Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in our population: the clinic-pathological and morphological description of 153 cases / Carcinoma de células escamosas oral y orofaríngeo en nuestra población: descripción clínico-patológica y morfológica de 153 casos

Oral cavity and oropharynx are one of the commonest sites for cancers in our population due to a high prevalence of tobacco use, especially chewing, in our country. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the clinico-pathological and morphological aspects of the patients presenting to us with these malignancies. We studied 153 patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were managed in the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery between January 2006 and December 2007 at Maulana Azad Medical College and associated hospitals in New Delhi. There were 127 male patients (83 percent) and 26 females (17 percent) with ages ranging from 22 years to 70 years. One hundred and eleven patients (73 percent) presented with oral cavity and 42 patients (27 percent) with oropharyngeal carcinomas. Most common site of presentation in the oral cavity was the buccal mucosa, whereas, base of tongue was the commonest site in the oropharynx. Amongst the oral cavity cancers, 51 each (46 percent each) were well differentiated and moderately differentiated, whereas, 9 (8 percent) were poorly differentiated cancers. However, amongst the oropharyngeal cancers, 27 (64 percent) were moderately differentiated and 15 (36 percent) were poorly differentiated. Overall, 73 patients presented with lymphadenopathy on presentation, out of which, 44 patients were those with oral cavity and 29 with oropharyngeal cancers. There was a significant correlation between the site (i.e. oral cavity or orophaynx) and lymphadenopathy on presentation. Fifty nine patients (39 percent) presented to us with early stage disease (i.e. stage I and II), whereas, 94 patients (61 percent) presented with late stage disease (i.e. stage III and IV). There was a significant correlation between the site (i.e. oral cavity or oropharynx) and stage at presentation.

En nuestro país, la cavidad oral y orofaringe son los sitios más comunmente afectados por cáncer, debido a la alta prevalencia del consumo de tabaco, especialmente, el tabaco de mascar. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar prospectivamente los aspectos clínico-patológicos y morfológicos de los pacientes que acuden con estas malignidades. Se estudiaron 153 pacientes con carcinoma de células escamosas de la cavidad oral y orofaringe que fueron tratados en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello entre enero del 2006 y diciembre del 2007 en Maulana Azad Medical College y hospitales asociados en Nueva Delhi. Se evaluaron pacientes de ambos sexos, 127 hombres (83 por ciento) y 26 mujeres (17 por ciento) con edades entre 22 a 70 años. Ciento once pacientes (73 por ciento) presentaron carcinoma de la cavidad oral y 42 (27 por ciento) carcinomas de la orofaringe. El sitio más común de presentación en la cavidad oral fue la mucosa bucal, mientras que la base de la lengua fue el sitio más común de la orofaringe. Entre los cánceres de la cavidad oral, 51 (46 por ciento cada uno) estaban bien diferenciados y moderadamente diferenciados, mientras que 9 (8 por ciento) fueron escazamente diferenciado. Sin embargo, entre los cánceres de la orofaringe, 27 (64 por ciento) fueron moderadamente diferenciados y 15 (36 por ciento) fueron pobremente diferenciados. En total, 73 pacientes se presentaron con adenopatías, de los cuales, 44 pacientes fueron en la cavidad oral y 29 en la orofaringe. Se observó una correlación significativa entre el sitio (es decir, la cavidad oral u orofaringe) y la presentación de adenopatías. Cincuenta y nueve pacientes (39 por ciento) se presentaron con enfermedad en estadio temprano (estadios I y II), mientras que 94 pacientes (61 por ciento) se presentaron con enfermedad en estadio tardío (etapas III y IV). Se observó una correlación significativa entre el sitio (cavidad oral u orofaringe) y la etapa en la presentación.

Intraparotid facial nerve neurofibroma: an uncommon neoplasm / Neurofibroma intraparotídeo del nervio facial: una neoplasia poco frecuente

Intraparotid facial nerve neurofibromas are a rare entity, and are grossly and histopathologically distinct from the comparatively more prevalent schwannomas. We report a rare case of an intraparotid facial nerve neurofibroma with intratemporal extension in a 48-year-old female. The tumor was surgically excised with cable grafting of the facial nerve. Electroneurography may eventually assist in the preoperative diagnosis. Facial nerve resection should be more readily contemplated in a patient with neurofibroma than in a patient with schwannoma; however, facial nerve preservation with serial follow-up electroneurography and computerized tomography remains a viable option in patients with small facial nerve neurofibromas when electrical testing reveals minimal evidence of progressive neural degeneration. Close monitoring, especially in neurofibromas associated with Von Recklinghausen's disease, is mandatory because of an increased risk of sarcomatous degeneration.

