Rationale for Increasing Oncological Vigilance in Relation to Clinical Findings in Accessory Parotid Gland-Observations Based on 2192 Cases of the Polish Salivary Network Database

The accessory parotid gland (APG, Vth level) differs in histological structure from main parotid tissue. This gives rise to the hypothesis, mirrored in clinical observations, that the representation of tumours is different than in the rest of the gland. The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiological and histological differences of parotid tumours located in regions I-V, with particular emphasis on the distinctiveness of region V. To define the epidemiological factors that will indicate the risk of histological malignancy from clinically benign appearance, multicentre prospective studies conducted between 2017-2021 by five Head and Neck Surgery University Departments, cooperating within the Polish Salivary Network Database 1929 patients (1048 women and 881 men), were included. The age, gender, patient occupation, place of inhabitation, tumour size, clinical features of malignancy, histology, and facial nerve (FN) paresis were analysed for superficial (I_II) and deep (III_IV) lobes and with special regard to the tumours affecting region V. Twenty eight tumours were located exclusively in region V (1.45% total) and seventy-two tumours were found in region V exhibiting extensions to neighbouring regions (3.7% total), characterised as significantly younger and less frequent in retirees. In I-IV regions, approximately 90% of tumours were benign, with pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and Whartin tumour (WT) predominance. In region V, PA exceeded 75% but WT were casuistic (2/28). Incidences of malignancies in region V was 40% but clinical signs of malignancy were evident only in tumours > 4 cm or in the presence of FN paresis. In 19% of patients with a benign appearance, imaging revealed malignancy; however, 38% of patients showed false negative results both in terms of clinical and radiological features of malignancy. Logistic regression models in 28 patients with tumours located exclusively in region V vs. 1901 other patients and in 100 patients with V extension vs. 1829 other patients showed no clinical symptoms of malignancy binding with final malignant tumour histology as a single variable or in combination with other variables. The logistic regression models obtained in this study show strong linkage between tumour location and predictors (age, male gender, and tumour diameter) and also aimed to function as a good classifier. Our conclusion is that, despite the very clear image of the mid-cheek tumour which is easily accessible in palpation and ultrasound examination, it is necessary to improve oncological vigilance and preoperative patient preparation.

Transient Facial Nerve Palsy as a Complication of Local Anesthesia After Tonsillectomy

Chronic tonsillitis is a common otolaryngological disease worldwide. The treatment of choice is tonsillectomy, which is one of the most frequently performed procedures in Ear, Nose and Throat Departments. As with any surgical procedure, there are possible complications. Among them, rarely encountered and reported mainly in the pediatric population, is a short-term, transient facial nerve palsy resulting from local anesthetic administration. Here, we present a rare case of a 20-year-old woman with recurrent angina, who developed short-term, fully transient peripheral facial nerve palsy immediately after tonsillectomy under local anesthesia.

Bioabsorbable dressing impregnated with betamethasone and ciprofloxacin after endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

In addition to its hemostatic and stabilization role, biodegradable nasal packing can be used as a carrier for drugs after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The aim of this study was to compare the influence of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (NasoPore) soaked with ciprofloxacin, or betamethasone, or both to the same foam soaked with saline after FESS.

METHODS

120 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without polyps, directed for bilateral full-house FESS were enrolled for the study. The patients were randomized and blinded into 3 groups, depending on the type of postoperative procedure applied. Thus, NasoPore soaked with antibiotic was provided to the first group; in the second group, the steroid was used; and the combination of both, in the third group. In each case, the aforementioned procedure was administered on one side of the nose, while NasoPore was soaked in saline on the other, at the end of the surgery, respectively. The patients were requested to complete a questionnaire during their postoperative visits at 2, 10, 30, 90, and 180 days, scoring the level of complaints on the VAS scale, separately for each side. The evaluation of the healing process was performed at each visit using rigid endoscopy and subsequently rated on numerical scales.

