Abrasive esophageal cytology for the oncological follow-up of patients with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of a second primary cancer in the esophagus in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is frequent and is associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of abrasive esophageal cytology as a means of screening for metachronous cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the results of abrasive esophageal cytology performed twice yearly for the screening of patients with prior head and neck cancer. METHODS: From 1987 to 1996, 320 patients treated for head and neck cancer underwent 1,673 abrasive cytology examinations of the esophagus during a mean follow-up period of 4 years. Cytological results were classified as negative, suspect, or positive for malignancy. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients without symptoms had one or more suspect or positive cytologic findings, leading to 29 endoscopic examinations. These revealed 20 premalignant or early malignant lesions of the esophagus (2 dysplasias, 18 squamous cell carcinomas), 2 glandular carcinomas, and 10 clinically unsuspected oral or pharyngeal carcinomas. In seven patients, positive cytological results were associated with clinically visible head and neck cancer. Of the 34 patients with suspect cytological results for malignancy, 10 had no evidence of tumor at endoscopy and 24 had no endoscopic examination because of refusal or because suspected cells were not found in additional examinations. Negative results on cytological examination were found for 254 patients throughout their follow-up, and none of them developed esophageal cancer during a mean follow-up period of 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with head and neck cancer, abrasive sponge cytology is useful for detecting esophageal cancer at an early stage. In addition, it may reveal unsuspected second primaries or recurrences in the head and neck region.     

Anaplastic carcinoma presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy

We describe 50 patients with anaplastic carcinoma presenting with a mass in the neck. The diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma was confirmed by immunocytochemistry to exclude very poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas, amelanotic melanoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The primary site was established immediately in 26 patients (25 in the head and neck; 1 in the lung); a further 4 had radiological evidence of a primary tumour in the lung. The primary site was established later in 1 patient, in the ethmoid sinuses. In 20 patients the primary site was never established. The commonest primary site was the nasopharynx. The basic treatment policy was radiotherapy, although 20% of patients with a known primary tumour, and 50% of those without, were untreated. The 2-year survival was about 30% in both groups, and did not differ significantly. Prognostic factors for survival were age, performance status, and T status of the primary tumour. Sex, node status, node level, and laterality of nodes, were not.     

Chemotherapy of recurrent squamous cell carcinomas in the ENT area with cisplatin/adriamycin (DDP/ADM) and methotrexate/5-fluorouracil (MTX/5-Flu): a retrospective comparison of 2 protocols

The efficacy of two chemotherapy regimens for recurrent and inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is reported. All patients had failed prior surgery and/or radiotherapy. 23 patients (group A) were treated with Cisplatin 120 mg/m2 and Adriamycin 60 mg/m2. 21/23 were evaluable for tumour response. The overall response rate (RR) was 28.5% (6/21, 2 CR and 4 PR). Methotrexate 250 mg/m2 with Leucovorin-Rescue 5 X 10 mg/m2 and 5-Fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 were administered to 28 patients. In 26 evaluable patients a RR of 38.4% (10/26, 5 CR and 5 PR) was achieved. The responders in groups A and B had a median survival of 98 and 85.5 weeks respectively and the non-responders 27 weeks in both groups. Nausea, vomiting and alopecia were common and severe in the DDP/ADM group. The major toxic effect of MTX/5-FU was neutropenia with two associated deaths from septicemia, although subjective side-effects were almost completely absent. MTX/5-FU can be recommended for the palliative treatment of recurrent squamous head and neck cancer because of an acceptable response rate, good subjective tolerance and the possibility of outpatient treatment.     

Noncervical lymph node metastasis from head and neck cancer.

Nonregional lymph node dissemination must be classified as distant metastasis but axillary and mediastinal metastases can be part of a regional dissemination of the disease. Metastases to lymph nodes of the upper mediastinum are very common among patients with subglottic, hypopharynx and thyroid carcinomas. Axillary metastases are found at autopsy in 2-9% of the patients who died of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and are frequently associated with skin implantation in aggressive recurrent head and neck carcinomas. The possible explanations for this location of metastasis were retrograde dissemination due to lymph system blockage, further tumor dissemination after a parastomal recurrence, hematogenous dissemination, and metastasis from a second primary tumor. Patients with distant metastasis have been considered incurable and only palliative treatment was instituted. Treatment planning for cases with axillary metastasis must take in consideration the likelihood of other regional recurrences and/or distant metastasis. Also, the presence of a second primary tumor must be ruled out. Whenever axilla is the only site of cancer recurrence, a standard axillary dissection must be considered. Upper mediastinal metastases from subglottic and hypopharyngeal cancer are managed by paratracheal and mediastinal dissection through the neck and postoperative radiotherapy.     