Los neurofibromas intraparotídeos del nervio facial son una entidad poco frecuente, macroscópicamente e histopatológicamente diferentes de los comparativamente más frecuentes schwannomas. Se presenta un caso raro de un neurofibroma del nervio facial con extensión intraparotídea intratemporal en una mujer de 48 años de edad. El tumor se extirpó quirúrgicamente con injerto del nervio facial. La electroneurografía puede llegar a ayudar en el diagnóstico preoperatorio. La resección del nervio facial debe ser realizada con mayor facilidad en un paciente con neurofibroma que en un paciente con schwannoma, sin embargo, la preservación del nervio facial con electroneurografía de seguimiento y tomografía computarizada sigue siendo una opción viable en pacientes con pequeños neurofibromas del nervio facial, cuando las pruebas eléctricas revelan mínima evidencia de degeneración neuronal progresiva. Una estrecha vigilancia, especialmente en los neurofibromas asociados con la enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen es fundamental debido al aumento del riesgo de degeneración sarcomatosa.

Preoperative computed tomographic evaluation of inferior nasal concha hypertrophy and its role in deciding surgical treatment modality in patients with deviated nasal septum / Evaluación preoperatoria con tomografía computada de la hipertrofia de la concha nasal inferior y su rol en la decisión de la modalidad de tratamiento quirúrgico en pacientes con tabique nasal desviado

Deviated nasal septum is associated with compensatory hypertrophy of the inferior nasal concha on the contralateral side. In the past conventional septoplasty was done for the deviated septum, which would improve the patency on the side of deviation but would worsen it on the opposite side due to reallocation of the septum to the midline. The present study of 50 patients unfolds the anatomical composition of the inferior nasal concha based on the computed tomographic scan and help the otolaryngologist to determine whether to add turbinoplasty to standard septoplasty procedure or not.

Un tabique nasal desviado está asociado con una hipertrofia compensatoria de la concha nasal inferior del lado contra lateral. En el pasado se realizaba septoplastía convencional para el tabique desviado, lo que mejoraraba la permeabilidad en el lado de la desviación, pero agravaba ésta en el lado opuesto, debido a la reacomodación del tabique en el plano mediano. En el presente estudio se evaluó en 50 pacientes la composición anatómica de las conchas nasales inferiores, basado en la exploración a través de tomografía computarizada, y de esta manera ayudar al otorrinolaringólogo a determinar si es necesario o no, añadir la plastía de la concha nasal inferior al procedimiento de septoplastía estándar.

Clear cell myoepithelioma of the hard palate

Salivary gland myoepitheliomas are rare tumours. We report the case of a 40-year-old female who presented to us with a hard palatal mass. The tumour was excised with a healthy rim of surrounding tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the tumour to be a myoepithelioma of the clear cell variety.

Pneumatization of Mastoid Air Cells: Role of Acquired Factors / Neumatización de las Células Mastoideas: Rol de Factores Adquiridos

The exact mechanism of the pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system and the factors influencing the pneumatization are poorly understood. Both genetic as well as acquired factors have been implicated to influence this pneumatization process. Since pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system is considered an important prognostic factor in the outcome of reconstructive ear surgeries, a cohort study was carried out to assess the role of two important acquired factors i.e. duration of chronic otitis media and auditory tube functional status on the pneumatization of mastoid air cells. 50 individuals with unilateral chronic otitis media underwent assessment of their mastoid air cell system using planimetry and auditory tube functions using flourescein dye nasopharyngoscopy. The results were in accordance with the previous studies indicating a definite influence of chronic middle ear disease on the pneumatization process, although the duration of disease was not significant. In contrast to some of the previous studies, no influence of auditory tube functional status was found on the mastoid pneumatization.

