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Abstract Introduction: Gelsolin protein has important cellular functions, including cell motility and apoptosis. Altered gelsolin expression has been reported in several types of neoplasms, but clinicopathological features of gelsolin are currently unclear in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Objectives: Our aim is to investigate the clinicopathological significance of gelsolin as a prognostic biomarker for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Tissue specimens from 168 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically assessed for the Gelsolin expression. Prognostic significance of Gelsolin and its interaction with clinical parameters was analysed. Results: Gelsolin expression was confirmed in 70.2% of cases. Gelsolin expression is significantly associated with tumor stage, tumor grade, and locoregional recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that Gelsolin expression inversely correlated with both disease-specific and overall survival. Conclusion: This research is the first to demonstrate that Gelsolin expression is associated with a poor prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Gelsolin is a novel promising biomarker and attractive target for the treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

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Abstract Introduction: Schwannomas are tumous that arise from Schwann cells. Schwannoma is one of the differential diagnosis for lateral neck swelling. Objective: In this study, we aim to describe the incidence, presenting clinical features and management of extracranial, non-vestibular schwannomas of head and neck region, along with the review of the literature. Methods: Patients treated at our tertiary care hospital for head and neck schwannomas for the past 15 years were included in the study. A review of literature on the extracranial head and neck schwannoma was also done. Results: Twenty-five cases were assessed in this study. Nineteen cases presented as a neck swelling during the initial evaluation. Vagus nerve was the most common nerve of origin, followed by the cervical sympathetic plexus. A rare presentation arising from brachial plexus C5 nerve root was also encountered. A few rare cases of schwannomas arose from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and oral cavity. Surgical excision was done in all the cases with histopathology suggestive of schwannoma. The nerve of origin of the tumor was identified in nineteen patients. Among them, 11 (58%) were from the vagus nerve, 7 (37%) from the cervical sympathetic chain, and 1 (4%) from the brachial plexus C5 nerve root. Conclusion: A long-standing unilateral neck mass is the most common presenting complaint in head and neck schwannoma. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features and investigations such as imaging. The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical excision. The diagnosis is confirmed on the histopathological study after excision of the lesion. Due to the proximity of the tumor with the involved nerve, palsy may occur. Hence, an accurate preoperative diagnosis of schwannoma is essential.

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Abstract Objective: The prognostic importance of minichromosome maintenance complex expression in nasopharyngeal cancer is still unknown. We aimed to find whether minichromosome maintenance complex 2–7 expression may potentially be used to predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. Methods: Between April 2007 and July 2020, patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy were identified. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of cases. A single pathologist analyzed the histologic specimens of all patients. Results: Totally, 67 patients were included. The median followup was 75.3 months. Higher tumor (T) stage was correlated with minichromosome maintenance complex 2 overexpression. Minichromosome maintenance complex s expression was also associated with histopathologic subgroups. According to univariate analysis, AJCC stage, histopathological subgroups, tumor response after treatment, minichromosome maintenance complex 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 expression were the prognostic factors that predict overall survival. According to multivariate analysis minichromosome maintenance complex 7 expression was the only prognostic marker for both progression-free survival and overall survival. Conclusion: The overexpression of minichromosome maintenance complex 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 indicated bad prognosis. Minichromosome maintenance complex 7 was an independent prognostic factor for survival outcomes in nasopharyngeal cancer and may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment.

