Non-Hodgkins lymphoma of the nasal cavity: A case report.

We present a rare case of an 81-year-old woman presenting with acute left nasal blockage caused by a large nasal mass of unknown origin. The mass was subsequently diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Nasal/paranasal space involvement in NHL is uncommon, representing only 0.2%-2% of cases. In this case, the nasal NHL mass exhibited a favorable prognosis, in contrast to previously reported sinonasal lymphomas with poor outcomes. The patient underwent excisional biopsy and was treated with 3 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy, resulting in complete resolution of the mass confirmed by a follow-up CT scan and no signs of disease after 1 year. Differentiating sinonasal lymphomas from other neoplasms can be challenging due to their variable morphology and location. Diffuse presentations of sinonasal lymphoma can aid in distinguishing them from discrete lesions associated with other sinonasal neoplasms. However, differentiation from acute invasive sinonasal infection remains difficult. MRI can help identify lymphomas through the characteristic hypointense T2 signal and diffusion restriction, with the combined use of CT to aid in differentiating masses of unknown morphology. Nonetheless, squamous cell carcinoma, which mimics lymphoma features on MRI, poses additional challenges to accurate identification. This case highlights the rarity of nasal NHLs, their potential for excellent prognosis, and the importance of diverse imaging techniques in their diagnosis and differentiation from other sinonasal pathologies.

Hardware complications in oromandibular defects: Comparing scapular and fibular based free flap reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in surgical technique and technology, hardware complications occur relatively frequently. This study analyzes hardware complications in patients undergoing oromandibular reconstruction using scapular (SFF) or fibular (FFF) free flaps. METHODS: Retrospective data for 178 patients was obtained (1999-2014) at University Hospital Network (Toronto, Canada). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hardware complications. RESULTS: Patients with FFF reconstruction (n=129) had significantly more hardware complications than those with SFF (n=49) (16% vs. 2%;p=0.01). Surgical site infection (SSI) (OR=7.05; p<0.01), defect type (OR=2.63; p<0.01) and flap (OR=0.12; p=0.01) were significant predictors of hardware complications on univariable analysis. Flap type (OR=0.12; p=0.04) was an independent predictor of plate complication after adjusting for SSI. A subgroup analysis suggested a trend towards fewer hardware complications with SFF stratified by mandibular defect type. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular free flaps are associated with a lower rate of hardware-related complications in oromandibular reconstruction.

Surgical site infections following oral cavity cancer resection and reconstruction is a risk factor for plate exposure.

BACKGROUND: Plate-related complications following head and neck cancer ablation and reconstruction remains a challenging problem often requiring further management and reconstructive surgeries. We aim to identify an association between surgical site infections (SSI) and plate exposure. METHODS: A retrospective study between 1997 and 2014 was performed to study the association between postoperative SSI and plate exposures. Eligible patients included those with a history of oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical resection, neck dissection, and free tissue reconstruction. Demographic and treatment related information was collected. SSI were classified based on CDC definition and previously published literature. Univariable analysis on demographic factors, smoking history, diabetes, radiation, surgical and hardware related factors; while multivariable analysis on SSI, plate height, segmental mandibulectomy defects and radiation were conducted such as using cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-five patients were identified and included in our study. The mean age of the study group was 59.2 (+/-13.8), with a predominance of male patients (61.9%). 10.7% of our patient cohort had diabetes, and another 63.8% had post-operative radiation therapy. Patients with SSI were more likely to have plate exposure (25 vs. 6.4%, p <0.001). Post-operative SSI, mandibulectomy defects, and plate profile/thickness were associated with plate exposure on univariable analysis (OR = 5.72, p < 0.001; OR = 2.56, p = 0.014; OR = 1.44, p = 0.003 respectively) and multivariable analysis (OR = 5.13, p < 0.001; OR = 1.36, p = 0.017; OR = 2.58, p = 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgical site infections are associated with higher rates of plate exposure. Plate exposure may require multiple procedures to manage and occasionally free flap reconstruction.

Exploring the psychological morbidity of waiting for sinus surgery using a mixed methods approach.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) often have to endure significant wait times for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The pyschiatric impact of placement on a waitlist for ESS has not been explored. METHODS: Questionnaires measuring CRS symptom severity and health-related anxiety and stress (SNOT-22, HADS, WPAI-GH) were sent to patients diagnosed with CRS and currently on a waitlist for ESS. Fifteen representative waitlisted patients participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews discussing their experience with their wait for ESS. A deductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the interview data using a quantitative driven mixed methods analysis. RESULTS: Participants waiting for ESS reported worsening clinical symptomatology during their waiting period. Participants reported waitlist and CRS impact on both work and social aspects of their lives. The HADS scale showed no overall significant level of depression or anxiety in the HADS screening questionnaire. The qualitative data describe the effects of the symptom burden of CRS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients waitlisted for ESS did not demonstrate any significant level of psychiatric distress, however variability exists. The qualitative arm of this study elucidates how patients cope with their wait.