El mecanismo exacto de la neumatización del sistema de células mastoideas y los factores que influencian este proceso es pobremente comprendido. Factores genéticos, como también adquiridos, han sido implicados en el proceso de neumatización del sistema de células mastoideas. Esta neumatización es considerada un factor de importante pronóstico en la conducción de las cirugías reconstructivas de oído. Hemos llevado a cabo un estudio para explicar el rol de dos importantes factores adquiridos en la duración de las otitis media crónica y el status funcional de la tuba auditiva en la neumatización de las células mastoideas. En 50 individuos, con otitis media crónica unilateral, se estudió su sistema de células aeríferas mastoideas usando la planimetría y las funciones de la tuba auditiva usando fluorescina, vía nasofaringoscopía. Los resultados concuerdan con estudios previos, indicando una influencia definida de enfermedades crónicas del oído medio en el proceso de neumatización, aunque la duración de la enfermedad no fue significativa. En contraste con los estudios previos, no se encontró influencia del status funcional de la tuba auditiva en la neumatización mastoidea.

Extensive gas-forming infection of the deep neck and laryngeal spaces%Infecção formada por gás extenso na profundidade do pescoço e espaços laríngeos

We report the case of a 46-year-old diabetic male who presented to us with swelling in the neck associated with dysphagia and respiratory discomfort following dental infection. The CT-scan and soft tissue neck radiograms of the patient revealed an extensive head and neck abscess with gas pockets. Prompt surgical intervention with ntibiotic coverage and control of diabetes led to recovery of the patient. The absence in the literature of any previous report of a laryngeal gasforming abscess resulting from a primary dental infection prompted us to report this case

Extensive gas-forming infection of the deep neck and laryngeal spaces

We report the case of a 46-year-old diabetic male who presented to us with swelling in the neck associated with dysphagia and respiratory discomfort following dental infection. The CT-scan and soft tissue neck radiograms of the patient revealed an extensive head and neck abscess with gas pockets. Prompt surgical intervention with ntibiotic coverage and control of diabetes led to recovery of the patient. The absence in the literature of any previous report of a laryngeal gasforming abscess resulting from a primary dental infection prompted us to report this case

Study of Sphenoid Sinus Anatomy in Relation to Endoscopic Surgery / Estudio Anatómico del Seno Esfenoidal en Relación con la Cirugía Endoscópica

For radical surgery of the past, the precise definition of the clefts of the paranasal sinuses was of limited significance. In the recent years, the transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland has come into practice and the study of the surgical anatomy and relationships of the sphenoid sinus has gained increased significance. To better define this anatomy, 20 sphenoid sinuses in cadavers were dissected to reveal important anatomical relationships, dimensions, volume and pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus. The results of the study are discussed with particular reference to the important surgical anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus. The results also point towards the possibility of racial variations in terms of relationships of the sphenoid sinus to internal carotid artery and optic nerve in the Indian population.

En las cirugías radicales del pasado, la definición precisa de las hendiduras de los senos paranasales fueron de importancia limitada. En los últimos años, el abordaje transesfenoidal de la hipófisis y las relaciones del seno esfenoidal han tenido en la práctica y en el estudio de la anatomía quirúrgica, un significativo incremento. Para definir mejor esta anatomía, 20 senos esfenoidales fueron disecados en cadáveres para revelar importantes relaciones anatómicas, dimensiones, volumen y neumatización del seno esfenoidal. Los resultados de este estudio son discutidos con referencia particular para la anatomía quirúrgica del seno esfenoidal. Los resultados también apuntan hacia la posibilidad de variaciones raciales, en términos de relaciones del seno esfenoidal con la arteria carótida interna y el nervio óptico, en la población de la India.

