Impact of AJCC 8 pT staging in cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a nonselected real-world patient sample.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate characteristics associated with worse survival and the effectiveness of AJCC 8 in a real-world cohort of HNCSCC from South Brazil. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective cohort study (2011-2020) at a tertiary care center comprising 647 HNCSCC excised from 435 patients. RESULTS: At multivariable analysis, ear/nose/zygomatic or periorbital site, compromised or exiguous margins, and advanced pT stage were independent factors associated to DFS, while age, pN, and loco-regional recurrence were independent factors associated to DSS. Cox-regression multivariable models showed that the pT stage was statistically significant for the DFS, but not DSS. A significant distinction was only observed between T1 and T2. CONCLUSION: It was only in the lower categories of AJCC 8 (T1 and T2) that we were able to demonstrate the ability to stratify tumors with a significant risk of poor disease-related outcomes.

Risk factors for jaw osteoradionecrosis: a case control study.

There are divergences among studies regarding features associated to increased risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Our objective was to identify factors that predispose to the development of ORN of the jaw. This was a retrospective, hospital-based, case-control study involving patients with head and neck cancer who had been treated with ≥ 60 Gy external radiotherapy (RT) to the jaw. A total of 19 cases of ORN and 43 controls were included. The patients' demographic data, tumor type, staging, treatment and outcome information, and pre-treatment oral status were collected. Univariate analysis showed that the oral cavity/oropharynx sites were associated with 9.77-fold increased risk of ORN development compared to other sites (p = 0.005). Being an active smoker was associated with 3.95-fold increased risk of ORN development (p = 0.01). A tendency towards increased risk of ORN was observed particularly when tooth extraction occurred after RT (odds ratio (OR): 3.04; p = 0.08). Multivariable analysis showed that tumor site was the only significant risk factor (OR: 21.03, p = 0.01). The oral and oropharyngeal primary site is an important risk factor for ORN. Dental extraction, which did not occur in 28% of the sample, was not an essential event for ORN development.

Risk factors for jaw osteoradionecrosis: a case control study

Abstract There are divergences among studies regarding features associated to increased risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Our objective was to identify factors that predispose to the development of ORN of the jaw. This was a retrospective, hospital-based, case-control study involving patients with head and neck cancer who had been treated with ≥ 60 Gy external radiotherapy (RT) to the jaw. A total of 19 cases of ORN and 43 controls were included. The patients' demographic data, tumor type, staging, treatment and outcome information, and pre-treatment oral status were collected. Univariate analysis showed that the oral cavity/oropharynx sites were associated with 9.77-fold increased risk of ORN development compared to other sites (p = 0.005). Being an active smoker was associated with 3.95-fold increased risk of ORN development (p = 0.01). A tendency towards increased risk of ORN was observed particularly when tooth extraction occurred after RT (odds ratio (OR): 3.04; p = 0.08). Multivariable analysis showed that tumor site was the only significant risk factor (OR: 21.03, p = 0.01). The oral and oropharyngeal primary site is an important risk factor for ORN. Dental extraction, which did not occur in 28% of the sample, was not an essential event for ORN development.

Factors associated with incomplete surgical margins in basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck / Fatores associados a margens cirúrgicas incompletas no carcinoma basocelular de cabeça e pescoço

Abstract Introduction: Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma recurrence is associated with inadequate surgical margins. The frequency of and the factors associated with compromised or inadequate surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma varies. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological factors associated with inadequate surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma. Methods: We developed a cross-sectional study comprising all patients who had undergone resection of head and neck basal cell carcinoma from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, sex, head and neck topography, histopathological findings, and staging were retrieved and compared. Each tumor was considered an individual case. Compromised and close margins were termed ''inadequate'' or ''incomplete''. Variables that were significantly associated with the presence of incomplete margins were further assessed by logistic regression. Results: In total, 605 tumors from 389 patients were included. Overall, sixteen cases (2.6%) were classified as compromised, 52 (8.5%) as close, and 537 (88.7%) as free margins. Presence of scleroderma (p = 0.005), higher Clark level (p < 0.001), aggressive variants (p < 0.001), invasion beyond the adipose tissue (p < 0.001), higher T stage (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.002), primary site (p = 0.04), multifocality (p = 0.01), and tumor diameter (p = 0.02) showed association with inadequate margins. After Logist regression, multifocality, Clark level and depth of invasion were found to be independent risk factors for inadequate margins. Conclusion: Gross clinical examination may be sufficient for determining low prevalence of inadequate surgical margins when treating head and neck basal cell carcinoma in highly experienced oncologic centers. Multifocality, Clark level and depth of invasion were found to be independent risk factors for incomplete margins.

