Reconstruction surgery in head and neck cancer patients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic:Current practice and lessons for the future

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has imposed a radical change in daily life and work routine.In this context,health systems have suffered important and serious repercussions in all fields.Among the changes brought about by the state of global health emergency,adjustments to guidelines,priorities,structures,professional teams,and epidemiological data stand out.In light of this,the oncological field has witnessed several changes in the approach to cancer,whether due to delay in diagnosis,screening deficit,personnel shortage or the psychological impact that the pandemic has had on cancer patients.This article focuses on the management of oral carcinoma and the surgical approaches that oral and maxillofacial specialists have had at their disposal during the health emergency.In this period,the oral and maxillofacial surgeons have faced many obstacles.The proximity of maxillofacial structures to the airways,the need of elective and punctual procedures in cancerous lesions,the aggressiveness of head and neck tumors,and the need for important healthcare costs to support such delicate surgeries are examples of some of the challenges imposed for this field.One of the possible surgical'solutions'to the difficulties in managing surgical cases of oral carcinoma during the pandemic is locoregional flaps,which in the pre-COVID-19 era were less used than free flaps.However,during the health emergency,its use has been widely reassessed.This setback may represent a precedent for opening up new reflections.In the course of a long-term pandemic,a reassessment of the validity of different medical and surgical therapeutic approaches should be considered.Finally,given that the pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities and shortcomings in a number of ways,including the issues of essential resource shortages,underinvestment in public health services,lack of coordination and versatility among politicians,policymakers and health leaders,resulting in overloaded health systems,rapid case development,and high mortality,a more careful analysis of the changes needed in different health systems to satisfactorily face future emergencies is essential to be carried out.This should be directed especially towards improving the management of health systems,their coordination as well as reviewing related practices,even in the surgical field.

Factors influencing comfort level in head and neck neoplasm patients receiving radiotherapy

Objective:To determine factors that influence comfort in head and neck neoplasm patients receiving radiotherapy.Methods:In total,200 head and neck neoplasm patients receiving radiotherapy were recruited from three tertiary first class hospitals.They were assessed by Radiotherapy Comfort Questionnaire for patients with head and neck neoplasm,Social Support Scale,and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire.Results:The total score of comfort was 60.54±8.32.Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that number of radiation treatments,family accompaniment,educational level,resignation coping mode,complications due to diabetes,accompanying chemotherapy,and the utilization of social support significantly influenced comfort level(p<0.05).Among these,number of radiation treatments,complications due to diabetes,accompanying chemotherapy,and resignation coping were negative factors.Conclusion:Encouraging utilization of social support systems and a positive coping mode is important for increasing comfort level in head and neck neoplasm patients during radiotherapy.Nurses should pay particular attention to those patients during later stages of radiotherapy or chemotherapy,with diabetes,without family accompaniment,and with lower education level.

Rupture of carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in the modern era of definitive chemoradiation for head and neck cancer:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Carotid blowout syndrome(CBS)is a rupture of the carotid artery and is mainly caused by radiation and resection of head and neck cancers or direct tumor invasion of the carotid artery wall.It is a life-threatening clinical situation.There is no established and effective mode of management of CBS.Furthermore,there is no established preceding sign or symptom;therefore,preventive efforts are not clinically meaningful.CASE SUMMARY We described two cases of CBS that occurred in patients with head and neck cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy(CRT)using three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy.Two men aged 61 and 56 years with locally advanced head and neck cancer were treated with definitive CRT.After completing CRT,both of them achieved complete remission.Subsequently,they had persistent severe pain in the oropharyngeal mucosal region and the irradiated neck despite the use of opioid analgesics and rehabilitation for relief of contracted skin.However,continuous follow-up imaging studies showed no evidence of cancer recurrence.Eleven to twelve months after completing CRT,the patients visited the emergency room complaining about massive oronasal bleeding.Angiograms showed rupture of carotid artery pseudoaneurysms on the irradiated side.Despite attempting to secure hemostasis with carotid arterial stent insertion and coil embolization,both patients died because of repeated bleeding from the pseudoaneurysms.CONCLUSION In patients with persistent pain in irradiated sites,clinicians should be suspicious of progressing or impending CBS,even in the three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy era.

