A study of incidence and pattern of nodal metastases in patients of otorhinolaryngological malignancies

Malignancies of otorhinolaryngology are of utmost importance because of a high incidence and early involvement of lymph nodes. It has been experienced and suggested by various authors that topographical distributions of metastatic lymph node is important not only in patients with undiagnosed primary but also as a significant prognostic factor in cases of known primaries. This is a prospective study based on 200 previously untreated patients of otorhinolaryngological malignancies with clinically suspected metastatic cervical nodes observed during one year period. The detailed study of pattern of lymph node involvement arid its correlation with tumour (T) and nodal (N) stage was studied. The level of lymph node involvement and N-stage is related with stage site and histopathology of the primary site. The more advanced the T-stage the more advanced the nodal stage.     

Level IIb lymph nodes metastasis in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: a molecular-based study

OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence of level IIb lymph nodes metastasis in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) as a treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective analysis of a case series. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with SCC of the oral cavity and with no palpable lymph nodes at the neck who underwent an elective SOHND were prospectively studied. The incidence of micrometastasis to level IIb lymph nodes after performing elective SOHND was evaluated by pathologic examination and molecular analysis. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 15 (31%) by pathologic analysis and 22 (46%) by molecular analysis had lymph nodes positive for metastatic SCC. By molecular analysis, 5 (10%) of the 48 patients had involvement of level IIb lymph nodes. All patients with metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes have their primary lesions in the tongue and constituted 22% of patients with tongue lesions. There was no instance of isolated metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes without involvement of other nodes in the SOHND specimens. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, level IIb lymph node metastasis was only found in association with tongue carcinoma. Although this region may be preserved in elective SOHND in patients with SCC of the oral cavity, it should be included whenever the tongue is the primary site.     

Granulomatous sialadenitis

Granulomatous inflammation in salivary tissues is most often a response to liberated ductal contents, particularly mucin, in various degrees of obstructive sialadenopathy. Far less often is a granulomatous sialadenitis the result of specific infective granulomas or systemic granuloma-forming diseases. In these instances, the salivary parenchymal involvement is usually secondary to disease localization in regional lymph nodes.     

The role of total parotidectomy in high-grade parotid malignancy: A multisurgeon retrospective review

PurposeDetermine rates of intra-parotid and neck nodal metastasis, identify risk factors for recurrence, and report outcomes in patients with primary high-grade parotid malignancy who undergo total parotidectomy and neck dissection.Materials & methodsRetrospective review of patients undergoing total parotidectomy and neck dissection for high-grade parotid malignancy between 2005 and 2015. The presence and number of parotid lymph nodes, superficial and deep, as well as cervical lymph nodes involved with metastatic disease were assessed. Risk factors associated with metastatic spread to the parotid deep lobe were identified and recurrence rates reported.Results75 patients with median follow-up time of 47 months. 35 patients (46.7%) had parotid lymph node metastasis. Seven patients (9.3%) had deep lobe nodal metastasis without metastasis to the superficial lobe nodes. Nine patients (12%) had positive intra-parotid nodes without positive cervical nodes. Cervical nodal disease was identified in 49.3% patients (37/75). Local, parotid-bed recurrence rate was 5.3% (4/75). Regional lymph node recurrence rate was also 5.3% (4/75). Rate of distant metastasis was 30.6% (23/75). The overall disease free survival rate for all patients at 2 and 5 years were 71% and 60% respectively.ConclusionParotid lymph node metastasis occurred at a similar rate to cervical lymph node metastasis (46.7% and 49.3%, respectively). Deep lobe parotid nodal metastasis occurred in nearly a quarter of patients and can occur without superficial parotid nodal metastasis. Rate of recurrence in the parotid bed, which may represent local or regional recurrence, was similar to regional cervical lymph node recurrence. Total parotidectomy and neck dissection should be considered high-grade parotid malignancy regardless of clinical nodal status.     

Characteristics and management of intractable neck involvement in tularemia: report of 19 patients

The objective of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and to evaluate the treatment options of intractable neck involvement in tularemia. The medical records of 19 tularemia patients with neck involvement were reviewed retrospectively. On physical examination, fluctuation indicating an abscess formation was detected in 78.9% of the patients. Bilateral involvement was seen in 15.8% of the patients. The most common clinical form was glandular form (63.1%). The most commonly involved lymph node group was upper jugular nodes (78.6%). Six patients underwent incision and drainage procedure, five patients underwent superselective neck dissection and eight patients had only medical treatment. Complete and immediate cure, and better tissue healing with less scarring could be achieved in all patients who underwent superselective neck dissections. In conclusion, intractable neck masses and an abscess can be the initial finding in tularemia, and a high index of suspicion is needed in the differential diagnosis. Superselective neck dissection is a safe and effective option in the treatment of long lasting cervical tularemia unless it responds to medical treatment.     