Resumo Introdução: A recorrência do carcinoma basocelular (CBC) cutâneo está associada a margens cirúrgicas inadequadas. A frequência e os fatores associados a margens cirúrgicas comprometidas ou inadequadas no carcinoma basocelular de cabeça e pescoço variam. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores clínicos e patológicos associados a margens cirúrgicas inadequadas no carcinoma basocelular de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Conduzimos um estudo transversal que abrangeu todos os pacientes submetidos à resseçcão de carcinoma basocelular de cabeça e pescoço de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. Dados sobre idade, sexo, topografia na cabeça e pescoço, achados histopatológicos e estadiamento foram recuperados e comparados. Cada tumor foi considerado como um caso individual. As margens comprometidas e próximas foram denominadas ''inadequadas'' ou ''incompletas''. As variáveis que foram significantemente associadas à presença de margens incompletas foram avaliadas adicionalmente por regressão logística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 605 tumores de 389 pacientes. No geral, 16 casos (2,6%) foram classificados como comprometidos, 52 (8,5%) como próximos e 537 (88,7%) como margens livres. Presença de esclerodermia (p = 0,005), nível de Clark mais elevado (p < 0,001), variantes agressivas (p < 0,001), invasão além do tecido adiposo (p < 0,001), estágio T mais avançado (p < 0,001), invasão perineural (p = 0,002), sítio primário (p = 0,04), multifocalidade (p = 0,01) e diâmetro do tumor (p = 0,02) mostraram associação com margens inadequadas. Após a regressão logística, a multifocalidade, o nível de Clark e a profundidade de invasão foram considerados fatores de risco independentes para margens inadequadas. Conclusão: O exame clínico macroscópico pode ser suficiente para determinar baixa prevalência de margens cirúrgicas inadequadas no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular de cabeça e pescoço em centros oncológicos altamente experientes. Multifocalidade, nível de Clark e profundidade de invasão foram considerados fatores de risco independentes para margens incompletas.

Better outcome for parotid versus neck metastasis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a new report on reemerging data / Melhor desfecho para metástase da parótida vs. cervical de carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de cabeça e pescoço: um novo informe sobre dados reemergentes

Abstract Introduction Regional metastases of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma occur in approximately 5 % of cases, being the most important prognostic factor in survival, currently with no distinction between parotid and neck metastasis. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic features among patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting regional metastasis. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who underwent parotidectomy and/or neck dissection from 2011 to 2018 at a single institution tertiary center was performed. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical and pathological information, adjuvant treatments, and outcome at last follow-up were collected. Outcomes included disease recurrence and death due to the disease. Prognostic value of clinic pathological features associated with disease-specific survival was obtained. Results Thirty-eight cases of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid and/or neck metastasis were identified. Overall, 18 (47.3 %) patients showed parotid metastasis alone, 12 (31.5 %) exhibited neck metastasis alone and 8 (21.0 %) had both. A primary tumor in the parotid zone (Hazard Ratio ‒ HR = 5.53; p = 0.02) was associated with improved disease-specific survival. Poorer disease-specific survival was observed in patients with higher primary tumor diameter (HR = 1.54; p = 0.002), higher depth of invasion (HR = 2.89; p = 0.02), invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat (HR = 5.05; p = 0.002), neck metastasis at first presentation (HR = 8.74; p < 0.001), number of positive lymph nodes (HR = 1.25; p = 0.004), and higher TNM stages (HR = 7.13; p = 0.009). Patients presenting with isolated parotid metastasis during all follow-ups had better disease-specific survival than those with neck metastasis or both (HR = 3.12; p = 0.02). Conclusion Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid lymph node metastasis demonstrated better outcomes than cases with neck metastasis.