Evaluation of Quality of Life and Oral Changes of Patients in Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Observational Study

Radiotherapy (RT) in the head and neck, despite coming from technological evolution, is challenged by the acute and late side effects of local irradiation, including permanent loss of saliva, osteoradionecrosis, dental caries induced by radiation and necrosis of the oral cavity, mucositis, xerostomia and secondary infections like candidiasis. Since these manifestations are limiting and the integrity of the vital organs contemplates the patient’s general health status, the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) can be significantly affected by the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), since cancer can cause important changes in vital functions related to communication, food and social contact, causing disturbances in the patient’s life. An observational and longitudinal study was carried out with 16 cancer patients submitted to RT in the head and neck, between the years 2019-2020 with the objectives of collecting clinical and epidemiological data on the main oral changes caused by RT in the head and neck and correlating them with the impact on OHRQoL. To analyze the OHRQoL, the University of Washington’s Quality of Life Assessment questionnaire (UW-QOL) was applied once a week for 4 weeks and to observe oral manifestations, a dental clinic file standardized by the researchers was applied. The main oral manifestations clinically observed were hyposalivation, trismus and oral mucositis. The UW-QOL presented pain, chewing and taste as the main complaints reported by patients, however, appearance, salivation and chewing showed statistically significant differences over the weeks. The main manifestations observed were hyposalivation, trismus and oral mucositis, the physical limitations resulting from these manifestations impact the OHRQoL of cancer patients in terms of appearance, salivation and chewing.

Symptom distress and interference among cancer patients with osteoradionecrosis of jaw: A cross-sectional study

Objective:Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws(ORNJ)is among the most serious oral complications of head and neck cancer treatment with radiation therapy.This study aimed to examine the level of symptom distress and interference of ORNJ in head and neck cancer patients in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to profile patient reported symptom severity.Ninetyfive hospitalized ORNJ patients were recruited.Participants completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck Module-Chinese version.Results:The percentage of participants who reported that they experienced at least one type of symptom was 97.9%,and 85.2%patients reported interference.The 10 most severe symptoms were as follows:limited mouth opening,problem with teeth/gums,difficulty swallowing/chewing,dry mouth,oral malodor,difficulty with voice/speech,dental ulcer,tinnitus/ear obstruction,skin pain/burning/rash,and difficulty hearing.The problem of limited mouth opening was more severe in patients with longer time to onset of ORNJ after radiotherapy.The interference of patients positively correlated with core symptoms(r=0.612),head and neck symptoms(r=0.709),and ORNJ symptoms(r=0.440)(P<0.01).The longer time to the onset of ORNJ after radiotherapy was positively and significantly correlated with symptom distress(r=0.479,P<0.001),and mouth opening correlated negatively with symptom distress(r=-0.298,P=0.003).Conclusions:ORNJ patients suffered mainly from limited mouth opening and other maxillofacial symptoms.The problem of limited mouth opening was more severe in patients with longer time to onset of ORNJ after radiotherapy.ORNJ patients commonly had symptom distress,which influenced their quality of life.

Cutaneous ciliated cyst on the anterior neck in young women: A case report

BACKGROUND A cutaneous ciliated cyst(CCC)is a rare,benign tumor in young female adults,which is usually found on the lower extremities.CASE SUMMARY We found an uncommon location of CCC in the anterolateral cervical area and reviewed the literature.A 20-year-old female complained of a well-defined,painless,palpable mass that started several years ago.The mass was tense and movable and located at the anterolateral aspect of the neck.Imaging showed a non-enhancing round mass.Surgical excision biopsy was performed,and the cystic mass was revealed to be a CCC.CONCLUSION The rare location of CCC can be found in anterior neck area,which should be another diagnostic option for mass on anterior neck.

