Head & neck
-
Comparative Study
Pretreatment factors predicting quality of life after treatment for head and neck cancer.
Quality of life (QOL) has become an important issue in head and neck cancer. Explanation of factors predicting QOL after treatment has important implications for patient management. ⋯ Patients with depressive symptoms or a low performance status who receive combination treatment for cancer of the head and neck are at risk for physical and psychologic morbidity after treatment. Special attention should be given to these patients in rehabilitation programs.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
End results of a prospective trial on elective lateral neck dissection vs type III modified radical neck dissection in the management of supraglottic and transglottic carcinomas.
Either modified type III radical neck dissection (MRND) or lateral neck dissections (LNDs) are considered valid treatments for patients with laryngeal carcinoma with clinically negative neck findings (N0). The object of this prospective study was to compare complications, neck recurrences, and survival results of elective MRND and LND on the management of laryngeal cancer patients. Patients and Methods This prospective randomized study began in 1990, and patient accrual was closed on December 1993. A total of 132 patients was included in the trial. All patients had previously untreated T2-T4 N0 M0 supraglottic or transglottic squamous cell carcinoma. No significant imbalance was found between groups with respect to demographic, clinical, pathologic, and other therapeutic variables. Seventy-one patients were given MRNDs (13 bilateral) and 61 were given LNDs (18 bilateral). ⋯ The rate of false-negative nodes in supraglottic and transglottic carcinomas was 26%, and most positive nodes were at levels II and III. The rates of 5-year overall survival, neck recurrences, and complications were similar in both groups. These results confirm the efficacy of lateral neck dissection in the elective treatment of the neck in patients with supraglottic and transglottic carcinomas.
-
Comparative Study
The free iliac crest and fibula flaps in vascularized oromandibular reconstruction: comparison and long-term evaluation.
A variety of free flaps have been successfully used for mandible reconstruction. This study compared the short- and long-term results of using the free iliac crest and fibula flaps. ⋯ Although the fibula free flap is the flap of choice, the iliac crest is an excellent and reliable complementary flap for mandibular reconstruction.
-
The aim of the study was to use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to determine the cause of hypoglossal nerve palsy and the sites of injury in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before radiation therapy and during postradiation therapy follow-up. ⋯ Hypoglossal nerve palsy on presentation was caused by locally advanced nasopharyngeal tumor whereas a palsy arising after radiation therapy was more frequently caused by postradiation damage rather than cancer.
-
Case Reports
A new role for magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of laryngeal relapsing polychondritis.
Relapsing polychondritis involving the upper airway is a rare cause of airflow obstruction and hoarseness. The diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis depends on clinical signs, characteristic findings on cartilage biopsy, and response to treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can increase the morbidity and mortality of the disease. ⋯ This case demonstrates the usefulness of MRI in the diagnosis and management of relapsing polychondritis involving the upper airway.