International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field.

METHODS

In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication.

RESULTS

The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention.

CONCLUSION

As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses.

ED visits, hospital admissions and treatment breaks in head/neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Objectives

Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral part of treatment of head/neck cancer (HNC) but is associated with many toxicities. We sought to evaluate sociodemographic, pathologic, and clinical factors associated with emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions (HA), and RT breaks in HNC patients undergoing curative-intent RT.

Methods

We completed a Level 3 (Oxford criteria for evidence-based medicine) analysis of a cohort of HNC patients who underwent curative-intent RT at our institution from 2013 to 2017. We collected demographic characteristics and retrospectively assessed for heavy opioid use, ED visits or HA during RT as well as RT breaks. Treatment breaks were defined as total days to RT fractions ratio ≥1.6. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses were done to determine the association of various sociodemographic, pathologic, and clinical characteristics with ED visits, HA and RT treatment breaks.

Results

The cohort included 376 HNC patients (294 male, 82 female, median age 61). On multivariable analysis, significant factors associated with ED visits during RT were heavy opioid use and black race. Receipt of concomitant chemotherapy was the only factor associated with hospital admissions during RT. Advanced age, lower socioeconomic class, glandular site, and receipt of chemotherapy were all independently associated with RT breaks. Lower cancer stage and lack of substance abuse history were independently associated with lack of treatment breaks.

Conclusion

HNC patients with factors such as heavy opioid use, Black race, receipt of concomitant chemotherapy, and lower socioeconomic class may require closer monitoring during RT.

Redefining Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Perineural invasion (PNI) negatively affects disease-specific survival in patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC). We aim to analyze the prognostic implications of PNI-related features.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with HNcSCC between January 2011 and October 2019 who underwent resection, parotidectomy, and neck dissection with more than 1 year of follow-up. PNI was classified as incidental (identified on histopathology alone) or clinical (present on radiography and/or physical exam). Primary outcome measures were overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS). Kaplan-Meier analysis, logistic regression, and Cox regression were performed.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year DFS was 57.9%. Sixty-one patients had PNI. On histopathology, 28 lesions showed complete nerve encirclement, 10 involved >5 nerves, and 12 involved named nerves. Patients with facial weakness (P = .026) and positive margins (P = .0029) had a higher likelihood of histopathologic PNI, and positive margins retained significance on multivariable analysis (P = .0079). Worse DFS was seen in patients with PNI (P = .004), advanced tumor stage (P = .049), positive margins (P = .014), and >5 nerves involved (P = .0061). Furthermore, histopathologic PNI was a predictor of DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.07; 95% CI, 0.33-1.38; P = .0061) overall and in the clinical PNI cohort (HR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.65-7.10; P = .00091).

CONCLUSION

DFS was significantly worse in patients with PNI, facial nerve weakness, advanced T stage, positive margins, and multiple nerve involvement. Further characterization of PNI features may help improve prognostic predictions and identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment.

Opioid use patterns in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy: Single-institution retrospective analysis characterizing patients who did not require opioid therapy

BACKGROUND

We had previously analyzed the variables that determine the rates of opioid use at 1-year postradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Here we analyze the variables associated with opioid abstinence during and in the 12 months after radiotherapy at our institution.

METHODS

We identified a cohort of patients with head and neck cancer who received radiotherapy as part of curative treatment at our institution. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with opioid abstinence.

RESULTS

The cohort included 376 patients. On multivariable analysis, patients from an upper-income class (p = 0.004), black race (p = 0.004), older (p = 0.008), with dependent children (p < 0.001) or receiving surgery (p = 0.002) were more likely to abstain from opioids, while patients using analgesic mouthwash (p = 0.009) or higher pain scale (p = 0.002) were less likely.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic and treatment characteristics are associated with opioid abstinence during and following radiation treatment in patients with head and neck cancer.

CD44 and associated markers in oral rinses and tissues from oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOPSCC) is a debilitating disease. Salivary rinses contain soluble tumor markers including CD44 (solCD44) and total protein (TP) that may aid detection and prognosis of these aggressive tumors. Here we aim to examine the relationship between these salivary biomarkers and tissue markers p16 and CD44 and determine whether these markers can predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study to update biomarkers using oral rinses and tissues from OOPSC patients enrolled between 2007 and 2012 at an academic tertiary referral center. 64 cases from a 300-subject case-control study with archived tissue for immunohistochemistry were included.