Simultaneous bilateral neck dissections

From April 1985 to December 1989, 65 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, underwent simultaneous bilateral neck dissection (SBND) at Saitama Cancer Center. Three and five year survival percentages were 53 and 42%, respectively. In patients without histologic involvement of cervical nodes, five year survival rate was 83%, whereas in those with nodal involvement five year survival fell to 32% (p less than 0.005). The conclusion were the following: (1) Of 38 patients diagnosed to have lymph node involvements on one side of neck before operation, 8 patients (22%) were found to have bilateral lymph node metastasis in clinicopathological study. Of 13 patients having no clinical lymph node metastasis on both sides of neck, 7 patients (54%) were found to have unilateral lymph node metastasis. Of 16 patients diagnosed to have bilateral lymph nodes involvement, 10 patients were found to have bilateral neck metastasis and 2 had unilateral neck metastasis. (2) Of 35 cases of hypopharyngeal canners, 19 cases had clinically positive lymph nodes on one side of neck. Of these 19 cases, 5 cases (26%) had histologically positive nodes on the opposite side. 14 (40%) of 35 cases had metastasis on the opposite side. In conclusion, SBND is a proper treatment for metastatic cervical cancer from a primary lesion of the head and neck, especially in hypopharyngeal cancers, because the rate of recurrence seems to be related more to the difficulty in controlling lymph node metastasis than to the failure in treatment of the primary cancer.     

Extent of parotid disease influences outcome in patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: To test a new clinical staging system in patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid gland or lymph nodes of the neck. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data from patients with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. SETTING: Multidisciplinary head and neck unit in a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Between 1987 and 1999, 126 patients (104 men and 22 women; median age, 69 years) were treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid and/or neck. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Locoregional recurrence and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: Of the 126 patients, disease involved the parotid gland in 81 patients, of whom 14 also had clinical neck disease, while 45 patients had neck involvement only. Parotid stages were as follows: P0, 45 patients; P1, 55; P2, 20; and P3, 6. Neck stages were: N0, 67 patients; N1, 31; and N2, 28. Treatment involved combined surgery and radiotherapy in 93 patients, surgery alone in 12, and radiotherapy alone in 18. Three patients received palliative treatment only. There were 47 therapeutic and 40 elective neck dissections. Pathologic evaluation demonstrated parotid involvement in 70 patients and neck involvement in 51, representing 44 therapeutic and 7 elective neck dissections. Disease involved both the parotid and neck in 19 patients. The 5-year local (parotid) control rate was 80% and this varied statistically significantly with P stage. Parotid stages 2 and 3 were independent risk factors for a decrease in local control rate using multivariate analysis. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate for the entire group was 68% and P stage significantly influenced survival: P0, 60%; P1, 81%; P2, 51%; and P3, 33% (P<.001). Pathological involvement of neck nodes did not worsen survival of patients with parotid disease. Overall multivariate analysis demonstrated that single-modality therapy, P3 stage, and presence of immunosuppression independently predicted a decrease in survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that the extent of metastatic disease in the parotid gland significantly influences outcome and suggests that staging the parotid separately in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may be useful. Further evaluation of the recommended staging changes with a larger patient cohort will be required to clarify the influence of neck node involvement.     

Primary and metastatic cancer of the parotid: comparison of clinical behavior in 232 cases