RESULTS

Decreased mucosal edema and secretion; reduced Lund-Kennedy score; and favorable influences on facial pressure, nasal blockage, and smell were most evidently seen in the group receiving the antibioticsteroid combination.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of biodegradable nasal packing with betamethasone and ciprofloxacin in sino-nasal surgery has positive effects not only on the healing process but also impacts patient's comfort. To optimize it, however, further research is needed.

Short Term Pre-Operative Oral Corticosteroids-Tissue Remodeling in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a process involving a number of adverse changes in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses and nasal polyps. The main histological features of tissue remodeling are changes in epithelial structure, oedema, degradation of ECM (extracellular matrix), angiogenesis, and subepithelial fibrosis. In this study, patients were divided into two groups: group 1—patients with CRSwNP (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps) taking a nasal steroid and an oral steroid in the preoperative period, and group 2—patients with CRSwNP taking only the nasal steroid in the preoperative period. All samples were subject to histopatologic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral corticosteroids and topical steroids on the tissue of paranasal sinuses. We have shown statistically significant decreases in tissue eosinophilia per 5HPF and decreased fibrosis in group 1. No significant differences were presented in the percentage of total tissue oedema, epithelium, neutrophils, basement membrane thickening and vessels. Using systemic administration of 40 mg of prednisone for seven days decreased the counts of eosinophils and decreased fibrosis in the nasal polyps tissue in CRSwNP.

Tissue remodelling in chronic rhinosinusitis - review of literature

CRS is a process involving a number of adverse changes in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses and nasal polyps, e.g. increased fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, increased formation of fibrous tissue (subepithelial fibrosis) and tissue destruction. There are biomarkers whose levels can be increased in chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: peripheral blood eosinophilia, IgE immunoglobulin, cytokines - IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, periostin, P-glycoprotein, CXCL-12, CXCL-13, INF-Υ, TNFα, TGFβ1, albumins, eotaxin. These biomarkers are not pathognomonic for CRS. The concentration of biomarkers is also increased in bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. The TGFβ, in particular, the β1 subunit, was identified as the main factor involved in the remodeling of tissue stroma. In conjunction with the continuous improvement of tissue testing methods, it is advisable to search for new factors that will more accurately allow the assessment of tissue remodeling in the chronic processes of paranasal sinuses.

Cortical presentation of language functions in patients after total laryngectomy: a fMRI study

Purpose

The aim of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to analyse the cortical presentation of selected language functions in patients after a total laryngectomy.

Methods

Eighteen patients after total laryngectomy treated with electrolarynx speech and 18 volunteers were included. The mean number of patients’ post-operative speech rehabilitation sessions was five (range of 3–8 sessions). Four paradigms were used, including noun generation, pseudoword reading, reading phrases with pseudowords, and nonliteral sign reproduction.

Results

In noun, the most significant difference between the groups was the stronger activation of both lingual gyri in the volunteers. Pseudoword reading resulted in stronger activations in patients than in volunteers in the lingual gyri, the right cerebellum, the right Broca’s area, and the right parietal operculum. Reading phrases with pseudowords involved different parts of the Brodmann area 40. During nonliteral sign reproduction, there was a stronger activation of the left Broca’s area in volunteers and a stronger activation of the left premotor cortex in patients.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of altered cortical activation in response to language tasks in patients after a laryngectomy compared with healthy volunteers, which may be considered brain plasticity in response to a laryngectomy.

Evaluation of fully biodegradable nasal packings in functional endoscopic sinus surgery – a multi-centre study