RESULTS

82.8% were male, 84.4% were ever smokers, 70.3% had disease stage T3-T4, and 57.8% presented with nodal disease. Nineteen patients (25%) were p16 positive. The group with strong tissue CD44 expression in membrane and cytoplasm had higher levels of solCD44 (mean 10.73 ng/ml) than other groups (5.47 ng/ml) (p = 0.033). TP levels were significantly reduced in oral rinses from subjects with p16 universal gross tumor tissue staining (mean 0.80 vs. 1.08 mg/ml; p = 0.039). On multivariate analysis, universal CD44 gross tissue staining and TP levels ≥ 1 mg/ml demonstrated poorer PFS, with the latter also affecting OS. Poorer survival was associated with soluble CD44 ≥ 5.33 ng/ml and TP ≥ 1 mg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct associations were found between high solCD44 levels and strong membrane and cytoplasmic CD44 expression, and between high TP levels and peripheral/mixed p16 gross staining. Poorer PFS and OS are significantly associated with higher levels of solCD44 and protein in oral rinses.

Single-cell analysis of olfactory neurogenesis and differentiation in adult humans

The presence of active neurogenic niches in adult humans is controversial. We focused attention to the human olfactory neuroepithelium, an extracranial site supplying input to the olfactory bulbs of the brain. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analyzing 28,726 cells, we identified neural stem cell and neural progenitor cell pools and neurons. Additionally, we detailed the expression of 140 olfactory receptors. These data from the olfactory neuroepithelium niche provide evidence that neuron production may continue for decades in humans.

High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck: Risk Factors for Recurrence and Impact of Adjuvant Treatment

OBJECTIVES

The behavior of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNcSCC) remains poorly understood, with highly variable risk factors and a paucity of data for adjuvant treatment. The objective of our study was to review the oncologic outcomes of patients with high-risk HNcSCC treated with surgery and to identify risk factors for treatment failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients treated for HNcSCC with definitive surgery involving at least parotidectomy and neck dissection at a tertiary care academic center from 2011 to 2017 was conducted. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

One-hundred four patients with a median age of 68 years (range = 42-91 years) were reviewed. Twenty-one patients were treated with surgery alone, 45 patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), and 38 patients underwent adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The 2-year DFS for patients treated with surgery, surgery + RT, and surgery + CRT were 71%, 65%, and 58%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P = .70). On multivariate analyses, tumor size (P = .006) and perineural invasion (PNI, P = .04) independently predicted recurrence. The addition of chemotherapy did not appear to improve DFS, neither for those patients with extranodal extension and/or positive margins (P = .93) nor for the entire cohort (P = .43).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced HNcSCC has a high recurrence rate despite adjuvant treatment. Tumor size >2 cm was a strong independent risk factor for recurrence. Out of the traditional mucosal HNcSCC risk factors, PNI was most strongly associated with worse DFS. There was no observed survival benefit to the addition of chemotherapy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E136-E143, 2021.

Long-term opioid use in curative-intent radiotherapy: One-Year outcomes in head/neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND

No study has determined the incidence of long-term opioid use, or risk factors for long-term use, ≥1 year after radiotherapy.

METHODS

Medical records of 276 head/neck cancer patients were retrospectively assessed for persistent opioid use 1-year after curative-intent radiotherapy. Numerous potential risk factors were assessed and the physicians' documented reasons for continued use were qualitatively categorized as suspected opioid use disorder (OUD) or as medically indicated for control of ongoing pain.

RESULTS

Of note, 20 of 276 patients continued using opioids long-term. High maximum opioid dose and the use of opioids and/or psychotropics/non-opioid analgesics at the radiation oncology intake visit were associated with this outcome. Three patients continued due to suspected OUD and 17 due to medical indications.

CONCLUSION

Of note, 7.2% of patients developed long-term opioid use, which was associated with high maximum opioid dose and early initiation of opioids and/or psychotropics/non-opioid analgesics. Physicians cited medical indications as the primary reason for continued use.

Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas in Elderly Patients

INTRODUCTION

With a rapidly expanding elderly population in the United States, the incidence of pituitary adenomas in elderly will continue to rise. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas in the elderly population.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 131 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas at the University of Miami Hospital between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and surgical outcomes were analyzed in elderly (>70 years) versus nonelderly (<70 years) patients.

