Cancer of the Ear: A Report of 22 Patients

The purpose of this report was to analyze cancer of the ear, with reference to its etiology, pathology and classification, by studying 22 patients who visited Kitasato University Hospital over a 26-year period. Patients with cancer of the ear comprised 0.98% of the 2,244 registered head and neck patients. Classifications reported in the literature were utilized to analyze the patient data. There was a significant difference in 5-year cumulative survival rates associated with cancers arising from the external auditory canal and the middle ear, as calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Tumor stage was also a significant predictor of prognosis. If cancer is suspected, early diagnosis is the key to improved prognosis. .     

Treatment of Maxillary Sinus Carcinoma: Clinical Results Using the Kitasato Modality

The conventional therapeutic regimen for maxillary sinus carcinoma consists of dissection of the maxilla, full-dose irradiation and extensive chemotherapy. However, the results obtained with this treatment are often poor. Even when patients recover, their quality of life is significantly reduced as a result of deformity of facial structures and swallowing and articulation dysfunctions. A retrospective analysis of 68 patients with maxillary sinus carcinoma treated with the Kitasato modality between 1975 and 1999 was conducted. All patients underwent pergingival maxillary sinus surgery combined with pre- and postoperative irradiation therapy with standardized total doses of 16 Gy; the postoperative irradiation was given in combination with regional intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy administered via the superficial temporal artery. All visible tumor lesions were removed where possible in order to preserve or facilitate cellular immunity after surgery. The cumulative 5-year survival rates were 85.7% for Stage II patients, 88.1% for Stage III, 76.6% for Stage IVA and 75.0% for Stage IVB.     

Treatment Effects in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity

A total of 221 patients (155 males, 66 females; stage I, n ¾ 55; stage II, n ¾ 58; stage III, n ¾ 57; stage IV, n ¾ 51) with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were studied. Tumor localization was as follows: cancer of the tongue, n ¾ 161; cancer of the oral floor, n =28; cancer of the hard palate, n ¾ 12; cancer of the buccal mucosa, n ¾ 11; and cancer of the gingiva, n ¾ 9. In order to compare the effect of different treatments, three major treatment groups were defined, namely a surgery group, a radiotherapy group and a combination treatment group. Five-year cumulative survival rates showed significant differences between stage classifications (stage I=91%, stage II=73%, stage III=63%, stage IV=47%; p <0.01) but not between tumor sites. The 5-year cumulative survival rate was highest for oral floor cancer (80%). In the early-cancer group, the 5-year cumulative survival rate for the surgery group (92%) was significantly higher ( p <0.05) than those for both the radiation (69%) and combination (71%) groups. In the advanced-cancer group, the 5-year cumulative survival rate for the surgery group (74%) was significantly higher ( p <0.05) than those for both the radiation (37%) and combination (51%) groups. No significant difference in regional control rates was observed between the treatment groups. Five-year regional control rates were 86% for cervical untreated patients with T1N0 tumors and 60% for cervical untreated patients with T2N0 tumors. Fourteen N0 cases were treated with neck dissection. Cervical metastasis was found pathologically in 2/14 (14%) of these cases. The 5-year survival rate for patients with cervical recurrences after primary tumor resection was 70% ( n ¾ 15). In contrast, the 5-year survival rate for patients with both primary tumor resection and neck dissection was 74% ( n ¾ 14) but no significant difference was observed between these 2 groups.rate .     

Survival Benefits From Surgery for Stage IVa Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Analysis of 1,033 Cases

ObjectivesHead and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCs) are frequently diagnosed at the locoregional advanced stage (stage IVa), but controversy remains regarding whether stage IVa HSNCs should be treated with upfront surgery or definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IVa HNSC treated primarily by surgery with curative intent with/without (neo)adjuvant treatment (surgery group) versus those treated primarily with CRT (CRT group).MethodsWe reviewed data of 1,033 patients with stage IVa HNSC treated with curative intent at 17 cancer centers between 2010 and 2016.ResultsAmong 1,033 patients, 765 (74.1%) received upfront surgery and 268 (25.9%) received CRT. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 64.4% and 62.0% in the surgery group and 49.5% and 45.4% in the CRT group, respectively. In multivariate analyses, OS and DFS were better in the surgery group than in the CRT group (odds ratio [OR] for death, 0.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.592–0.981; OR for recurrence, 0.628; 95% CI, 0.492–0.802). In subgroup analyses, the OS and DFS of patients with oropharyngeal cancer were better in the surgery group (OR for death, 0.548; 95% CI, 0.341–0.879; OR for recurrence, 0.598; 95% CI, 0.377–0.948). In the surgery group, patients with laryngeal cancer showed better OS (OR for death, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.211–0.882), while those with hypopharyngeal cancer DFS was improved (OR for recurrence, 0.506; 95% CI, 0.328–0.780).ConclusionA survival benefit from surgery may be achieved even in patients with stage IVa HNSC, particularly those with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Surgery led to a reduction in the recurrence rate in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.     

