiolymphatic invasion (HR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.076-1.925; p = 0.014), pT4a/b tumors (HR = 1.761; 95% CI: 1.327-2.337; p < 0.001), extranodal extravasation (HR = 1.420; 95% CI: 1.047-1.926; p = 0.024), and RDW (HR = 1.541; 95% CI: 1.153-2.056; p = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for decreased overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: RDW > 14.3% was proven to be a reliable parameter for assessing overall survival in patients with OSCC. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical applicability of other hematological indices.

Sialendoscopy for treatment of major salivary glands diseases: a comprehensive analysis of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Abstract Objectives: Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat obstructive salivary gland diseases. Previous studies in the topic have shown mixed results. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy through previous systematic reviews for different outcomes of several diseases. We also aimed to assess studies' methodological quality and heterogeneity. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane Library. We included systematic reviews and meta-analyses that used sialendoscopy to treat both lithiasic and alithiasic salivary glands diseases. Data extraction included studies' characteristics and results. We assessed studies' methodological quality using the AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) tool. Results: 13 studies were included in the review, being 9 in adult populations and 4 in pediatric populations. Sialendoscopy proved to be effective at the treatment of different lithiasic and other obstructive diseases, but with important heterogeneity. The technique was also considered highly safe in most studies. However, studies had a critically low quality of evidence. Conclusions: Most studies demonstrated high efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy, but with critically low quality of evidence. We still lack randomized studies in this field, and future systematic reviews on the topic should follow current guidelines to improve conduction and reporting.

Sialendoscopy for treatment of major salivary glands diseases: a comprehensive analysis of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVES: Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat obstructive salivary gland diseases. Previous studies in the topic have shown mixed results. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy through previous systematic reviews for different outcomes of several diseases. We also aimed to assess studies' methodological quality and heterogeneity. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane Library. We included systematic reviews and meta-analyses that used sialendoscopy to treat both lithiasic and alithiasic salivary glands diseases. Data extraction included studies' characteristics and results. We assessed studies' methodological quality using the AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) tool. RESULTS: 13 studies were included in the review, being 9 in adult populations and 4 in pediatric populations. Sialendoscopy proved to be effective at the treatment of different lithiasic and other obstructive diseases, but with important heterogeneity. The technique was also considered highly safe in most studies. However, studies had a critically low quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies demonstrated high efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy, but with critically low quality of evidence. We still lack randomized studies in this field, and future systematic reviews on the topic should follow current guidelines to improve conduction and reporting.

Ultrasound in cervical traumatic neuromas after neck dissection in thyroid carcinoma patients: descriptive analysis and diagnostic accuracy.

Objective: Cervical traumatic neuromas (CTNs) may appear after lateral neck dissection for metastatic thyroid carcinoma. If they are misdiagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in follow-up neck ultrasound (US), unnecessary and uncomfortable fine-needle aspiration biopsy are indicated. The present study aimed to describe US features of CTNs and to assess the US performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs. Subjects and methods: Retrospective evaluation of neck US images of 206 consecutive patients who had lateral neck dissection as a part of thyroid cancer treatment to assess CTN´s US features. Diagnostic accuracy study to evaluate US performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs was performed. Results: Eight-six lateral neck nodules were selected for analysis: 38 CTNs and 48 abnormal LNs. CTNs with diagnostic cytology were predominantly hypoechogenic (100% vs. 45%; P = 0.008) and had shorter diameters than inconclusive cytology CTNs: short axis (0.39 cm vs. 0.50 cm; P = 0.03) and long axis (1.64 cm vs. 2.35 cm; P = 0.021). The US features with the best accuracy to distinguish CTNs from abnormal LNs were continuity with a nervous structure, hypoechogenic internal lines, short/long axis ratio ≤ 0.42, absent Doppler vascularization, fusiform morphology, and short axis ≤ 0.48 cm. Conclusion: US is a very useful method for assessing CTNs, with good performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs.

Ultrasound in cervical traumatic neuromas after neck dissection in thyroid carcinoma patients: descriptive analysis and diagnostic accuracy

ABSTRACT Objective: Cervical traumatic neuromas (CTNs) may appear after lateral neck dissection for metastatic thyroid carcinoma. If they are misdiagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in follow-up neck ultrasound (US), unnecessary and uncomfortable fine-needle aspiration biopsy are indicated. The present study aimed to describe US features of CTNs and to assess the US performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs. Subjects and methods: Retrospective evaluation of neck US images of 206 consecutive patients who had lateral neck dissection as a part of thyroid cancer treatment to assess CTN's US features. Diagnostic accuracy study to evaluate US performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs was performed. Results: Eight-six lateral neck nodules were selected for analysis: 38 CTNs and 48 abnormal LNs. CTNs with diagnostic cytology were predominantly hypoechogenic (100% vs. 45%; P = 0.008) and had shorter diameters than inconclusive cytology CTNs: short axis (0.39 cm vs. 0.50 cm; P = 0.03) and long axis (1.64 cm vs. 2.35 cm; P = 0.021). The US features with the best accuracy to distinguish CTNs from abnormal LNs were continuity with a nervous structure, hypoechogenic internal lines, short/long axis ratio ≤ 0.42, absent Doppler vascularization, fusiform morphology, and short axis ≤ 0.48 cm. Conclusion: US is a very useful method for assessing CTNs, with good performance in distinguishing CTNs from abnormal LNs.