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Abstract Introduction: Confocal laser endomicroscopy is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real-time, microscope-like images of the upper aerodigestive tract’s mucosa. The assessment of morphological tissue characteristics for the correct differentiation between healthy and malignant suspected mucosa requires strict evaluation criteria. Objective: This study aims to validate an eight-point score for the correct assessment of malignancy. Methods: We performed confocal laser endomicroscopy between March and October 2020 in 13 patients. 197 sequences (11.820 images) originated from the marginal area of pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas. Specimens were taken at corresponding locations and analyzed in H&E staining as a standard of reference. A total of six examiners evaluated the sequences based on a scoring system; they were blinded to the histopathological examination. The primary endpoints are sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Secondary endpoints are interrater reliability and receiver operator characteristics. Results: Healthy mucosa showed epithelium with uniform size and shape with distinct cytoplasmic membranes and regular vessel architecture. Confocal laser endomicroscopy of malignant cells demonstrated a disorganized arrangement of variable cellular morphology. We calculated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 83.2%, 81.3%, 85.5%, 86.7%, and 79.7%, respectively, with a κ-value of 0.64, and an area under the curve of 0.86. Conclusion: The results confirm that this scoring system is applicable in the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa to classify benign and malignant tissue. A scoring system based on defined and reproducible characteristics can help translate this experimental method to broad clinical practice in head and neck diagnosis.

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Abstract Introduction: Partial glossectomy and reconstruction strategy for malignant tongue tumors influences speech and swallowing. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate long-term functional outcomes after partial glossectomy for pT2 mobile tongue carcinomas with a maximum dimension between 2 and 3 cm. Different reconstruction strategies (with or without pedicled flap) were compared. Methods: Twenty-two patients with at least 12 months followup were included. Clinician-based and self-reported instruments were used to analyze tongue motility, speech intelligibility and articulation, swallowing, and quality of life. Results: Patients with a higher tongue motility had better articulation and lower dysphagia. Avoiding pedicled flap reconstruction seemed to guarantee lower impairment of speech and swallowing. Worse functional outcomes induced a lower quality of life. Conclusion: Partial glossectomy results in tongue motility impairment and consequently alterations of oral functions. Since the type of reconstruction impacts long-term outcomes, it should be adequately planned before surgery.

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Abstract Objectives: Airway management following maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction is a fundamental part of the perioperative management. In oral cavity microvascular reconstruction, the airway is potentially compromised by airway edema, flap edema or bulkiness, hematoma formation, or upper airway sequelae from surgery. Classical teaching advocates elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial free flap reconstruction, while others keep patients intubated overnight (delayed extubation). The optimal method for perioperative airway management is still debated. This study aim was to evaluate the morbidity associated with elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to recognize those patients who can avoid elective tracheostomy. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction, between November 1st 2010 and October 31st 2019 in our center. Results: One-hundred and nine patients underwent microvascular reconstruction in the maxillofacial region. Sixty-one patients underwent an elective tracheostomy upon the primary surgery. Forty-eight patients were left intubated overnight. Seven patients underwent a late tracheostomy which was performed upon a neck re-exploration for postoperative complications, except for one patient which was due to failed extubation attempt. Conclusions: Our results suggest, the routine use of elective tracheostomy in maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction is unnecessary. Elective tracheostomy should be considered on case-to-case basis. Level of evidence: 4. HIGHLIGHTS Airway management following maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction is complex. Lack of consensus exists regarding the optimal airway management perioperatively. Routine use of tracheostomy is unnecessary. Tracheostomy should be considered on a case-to-case basis.

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Abstract Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the severe complications related to head and neck surgeries. Detecting the accurate three-dimensional location of both the fistula and leakage is essential for surgical treatment. Videofluoroscopy is usually used for locating these; however, its imaging is two-dimensional. We evaluated pharyngeal leakage and fistulae using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), known for its three-dimensional high spatial resolution imaging, taken in a sitting position, with oral contrast (contrast CBCT). Methods: Pharyngeal leakage and fistulae were evaluated in a total of 31 subjects by sequentially performing videofluoroscopy and contrast CBCT. The detection accuracy of videofluoroscopy and contrast CBCT for leakage and fistula, as well as the ability to determine the extent and depth for surgical planning, were investigated and compared. Results: Videofluoroscopy and contrast CBCT showed suspicious leakage and/or fistula in six and three of the 31 subjects, respectively. Surgical findings revealed the presence of leakage and/or fistula in three of the 31 subjects. The positive predictive values of videofluoroscopy and contrast CBCT were 50% (3/6) and 100% (3/3), respectively. Contrast CBCT provided more precise images, showing the extent and depth of leakage and fistula in three-dimensions. Conclusion: The present study’s results indicate the usefulness of contrast CBCT in terms of accurate diagnosis of leakage and fistula, due to its three-dimensional imaging being performed with the patient in a sitting position. Level of evidence: 4.

