Penetrating Head and Neck Trauma: A Narrative Review of Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment Protocols.

Penetrating injury to the head and neck accounts for a minority of trauma but significant morbidity in the US civilian population. The 3-zone anatomical framework has historically guided evaluation and management; however, the most current evidence-based protocols favor a no-zone, systems-based approach. In stable patients, a thorough physical examination and noninvasive imaging should be prioritized, with surgical exploration of the head and neck reserved for certain circumstances. Diagnostic and management decisions should be tailored to the mechanism of injury, history, physical examination, experience of personnel, availability of equipment, and clinical judgment.

Observation of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection in 2 COVID-19 Positive Patients.

Our understanding of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is growing; yet, there remains much we do not understand, and unique presentations are abundant. One potential presentation is retropharyngeal edema, defined as fluid in the retropharyngeal space. Multiplanar imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is ideal for characterizing and diagnosing these fluid collections rapidly as possible life-threatening complications may develop (eg, airway obstruction and mediastinitis). Here, we discuss the presentation, imaging identification, treatment, and recovery of retropharyngeal fluid collection in 2 COVID-19 cases. The significance of this article is to suggest conservative management as a viable treatment option for retropharyngeal fluid collection, as opposed to incision and drainage, in the setting of COVID-19.

Prioritizing Diversity in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Starting a Conversation.

Academic centers embody the ideals of otolaryngology and are the specialty's port of entry. Building a diverse otolaryngology workforce-one that mirrors society-is critical. Otolaryngology continues to have an underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities. The specialty must therefore redouble efforts, becoming more purposeful in mentoring, recruiting, and retaining underrepresented minorities. Many programs have never had residents who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Improving narrow, leaky, or absent pipelines is a moral imperative, both to mitigate health care disparities and to help build a more just health care system. Diversity supports the tripartite mission of patient care, education, and research. This commentary explores diversity in otolaryngology with attention to the salient role of academic medical centers. Leadership matters deeply in such efforts, from culture to finances. Improving outreach, taking a holistic approach to resident selection, and improving mentorship and sponsorship complement advances in racial disparities to foster diversity.

COVID-19 pandemic and health care disparities in head and neck cancer: Scanning the horizon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted head and neck cancer (HNC) care delivery in ways that will likely persist long term. As we scan the horizon, this crisis has the potential to amplify preexisting racial/ethnic disparities for patients with HNC. Potential drivers of disparate HNC survival resulting from the pandemic include (a) differential access to telemedicine, timely diagnosis, and treatment; (b) implicit bias in initiatives to triage, prioritize, and schedule HNC-directed therapy; and (c) the marked changes in employment, health insurance, and dependent care. We present four strategies to mitigate these disparities: (a) collect detailed data on access to care by race/ethnicity, income, education, and community; (b) raise awareness of HNC disparities; (c) engage stakeholders in developing culturally appropriate solutions; and (d) ensure that surgical prioritization protocols minimize risk of racial/ethnic bias. Collectively, these measures address social determinants of health and the moral imperative to provide equitable, high-quality HNC care.

Prognostic biomarkers in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-positive disease with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We examined the prognostic value of a panel of biomarkers in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive (HIV-positive head and neck cancer) and HIV negative (HIV-negative head and neck cancer). METHODS: Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed using tumors from 41 disease site-matched and age-matched HIV-positive head and neck cancer cases and 44 HIV-negative head and neck cancer controls. Expression of tumor biomarkers was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlations examined with clinical variables. RESULTS: Expression levels of the studied oncogenic and inflammatory tumor biomarkers were not differentially regulated by HIV status. Among patients with HIV-positive head and neck cancer, laryngeal disease site (P = .003) and Clavien-Dindo classification IV (CD4) counts <200 cells/µL (P = .01) were associated with poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that p16 positivity was associated with improved overall survival (OS; P < .001) whereas increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) was associated with poor clinical outcome (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Disease site has significant effect on the expression of biomarkers. Expression of tumor TGF-ß could be a valuable addition to the conventional risk stratification equation for improving head and neck cancer disease management strategies.

Racial Disparity Among the Head and Neck Cancer Population.