累及颈动脉的复发恶性肿瘤诊治体会

目的 探讨累及颈动脉的复发恶性肿瘤有效的诊治方法.方法 首先明确肿瘤复发部位是否进行过手术和(或)放射治疗,再根据增强CT和(或)CT血管造影(CT angiography,CTA)评估复发灶与颈总动脉、颈总动脉分叉处以及颈内、外动脉的关系;对于双颈复发病例,需了解复发灶与颈内静脉的关系;对于颈根部复发病例,需评估复发灶与甲状颈干、椎动脉的关系.根据CT和(或)CTA的结果和患者的全身状况确定能否耐受手术,对不同的复发病例进行不同的处理.本组23例累及颈动脉的头颈肿瘤患者中喉癌复发8例,下咽癌复发10例,甲状腺癌复发2例,扁桃体癌复发1例,腮腺癌复发1例,下咽颈段食管肉瘤复发1例.23例患者经术前评估,7例患者行对症(包括止痛)、姑息放疗和化疗,16例行手术治疗.结果 7例姑息治疗患者皆在6个月内死于复发肿瘤出血、全身衰竭或肺部转移.16例手术病例中,14例肿瘤肉眼下完全切除,2例动脉壁上有残留;其中8例术前有颈部疼痛,手术后7例疼痛消失,1例疼痛减轻.2例患者于术后1周因颈部感染大出血死亡,2例手术8个月后死于肺部转移,1年后死于颈部局部复发3例,2年后死于肺部转移2例,死于颈部局部复发和心脏病各1例,其余5例健在.结论 CT和(或)CTA是累及颈动脉的复发恶性肿瘤术前评估的可靠方法,根据CT和(或)CTA部分病例选择地进行手术治疗是可行的,并可延长患者的生存时间,提高其生存质量.     

Lymph node metastasis of glottic laryngeal carcinoma

The incidence of lymph node metastases in glottic cancer is assumed to be lower than in other head and neck cancers. In a retrospective study this statement was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analysis was based on 910 consecutive patients with glottic carcinoma treated between 1970 and 1990 by means of surgery with special interest on regional lymph node metastases. RESULTS: 8.6 % patients had clinically positive necks (N+) and 5.9 % pathohistologically positive necks (pN+). The incidence of lymph node metastases showed correlation with pT category and vocal cord mobility. Lymph node metastases were found in 5 % of pT2, in 18 % of pT3 and in 32 % of pT4 tumors. Only one patient with pT1 cancer had metastatic lymph node involvement. The incidence of occult lymph node metastases was 18 %. Lymph node involvement, extracapsular spread and lymphangiosis carcinomatosa proved to be relevant prognostic factors. The 5 year recurrent free survival rate was 86.7 % for the whole group, 81.6 % for patients with negative nodes (pN0), and 61.8 % for patients with pN+ nodes (p < 0.001 according to logrank test). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical lymph node staging plays an important prognostic role in the staging procedure also in glottic carcinoma. At least in T3 carcinomas, elective treatment of the cervical lymph nodes seems to be necessary. T2 carcinomas with impaired cord mobility have a significant higher risk for metastatic spread; therefore neck dissection should be discussed also in these cases.     

Photodynamic therapy and the treatment of head and neck neoplasia

Objective: To present the theory, technique, and results of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral, laryngeal, and head and neck cancers. Study Design: Retrospective review of the literature of more than 500 patients with head and neck cancer treated with photodynamic therapy, as well as a retrospective review of the author's 107 patients treated with photodynamic therapy for head and neck neoplasia between 1990 and 1997. Methods: The literature was retrospectively reviewed, as were patient records, and tabulaled for age, sex, site, and staging of lesions, with special focus on post-photodynamic therapy treatment outcome, long-term disease-free survival, and complications. Results: Twenty-five patients with carcinoma in situ and T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the true vocal cord who underwent photodynamic therapy treatment for cure obtained a complete response after a single photodynamic therapy treatment. Only one patient has had recurrence to date, with a cure rate to 79-month follow-up of 95%. Twenty-nine patients with carcinoma in situ and T1 recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and tongue were treated. All obtained a complete response after a single photodynamic therapy treatment; however, five patients developed local recurrence with follow-up to 70 months, for an 80% cure rate. A review of 217 patients with early squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck treated with photodynamic therapy in the literature demonstrated an 89.5% complete response rate. The most common complication in these patients was limited prolonged skin photosensitivity without any permanent sequelae. Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy is effective for treating carcinoma in situ and T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and oral cavity and may be of benefit as an adjuvant intraoperative treatment of stages III and IV tumors of the head and neck in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy to improve cure rates. Further controlled studies need to be performed to further demonstrate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy and the treatment of head and neck cancers.     