Nutritional and immunological parameters as prognostic factors in patients with advanced oral cancer

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic relationship of weight loss and preoperative hematological indexes in patients surgically treated for pT4a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study. Results: Percent weight loss greater than 10% was identified in 49 patients (28.2%), and any weight loss in relation to the usual weight occurred in 140 patients (78.7%). Percent weight loss greater than 10% (HR = 1.679), Red cell distribution width (RDW) values greater than 14.3% (HR = 2.210) and extracapsular spread (HR = 1.677) were independent variables associated with risk of death. Conclusion: Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity present significant weight loss and as significantly immunocompromised. Increased values of RDW and higher percentages of weight loss in relation to the individual's usual weight, together with extracapsular spread of metastatic lymph nodes, were risk factors for lower survival, regardless of other clinical and anatomopathological characteristics. Level of evidence: 3.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma / Impacto da biópsia do linfonodo sentinela na qualidade de vida em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral

Abstract Introduction Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. Methods Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. Results The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p = 0.035) and chewing (p = 0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p = 0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Resumo Introdução A biópsia de linfonodo sentinela é um método comprovado para estadiamento cervical em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular inicial da cavidade oral, porque apresenta menor taxa de morbidade do que o método tradicional de esvaziamento cervical seletivo, com os mesmos resultados oncológicos. Porém, o verdadeiro efeito desse método na qualidade de vida desses pacientes permanece desconhecido. Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral T1/T2N0 submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos pacientes nos quais o esvaziamento cervical seletivo foi feito. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu 24 pacientes, após 36 meses de seguimento, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela e nove a esvaziamento cervical seletivo. Todos os pacientes responderam ao questionário de qualidade de vida da University of Washington. Resultados A avaliação dos questionários evidenciou pioria tardia dos domínios aparência (p = 0,035) e mastigação (p = 0,041), bem como diminuição de cerca de 10% da qualidade de vida geral (p = 0,025) nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo em comparação com aqueles submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela. Conclusão Pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral em estágio inicial submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela apresentaram melhores resultados tardios de qualidade de vida geral, principalmente quanto à aparência e à mastigação, quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo.

Malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and oropharynx treated in Brazil: what do hospital cancer records reveal? / Neoplasias malignas da cavidade oral e orofaringe tratadas no Brasil: o que revelam os registros hospitalares de câncer?

Abstract Introduction: Head and neck cancer has an impact on the global burden of diseases, representing an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, as well as worldwide. Objective: To learn and describe the clinical, epidemiological and care configuration provided to patients with cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx recorded in Brazil, diagnosed from 2007 to 2016. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out using secondary hospital-based data, using the indirect documentation technique. Results: There were 52,799 hospital records of oral cavity cancer and 34,516 cases of oropharyngeal cancer in the assessed period. There was a predominance of male patients, aged 50-59 years, mostly Caucasians, and with a low level of schooling. Throughout the period there was a significant reduction in the positive history of alcohol and tobacco consumption, except for alcoholic beverages in oral cavity cancer. Most patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease (III or IV). Most patients with oral cavity cancer had no evidence of the disease on follow-up, while most patients with oropharyngeal cancer died. The first most frequent treatment offered to patients with oral cavity cancer was surgery, while for patients with oropharyngeal cancer it chemoradiotherapy predominated. Conclusion: Despite the fact that, in general, there was a reduction in the records of patient alcohol and tobacco consumption, the increase in the number of medical consultations, the predominantly late diagnosis and the patients' low level of schooling indicate the need for health education, primary prevention and early diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Resumo Introdução: O câncer de cabeça e pescoço impacta a carga global de doenças, representa importante causa de morbimortalidade no Brasil e no mundo. Objetivo: Conhecer e descrever a compleição clínica, epidemiológica e assistencial dos atendimentos a pacientes com câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe registrados no Brasil, diagnosticados de 2007 a 2016. Método: Estudo transversal, feito a partir de dados secundários de base hospitalar, por meio de técnica de documentação indireta. Resultados: Houve 52.799 registros hospitalares de câncer de cavidade oral e 34.516 casos de câncer de orofaringe no período considerado. Predominaram pacientes do sexo masculino, da faixa etária de 50-59 anos, predominantemente branca, e de baixo nível de escolaridade. Ao longo do período houve redução expressiva do histórico positivo de consumo de bebida alcoólica e tabaco, exceto para bebida alcoólica no câncer de cavidade oral. A maioria dos pacientes foi diagnosticada em estágio avançado da doença (III ou IV). A maior parte dos pacientes de câncer de cavidade oral apresentava-se sem evidência da doença, enquanto que grande parte dos pacientes com câncer de orofaringe evoluiu a óbito. O primeiro tratamento mais frequente oferecido aos pacientes com câncer de cavidade oral foi cirurgia, enquanto para os pacientes com câncer de orofaringe foi a quimioradioterapia. Conclusão: Apesar de se observar, de maneira geral, redução dos registros do consumo de bebida e tabaco, o aumento do número de atendimentos, o diagnóstico tardio predominante e o baixo nível de escolaridade dos pacientes apontam para a necessidade da educação em saúde, de prevenção primária e do diagnóstico precoce do câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe.