RESULTS

Of the 131 patients, 23 of them were >70 years (18%), of which 14 were septuagenarians and 9 were octogenarians. Elderly patients were more likely to present with vision loss (80.8% vs. 56.6%; P = 0.013) and larger tumors on imaging (2.7 ± 1.0 cm vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 cm; P = 0.042). Overall surgical and endocrinologic outcomes between the 2 groups were similar. However, patients <70 years old were more likely to have a gross total resection (86.7% vs. 65.4%; P = 0.011), as well as transient diabetes insipidus (54.3% vs. 26.9% P = 0.012) and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (83.5% vs. 58.5%; P = 0.013). However, permanent postoperative complication rates were similar including rate of permanent diabetes insipidus (4.3% elderly vs. 12.1% adult), cerebrospinal fluid leak (8.7% elderly vs. 8.4% adult), and meningitis (4.3% elderly vs. 2.8% adult). There were no medical complications or deaths in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

The transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal approach can be a safe and effective technique for resection of pituitary adenomas in patients >70 years old with appropriate patient selection.

Volumetry in the Assessment of Pituitary Adenoma Resection: Endoscopy versus Microscopy

Background  Assessment of the extent of resection after surgical resection of pituitary adenomas is most commonly reported in terms of the presence or absence of residual tumor. A quantitative comparison of volumetric resection between endonasal endoscopy (EE) and microsurgery (MS) has rarely been done. Methods  A retrospective analysis was performed on a consecutive series of 154 patients with pituitary adenomas treated by the same surgeon at a single institution. We employed volumetric analysis pre- and postoperatively on two cohorts of pituitary adenoma patients treated through MS ( n  = 37) versus EE approach ( n  = 117). Results  Volumetric analysis revealed a higher incidence of complete resection (64.4 vs. 56.8%) and mean volume reduction in the EE cohort (92.7 vs. 88.4%), although not significant. Recurrence rates were significantly lower in the EE group (7.7% vs 24.3%, p  = 0.015). Subgroup analysis identified that patients with preoperative tumor volumes >1 mL were less likely to recur through EE (7.8 vs. MS: 29.6%; p  = 0.0063). A higher incidence of complete resection was also noted in patients with favorable Knosp grades (0-1) (EE: 87.8 vs. MS: 63.2%; p  = 0.036). Postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between both techniques. Conclusion  Both microscopy and endoscopy are well-tolerated, effective approaches in the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Our series demonstrated that EE may be superior to MS in preventing tumor recurrence and achieving a complete resection in certain subsets of patients. EE provides a slight advantage in tumor control outcomes that may justify the paradigm shift to pure endoscopy at our center.

Assessment of human papillomavirus awareness in association with head and neck cancer at a screening event

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the baseline awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as a cause of head and neck cancer (HNC) to design improved targeted screening and education efforts.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of collected survey at a cancer screening event.

METHODS

This was a screening event at three hospitals and one community center in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited throughout the Greater Miami area. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of those who were aware of HPV and those who were not. Adjusted odds ratios, odds ratios, and χ² tests were used in statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 196 women and 112 men were screened across four sites, with 187 participants at hospital-based events and 124 participants at the community-based event. Forty percent of respondents had heard of HPV, and 28.0% identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC. Non-Hispanic and Hispanic respondents were 3.309 and 2.445 times, respectively, more likely than Haitian respondents to have heard of HPV. Women were 2.488 times more likely than men to be aware of HPV. College graduates were 2.268 times more likely than those with less than a college degree to be aware of HPV. Younger respondents were more likely to be aware of HPV. Of those who identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC, 95.4% also correctly identified smoking and 75.9% also correctly identified alcohol as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in HPV and HNC awareness were noted between gender, age, education level, and ethnicity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:386-392, 2018.

Open airway reconstruction in adults: Outcomes and prognostic factors

PURPOSE

The purpose was to assess the success of open tracheal resection and re-anastomosis for non-malignant tracheal stenosis in adults. Successful operations were defined as T-tube or tracheostomy-free status by 6months post-operatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed and data were recorded in a de-identified manner. The primary outcome was T-tube or tracheostomy-free status by 6months following tracheal resection. Clinical and demographic characteristics were evaluated as potential prognostic variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 46. Seven patients underwent tracheal resection with primary closure, without stenting. Successful tracheal resection was defined as tracheostomy or T-tube free by 6months post-operation, and this was possible in 21 patients (66%). Eighty-two percent of patients with cricoid cartilage-sparing tracheal resection had a successful outcome, versus 30% of patients who underwent cricoid cartilage resection (HR 5.02, 95% CI 1.46-17.3; p=0.011). Patients with a history of tracheostomy-dependence were four times more likely to remain tube-dependent at 6months (HR 4.15, 95% CI 1.56-10.86; p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Tracheal stenosis remains a very difficult problem to treat. In our series, we confirm that patients with cricoid involvement or with a history of tracheostomy were more likely to be tube dependent at 6-months post-operation.