Simultaneously presenting head and neck and lung cancer: a diagnostic and treatment dilemma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Synchronous tumors are defined as malignancies presenting within 6 months of the index tumors. A significant subset of patients present at initial evaluation with malignant tumors of both the head and neck (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) and the lung, which are termed simultaneous primaries. The management and treatment outcomes in this cohort of patients have not been clearly defined and are the subject of the present review. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of previously untreated patients. METHODS: From January 1974 to December 1997, a total of 2964 patients were treated for mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Forty-two patients fulfilled the criteria for synchronous head and neck and lung malignancy. Of these, 27 patients had simultaneous tumors of the head and neck and the lung. This cohort of patients (n = 27) was stratified into three treatment groups. Patients in group A (n = 10) had resectable head and neck and lung primaries treated with curative intent. Group B (n = 8) was composed of patients who could have been treated with curative intent but declined and were given only palliative therapy. Patients in group C (n = 9) were candidates for only palliative treatment. RESULTS: The estimated 5-year disease-specific survival in group A was 47%, whereas patients in group B had a 5-year disease-specific survival of only 13% (P =.05). There were no survivors beyond 1 year in group C. The presence of mediastinal adenopathy in patients in group A portended poor clinical outcome. There was an estimated 5-year disease-specific survival of 51% in patients with no preoperative evidence of mediastinal adenopathy (n = 7), whereas 67% of patients with radiological evidence of mediastinal adenopathy died (two of three patients). CONCLUSION: The presence of simultaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pulmonary malignancies should not be a deterrent to aggressive surgical therapy because a potentially satisfactory outcome can be expected in these patients.     

Occult nodal metastasis in head and neck carcinoma patients treated with chemoradiotherapy

Background and aimNeck lymph node metastasis plays an important role in the prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occult nodal metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemo radiotherapy.MethodsIn this 5-year prospective study, patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HN-SCC) after primary treatment with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy that candidate for surgery were enrolled. In total, 50 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck with N0 neck were included in the study. Age, initial location of recurrent tumor, T staging in primary and recurrent tumors, neck condition (N0 or N+), and pathology report for neck metastasis, number of affected lymph nodes and duration of tumor recurrence were examined.ResultsOut of 50 patients with mean age of 57.04 ± 14.4 years, 13 were female (26%) and 37 (74%) were male. In terms of primary tumor size, 52% (26 patients) were in T2 stage. The primary and recurrent tumor was located in the oral cavity in 33 patients (66%). Nine 0f 50 patients (18%) had occult metastases.ConclusionIt seems that END surgery is necessary for treatment the occult lymph node neck metastasis of recurrent head and neck cancers with N0 neck. Therefore, it is possible that END surgery has reduced cervical recurrence in these patients.     

Circulating fragments of cytokeratin 19 in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma a reliable serum marker of carcinogenesis should be of predictive value for the development of recurrent disease or a second primary tumour. At the moment, such a tumour marker is not available. Recently, elevated levels of cytokeratin 19-fragments (Cyfra 21-1) have been detected in the serum of patients with lung cancer, in particular with squamous cell carcinoma. Cytokeratin 19 is an intermediate cell filament protein expressed in simple epithelia and their malignant counterparts. Therefore, in this prospective study, a standardized sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for soluble cytokeratin 19 fragments was tested in the serum of 20 patients with a previously untreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The results were compared with that of 20 control individuals. Our results showed significantly higher Cyfra 21-1 concentrations in the serum of patients with cancer (10.21 ± 3.03 ng/ml) than the controls (7.2 ± 2.63 ng/ml). After radical treatment the marker levels dropped significantly to 1.65+ 1.07 ng/ml. Cyfra 21-1 appears to be of value as a circulating tumour marker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma especially in monitoring disease control.     

Current treatment options for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer: a post-ASCO 2011 update and review of last year’s literature

The majority of patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck present with locally advanced tumors. The first-line treatment of locally advanced tumor stages consists of a combined modality management. Despite these aggressive protocols, many patients develop locoregional recurrences or metastasis and place particularly high demands on the interdisciplinary treatment team. Treatment with a curative intent must be differentiated from a palliative one. In addition to prior treatment, resectability, age and performance status, patient wishes must be taken into consideration in treatment planning, especially considering that most therapies offer little to no overall survival benefit. Salvage surgery, chemo- and target therapies, and reirradiation are head and neck surgeon’s and radiooncologist’s weapons in the fight against these strong opponents. This review focuses on publications and meeting news from last year and reviews the current status of the clinical application of each treatment modality in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.     