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Abstract Objective: We investigated the efficacy of non-contrast 3-Tesla MR imaging added to the combination of sestamibi with99mTc (MIBI) scintigraphy and Ultrasonography (US) for the pre-operative localization of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) lesions. Methods: A total of 34 parathyroid glands, including nine normal glands, were examined with MIBI, US, and non-contrast 3-Tesla MRI. MRI was performed with the acquisition of T1- and T2-weighted images and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. We calculated the sensitivities of MIBI, US, and the ‛additional’ MRI, with knowledge of the former two modalities’ results. Results: For the diagnosis of PHPT lesions, the sensitivity values of MIBI, US, and additional MRI were 88.0% (22/25), 84.0% (21/25), and 92.0% (23/25), respectively. Normal glands were not visualized with any modality (0/9). One lesion was detected neither with US nor MRI, but only with MIBI, with the limitation that MIBI represented no more than laterality. The two glands not identified in MRI were 4 mm and 6 mm in their size, which are within the range of normal gland’s size. Two lesions were not detected with US or MIBI but were visualized with the additional MRI, which indicated that the MRI contributed an 8.0% (2/25) improvement of sensitivity, compared from that of US. Fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were useful in the identification of parathyroid lesions, as these images helped to differentiate between the lesion and the adjacent tissue. Conclusion: Additional non-contrast 3-Tesla MRI was a useful adjunctive tool for localization of PHPT, which improved the sensitivity of the pre-operative localization of PHPT lesions. Fatsuppressed T2-weighted images contributed to their identification. Level VI: Evidence from a single descriptive or qualitative study.

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Abstract Objectives: This study aims to describe a new secondary tracheoesophageal puncture technique with voice prosthesis insertion under local anesthesia with a low-cost device and evaluate its outcome. Methods: With a transoral flexible transillumination device of aluminum of 2.3 mm with fiberoptic light, the esophagus’s anterior wall is visualized through the tracheostomy. A tracheoesophageal fistula is made with a blade and passed through the fistula. Then a bent trocar is introduced into the lumen using the device as a guidewire. Once in the lumen, a thin guide wire is passed through up to the mouth. The voice prosthesis is positioned with retrograde insertion. Then, the patient is discharged without hospitalization. Results: 15 patients submitted to this technique had a successful surgical outcome. There were no complications as pneumothorax, esophageal perforation, bleeding, or hospitalization. Conclusion: The new device is feasible under local anesthesia.

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Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, and survival outcomes of subglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: Demographic and clinicopathological information, including age, sex, race, tumor size, histologic grade, clinical/TNM stage, tumor invasion extent, Lymph Node Metastasis (LNM) extent, size of metastatic lymph nodes, LNM ratio and treatment data, of 842 subglottic SCC patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2016 were acquired. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to assess the effects of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, surgical procedures, and adjuvant therapies on overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Results: Subglottic SCC was more frequent among males aged 60-70 years, with low-grade but locally advanced lesions without local or distant metastases. Age and several primary tumor/LNM related variables were independent risk factors for overall survival and cancer specific survival. Advanced-stage and high-grade disease led to unfavorable prognosis. The most common treatment modality and surgical procedure were surgery plus radiotherapy and total laryngectomy, respectively. Surgery plus radiotherapy provided favorable 5-year survival outcomes, while total laryngectomy had the worst. Surgery plus adjuvant therapy showed better survival outcomes than surgery alone. Conclusion: This study confirmed the rarity of subglottic SCC. Patients with subglottic SCCs suffered poor prognosis especially for those with advanced-stage or high-grade lesions. The prognosis of subglottic SCC remained poor over the years, despite recent progress in cancer therapies. Surgery plus adjuvant therapy improved the survival outcome. Although larynx preservation surgery was beneficial for early-stage disease, total laryngectomy was favored for patients with advanced tumors. Level of evidence: Level 4.