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Parotid malignancy may develop as a primary cancer of salivary tissue or by metastatic involvement of parotid lymph nodes. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical behavior of primary and metastatic parotid cancers by analyzing patterns of treatment failure and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of clinical and pathologic data prospectively accessioned onto a computerized database. METHODS: A prospectively documented series of 232 parotidectomies carried out for treatment of cancer from 1988 to 1999 was reviewed. There were 177 male and 55 female patients with a median age of 65 years (age range, 17-97 y). Median follow-up time was 4 years. Pathological groups included 54 patients with primary parotid cancer, 101 with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, 69 with metastatic melanoma, and 8 with other metastatic cancers. RESULTS: Neck nodes were clinically positive in 12 patients with primary cancer, 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 16 with melanoma, and 2 with other metastatic malignancies. Conservative parotidectomy, preserving the main trunk of the facial nerve, was performed in 185 patients, and 47 patients had a radical parotidectomy sacrificing the facial nerve. There were 54 therapeutic and 110 elective neck dissections. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 39 patients with primary cancer, 86 with squamous cell carcinoma, 50 with melanoma, and 8 in the other metastatic group (78% of the patients in the series). Local control rates at 5 years in the four groups were 86%, 75%, 94%, and 100%, respectively (P <.01). Survival rates at 5 years were 77%, 65%, 46%, and 56%, respectively (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of parotid malignancy is unique in Australia because of the high incidence of skin cancer, which can metastasize to the parotid gland. Metastatic cutaneous malignancy predominates. The pattern of failure and outcome varied depending on histological findings. Local failure occurred most often in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, whereas patients with melanoma had the highest incidence of distant spread.     

Malignant neoplastic disease of the parotid lymph nodes

Objectives: To review the management and outcome of patients with malignant neoplastic disease of the parotid lymph nodes excluding those with primary salivary gland tumors. Study Design: Retrospective review of 14 patients who had malignant parotid lymph nodes from metastatic cutaneous malignancies, direct extension from primary cutaneous malignancies, or lymphoproliferative disorders. Methods: Charts were reviewed from three institutions and tabulated for age, gender, histopathology, treatment, and outcome. Results: Fourteen patients met the criteria for study. Ten patients had neoplastic nodes from cutaneous malignancies. Seven involved squamous cell carcinoma, two were metastatic from melanoma, and one was metastatic from basal cell carcinoma. Four patients had involvement from lymphoproliferative disorders. Conclusions: Metastatic disease to the parotid nodes or direct extension to nodes from primary cutaneous malignancy demonstrates a poor prognosis in this series. Prognosis of lymphoproliferative disorder is more favorable. Laryngoscope, 108:1514–1519, 1998     

Suppurative cervical lymphadenitis in adult: An analysis of predictors for surgical drainage

ObjectiveLymphadenitis can be treated successfully by empirical antibiotic therapy. However, inflamed lymph nodes can progress into an abscess with local and/or systemic reaction, which requires more complex treatment strategies. The study aim to analyze possible predictors for abscess formation within inflamed nodes that require surgical drainage.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 241 patients with acute or sub-acute cervical lymphadenitis. Demographic including, lymph node characteristics, management, and final diagnosis were recorded. Predictors for abscess formation within the lymph node that required surgical drainage were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Patient and lymph node characteristics that differentiated suppurative cervical lymphadenitis (SCL) from other lymphadenitis were also analyzed.ResultsThere were 41 cases of SCL, 173 cases of uncomplicated cervical lymphadenitis, and 27 cases of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis (TBLN). Abscess was surgically drained in 39 patients, while 2 patients received a needle aspiration. In 9 patients, SCL complications included cellulitis of the neck soft tissue, supraglottic swelling, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and sepsis. Two patients were diagnosed with melioidosis and actinomycosis after drainage. Multivariate analysis showed that an immunocompromised host, male sex, and receiving prior inadequate treatment were predictors for surgical drainage. TBLN patients had similar manifestations as SCL patients. However, affected nodes in SCL patients were singular, painful, and showed fluctuation.ConclusionsFollowing SCL diagnosis, abscess drainage and appropriate antibiotic treatment should be considered. Aspiration or surgical drainage can be effective in certain patients. Pathogen isolation and tissue biopsy should be performed to ensure accurate diagnosis and antibiotic selection. In addition, TBLN and melioidosis should be considered, especially in endemic areas.     

Comparative clinico-histologic study of metastatic adenopathies in cancer of the lip]

The authors studied the correlation between clinical examination and histological findings in lymph node metastasis in 256 patients suffering from carcinoma of the lip. According to the clinical stage, the following were encountered: a) 84 cases of nodes without any clinical changes (32.8%); b) 140 cases of nodes larger than normal, but mobile (54.6%); c) 32 cases of fixed nodes (12.6%). Lymph node dissection was carried out in 210 patients and histological examination revealed: --in group (a) 61 patients operated): lymph node involvement in 8.9% of cases; --in group (b) (120 cases operated): lymph node involvement in 30% of cases; --in group (c) (29 patients operated): lymph node involvement confirmed in 86.2% of cases. In conclusion, only histological examination provides definite information regarding lymph node involvement, confirming or contradicting pre-operative clinical findings.     