Survival study and treatment strategy for second primary malignancies in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

CONCLUSION: Patients at risk of developing second primary malignancies (SPMs) comprise those with primary hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and oral cavity index cancers, patients with well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, those aged >70 years, patients who are heavy smokers, alcohol drinkers, or betel quid chewers, and those with a family history of SPM. OBJECTIVE: SPMs are commonly found after successful treatment of index cancers in the head and neck region; however, treatment guidelines for SPMs have not been established. We compared the differences in the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and 10-year survival rate between patients with SPMs who had been treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and those who had been treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in order to establish an effective treatment strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective study of 125 patients who had developed SPMs after being treated for either HNSCC or NPC during the period from January 1995 to July 2005. The average follow-up time was 34.9 months, and the setting for the study was a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: The survival rate of patients with SPMs is not significantly poor. The survival is worse if the SPM is associated with a primary advanced stage index cancer or it is synchronous; if the SPM occurs in an area other than the head and neck region; or if SPM patients undergo palliative treatment.     

CEA studies in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

The serum CEA levels of 134 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were studied at the time of diagnosis, at the end of primary therapy and every three months during the follow-up period. Since such patients are mostly nicotine and alcohol addicts, only CEA concentrations above 5 ng/ml were regarded as abnormal. At the time of diagnosis 30% of the patients had clearly abnormal CEA values, more commonly in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal tumours than for oral and laryngeal carcinomas. The incidence of pathological CEA concentrations also increased with increasing tumour extension, to a greater extent in well-differentiated than in undifferentiated squamous cell carcinomas. After termination of the primary therapy we found no correlation between success of treatment and serum CEA concentration. Studies of the course of CEA values in tumour-free patients revealed both rising and falling serum values during the period of observation. It was not possible to diagnose tumour recurrence early with the aid of increasing CEA concentrations. CEA exhibits only moderate sensitivity towards squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. As correlations between the course of the disease and CEA concentrations in serum could only rarely be observed, the usefulness of this tumour marker for following the course of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma must be regarded as rather low.     

Superselective embolization as palliative treatment of recurrent hemorrhage in advanced carcinoma of the head and neck.

We report a case of recurrent major hemorrhage in a patient with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Before and between the bleeding episodes, the functional level of the patient was remarkably high. Therefore, an attempt at bleeding control with superselective embolization with Ethibloc was made. Because of its specific characteristics, this substance is almost ideal for the purpose of palliative embolization. The material used and the technique of application are described in detail. After the procedure, no hemorrhage occurred for more than 4 months. We recommend superselective embolization, preferably with Ethibloc, for minimally invasive control of recurrent bleeding as palliative treatment in selected patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma, since significant benefit in terms of the quality of life may result.     

Evaluation of syncope from head and neck cancer

Five patients suffering from recurrent syncope in association with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were examined. Two patients had exhaustive diagnostic work-up for syncope, which eventually disclosed previously undiagnosed, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma. Case reports describe glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a well recognized cause of syncope in the head and neck cancer patient, characterized by acute unilateral head or neck pain preceding each syncopal episode. The literature on the diagnosis of syncope is reviewed, and the syncopal mechanisms unique to the head and neck cancer patient are analyzed and discussed. A diagnostic approach to syncope in head and neck cancer is proposed.     

Chest computerized tomography scanning in patients presenting with head and neck cancer

Between 1 to 16% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have synchronous tumours; the majority (>50%) occurring within the lung. Previous studies have relied upon endoscopy and chest radiographs. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of synchronous intrapulmonary tumours in this group of patients using computerized tomography (CT) scanning. Over 36 months, 111 consecutive patients were assessed at presentation by contrast enhanced CT scanning from the skull base to the diaphragm. Chest scans showed intrapulmonary lesions in 17 patients and 10 have, with time, been confirmed as neoplastic. These allowed treatment of three primary bronchial carcinomas following radical treatment of the index tumour and cancellation of radical treatment in five patients with metastases. Two patients with possible metastases at presentation underwent radical treatment to the index tumour with subsequent follow-up confirming metastatic chest disease. All 10 patients eventually died of either locoregional or metastatic disease. This is one of the first prospective reports of chest scanning in patients with head and neck cancer. An additional chest scan in this group, many of whom undergo a staging scan of the neck, requires an extra 10 min with no further contrast and in this study yielded a synchronous tumour rate of 9%.     