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Abstract Objective: Free tissue transfer is widely used for head and neck reconstruction. In certain circumstances, vein grafting is required to elongate free flap pedicles to connect them to appropriate recipient vessels. Because of controversy regarding the use of interposition vein grafts in free tissue reconstruction, this paper reports vein graft indications, techniques, safety, and outcomes for head and neck microvascular surgery. Methods: Twenty-six patients (23 men and 3 women) who underwent interposition vein grafting concurrent with free tissue transfer were included in this study. The most common reason for head and neck reconstruction with vein graft was tumor recurrence, followed by flap salvage. The interposition vein grafts were applied in two manners as temporary arteriovenous (A–V) loop and conduit to extend the length of the free flap for venous drainage. Results: The most common reconstructions were anterolateral thigh flaps (15 cases), followed by vastus lateralis myocutaneous (3 cases) and radial forearm (2 cases) flaps. The common recipient vessels were superior thyroid artery, superficial temporal artery and external jugular vein. The free flap loss rate was 7.7% with vein grafts and 4.9 without vein grafts (p = 0.380). The free flap complication rate was 50.0% and 16.8% in patients with and without vein grafts, respectively (p < 0.001). Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, prior neck dissection, and prior free flap transfer were more common in the vein graft group (all p < 0.001). The hospital stay was significantly longer for the vein graft group than for the non–vein graft group (29.5 vs. 19.0 days; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Overall free flap survival rates of 92.3% and 95.1% in the vein and non-vein graft groups, respectively – indicating the reliability of the vein grafts in challenging head and neck reconstructions, particularly in salvage cases and patients with multiple reconstructions. Level of evidence: Level 3.

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Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic relationship of weight loss and preoperative hematological indexes in patients surgically treated for pT4a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study. Results: Percent weight loss greater than 10% was identified in 49 patients (28.2%), and any weight loss in relation to the usual weight occurred in 140 patients (78.7%). Percent weight loss greater than 10% (HR = 1.679), Red cell distribution width (RDW) values greater than 14.3% (HR = 2.210) and extracapsular spread (HR = 1.677) were independent variables associated with risk of death. Conclusion: Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity present significant weight loss and as significantly immunocompromised. Increased values of RDW and higher percentages of weight loss in relation to the individual’s usual weight, together with extracapsular spread of metastatic lymph nodes, were risk factors for lower survival, regardless of other clinical and anatomopathological characteristics. Level of evidence: 3.

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Abstract Objects: Radiotherapy (RT) serves as the most effective treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) and can cause carotid stenosis. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of RT on carotid stenosis in NPC patients, as well as to explore the risk factors for significant carotid stenosis. Methods: Studies reporting the carotid stenosis in NPC patients who underwent RT were found on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Outcomes of our interest included incidence of overall/significant stenosis, Common Carotid Artery (CCA) stenosis, External Carotid Artery (ECA) stenosis, Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) stenosis, and risk factors for significant carotid stenosis. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled estimate showed that RT was associated with a significantly higher incidence of overall stenosis (Risk Ratio [RR = 3.53], 95% CI: 2.32–5.37; p < 0.001) and significant stenosis (RR = 7.06, 95% CI: 3.61–13.79; p < 0.001) as compared with controls. Moreover, patients treated with RT had a significantly higher risk of stenosis in CCA (RR = 6.87, 95% CI: 4.08–11.58; p < 0.001), ICA (RR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.35–8.73; p= 0.010), ECA (RR = 9.37, 95% CI: 2.06–42.68; p = 0.004), and ECA/ICA (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.52–3.13; p < 0.001). Meta-analysis indicated that age (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05–2.04; p = 0.024), smoking habit (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02–2.78; p = 0.045) and time interval from radiotherapy (RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07–2.28; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of significant carotid stenosis. Conclusion: Our results suggested that RT increased the risk of carotid stenosis in patients with NPC. Prevention and control measurements should be made for older NPC patients with longer interval from RT, especially those with smoking habit. Level of evidence: 3.