Resumo Introdução As metástases regionais do carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de cabeça e pescoço ocorrem em aproximadamente 5% dos casos, sendo esse o fator prognóstico mais importante na sobrevida, atualmente sem distinção entre metástases de parótida e cervicais. Objetivo Avaliar as características prognósticas em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de cabeça e pescoço com metástase regional. Método Foi feita uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo submetidos à parotidectomia e/ou esvaziamento cervical entre 2011 e 2018 em um único centro terciário de uma única instituição. Dados demográficos dos pacientes, informações clínicas, cirúrgicas e patológicas, tratamentos adjuvantes e desfechos no último acompanhamento foram coletados. Os desfechos incluíram recorrência e morte devido à doença. O valor prognóstico das características clínico-patológicas associadas à sobrevida específica da doença foi obtido. Resultados Foram identificados 38 casos de carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de cabeça e pescoço com metástase de parótida e/ou pescoço. No geral, 18 (47,3%) pacientes apresentaram metástase da parótida isolada, 12 (31,5%) apresentaram metástase cervical isolada e 8 (21,0%) apresentaram ambos. Um tumor primário na região da parótida (Hazard ratio [HR] = 5,53; p = 0,02) foi associado a melhor sobrevida específica. Pior sobrevida específica foi observada em pacientes com maior diâmetro do tumor primário (HR = 1,54; p = 0,002), maior profundidade de invasão (HR = 2,89; p = 0,02), invasão além da gordura subcutânea (HR = 5,05; p = 0,002), metástase cervical na primeira apresentação (HR = 8,74; p < 0,001), conforme maior número de linfonodos positivos (HR = 1,25; p = 0,004) e estágios TNM mais elevados (HR = 7,13; p = 0,009). Os pacientes que apresentaram metástase da parótida isolada durante todo o acompanhamento apresentaram melhor sobrevida específica do que aqueles com metástase cervical ou ambos (HR = 3,12; p = 0,02). Conclusão Os casos de carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de cabeça e pescoço com metástase intraparotídea demonstraram melhores desfechos do que aqueles com metástase cervical.

Platysma transverse myocutaneous flap: a 21 case series of an overlooked reconstructive method for facial skin defects / Retalho miocutâneo transverso de platisma: casuística de 21 casos de um método pouco usual de reconstrução de defeitos de pele facial

Abstract Introduction Since the first report of a platysma transverse myocutaneous flap in 1977, few articles about this flap design have been added to the literature. Objective Our aim is to describe our department's experience with platysma transverse myocutaneous flap. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing platysma transverse myocutaneous flap reconstruction between 2011 and 2019. Results There were 16 men and 5 women in this series. The mean patients' age was 72.7 years old. In eight cases, we had wound complications, including four wound infections, one hematoma and three distal flap ischemia problems. Distal flap ischemia occurred only in cases that advanced beyond the midline and with length-to-width ratio equal to or over three to one. Neck dissection was performed in two of these three cases with ischemic complications. Conclusion Several factors may influence platysma transverse myocutaneous flap survival. Usually a long and narrow flap, especially crossing the neck midline and associated with neck dissection are more prone to poor outcomes.

Resumo Introdução Desde o primeiro relato de retalho miocutâneo transverso de platisma em 1977, poucos artigos sobre o assunto foram adicionados à literatura. Objetivo Descrever a experiência de nosso departamento com retalho miocutâneo transverso de platisma. Método Análise retrospectiva de todos os pacientes submetidos à reconstrução por retalho miocutâneo transverso de platisma entre 2011 e 2019. Resultados Havia 16 homens e 5 mulheres. A idade média dos pacientes foi 72,7 anos. Em oito casos, ocorreram complicações no sítio operatório: quatro infecções no sítio operatório, um hematoma e três isquemias distais do retalho. A isquemia distal do retalho ocorreu apenas nos casos em que os mesmos progrediram para além da linha média e com proporção entre comprimento e largura superior ou igual a três. A dissecção do pescoço foi feita em dois desses três casos de complicações isquêmicas. Conclusão Diversos fatores podem afetar a vitalidade do retalho miocutâneo transverso de platisma. Normalmente, um retalho longo e estreito que passa pela linha média do pescoço e está associado à dissecção do pescoço está mais propenso a resultados negativos.