Orbital exenteration for advanced periorbital non-melanoma skin cancer: prognostic factors and survival

PurposeTo describe prognostic factors and survival outcomes in patients who underwent orbital exenteration for periocular non-melanoma cutaneous malignancies.MethodsThe authors performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all patients who underwent orbital exenteration for non-melanoma periocular cutaneous malignancies at a tertiary care hospital system over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, tumor, and treatment data were recorded. Survival outcomes included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Log-rank tests were used to test for difference in survival curves among various potential prognostic indicators, and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazards model.ResultsForty-nine patients with an average age of 70.3 years were followed with a median follow-up of 17.5 months. At 2 years the OS was 78% while the DFS was 61%. The mean DFS for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) were 52.6, 39.2 and 28.1 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only positive final surgical margin was predictive of worse outcome (P=0.002). Recurrences were most frequent in the first 2 years.ConclusionsDespite the relatively more aggressive nature of periocular malignancies that have invaded the orbit, orbital exenteration offers an overall 2-year DFS of ~60%. BCC had the greatest mean survival time, however this was not statistically significant. We found worse prognosis with positive final surgical margins and recommend a multidisciplinary surgical approach to achieve complete resection when indicated.

Complications and oncologic outcomes following elective neck dissection with salvage laryngectomy for the N0 neck

PURPOSE

To investigate the difference in survival and complication outcomes between patients with a clinically and radiologically N0 neck who received an elective neck dissection at the time of salvage total laryngectomy compared to those who had salvage total laryngectomy alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 125 salvage total laryngectomy patients who were clinically and radiologically N0 preoperatively. Performance of an elective neck dissection and other factors were tested for associations with various postoperative complications, disease-free survival, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients underwent elective neck dissection, of which ten had positive nodal pathology. Elective neck dissection was not significantly associated with complications or survival outcomes. Positive nodal disease was associated with worse disease-free and overall survival on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with clinically and radiologically N0 necks undergoing salvage total laryngectomy, an elective neck dissection can provide prognostic information but does not appear to be significantly associated with increased complications or improved survival.

Educational Value of a Medical Student–Led Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event

Objective

To evaluate improvement of medical student knowledge of head and neck cancer (HNC) through participation in HNC screening fairs run by medical students.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study of surveys assessing medical students’ knowledge of HNC before and after volunteering at screening fairs.

Setting

Four screening fairs held at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

Subjects

Medical student screening fair volunteers.

Methods

Four HNC screening fairs were organized by medical student volunteers. All students completed a preevent survey assessing baseline knowledge and participated in an otolaryngologist-led training session about HNC and the screening examination. During the screening events, students educated guests about HNC and performed physician-guided history and physical examinations. Finally, students completed identical surveys 1 week and 3 months after the event.

Results

Thirty-four (n = 34) students completed the preevent surveys. At baseline, 59%, 44%, and 24% named tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus as risk factors, compared with 84%, 81%, and 69% on 3 month follow-up, respectively. Out of 6 analyzed questions, the median total number of correctly answered questions improved from 2 on pretest to 5 at 3 months ( P < .0001).

Conclusion

Volunteer participation in a HNC screening program improves medical students’ knowledge of HNC risk factors and symptoms. This innovative approach to students’ education via participation and organization of screening events is a useful method of improving their HNC knowledge.

Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Resection: University of Miami Experience

Objectives:

To report: (1) Oncological safety of endoscopic technique using disease free survival and a Kaplan Maier analysis for malignant tumors and recurrence rate for benign tumors; (2) Type of reconstruction of large anterior skull base defects and rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak; (3) Postoperative major (cranial and orbital) and minor complications.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review identifying patients undergoing endoscopic anterior skull base resection for malignant and benign tumors at a tertiary care medical center between September 1997 and June 2013.