THE AIM

This work was to compare an innovative solution, i.e. a fully biodegradable nasal packing Nasopore®, with a traditional one, in the aftercare of patients subjected to functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Prospective, blinded study with sequential enrollment conducted at three study centres. One of the investigators evaluated during surgery the level of bleeding in each of the nasal cavities and at the end of surgery he applied the test packing, the biodegradable dressing Nasopore®, to one randomly chosen nasal cavity, and a control packing to the other one. The other investigator removed during aftercare the control packing and conducted the follow-up. During the control visits (24-48 hours, 10 and 30 days post-op.) the subjects evaluated their headache, pain in the nose, pressure in the forehead as well as their nasal obstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 39 women and 44 men at the age of 47 years on average (min. 19, max. 82) were qualified for the study. The largest differences between different types of nasal dressings were observed with regard to reduction of nasal obstruction in the fist 10 days after surgery (P<0.005). In relation to the pain in the area of the head and nose as well the pressure in the forehead on every visit, better outcomes were observed for the test dressing. Statistical difference (P<0.05) was observed on the fist follow-up visit for the headache and pressure in the forehead as well as on the fist and second visit for the pain in the nose.

CONCLUSION

The fully biodegradable nasal dressing Nasopore® may constitute significant improvement and facilitation of aftercare in functional endoscopic sinus surgery while increasing the patients' satisfaction and lowering the postoperative discomfort.

Cortical activity in tinnitus patients and its modification by phonostimulation

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to observe spontaneous cortical activity and cortical activity modulated by tinnitus-matched sound in tinnitus patients and healthy subjects with no otoneurologic symptoms.

METHOD

Data were prospectively collected from 50 tinnitus patients and 25 healthy subjects. Cortical activity was recorded in all subjects with eyes closed and open and during photostimulation, hyperventilation and acoustic stimulation using 19-channel quantitative electroencephalography. The sound applied in the tinnitus patients was individually matched with the ability to mask or equal the tinnitus. The maximal and mean amplitude of the delta, theta, alpha and beta waves and the type and amount of the pathologic EEG patterns were noted during each recording. Differences in cortical localization and the influence of sound stimuli on spontaneous cortical activity were evaluated between the groups.

RESULTS

The tinnitus group exhibited decreased delta activity and increased alpha and beta activity. Hyperventilation increased the intensity of the differences. The tinnitus patients had more sharp-slow waves and increased slow wave amplitude. Sound stimuli modified the EEG recordings; the delta and beta wave amplitudes were increased, whereas the alpha-1 wave amplitude was decreased. Acoustic stimulation only slightly affected the temporal region.

CONCLUSION

Cortical activity in the tinnitus patients clearly differed from that in healthy subjects, i.e., tinnitus is not a "phantom" sign. The changes in cortical activity included decreased delta wave amplitudes, increased alpha-1, beta-1 and beta-h wave amplitudes and pathologic patterns. Cortical activity modifications occurred predominantly in the temporal region. Acoustic stimulation affected spontaneous cortical activity only in tinnitus patients, and although the applied sound was individually matched, the pathologic changes were only slightly improved.

[Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the frontal sinus--a case report]

INTRODUCTION

Primary frontal sinus cancer is rare tumor of the paranasal sinuses. Tumors in the frontal sinuses are more often extensions from the ethmoid sinus--secondary involvement. The authors present a case of man with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the right frontal sinus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 49 years old man was admitted to the Dep. of Otolaryngology with right frontal sinus tumor. The man had painless forehead and upper lid swelling followed by orbital symptoms--diplopia. CT showed large destruction of anterior frontal sinus wall and invading thought inferior wall to the orbit. The patient was qualified to frontal sinus operation with right orbit content removal. Histopathologic postoperative examination showed squamous cell carcinoma G2 of right frontal sinus.

RESULTS

A combined treatment, surgery and postoperative radiotherapy succeeded in good result. The 5-year survival rate in this case is 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal sinus cancers are rare and diagnosed in late clinical stage. The treatment is both, surgery and obligatory postoperative irradiation. The effect of treatment is still insufficient in most cases.

[Silent sinus syndrome in child]

INTRODUCTION

Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is rare clinical entity described in ophthalmology and otolaryngology literature. It is characterized by spontaneous and progressive enophthalmos and hypoglobus caused by maxillary collapse in the setting of chronic maxillary sinus hypoventilation. The authors report an unusual case of SSS in child.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 15 year old boy presented with 6 months history of developing of right cheek deformity with no clinically signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. According to nasal endoscopy and CT and NMR scans the silent sinus syndrome was recognized. What is the most important, the deformity of anterior maxillary wall was the main problem and complaint. The patient underwent surgical endoscopic uncinectomy with medial antrostomy.