Nutritional and immunological parameters as prognostic factors in patients with advanced oral cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic relationship of weight loss and preoperative hematological indexes in patients surgically treated for pT4a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Percent weight loss greater than 10% was identified in 49 patients (28.2%), and any weight loss in relation to the usual weight occurred in 140 patients (78.7%). Percent weight loss greater than 10% (HR = 1.679), Red cell distribution width (RDW) values greater than 14.3% (HR = 2.210) and extracapsular spread (HR = 1.677) were independent variables associated with risk of death. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity present significant weight loss and as significantly immunocompromised. Increased values of RDW and higher percentages of weight loss in relation to the individual's usual weight, together with extracapsular spread of metastatic lymph nodes, were risk factors for lower survival, regardless of other clinical and anatomopathological characteristics.

Long-term results of an endoscopic screening program for superficial esophageal cancer in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background and study aims Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at risk of a second primary tumor in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the esophagus. Screening these patients for esophageal carcinoma may help detect asymptomatic dysplasia and early cancer, thus allowing curative treatment and more prolonged survival, but the impact of endoscopic screening remains uncertain. Here we aimed to describe the long-term results of an esophageal SCC screening program in patients with head and neck cancer in terms of prevalence, associated risk factors, and survival. Patients and methods We performed an observational study of a prospectively collected database including patients with HNSCC who had undergone high-definition endoscopy with chromoscopy between 2010 and 2018 at a Brazilian tertiary academic center. Results The study included 1,888 patients. The esophageal SCC prevalence was 7.9 %, with the majority (77.8 %) being superficial lesions. Significant risk factors for esophageal high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive cancer included tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx and the presence of low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter among patients in whom esophageal cancer was diagnosed at an advanced stage ( P  < .001). OS did not significantly differ between patients with HGD and early esophageal cancer versus those without esophageal cancer ( P  = .210) Conclusions Endoscopic screening for superficial esophageal neoplasia in patients with HNSCC improves esophageal cancer detection. Screening could potentially benefit patients with primary cancer located at the oropharynx or oral cavity. In addition, the detection of esophageal LGD indicates a need for endoscopic surveillance.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p=0.035) and chewing (p=0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p=0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. CONCLUSION: Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and oropharynx treated in Brazil: what do hospital cancer records reveal?

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancer has an impact on the global burden of diseases, representing an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, as well as worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To learn and describe the clinical, epidemiological and care configuration provided to patients with cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx recorded in Brazil, diagnosed from 2007 to 2016. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out using secondary hospital-based data, using the indirect documentation technique. RESULTS: There were 52,799 hospital records of oral cavity cancer and 34,516 cases of oropharyngeal cancer in the assessed period. There was a predominance of male patients, aged 50-59 years, mostly Caucasians, and with a low level of schooling. Throughout the period there was a significant reduction in the positive history of alcohol and tobacco consumption, except for alcoholic beverages in oral cavity cancer. Most patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease (III or IV). Most patients with oral cavity cancer had no evidence of the disease on follow-up, while most patients with oropharyngeal cancer died. The first most frequent treatment offered to patients with oral cavity cancer was surgery, while for patients with oropharyngeal cancer it chemoradiotherapy predominated. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that, in general, there was a reduction in the records of patient alcohol and tobacco consumption, the increase in the number of medical consultations, the predominantly late diagnosis and the patients' low level of schooling indicate the need for health education, primary prevention and early diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Risk factors associated with disease-specific mortality in papillary thyroid cancer patients with distant metastases.

PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is among the most curable cancer types. Even though uncommon, some patients present distant metastatic disease at diagnosis or during the follow-up and most of them have long-term survival. However, there continues to be controversies regarding what clinicopathological features are associated with mortality in these patients. This paper evaluates the factors related to poor disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with metastatic PTC. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included PTC patients with distant metastasis from a tertiary public oncological center. Clinicopathological features, treatment modalities, and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: Between 1986 and 2014, 108 patients were diagnosed with metastatic PTC. In the multivariate analysis male sex (HR = 2.65; 95%CI: 1.08-6.53; P = 0.033), radioiodine refractory disease (HR = 9.50; 95%CI: 1.23-73.38; P = 0.031) and metastasis at multiple sites (HR = 5.91; 95%CI: 1.80-19.32; P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for death in patients with metastatic PTC. CONCLUSION: Male patients with metastatic PTC, with radioiodine refractory disease and metastasis at multiple sites have a high risk of death.