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Abstract Objective: This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR-375 in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) cell progression. Methods: LSCC cells (LSC-1 and TU177) were transfected with miR-375-mimic, miR-375-inhibitor or miR-375-mimic + oe-CST1. The expression of miR-375, CST1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was measured. The effect of miR-375-mimic, miR-375-inhibitor or miR-375-mimic + oe-CST1 on cell biological functions, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, was also assessed. The potential relationship between CST1 and miR-375 was predicted by Jefferson software and validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: Downregulated miR-375 expression was found in LSCC cells. Overexpression of miR-375 inhibited the viability and migration and promoted apoptosis of LSCC cells. Jefferson database and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-375 directly targeted CST1. Over-expression of CST1 could reverse the anti-cancer effect of miR-375 overexpression in LSCC cells. Conclusion: Collected evidence showed that miR-375/CST1 axis was implicated in LSCC progression. Level of evidence: Level 3

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Abstract Objective: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is conventionally treated by surgical resection, and positive surgical margins strongly increase local recurrence and decrease survival. This study aimed to evaluate whether a Three-Dimensional Segmentation (3DS) image of OSCC confers advantage over Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) of OSCC using images of computed tomography scan in surgical planning of tumor resection. Methods: Twenty-six patients with locally advanced OSCC had tumor morphology and dimensions evaluated by MPR images, 3DS images, and Surgical Pathology Specimen (SPS) analyses (gold standard). OSCC resection was performed with curative intent using only MPR images. Results: OSCC morphology was more accurately assessed by 3DS than by MPR images. Similar OSCC volumes and dimensions were obtained when MPR images, 3DS images and SPS measurements were considered. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the OSCC longest axis measured by 3DS and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.82; 95% CI 0.59–0.92), whereas only a moderate correlation was observed between the longest axis of OSCC measured by MPR images and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.51; 95% CI 0.09–0.78). Taking only SPS with positive margins into account, MPR images and 3DS images underestimated the tumor’s longest axis in eight out of 11 (72.7%) and 5 out of the 11 (45.5%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: Our data present preliminary evidence that 3DS model represents a useful tool for surgical planning of OSCC resection, but confirmation in a larger cohort of patients is required. Level of evidence: Laboratory study.

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Abstract Objective: To descriptively analyze the epidemiological data, clinical stage, and outcomes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and to estimate the influence of clinical stage and treatment type on overall and disease-free survival. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed epidemiological data from the São Paulo Cancer Center Foundation database relative to patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 in the state of São Paulo. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with the outcomes. A forward stepwise selection procedure was used. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon test. Results: A total of 8075 individuals with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were identified. Of these, 86.3% were diagnosed at an advanced stage and 13.7% at an early stage. Only 27.2% of patients were treated surgically, whereas 57.5% were treated medically. Patients undergoing surgery had longer overall survival than those receiving medical treatment in both early- and advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival between surgical and medical treatment. Conclusion: No significant difference in disease-free survival between medical and surgical treatment suggests similar complete remission rates with both approaches. Patients receiving medical treatment had shorter overall survival, which may be due to complications from chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, we cannot confirm this relationship based on the data provided by the São Paulo Cancer Center Foundation. Prospective studies are warranted to assess whether the lower overall survival rate in patients receiving medical treatment is secondary to complications from chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Level of evidence: 2C.