RESULTS

The performed treatment successfully corrected both the cheek and the upper eyelid sulcus deformity. The control CT scans performed 3 months after surgery showed normal sinus ventilation with wide medial antrostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Silent sinus syndrome in a child is characterized by more active resorption and remodeling of anterior maxillary wall with clinically visible deformity. The goal of the treatment is restoration of normal maxillary sinus aeration and this guaranty further normal sinus development.

[Malignant fibrohistiocytoma of the larynx]

INTRODUCTION

Malignant fibrohistiocytoma is one of the rare neoplasms of the larynx. It has nonepithelial origin. The most common sites of the neoplasm are: limbs, trunk and retroperitoneal space. Other localizations within head and neck are very rare. There are 5 histologic types. The most common is pleomorphic type. It is built of histiocytes, fibroblasts and multinuclear giant cells. An examination of the neoplasms consists of microscopic and immunohistologic examination with identification specific tissue markers and intermediate filaments of proteins. Treatment methods of the neoplasms are radical surgery, radiotherapy, chemiotherapy and associate methods of therapy. Prognosis is very bad.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

[corrected] We present 71 years old man with croak for four mounths. The tumor of the larynx was examined in laryngoscopy. Biopsy of the tumor confirmed malignant fibrohistiocytoma. Laser surgery (chordectomy) was used to treatment this tumor without radiotherapy.

RESULTS

One year observation of the patient didn't show recurrence of neoplasm, but he had only croak.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant fibrohistiocytoma of the larynx doesn't differ from other malignant neoplasms of the larynx. Malignant fibrohistiocytoma of the larynx is very rare malignant neoplasms of the larynx.

Chirurgiczna rehabilitacja głosu chorych po laryngektomii całkowitej z zastosowaniem systemu Provox

THE AIM OF STUDY

Comparison the voice quality of patients after total laryngectomy using the Provox 2 voice prosthesis and patients with esophageal speech and to discuss difficulties and complications related with its implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consists of 39 patients after total laryngectomy and Provox puncture. 36 patients underwent primary puncture, 3 patients - secondary puncture. 32 patients underwent radiotherapy. The time starting of speech learning was approx the 9th day after total laryngectomy and 1st-3th day after secondary implantation. The authors subjectively and objectively analyzed voice of 34 patients with fistular speech and it compared with esophageal speech of 10. The spectrograms analysis of the voice was based on Remacle's scale. The study showed juxtaposition of early and late complications of patients with voice prostheses.

RESULTS

90% of patients (35 patients) learned the fistular speech. The speech was louder and more intelligible than esophageal voice in subjective estimation. The fistular voice had higher of mean volume (61,1 dB vs. 59 dB), mean longer maximum phonation time (9,5 s vs. 2,2 s), mean higher base frequency FO (108 Hz vs. 87Hz) and smaller variability of FO based on mean Jitter ratio (3,8% vs. 6,6%), mean Shimmer ratio (23,18% vs. 23,52%) and mean HPQ ratio (127,34 vs. 141,73) than esophageal voice in objective estimation. Mean range of frequency of the speech was smaller but it was in higher frequencies. The most frequent type of spectrogram was 3th type in experimental group and 2nd type in control group. The mean lifetime of prostheses was 295 days. The most common cause of replacement of the prosthesis was leakage associated with mycosis infection (26 cases). Early complications were observed. The most frequent of them was infection around the fistula during supplementary radiotherapy (7 cases after primary puncture). The most frequent of later complications was widening of fistula and leakage around prosthesis (4 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation of patients after total laryngectomy is better using Provox system than learning esophageal speech (according to voice quality aspect). Using of voice prostheses in patients after total laryngectomy can combine with appearance of complications.