Head and neck cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the USA, accounting for 3.3 % of all cancers. The incidence of head and neck cancer has plateaued recently; however, morbidity and mortality continue to remain high. Moreover, racial disparity between African-American and White patients has been studied in the head and neck community, and a vast difference still remains in mortality rate and late stage at presentation. A review of the English literature was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE for demographics, epidemiology, and studies that focused on the disparity in head and neck cancer between African-American and White patients. Age-adjusted incidence of head and neck cancer is increased in African-Americans, while the 5-year survival is decreased compared to Whites. African-American patients present with more advanced disease. When receiving similar multidisciplinary care, the overall survival was not significantly different, but racial disparity often persists in treatment regimens. Socioeconomic determinants such as insurance status play a critical role in racial disparity, along with low levels of public awareness, a lack of knowledge of specific risk factors, and a sense of mistrust that is seen in the African-American population. Disparity in the head and neck cancer community is worrisome, and although efforts have been taken to decrease the disparity, a significant difference exists. Fortunately, the disparity is reversible and can be eliminated. To do so, it is critical to extend to underserved community programs that provide appropriate screening and diagnosis, with subsequent follow-up and treatment following the standards of care.

Dying to be Screened: Exploring the Unequal Burden of Head and Neck Cancer in Health Provider Shortage Areas.

Multiple factors contribute to disparities in head and neck cancer prevalence across the sociodemographic spectrum, including a lack of screening efforts in mostly underserved minority communities. African Americans and other ethnic minorities are at greater risk for late-stage diagnoses due to the lack of routine screenings and examinations. Advanced stage diagnosis profoundly limits treatment options, disease recovery, and survivorship. Differential access to care is frequently cited as contributing to delayed diagnosis in minority patients. Access to care is a complex concept that includes not only insurance status but also the equitable spatial distribution of health-care services. Recognizing this complexity, we explored the distribution of head and neck cancer cases seen at Grady Health System from 2010 to 2012 in order to identify geographic trends in disease prevalence compared to the distribution of oral health-care providers at the zip code level. We identified 53 cases of head and neck cancer spread across 36 zip codes primarily in the metropolitan Atlanta region. Geographic information systems analysis showed a spatial mismatch: increased disease prevalence and provider shortage in the mostly minority zip codes, and decreased disease prevalence and greater provider presence in the majority zip codes.

Chemoprevention of head and neck cancer with celecoxib and erlotinib: results of a phase ib and pharmacokinetic study.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and COX-2 inhibitors synergistically inhibit head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis in preclinical studies. We conducted a phase I and pharmacokinetic study with the erlotinib and celecoxib combination in patients with advanced premalignant lesions. Thirty-six subjects with oral leukoplakia, mild, moderate, or severe dysplasia, or carcinoma in situ were screened for study participation; 12 consented and received therapy for a median of 5.38 months. Erlotinib was escalated following a standard 3+3 design at 50, 75, and 100 mg orally daily and celecoxib was fixed at 400 mg twice daily for 6 months. Biopsy of lesions and cytobrush of normal mucosa were performed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Erlotinib pharmacokinetics were analyzed in 10 subjects. The maximum tolerated dose of erlotinib with celecoxib 400 mg BID was 50 mg per day with skin rash being the main observed toxicity. Overall histologic response rate was 63% (complete response, 43%; partial response, 14%; stable disease, 29%; and disease progression, 14%). With median follow-up of 36 months, mean time to progression to higher-grade dysplasia or carcinoma was 25.4 months. Downregulation of EGFR and p-ERK in follow-up biopsies correlated with response to treatment. Larger average erlotinib V/F (approximately 308 L) and CL/F (8.3 L/h) compared with previous studies may be related to relatively large average bodyweights. Average erlotinib t1/2 was 25.6 hours. Encouraging responses to the celecoxib and erlotinib combination correlated with EGFR pathway inhibition. Although erlotinib-related rash was the main limitation to dose escalation, the intervention was well tolerated.

Head and neck cancer disparity in underserved communities: probable causes and the ethics involved.

Head and neck cancers are a cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the United States. For low-income, African American men they are one of the leading causes of excess cancer deaths: although all racial/ethnic groups suffer from these cancers, African American men disproportionately suffer and die from them. Low-income communities have increased risks for many adverse health conditions because of environmental factors and existing social determinants of health. These social determinants often lead to unhealthy life circumstances and ineffective coping behaviors. Early detection enhances effective treatment options, but such services are limited among African Americans, particularly African American men in underserved areas. Not addressing oral cancer because of these social conditions reflects unjust and unethical behavior by health care professionals. In Atlanta, one high-density, limited-resource area has the highest incidence of oral cavity cancers. Health Education, Assessment and Leadership (HEAL) was created to address the oral cancer incidence and prevalence, an example of a preventable health disparity between this underserved region and surrounding communities.