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Abstract Objective: The prognostic importance of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers is increasingly recognized. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD45RO + TILs and their relation to histopathological features in larynx squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples from 63 primary larynx squamous cell carcinoma patients were immunostained for CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD45RO expression. Positive cells in micrographs from Invasive Margin (IM) and Tumor Center (CT) of tissue specimens counted by ImageJ software and their correlation with disease outcome were analyzed. Results: The expression level of TILs subpopulations was associated with clinicopathological markers as well as Overall Survival (OS) and Disease-Free Survival (DFS). In multivariate analysis, high frequency of CD45RO + cells in IM were confirmed as an independent prognostic marker for DFS (p = 0.007, HR = 4.968) and OS (p = 0.007, HR = 4.957). Similar findings were observed in the multivariate analysis of the combined frequency of CD45RO+cells in IM and CT. Conclusion: TILs are associated with patients clinicopathological features. Also, our findings indicate that CD45RO + TILs are a valuable marker for risk prediction in larynx SCC and could predict patients’ outcomes.

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Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to find out if a single imaging test is enough to follow-up on an oncological post-treatment patient. In such a case, we would know which was more valuable after comparing the two, by CT or PET-CT. Methods: Between January 2012 and July 2018, we collected data from all patients with previous medical history who were treated with a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in our hospital, through surgery or by using an organ preservation protocol which we had done. Patients were required to have a CT and a PET-CT performed in a maximum period of 30 days between techniques. We compared the post post-treatment stage given to each case by using only the physical examination (only the CT and the PET-CT), with the ones given by the Tumor Board. After treatment, we analysed the similarity through Cramer’s V statistic test. Results: We performed a comparative analysis, obtaining a correlation of 0.426 between the stages given by the Tumor Board and the one assigned based on physical examination, without imaging techniques. By only using the computed tomography as an imaging method the correlation was 0.565, whereas with only the use of positron emission computed technology, it was estimated at 0.858. When we compared the statistical association between stages using exclusively one of the two imaging techniques, the correlation was 0.451. Conclusion: Independent of the modality, we have demonstrated that in patients who have received previous treatment, there was a higher correlation in the stages with respect to the diagnostic method conducted by the Tumor Board using PET-CT as the sole image. Level of evidence: Level 1.

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Abstract Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors to developing parotid and neck metastasis in locally advanced and relapsed Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC) of the head and neck region. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study enrolling consecutive patients with advanced CSCC from 2009 to 2019. Seventy-four cases were identified. Study variables demographic data, clinical skin tumor stage, neck stage, parotid stage (P stage), surgical treatment features, and parotid, regional, and distant metastases. Survival measures: Overall Survival (OS) and Disease-Specific Survival (DSS). Results: The study group included 72.9% men (median age, 67 years); 67.5% showed T2/T3 tumors, 90.5% comorbidities, 20.2% immunosuppressed, with median follow-up: 35.8 months. The most frequent skin primary were auricular and eyelid regions, 75% underwent primary resection with flap reconstruction. Parotid metastasis was present in 50%, 32.4% showing parotid extracapsular spread, multivariate analysis found OR = 37.6 of positive parotid metastasis evolving into positive neck metastasis, p = 0.001. Occult neck metastasis, neck metastasis, and neck extracapsular spread were observed in 13.5%, 51.3%, and 37.8%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival: Clinical T4 versus T1, p = 0.028, P1 stage: 30% and 5% survival at 5 and 10 years, P3 stage: 0%, p = 0.016; OS and DSS showed negative survival for the parotid metastasis group, p = 0.0283. Conclusion: Our outcomes support a surgically aggressive approach for locally advanced and relapsed CSCC, with partial parotidectomy for P0, total parotidectomy for P1–3, selective I–III neck dissection for all patients and adjuvant radiochemotherapy to appropriately treat these patients with advanced CSCC of the head and neck region. Level of evidence: II b – Retrospective Cohort Study – Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM).