The Influence of Gene Polymorphisms on Tobacco and Alcohol-Induced Oral Cancer Risk

Aims: This study examined whether genetic polymorphisms of tobacco and alcohol-related metabolic genes such as GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, CYP1A1, CYP2E1 and DNA repair genes (XRCC1 194Trp, XRCC1 399Gln, and XRCC3 Met) contribute to the risk of developing OSCC. Methods: Patients eligible for inclusion were over 18 years, had pathologically confirmed OSCC and were followed prospectively for at least two years or until death, from December 2000 to December 2004. Ninety-two OSCC patients were included along with 244 subjects from the same hospital, evaluated in the same period as patients without cancer, as the control group. Results: GSTM1 null and XRCC1-194Trp alone increased the risk of OSCC (OR, 2.15;95% CI, 1.2 - 3.6 and OR, 2.02;95% CI, 1.01 - 4.03, respectively). The joint effect of GSTM1 null with CYP1A1 or CYP2E1 polymorphism increased the risk two to threefold. Similar results were observed when XRCC1-194Trp was combined with GSTM1 null or the CYP2E1 polymorphism. By contrast, XRCC1- 399Gln was associated with protection against OSCC. Gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions were mainly detected for CYP1A1 and GSTP1 associated with more than 20 p/y of tobacco and XRCC1-194Trp when more than 30 g/L/d of alcohol was consumed (OR, 8.8;95% CI;1.3 - 45.7). Conclusions: The drug metabolizing and DNA repair enzyme polymorphisms may be informative for clinicians in the preventive management of patients at risk, particularly those with strong smoking and drinking habits.

头颈部髓外浆细胞瘤3例

髓外浆细胞瘤(extramedullry plasmcytoma,EMP)是来源于B淋巴细胞的肿瘤,由单克隆细胞异常增生形成的一种较为罕见的疾病[1]。EMP在临床和影像学表现不典型,早期难以诊断,往往术后经病理检查才得以确诊。由于EMP病例罕见,目前尚无治疗指南,治疗方式仍存在争议。1临床资料病例1。患者,女,60岁,于2009-12-29因右侧鼻塞、流涕就诊,鼻窦CT检查示右侧鼻腔外侧壁软组织块状影(图1A),遂入院治疗并完善相关检查后行鼻内镜下右侧鼻腔肿物切除术,术后病理结果考虑EMP。

Smartphone Application WeChat for Clinical Follow-up of Discharged Patients with Head and Neck Tumors： A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background： Nowadays, social media tools such as short message service, Twitter, video, and web-based systems are more and more used in clinical follow-up, making clinical follow-up much more time- and cost-effective than ever before. However, as the most popular social media in China, little is known about the utility of smartphone WeChat application in follow-up. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility and superiority of WeChat application in clinical follow-up. Methods： A total of 108 patients diagnosed with head and neck tumor were randomized to WeChat follow-up （WFU） group or telephone follow-up （TFU） group for 6-month follow-up. The follow-ups were delivered by WeChat or telephone at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months to the patients after being discharged. The study measurements were time consumption for follow-up delivery, total economic cost, lost-to-follow-up rate, and overall satisfaction for the follow-up method. Results： Time consumption in WFU group for each patient （23.36 ± 6.16 min） was significantly shorter than that in TFU group （42.89 ± 7.15 min） （P 〈 0.001 ）; total economic cost in WFU group （RMB 90 Yuan） was much lower than that in TFU group （RMB 196 Yuan）. Lost-to-follow-up rate in the WFU group was 7.02% （4/57） compared with TFU group, 9.80% （5/51 ）, while no significance was observed （95% confidence interval [CI]： 0.176-2.740; P = 0.732）. The overall satisfaction rate in WFU group was 94.34% （50/53） compared with 80.43% （37/46） in TFU group （95% CI： 0.057-0.067; P = 0.034）. Conclusions： The smartphone WeChat application was found to be a viable option for follow-up in discharged patients with head and neck tumors. WFU was time-effective, cost-effective, and convenient in communication. This doctor-led follow-up model has the potential to establish a good physician-patient relationship by enhancing dynamic communications and providing individual health instructions.