Head and neck cancer screening in homeless communities: HEAL (Health Education, Assessment, and Leadership).

Homeless persons are at high risk for medical illness, particularly for head and neck cancers, but they face several barriers to receiving adequate health care. We conducted cancer screening and education about head and neck cancer risk factors in one such population (n = 325). Although 41.4% of the participants reported at least 1 otolaryngologic sign or symptom, and 8.6% reported having 2 or more symptoms, most of them (72.3%) had received no medical care. The symptom reported most often was a change in voice (17.2%). In all, 11% of the participants were referred for head or neck cancer evaluation, and 9% of those undergoing biopsy had a malignancy that was later treated. Nearly 75% of participants had at least a ninth-grade education. However, although 71.2% knew that the use of tobacco can lead to lung cancer, 78.9% did not recognize that it can also lead to head or neck cancer. In this population, cigarette smoking was associated with more than doubled odds of follow-up medical care (odds ratio, 2.31). Head and neck cancers cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Community outreach programs can be an excellent starting point to improving early detection and health education for underserved communities.

Coping strategies of African American head and neck cancer survivors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 African American head and neck cancer survivors. Common coping strategies were identified and examined in relation with quality of life and relationship well-being. Coping through support from God, seeking emotional support from family and friends, and helping others were the most commonly used strategies. Having emotional support, being strong and self-reliant, and engaging in distracting activities with family and friends had strongest associations with quality of life. Coping through emotional support, help from God, assistance from one's church family to maintain religious practices, helping others, and engaging in distracting activities with others was more strongly associated with relationship well-being. Future intervention studies should consider these strategies and their possible impact on the physical, psychological, and relationship well-being of this population.

Perceptions of support among older African American cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore the perceived social support needs among older adult African American cancer survivors. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative design using grounded theory techniques. SETTING: Outpatient oncology clinics in the southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS: Focus groups with 22 older adult African American cancer survivors. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Purposeful sampling technique was used to identify focus group participants. In-depth interviews were conducted and participants were interviewed until informational redundancy was achieved. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Social support needs of older adult African American patients with cancer. FINDINGS: Social support was influenced by (a) symptoms and treatment side effects, (b) perceptions of stigma and fears expressed by family and friends, (c) cultural beliefs about cancer, and (d) desires to lessen any burden or disruption to the lives of family and friends. Survivors navigated within and outside of their networks to get their social support needs met. In some instances, survivors socially withdrew from traditional sources of support for fear of being ostracized. Survivors also described feeling hurt, alone, and socially isolated when completely abandoned by friends. CONCLUSIONS: The support from family, friends, and fellow church members is important to positive outcomes among older African American cancer survivors. However, misconceptions, fears, and negative cultural beliefs persist within the African American community and negatively influence the social support available to this population. INTERPRETATION: Early identification of the factors that influence social support can facilitate strategies to improve outcomes and decrease health disparities among this population.

Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses: a case report.

Verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma reported to occur in all anatomic sites in the head and neck region, most commonly the oral cavity. The tumor grows locally invasive but is histologically benign and metastasizes rarely. To date, 22 cases of verrucous carcinoma involving the nasal cavity and/or the paranasal sinuses have been reported. We present a case of verrucous carcinoma involving the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, cranium, and orbit. This case highlights the difficulty of pathologic diagnosis and management options for a rare neoplastic lesion.

Predictors of depression among older African American cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Depression is becoming an increasing concern in cancer patients because of its impact on quality of life. Although risk factors of having depression have been examined in the literature, there has been no research examining these factors in older African American cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the demographic and illness-related risk factors in older African American cancer patients. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three patients were recruited from outpatient oncology clinics. These older African American patients completed a questionnaire that included the Geriatric Depression Scale as well as sociodemographic characteristics and medical information. chi2 Tests, trend tests, and logistic regression were used to identify the demographic and illness-related factors that predict depression in the sample. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression in the sample was 27.2%. Younger age (<65 years), employment status, proximity to family, and multiple symptoms due to cancer or treatment were independent predictors of depression. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first attempt to describe the risk factors of depression within older African American cancer patients. Findings indicate a high prevalence of depression in African American cancer patients which can be attributed to identifiable risk factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: An understanding of the risk factors associated with depression can be used to identify those cancer patients at risk for depression and initiate early interventions to improve psychological outcomes and lessen the potential burden of cancer on these patients.