Better outcome for parotid versus neck metastasis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a new report on reemerging data.

INTRODUCTION: Regional metastases of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma occur in approximately 5 % of cases, being the most important prognostic factor in survival, currently with no distinction between parotid and neck metastasis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic features among patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting regional metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who underwent parotidectomy and/or neck dissection from 2011 to 2018 at a single institution tertiary center was performed. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical and pathological information, adjuvant treatments, and outcome at last follow-up were collected. Outcomes included disease recurrence and death due to the disease. Prognostic value of clinic pathological features associated with disease-specific survival was obtained. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid and/or neck metastasis were identified. Overall, 18 (47.3 %) patients showed parotid metastasis alone, 12 (31.5 %) exhibited neck metastasis alone and 8 (21.0 %) had both. A primary tumor in the parotid zone (Hazard Ratio ‒ HR = 5.53; p = 0.02) was associated with improved disease-specific survival. Poorer disease-specific survival was observed in patients with higher primary tumor diameter (HR = 1.54; p = 0.002), higher depth of invasion (HR = 2.89; p = 0.02), invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat (HR = 5.05; p = 0.002), neck metastasis at first presentation (HR = 8.74; p < 0.001), number of positive lymph nodes (HR = 1.25; p = 0.004), and higher TNM stages (HR = 7.13; p = 0.009). Patients presenting with isolated parotid metastasis during all follow-ups had better disease-specific survival than those with neck metastasis or both (HR = 3.12; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid lymph node metastasis demonstrated better outcomes than cases with neck metastasis.

Platysma transverse myocutaneous flap: a 21 case series of an overlooked reconstructive method for facial skin defects.

INTRODUCTION: Since the first report of a platysma transverse myocutaneous flap in 1977, few articles about this flap design have been added to the literature. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to describe our department's experience with platysma transverse myocutaneous flap. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing platysma transverse myocutaneous flap reconstruction between 2011 and 2019. RESULTS: There were 16 men and 5 women in this series. The mean patients' age was 72.7 years old. In eight cases, we had wound complications, including four wound infections, one hematoma and three distal flap ischemia problems. Distal flap ischemia occurred only in cases that advanced beyond the midline and with length-to-width ratio equal to or over three to one. Neck dissection was performed in two of these three cases with ischemic complications. CONCLUSION: Several factors may influence platysma transverse myocutaneous flap survival. Usually a long and narrow flap, especially crossing the neck midline and associated with neck dissection are more prone to poor outcomes.

Factors associated with incomplete surgical margins in basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma recurrence is associated with inadequate surgical margins. The frequency of and the factors associated with compromised or inadequate surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma varies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological factors associated with inadequate surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma. METHODS: We developed a cross-sectional study comprising all patients who had undergone resection of head and neck basal cell carcinoma from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, sex, head and neck topography, histopathological findings, and staging were retrieved and compared. Each tumor was considered an individual case. Compromised and close margins were termed "inadequate" or "incomplete". Variables that were significantly associated with the presence of incomplete margins were further assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 605 tumors from 389 patients were included. Overall, sixteen cases (2.6%) were classified as compromised, 52 (8.5%) as close, and 537 (88.7%) as free margins. Presence of scleroderma (p=0.005), higher Clark level (p<0.001), aggressive variants (p<0.001), invasion beyond the adipose tissue (p<0.001), higher T stage (p<0.001), perineural invasion (p=0.002), primary site (p=0.04), multifocality (p=0.01), and tumor diameter (p=0.02) showed association with inadequate margins. After Logist regression, multifocality, Clark level and depth of invasion were found to be independent risk factors for inadequate margins. CONCLUSION: Gross clinical examination may be sufficient for determining low prevalence of inadequate surgical margins when treating head and neck basal cell carcinoma in highly experienced oncologic centers. Multifocality, Clark level and depth of invasion were found to be independent risk factors for incomplete margins.