Creatine kinase as an indicator of sperm quality and maturity in men with oligospermia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the differences among the creatine kinase (CK) levels in the spermatozoa of subfertile men with mild, moderate, or severe oligospermia and to examine the differences in CK activity between infertile patients with various clinical diagnoses and a group of normal healthy donors (control). CK is a marker of sperm maturity that correlates with the sperm fertilizing capacity. Elevated levels are associated with an increased rate of functional abnormalities and increased cytoplasmic retention. METHODS: We compared the CK levels in 51 oligospermic men who could not initiate a pregnancy. Patients were categorized according to their degree of oligospermia as defined by the total sperm count: mild (greater than 10 to 40 x 10(6); n = 30), moderate (5 to 10 x 10(6); n = 11), and severe (less than 5 x 10(6); n = 10). These patients were further classified according to their diagnosis (ie, varicocele, n = 24; unexplained infertility, n = 17; vasectomy reversal, n = 9; and unknown diagnosis, n = 1). A separate group consisting of 25 healthy donors was included as a control group. A computer-assisted semen analyzer assessed the sperm characteristics, and the CK levels were measured using a CK test kit after the enzyme was extracted with Triton-X. RESULTS: The CK levels were significantly higher in the sperm of the severely oligospermic group (8.8 +/- 6.5 IU/10(8) sperm) than in the moderate (0.50 +/- 0.19 IU/10(8) sperm) and mild (0.49 +/- 0.15 IU/10(8) sperm) groups (P <0.0001). The mean CK level in the severely oligospermic group was 18-fold higher than that in the moderate (P = 0.03) and mild (P <0.001) groups. The CK levels were significantly higher in all three infertile groups compared with the donor group (0.06 +/- 0.01 IU/10(8) sperm). Patients with varicocele had the highest CK level (3.42 +/- 2.56 IU/10(8) sperm) compared with patients in the vasectomy reversal group (1.73 +/- 0.98 IU/10(8) sperm) and the idiopathic infertility group (0.26 +/- 0.08 IU/10(8) sperm). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CK levels are associated with severe oligospermia, irrespective of the clinical diagnosis. CK may be a sensitive indicator of sperm quality and maturity in the follow-up of patients treated for male factor infertility.

Characteristics of cryopreserved semen from men with lymphoma.

PURPOSE: This study compared the pretreatment semen quality in patients with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a group of healthy donors. We also examined the differences in prefreeze and postthaw semen quality among the different stages of Hodgkin's disease. METHODS: The study included 89 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 18 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 50 healthy sperm donors. RESULTS: In patients with Hodgkin's disease, the prefreeze and postthaw semen characteristics were significantly lower than those of the healthy donors. Similar results also were seen in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. No significant differences in the prefreeze semen quality were seen in patients with different stages of cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in our study had poor semen quality when compared with healthy donors both before and after cryopreservation. As cancer therapy significantly impairs reproductive potential, sperm banking should be offered to these men before the start of their therapy.

Does curriculum make a difference? A comparison of family physicians with and without rheumatology training during residency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term effect of an extensive rheumatology curriculum on graduates of family practice residencies. DESIGN: Cohort analytic study using a mailed survey and a multiple-choice test based on clinical vignettes that were administered 3 to 7 years after graduation from residency training. PARTICIPANTS: Practicing family physicians who had graduated from a community hospital family practice residency with an extensive rheumatology curriculum (trained) were compared with graduates from a similar program without specific rheumatology training (untrained). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total test scores, results of individual test questions, practice style, and attitudes toward rheumatology training and practice. RESULTS: We received 39 (85%) responses from 46 potential respondents in the trained group and 25 (89%) responses from 28 potential respondents in the untrained group. Physicians in the two groups had similar backgrounds and practice styles. The trained physicians scored higher on the multiple-choice test (mean +/- SD, 25 +/- 5 vs 22 +/- 6; P < .03). The clinical significance of these differences is a matter of individual interpretation. One hundred percent of the trained physicians believed that the quality of their rheumatology training was good to excellent compared with 25% of the untrained physicians. Seventy-six percent of the untrained physicians wished that they knew more about rheumatology. No variables other than rheumatology training accounted for the differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in rheumatology knowledge, evident during and soon after residency between trained and untrained physicians, persists for 3 to 7 years.

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: occurrence of multiple protein kinases.

The presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and phosvitin kinases, with activity independent of cyclic nucleotides, was shown in the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The activity of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was found to be enhanced about 8-fold in the presence of 10(-7) M cyclic AMP; the apparent Km values were determined to be 20 microM and 80 microM for ATP and kemptide, respectively. The molecular weight of the holoenzyme was about 170 000. Two phosvitin kinases could be isolated and distinguished by their molecular weights of 600 000 and 40 000. The activity of the high-molecular-weight phosvitin kinase was effectively inhibited by suramin and heparin. The apparent Km values were found to be 30 microM and 0.1 mg/ml for ATP and phosvitin, respectively. In the case of the low-molecular-weight phosvitin kinase the apparent Km values for ATP and phosvitin were found to be 30 microM and 0.6 mg/ml, respectively. The investigation of different developmental stages of N. brasiliensis revealed a marked higher level of protein kinase activity in the L4 larvae compared to L3 larvae and adults.