Office-based sclerotherapy for benign parotid lymphoepithelial cysts in the HIV-positive patient.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of sodium morrhuate injection therapy in the control of benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: The medical records of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients who presented to an indigent care hospital for the evaluation and management of benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland are reviewed. Cyst laterality, aspiration and injection volumes, and noted complications were recorded. When applicable, elapsed time between recurrent interventions was recorded. RESULTS: Medical records were available for a total of nine patients who underwent aspiration and injection of 34 cysts. Five of the nine patients required therapy for additional cyst formation an average of 11.8 months after initial intervention. There have been no known instances of facial nerve or parotid gland injury, and the only recorded postprocedure complaints were pain and mild edema. CONCLUSIONS: While multiple cysts may arise and serial intervention may be required, we believe that in association with broader clinical experience, the data presented here support aspiration and sodium morrhuate injection as a safe, minimally invasive, and efficacious technique in the treatment of benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland in the HIV-positive population.

Pathophysiology of nasal polyposis: the role of desmosomal junctions.

BACKGROUND: Many mucosal inflammatory conditions are associated with alterations in epithelial intercellular junctions and barrier function; however, little is known about the role of intercellular junctions in inflammatory diseases of the upper airways. In this study, we examined nasal polyps for altered intercellular junctions and protein expression. METHODS: Biopsy specimens of nasal polyps and normal tissue were obtained intraoperatively from 11 patients and 6 controls. Tissue was analyzed for expression of intercellular junctional proteins by immunofluorescence. In parallel, cultured human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interferon (IFN) gamma, and IL-13 to simulate inflammatory conditions followed by assessment for changes in junctional proteins by immunofluorescence and Western blot. RESULTS: Of the intercellular junctional proteins analyzed, including proteins comprising tight and adherens junctions, the only alterations observed were in desmosomal proteins in nasal polyp epithelium compared with normal controls. Specifically, expression of desmosomal proteins DSG2 and DSG3 were significantly decreased in polyps versus controls (0.53 pixel/microm2 versus 1.09 pixel/microm2 [p = 0.009], and 0.29 pixel/microm2 versus 1.11 pixel/microm2 [p = 0.0078], respectively). In vitro experiments involving exposure of cultured HBE cells with inflammatory cytokines revealed that TNF-alpha treatment resulted in internalization and decreased expression of DSG2 by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Treatment with IFN-gamma resulted in increased expression of DSG2 and evidence of protein cleavage by Western blot. IL-13 exposure resulted in down-regulation of DSG2 expression and evidence of protein cleavage. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that nasal polyps express decreased levels of DSG2 and DSG3 components of desmosomal junctions. This is likely linked to the mucosal inflammatory response. Exposure of a respiratory cell line to Th1/Th2 cytokines results in similar expressional alterations in DSG2, suggesting protein internalization and cleavage. We speculate that weakened desmosomal junctions in nasal mucosa secondary to inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the formation of nasal polyposis.

Contemporary considerations in cranial-base surgery.

The development of new surgical and medical management techniques in skull-base surgery allows for improved patient care. The operative complexities encountered in these procedures necessitate a team-based approach to address total care of the surgical patient. A review of contemporary considerations in management of the patient undergoing skull-base surgery reveals the need for pre- and postoperative planning of surgical and medical management.

Gunshot wounds to the face--acute management.

The complex facial trauma victim poses a genuine therapeutic challenge as a whole, and may be particularly challenging to the medical team. The literature on acute management of gunshot wounds to the face is scarce. We performed an extensive review of the English-language literature in an effort to better delineate the diagnosis and acute management of these injuries. Most of these injuries do not present with initial threat to life and can safely be managed non-operatively. Definitive treatment is often deferred in patients with multiple, or more severe, injuries. Airway compromise is the most frequent and most life-threatening early problem reported in most series. CT scan remains the most useful method in the evaluation of these types of injuries and associated cervical spine lesions. Facial bleeding is best controlled by angiography and subsequent embolization. Anatomic repair of soft tissue and bony injuries is recommended to obtain an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome. Despite the creation of some algorithms, no clear correlation has been found between the site of entrance wound and the injuries and outcome of gunshot wounds to the face.