Results:

Preliminary analysis shows that 34 patients underwent transnasal endoscopic resection for malignant disease and 2 patients for benign disease. The median follow-up was 30 months. Olfactory neuroblastoma was the most common pathology. There were 3 major and 5 minor complications. Three patients recurred locally resulting in a local control rate of 90.9%. The overall mortality rate was 18%, and the disease specific mortality was 3%. Reconstruction of the skull base defect was done using acellular dermis as a sole graft with a success rate of 97% and a cerebrospinal fluid leak in 1 case.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic anterior skull base resection for benign or malignant disease is a safe and valid alternative compared to standard approaches. It is gaining more popularity, and with increasing surgical expertise, the indications of this procedure are expanding.

Changing Trends of Speech Outcomes after Total Laryngectomy in the 21st Century

Objectives:

Management of laryngeal cancer has changed significantly in the past decade. Total laryngectomy (TL) has been mainly reserved for patients with recurrence or failure after chemo-radiation or patients requiring major ablative and reconstructive surgeries. Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) continues to be the gold standard for speech rehabilitation, yet it is unknown what the overall speech outcomes are for individuals undergoing TL in the 21st century. Our study will describe the speech rehabilitation outcomes of patients after TL in the 21st century.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of 391 patients who underwent TL from June 2000 to February 2012 with a minimum of one year follow-up. Demographic variables and medical/surgical factors related to laryngectomy will be reviewed. Patient speech rehabilitation outcomes will be assessed and categorized into the following groups: 1) use of esophageal speech; 2) use of electrolarynx; 3) use of TEP; 4) failure to achieve functional speech; and 5) non-compliant. To be in groups 1, 2, or 3, patients must use speech as the dominant mode of communication.

Results:

Patients who underwent TL in the 21st century may have overall decreased success rate in speech rehabilitation; there may be decreased success rate in the use of esophageal speech and TEP.

Conclusions:

The current gold standard for speech rehabilitation should be readdressed, as it may not adequately meet the need of the current patient populations. More up-to-date techniques and technologies are needed to improve the communication and speech rehabilitation of current laryngectomy patients.

Orbital Exenteration for Advanced Peri-orbital Skin Cancer: Prognostic Factors and Survival

Objectives:

Orbital exenteration for advanced periorbital malignancies is a relatively rare but highly morbid procedure, often done for cancers arising from periorbital skin. The purpose of this research is to investigate and describe cases of cutaneous malignancy of the periorbital skin for which orbital exenteration was done.

Methods:

This is a retrospective single institution case series at a tertiary care university hospital, including all cases of orbital exenteration for advanced periorbital malignancies performed between January 2002 and January 2012 at the University of Miami/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative reports, histologic, radiologic and clinical follow-up data were recorded. Outcome measures were overall survival and disease free survival, univariate analysis for multiple clinical factors including prior surgery, bony erosion on pre-operative CT scan, intracranial involvement, and surgical margins.

Results:

There were 64 patients with a mean age of 70 years (41 male, 23 female) who underwent orbital exenteration for periorbital skin cancers. Of these, 24 patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 24 basal cell carcinoma, 11 sebaceous carcinoma, and 5 cases of malignant melanoma. The most common sites of origin were facial skin (17), medial canthus (14), inferior lid (14), and upper lid (11).

Conclusions:

Surgical outcome and survival were reviewed with relation to significant prognostic variables.

Incidence of Occult Nodal Disease in Patients Treated with Salvage Laryngectomy with Radiologically Negative Neck

Objectives:

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines address neck dissection in the setting of primary tumor treatment but do not provide a clear guideline for negative nodal disease in recurrent advanced laryngeal cancer. We often extrapolate the indication of neck dissection for recurrent disease based on the guidelines of primary disease. It is controversial whether there is a survival benefit for patients with clinically and radiologically negative (N0) necks to receive a neck dissection versus conservative management. This study aims to determine survival outcomes and incidence of post-operative complications in patients who underwent neck dissection at the time of salvage laryngectomy with clinically and radiologically negative neck.

Methods:

Single institution case series at a tertiary care university hospital. We identified 424 cases of total laryngectomy between 2000-2010.We reviewed the subset of N0 patients who had salvage laryngectomy and divided them into neck dissection versus conservative management. We reviewed demographic variables, final pathological stage of dissected neck specimen, and post-operative course and survival.

Results:

Patients who had a neck dissection at salvage laryngectomy with clinically N0 disease as compared to those treated conservatively may have no significant difference in survival; there may be a significant difference in the complication rate and perioperative mortality rate between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The data reviewed in this large series of patients will be useful for clinicians to determine the survival and complications that are frequently experienced by patients following neck dissection with salvage laryngectomy in the setting of previous radiation.