Treatment of the clinically negative neck in advanced cancer of the head and neck

The proper management of the clinically negative neck in primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck remains controversial. Although many clinicians believe that elective neck dissection or neck irradiation are equally effective for controlling subclinical disease, previous studies have not directly addressed this question. The charts of 195 patients with advanced primary squamous carcinoma, yet with clinically negative necks, were reviewed. There were no significant differences in the rates of neck cancer recurrence among the elective neck irradiation, dissection, and combined treatment groups. Elective neck irradiation and neck dissection in patients with clinically negative nodes seemed equivalent in their ability to control neck disease. The decision as to which form of therapy is preferable must therefore be based on other criteria.     

71例头颈部鳞状细胞癌的多原发癌临床资料分析

目的　了解头颈部鳞癌的多原发癌发病部位和治疗、生存状况。方法　对 71例头颈部鳞状细胞癌 (简称鳞癌 )的多原发癌临床资料做了回顾性分析。结果　发生在头颈部的重复癌 2 7例 ,发生在非头颈部的重复癌 4 2例 ,另有三重癌 2例。本组共有同时性重复癌 4例 ,其中 1例是同时性三重癌。余 6 7例均为异时性重复癌 ,其中 1例为异时性三重癌。 6 7例异时性重复癌中 ,先证癌与重复癌发生的间隔期为 8个月～ 12年不等。 70 %的先证口腔鳞癌发生头颈部重复癌 ;6 2 %的先证下咽癌和 79%的先证喉癌发生非头颈部位的重复癌。非头颈部位以食管和肺部发生的重复癌较多。在所有头颈部鳞癌发生重复癌的部位中 ,以食管重复癌为最多 ,占本组病例的 2 4 %。本组病例总体3年、5年生存率分别为 32 4 %和 2 2 5 % ;重复癌治疗组和未治组的 3年生存率有明显统计学差异 ,治疗组明显高于未治组。结论　头颈鳞癌的重复癌以食管癌最为多见。口腔癌容易发生头颈部重复癌 ,喉癌和下咽癌易发生非头颈部重复癌。细致随访和复查、早期明确诊断和积极有效的治疗 ,可以提高这类患者的生存率。     

Sequential combination chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Thirty-four patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have been treated with sequential combination chemotherapy consisting of Cytoxan, methotrexate, oncovin, bleomycin and adriamycin, followed by Leucovorin (COMBAL). All patients had undergone extensive prior radiation and/or surgery. All the patients had recurrent cancer. Toxicity included two deaths from drug induced pancytophenia and one from sepsis. Treatment was well tolerated and could be given in the outpatient clinic. No bleomycin pulmonary or adriamycin cardiac toxicity was seen. Results include 4 patients who achieved complete remission, objective improvement in measurable lesions in 6 others, stabilization of disease for 1 to 3 mo. in 5, and progression of disease in 13. Survival has ranged from 1 to 19+ months with a median of 10.7 mo. for patients that were evaluated. We conclude that COMBAL produces objective evidence of improvement in approximately 45% of patients with far advanced, previously treated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.     

71例头颈部鳞状细胞癌的多原发癌临床资料分析

目的 了解头颈部鳞癌的多原发癌发病部位和治疗、生存状况。方法 对71例头颈部鳞状细胞癌(简称鳞癌)的多原发癌临床资料做了回顾性分析。结果 发生在头颈部的重复癌27例，发生在非头颈部的重复癌42例，另有三重癌2例。本组共有同时性重复癌4例，其中1例是同时性三重癌。余67例均为异时性重复癌，其中1例为异时性三重癌。67例异时性重复癌中，先证癌与重复癌发生的间隔期为8个月～12年不等。70％的先证口腔鳞癌发生头颈部重复癌；62％的先证下咽癌和79％的先证喉癌发生非头颈部位的重复癌。非头颈部位以食管和肺部发生的重复癌较多。在所有头颈部鳞癌发生重复癌的部位中，以食管重复癌为最多，占本组病例的24％。本组病例总体3年、5年生存率分别为32．4％和22．5％；重复癌治疗组和未治组的3年生存率有明显统计学差异，治疗组明显高于未治组。结论 头颈鳞癌的重复癌以食管癌最为多见。口腔癌容易发生头颈部重复癌，喉癌和下咽癌易发生非头颈部重复癌。细致随访和复查、早期明确诊断和积极有效的治疗，可以提高这类患者的生存率。