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Abstract Objectives: This study aims to investigate if a sampling method using virtual networks is feasible to survey AS adoption among this “hard-to-reach” population of Brazilian doctors. Methods: An online piloted 11-point structured survey questionnaire (designed using Googleforms®) probed the actual treatment patterns for adult patients with PTMCs, including treatment decision-making nonoperative options, was undertaken between 10 November and 30 November 2020. Participants were reached by the mobile phone Application (APP) and a snowball sampling strategy was used to recruit a total of 4783 members (maximum number of potential reach), which is the total of doctors of the all 21 social media WhatsApp® groups. Results: From a total of 4783 members (maximum number of potential reach), there were 657 (13.7%) doctors (actual reach) who clicked the web link of the questionnaire, out of whom 512 (10.7%) fully completed the online survey. Among the survey respondents, 361 were endocrinologists (70.5%) and 151 were surgeons (29.5%). Overall, for low-risk PTMCs in an elderly patient, 118 responders (23%) recommend AS, while 390 (76%) recommend immediate surgery as the management, including lobectomy (18.5%) and Total Thyroidectomy (58.2%). The present responders tended to recommend surgery for PTMCs that were located adjacent to the dorsal surface of the thyroid, were multiple, or raised the size during the follow-up. Conclusion: Using snowball sampling strategy as an innovative route to conduct surveys was feasible and applicable but the rate of response was still very low. Our data also suggests the need to investigate if AS is embraced by Brazilian doctors.

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Abstract Objectives: Odontogenic infections are frequent and can spread, leading to complications such as sepsis and the need for admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The purpose of this study was to perform a computed tomography analysis of the fascial space involvement and correlate with personal data, laboratory tests, length of hospital stays and admission to the ICU in patients with odontogenic infections who required hospitalization. Methods: Patients with odontogenic infections admitted between June 2017 and May 2018 were prospectively evaluated. The fascial spaces involved were studied using computed tomography with contrast. The possible correlations of tomographic findings with comorbidities, nutritional status, the causative tooth, laboratory tests, length of hospital stays and admission to the ICU were analyzed. Results: We identified 66 cases of odontogenic infections which were admitted in the period analyzed. The involvement of primary spaces (86.7%) predominated, followed by secondary ones (8.7%), and cervical (4.6%). The most frequently involved fascial spaces were submandibular (27.1%), buccal (20.8%), sublingual (18.3%), submental (16.7%), and others (17.1%). There were significant differences between laboratory tests (p < 0.001), mean hospital stays (p < 0.001), and admissions to the ICU (p < 0.001) depending on the number of fascial spaces involved. There was no influence of comorbidities, nutritional status, or causative tooth on fascial space involvement. Conclusion: There was a relationship between greater involvement of fascial spaces assessed by computed tomography and higher values of laboratory tests, more extended hospitalization stays and admission to the ICU. Level of evidence: Level 2b.

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Abstract Objective: Due to the rarity of osteolipoma, current knowledge and understanding of its’ clinical presentation, management, radiological features, histological characteristics, and prognosis are lacking and can present a clinical conundrum to clinicians and histopathologist alike, given wide range of differential diagnoses. This paper aims to compile, analyse and present details to augment the available literature on osteolipoma in the head and neck. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Science Citation Index, Google scholar and Cochrane database for osteolipoma in head and neck was performed up to the 1st May 2021. Reference lists from the relevant articles were then inspected and cross-referenced and any other pertinent publications were added to the review. Results: A total of 38 cases were identified from the literature. The commonest sites of involvement within the head and neck region were the oral cavity in 21 (56.8%) patients, followed by the neck in 7 (19.0%) patients. 29 (78.4%) patients presented with soft tissue swelling or mass making it the most common presenting feature. All patients had the tumour excised surgically; of which 18 (48.6%) were excised via transoral approach and 6 (16.2%) via open transcervical approach including 1 lateral pharyngotomy. 12 papers documented long-term follow-ups (median 12 months) with no recurrence. Only 1 regrowth was reported after 5-years. Conclusions: Osteolipoma is a rare soft tissue neoplasm which has a wide range differential diagnosis including malignant processes. Recognising this benign tumour through an awareness of presenting sign and symptoms, radiological features and histopathology findings is important for patient reassurance as well as avoiding unnecessary radical treatment.