Lymph node metastases in the neck of unknown primary tumor

BACKGROUND: Cervical lymph nodes represent the most frequent manifestation of lymph node metastases of unknown primary. Nearly 3% of all malignant ENT-tumors are cervical lymph nodes metastases of unknown primary. This disease is a challenge for clinical working physician in diagnosis and therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a retrospective study we investigated 99 patients with the diagnosis cervical lymph node metastases of unknown primary, which were treated and observed in our department between 1975 and 1995. Within this group we observed the course of 83 patients completely. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The tumor-dependent 5 year-survival-rate was 11%. This is very low, but similar to the literature. 40% of patients, that were operated on neck dissection with or without postoperative irradiation survived tumor-dependent 5 years. In 42 cases we could find a primary tumor. 14 of these primaries were located in the upper aero-digestive-tract, 28 in other regions of the body. The identification of the primary did not improve the prognosis of the patients. A good prognosis was associated with further occult primary, location of the lymph nodes in the upper or middle level of the neck or parotid region and a histology of squamous cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. Signs of poor prognosis were metastasis in the supraclavicular region, of adenocarcinoma and inoperability of the lymph node. The combination therapy of neck dissection and irradiation proved to be best. The extended field radiation of the complete upper aero-digestive-tract did not cause a improvement of tumor-dependent 5-year-survival. We discovered a primary in 5 of 27 patients in this group within the irradiated area. In conclusion extended field radiation must be discussed critically for patients with lymph node metastasis of unknown primary.     

Preserving level IIb lymph nodes in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether level IIb lymph nodes can be saved in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) as a treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of a case series. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: From 1997 to 2001, 74 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and with no palpable lymph nodes at the neck who underwent an elective SOHND were prospectively studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of pathological metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes and the regional recurrence within this area after elective SOHND was performed were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 24 (32%) had lymph nodes positive for microscopic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Four (5%) of the 74 patients had involvement of level IIb lymph nodes. There was no instance of isolated metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes without involvement of other nodes in the SOHND specimens. There were 6 cases of the ipsilateral neck recurrences, and of these, 2 patients (3% of all patients) developed recurrences in the level II lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Level IIb lymph node metastasis was rare in this study, and nodal recurrence in this area after SOHND in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity was infrequent. Therefore, this region may be preserved in elective SOHND in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.     

原发性颈淋巴结结核的临床特征与治疗

目的：探讨原发性颈部淋巴结结核的临床特征和治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析32例原发性颈部淋巴结结核患者的临床资料。32例患者中29例活检前行CT检查,4例行细针穿刺针吸活检确诊,28例行手术病理检查确诊。27例行肿块全部切除或区域性颈部淋巴结清扫术,术后全身抗结核治疗6个月;5例确诊后行常规抗结核治疗1年。结果：CT显示肿块呈均匀或不均匀强化,部分肿块呈融合现象。全部病例治疗后均行随访,手术患者术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,1例术后抗结核治疗3个月肿块增大,再次手术确诊为颈部淋巴结结核并发鼻咽癌颈部淋巴结转移,转肿瘤科治疗,其余31例患者均无颈部淋巴结结核复发和其他结核病表现。结论：原发性颈部淋巴结结核临床特征发生改变,颈部肿块为首发症状,多数位于颈后三角区。CT检查有助于本病的诊断和鉴别诊断。全身抗结核药物和手术切除淋巴结的联合应用能有效地治疗原发性颈部淋巴结结核。原发性颈部淋巴结结核的治疗应以手术为主,手术治疗能缩短治疗时间、减少药物用量及不良反应,防止冷脓肿及窦道形成。     