Total rhinectomy for nasal carcinomas / Rinectomia total para carcinomas nasais

Abstract Introduction: Total rhinectomy is an uncommon procedure for the treatment of nasal malignancies, usually reserved for locally advanced tumors. There are few case series studying total rhinectomy in the literature, reporting conflicting results about recurrence and metastasis. Objective: Evaluate prognosis of total rhinectomy cases for malignant neoplasia in our institution. Methods: Retrospective review from January 2013 to September 2018, including all patients undergoing total rhinectomy in our Institution, under the care of the Head and Neck surgical team. Results: Ten patients were included, two men and eight women. The mean patient age was 71.6 years old. The majority had nasal skin (8 cases) carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma was present in seven cases. In total, six cases had regional metastasis, in a median period of 14.3 months. The overall mortality and disease specific mortality was 50% and 30%, respectively, in a median follow-up of 45.7 months. Conclusion: We observed high overall and disease-specific mortality among cases with advanced nasal malignancies undergoing total rhinectomy.

Resumo Introdução: A rinectomia total é um procedimento incomum para o tratamento de neoplasias nasais, geralmente reservado para tumores localmente avançados. Há poucas séries de casos que estudam a rinectomia total na literatura, as quais descrevem resultados conflitantes sobre recorrência e metástase. Objetivo: Avaliar o prognóstico de pacientes submetidos a rinectomia total por neoplasia maligna em nossa instituição. Método: Revisão retrospectiva de janeiro de 2013 a setembro de 2018, incluiu todos os pacientes submetidos a rinectomia total em nossa instituição, sob os cuidados da equipe de cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço. Resultados: Dez pacientes foram incluídos, dois homens e oito mulheres. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 71,6 anos. A maioria apresentava carcinoma da pele nasal (oito casos). O carcinoma espinocelular estava presente em sete casos. Seis casos tiveram metástase regional em um período mediano de 14,3 meses. A mortalidade geral e a mortalidade específica da doença foram de 50% e 30%, respectivamente; o acompanhamento médio foi de 45,7 meses. Conclusão: Observamos alta mortalidade geral e específica da doença entre os casos com neoplasias nasais avançadas submetidas à rinectomia total.

Prevalence of p16 expression in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors in a cohort of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) at a single center in southern Brazil and determine the short-term prognostic factors in this sample. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-one consecutive patients with newly diagnosed primary OPSCC between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. Demographic, clinical, pathologic, and survival data were collected. HPV status was determined by using p16 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HPV-positive (HPV+) OPSCC was 20.9%. Patients with HPV+ tumors presented a nodal metastasis as the first clinical sign (P = .02); reported less alcohol (P < .001) and tobacco use (P < .001); exhibited lower tumor stages (P < .001) and higher microscopic grades (P = .01); and had higher chances of having resectable tumors (P = .008). p16-negative status (P = .01); unresectable/inoperable tumors (P < .001); presence of nodal metastasis (P = .005); and higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (P = .002) were significantly associated with worse disease-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV+ OPSCC in southern Brazil is relatively low, and p16-positive status was associated with Better prognosis. Higher AJCC stage, nodal metastasis, and unresectability/inoperability were associated with the highest hazard ratios for death resulting from OPSCC.

Total rhinectomy for nasal carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: Total rhinectomy is an uncommon procedure for the treatment of nasal malignancies, usually reserved for locally advanced tumors. There are few case series studying total rhinectomy in the literature, reporting conflicting results about recurrence and metastasis. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate prognosis of total rhinectomy cases for malignant neoplasia in our institution. METHODS: Retrospective review from January 2013 to September 2018, including all patients undergoing total rhinectomy in our Institution, under the care of the Head and Neck surgical team. RESULTS: Ten patients were included, two men and eight women. The mean patient age was 71.6 years old. The majority had nasal skin (8 cases) carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma was present in seven cases. In total, six cases had regional metastasis, in a median period of 14.3 months. The overall mortality and disease specific mortality was 50% and 30%, respectively, in a median follow-up of 45.7 months. CONCLUSION: We observed high overall and disease-specific mortality among cases with advanced nasal malignancies undergoing total rhinectomy.