Role of Genetic Ancestry in Oropharyngeal Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil

Background: HPV infection represents an important etiologic factor for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC). The different ethnic backgrounds could be related to different susceptibility to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of our study was to assess the whole of genetic ancestry in HPV status in OPSCC patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with OPSCC admitted to the Barretos Cancer Hospital, Brazil from 2014 to 2019. Of these, DNA extraction was performed on 40 patients and genetic ancestry was assessed using a specific panel of 46 informative ancestry markers. Results: We observed a predominance of European ancestry (63%), followed by African (18%), Amerindian (9%) and Asian (8%) both in the OPSCC HPV-positive and HPV-negative group. We did not find any statistically significant differences between the HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC groups in relation to European (p = 0.499), African (p = 0.448), Asian (p = 0.275) or Amerindian (p = 0.836) ancestry. Conclusions: We found a predominance of European ancestry, both in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups. In our study, we did not find statistically significant differences between HPV-positive or HPV-negative groups in relation to ancestry.

Direct intratumoral embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck

To evaluate a devascularization technique for hypervascular tumors of the head and neck by direct intratumoral puncture Methods Six cases of hypervascular tumor of the head and neck were reviewed, focusing on findings from digital subtraction angiography and preoperative direct intratumoral embolization and their effects after the operation Results Total devascularization by complete embolization was achieved in 2 cases: 1 nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and 1 spongiform tumor, both of which were completely excised endoscopically with blood loss of 60 ml Incomplete devascularization through 80%-90% embolization was achieved in the other 4 cases: 1 paraganglioma was totally removed with 800 ml of blood loss, 1 hemangioblastoma was not completely excised with 400 ml of blood loss and 2 nasopharyngeal angiofibromas involving the intracranial region were partially eliminated with a total blood loss of 1600 ml Conclusion The new technique of preoperative embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck by direct intratumoral puncture, which can decrease blood loss during the accompanying tumor resection and increase the possibility of complete tumor removal, is feasible, convenient, safe, and effective

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis

Background: PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have emerged as promising treatments for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in HNSCC. Outcomes: median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS), Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).Results: Eleven trials reported data on 1088 patients (mean age: 59.9 years, range: 18-90). The total mOS was 7.97 months (range: 6.0-16.5). Mean mPFS for all studies was 2.84 months (range: 1.9-6.5). PD-1 inhibitors had a lower rate of RECIST Progressive Disease than PD-L1 inhibitors (42.61%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.29-49.06 vs. 56.79%, 95% CI: 49.18-64.19,P < 0.001). The rate of TRAEs of any grade (62.7%, 95% CI: 59.8-65.6) did not differ.Conclusions: Meta-analysis shows the efficacy of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in HNSCC and suggests a possible difference in certain RECIST criterion between PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Future work to investigate the clinical significance of these findings is warranted.

Current prognosis and quality of life following surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)is one of the most common cancers in the world with a close relation with some risk factor like,tobacco,alcohol consumption and more recently,with human papilloma virus infection.A review of the literature about actual prognosis and quality of life in HNSCC has been done analysing the results of surgical treatment and their impact on the quality of life of patients.Despite the elevated incidence of HNSCC,the survival rate has increased considerably over the last years thanks to the development of new surgical techniques,such as,microvascular reconstruction or transoral robotic surgery and the most accurate adjuvant radiochemotherapy.Even in bad prognosis cases,there are many options to take into account not only with curative expectation,even,keeping in mind the preservation of the quality of life of patients.Due to the improvement of the prognosis,the interest of surgeons has been focused on preserve the aesthetics,functional and psychosocial aspect of patients without a worsening of the main objective which is the curative result.Although prognosis of HNSCC has improved,further studies are necessary to understand the behaviour in every case and determine how the impact on the quality of life can be a useful tool to individualize the therapies.