鼻咽癌放疗后颈部淋巴结残留或复发对预后的影响

目的探讨鼻咽癌放疗后颈部淋巴结残留或复发对预后的影响。方法对67例鼻咽癌放疗后颈部淋巴结残留或复发而原发灶未复发的患者的临床病理资料进行回顾分析。选择性别、年龄、原发癌病理类型、残留或复发淋巴结大小、累及的侧数、淋巴结累及区域、累及区域数量、复发淋巴结的手术方式、颈动脉是否受侵、术后是否有严重并发症、是否补充放疗、是否复发、有无远处转移等临床病理因素,用χ2检验和Cox回归进行单因素和多因素分析,并用Kaplan-Meier法对残留和复发患者进行生存分析。结果单因素分析显示有无远处转移与预后明显相关,多因素分析结果表明,残留或复发淋巴结大小、是否累及Ⅴ区、残留或复发淋巴结累及区域数量、手术方式和有无远处转移与预后明显相关。Kaplan-Meier法进行生存分析显示颈部淋巴结残留或复发患者再次治疗的总1、3、5年生存率分别为88.6%、52.2%、38.6%,而采用根治性手术较采用局部手术生存率高。结论远处转移是影响鼻咽癌放疗后颈部淋巴结残留或复发患者预后的决定性因素。而残留或复发淋巴结大小、是否累及Ⅴ区、累及区域数量和手术方式也是重要因素,根治性手术可提高生存率。     

Lymphoepithelioma of the nasopharynx

There is uncertainty as to whether the clinical behavior of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma differs from that of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx. To determine if significant differences existed, we have studied 39 patients with nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma and compared their data with 50 nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. In contrast to squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoepithelioma occurred at a younger age, presented as smaller primary tumors, and manifested more extensive cervical lymph node involvement. When analyzed by T stage, N stage, or overall stage groups, the 5-year actuarial survivals were better in the lymphoepithelioma patients. Late tumor recurrences (beyond 4 years) were seen in the lymphoepithelioma patients, whereas all of the recurrences in the squamous cell carcinoma group occurred within 4 years. Tumor recurrences were more common in the cervical lymph nodes in the lymphoepithelioma group and in the primary site of the squamous cell carcinoma group.     

Acute non-tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess in adults (case reports of three patients)

Acute non-tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess in adults usually occurs after trauma to the pharynx and oesophagus. However, it may present secondarily to head and neck infection and should be borne in mind when dealing with patients who complain of cervical pain. The probable route of spread is via the lymphatics to a persistent retropharyngeal lymph node. Rarely, the abscess may occur spontaneously. The abscess can be drained safely via a transoral route, as in children, or by an external route.     

Varied manifestations of Rosai-Dorfman disease and its management — a case report and review of literature

Rosai Dorfman disease or sinus histiocytosis is a rare, idiopathic, benign and self-limiting histiocytic proliferative disorder, usually seen in younger patients. It most commonly involves the cervical lymph nodes, with a predominant infiltration of sinusoidal histiocytes and classically presents with massive cervical lymhadenopathy. Extranodal disease occurs in about 43% of cases and produces different signs and symptoms depending upon its location. We report a case of this disorder in 22-year-old male with initial isolated involvement of bilateral nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with subsequent involvement of cervical lymph nodes and skin. The clinical presentation, histologic characterstics, radiographic findings and treatment of the disease are discussed.     

Frequency and sites of distant metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. An analysis of 101 cases at autopsy

One hundred one cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts were analyzed for distant metastases. In all cases, autopsies were performed. Forty (40%) of the 101 patients had presented with one or more distant metastases. The most common sites of distant metastases were the lungs (70%), the liver (42%), and the bones (15%). There was a correlation between initial cervical lymph node involvement and development of distant metastases. In five cases of distant metastases, no tumor was found in the site of the primary lesion or in the cervical lymph nodes.     

The sentinel node procedure with Patent Blue V dye in the surgical treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

How far to extend the surgical treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still an open question. A contribution may come from intra-operative lymphatic mapping because, in other malignancies, the procedure has become an important aid in defining lymph node status. To assess the feasibility of using the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique with the intratumoral injection of Patent Blue V dye to guide nodal dissection in PTC, 29 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of PTC and no clinical or ultrasonographic evidence of nodal involvement underwent cervicotomy and exposure of the thyroid gland, followed by Patent Blue V dye injection into the thyroid nodule. Total thyroidectomy was subsequently performed, resecting the lymph nodes at levels III, IV, VI and VII. The thyroid, SLN and the other lymph nodes were snap-frozen and submitted for both intra-operative and subsequent definitive pathological evaluation. Intra-operative lymphatic mapping located the SLN in 22/29 patients (75.9%) and the SLN revealed neoplastic involvement in 4/22 (18.2%); other lymph nodes were also positive in 2 cases. In the 18 patients whose SLNs were not metastatic, the other nodes were also disease-free. The SLN technique thus seems helpful in avoiding unnecessary lymph node dissection in PTC without spread to the SLN.