Nonopioid perioperative analgesia in head and neck cancer surgery:A systematic review

Objective:Management of postoperative pain after head and neck cancer surgery is a complex issue,requiring a careful balance of analgesic properties and side effects.The objective of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety of multimodal analgesia(MMA)for these patients.Methods:Pubmed,Cochrane,Embase,Scopus,and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched for all comparative studies of patients receiving MMA(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),acetaminophen,anticonvulsants,local anesthetics,and corticosteroids)for head and neck cancer surgeries.The primary outcome was additional postoperative opioid usage,and secondary outcomes included subjective pain scores,complications,adverse effects,and 30-day outcomes.Results:A total of five studies representing 592 patients(MMA,n=275;non-MMA,n=317)met inclusion criteria.The most commonly used agents were gabapentin,NSAIDs,and acetaminophen(n=221),NSAIDs(n=221),followed by corticosteroids(n=35),dextromethorphan(n=40),and local nerve block(n=19).Four studies described a significant decrease in overall postoperative narcotic usage with two studies reporting a significant decrease in hospital time.Subjective pain scores widely varied with two studies reporting reduced pain at postoperative day 3.There were no differences in surgical outcomes,medical complications,adverse effects,or 30-day mortality and readmission rates.Conclusion:MMA is an increasingly popular strategy that may reduce dependence on opioids for the treatment of postoperative pain.A variety of regimens and protocols are available for providers to utilize in the appropriate head and neck cancer patient.

头颈部Castleman病临床特点分析

目的探讨头颈部Castleman病的病因及病理学特点,并总结其临床表现、诊疗经验及预后情况。方法对2013年1月~2019年12月湖南省人民医院收治的7例头颈部Castleman病患者行回顾性分析,并复习相关文献。结果 7例头颈部Castleman病患者中,以头颈部单发或多发无痛性肿物起病,临床分型7例均为局灶型;病理分型6例为透明血管型,1例为混合型。治疗上均行手术切除肿物。随访9~87个月,未见复发。结论头颈部Castleman病确诊需通过病理学检查;临床分型以局灶型为主,病理分型多为透明血管型,手术切除肿物可有效治疗,若出现复发可辅以药物治疗;局灶型患者预后治愈率高。

锁骨上皮瓣修复头颈缺损9例临床分析

目的 探讨锁骨上皮瓣在头颈肿瘤缺损修复中的应用。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月~2020年12月于扬州大学附属苏北人民医院收治的应用锁骨上皮瓣修复头颈缺损的9例患者临床资料,通过研究其头颈肿瘤缺损的原因、术前放疗史、手术方式、皮瓣尺寸及术后愈合情况等因素,探讨锁骨上皮瓣的制备技巧、应用指征及术后并发症的处理。结果 9例患者均为男性,年龄51~79岁。3例一期修复包括1例下咽癌,1例舌根恶性肿瘤,1例鼻咽癌继发颈部淋巴结转移癌;6例二期修复包括1例下咽癌术后继发颈部淋巴结转移癌,1例喉癌术后继发气管造瘘口癌,1例喉及食管癌术后吻合口瘘,3例下咽癌术后咽瘘。2例咽瘘患者采用锁骨上皮瓣联合胸大肌皮瓣修复缺损,7例患者单独采用锁骨上皮瓣修复。术中所取锁骨上皮瓣宽度为4~8 cm,长度为6~15 cm。8例术后随访皮瓣存活,1例术后皮瓣坏死,清创换药后愈合。1例下咽癌术后患者皮瓣存活,但食管入口肿瘤复发予以放射性粒子植入,局部未控,术后第11个月死亡。结论 锁骨上皮瓣是喉咽及颈部皮肤术后缺损较为理想的修复组织瓣,技术比较成熟,术中应注意皮瓣血管的保护,治疗效果比较可靠。

溶栓治疗挽救游离皮瓣术后误用血凝酶致静脉血管危象1例

1 临床资料患者,男,48岁,因“右耳闷塞感4个月余,咽痛伴牙痛2个月余”入院。专科查体见I度张口受限,右侧腭舌弓隆起,扁桃体不大,被推挤向对侧,右颈部轻微压痛。颅面部MRI及颈部增强CT提示,右侧口咽部及咽旁颅底间隙囊实性占位伴钙化(图1A,图1B)。纤维鼻咽喉镜示右后鼻孔及鼻咽部肿物,表面黏膜光滑。于2019-09-10行气管切开+右侧颅底肿瘤切除+右侧根治性颈淋巴结清扫+右侧上颌骨次全切+下颌骨部分切除+颈外动脉结扎+游离股前外侧皮瓣切取移植+腭咽成形术。