配戴助听器治疗伴有感音神经性听力减退的耳鸣患者的临床初探

目的探讨配戴助听器治疗伴有感音神经性听力减退的耳鸣患者的临床疗效。方法根据入组时的听力图类型将56名伴有感音神经性听力减退的耳鸣患者分为平坦型、上升型、下降型和切迹型4组,采用耳鸣残疾评估量表评估其配戴助听器前后耳鸣的变化程度,了解配戴助听器治疗伴有感音神经性听力减退的耳鸣患者的疗效。结果配戴助听器半年后,耳鸣情况得到改善,无论从THI总体得分,还是分别从功能性、情感性、严重性三个方面的评分来看,配戴助听器后均有明显改善（P〈0．01）,平坦型、上升型、下降型、切迹型4组之间没有差异（P〉0．05）。结论配戴助听器对部分伴有感音神经性听力减退的耳鸣患者有效。     

我国失语症治疗研究的计量学分析

目的对国内失语症治疗研究进行计量学分析,了解失语症治疗的研究前沿和趋势。方法采用文献研究方法,在中国知网(CNKI)数据库中输入检索式:主题词搜索为失语症,主题词下搜索为康复、治疗、干预、疗法、训练,采用Cite Space软件对文献作者、机构、关键词进行计量学分析。结果本研究共检索214篇文献。首篇文章发表于1992年,2004年达到第一高峰期(15篇),其后波动明显,2014年发文量(17篇)最高。暨南大学附属第一医院与首都医科大学宣武医院专业团队在此领域发文最多。脑损伤、meta分析、神经机制、脑卒中、脑卒中后、重复经颅磁刺激、计算机辅助、经颅直流电刺激、运动性失语、语言病理学为失语症治疗研究的热点。脑卒中、重复经颅磁刺激、经颅直流电刺激为失语症治疗的研究前沿与趋势。结论我国失语症治疗研究领域的核心作者群尚未形成,对于失语症研究尚需大量专业人员进行深入探索。     

新疆地区非综合征型聋患者耳聋相关基因检测结果分析

目的探讨新疆地区非综合征型耳聋患者常见耳聋基因突变热点,为该地区更好地开展耳聋基因诊断工作提供参考。方法通过问卷、健康体检及听力检测筛选出新疆地区399例非综合征型耳聋患者为研究对象,所有受检者均采集外周血并提取基因组DNA,应用分子生物学方法检测GJB2(c.35delG,c.167delT,c.176_191del16,c.235delC,c.299_300delAT)、SLC26A4(c.281C>T,c.589G>A,c.IVS7-2A>G,c.1174A>T,c.1226G>A,c.1229C>T,c.IVS15+5G>A,c.1975G>C,c.2027T>A,c.2162C>T,c.2168A>G)、mtDNA12SrRNA(c.1494C>T,c.1555A>G,c.1585A>G,c.1047A>G,c.1095T>C,c.960_961insC/c.961delT)基因22个位点突变情况。结果399例非综合征型耳聋患者中GJB2、SLC26A4、mtDAN12SrRNA基因的突变携带率分别为11.28%(45/399)、10.78%(43/399)、4.76%(19/399),致病突变率分别为6.52%(26/399)、3.76%(15/399)、3.51%(14/399)。c.235delC和c.IVS7-2A>G在汉族(16/92,11/92)和维吾尔族(18/273,10/273)中都是突变热点,在汉族中c.2168A>G也呈现突变热点趋势,而在维吾尔族中c.1174A>T、c.35delG、c.2027T>A等多个位点都呈现出突变热点的趋势。在汉族c.235delC(χ^2=9.498,P=0.002)、c.IVS7-2A>G(χ^2=8.729,P=0.003)和c.2168 A>G(P=0.001)突变率高于维吾尔族。结论GJB2、SLC26A4、mtDNA12SrRNA为新疆非综合征型耳聋常见致病基因,c.235delC和c.IVS7-2A>G是汉族和维吾尔族突变热点,汉族中c.235delC、c.IVS7-2A>G和c.2168A>G突变率显著高于维吾尔族。     

Comprehensive Analysis of Clinicopathologic Factors Predictive of an Unfavorable Prognosis in Patients With Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

Objectives.In subset of patients, acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) exhibits aggressive features such as recurrence, distant metastasis, and mortality. This study aimed to investigate clinicopathologic factors influencing patients’ prognosis and to identify adverse features predictive of an unfavorable prognosis.Methods.Between January 2000 and December 2016, 59 patients with AcCC were enrolled in this study.Results.The patients’ 5-year overall survival rate was 93.3%, and their 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 80.5%. During the study period, recurrence occurred in 10 patients. The mean time to recurrence after surgery was 26 months (range, 5–60 months). During the study period, three patients died from the disease. Univariate analysis showed that sex, surgical extent, extranodal extension, T classification, and TNM stage were significantly associated with disease recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that, among the clinicopathologic factors included in the analysis, only TNM stage displayed a statistically significant correlation with disease recurrence.Conclusion.Surgical treatment alone yielded good results for AcCC, and additional treatment did not affect the recurrence-free survival rate or the overall survival rate, even when the resection margin was less than 1 mm. Other pathologic factors did not show prognostic significance for disease recurrence or death.     

Comparative Analysis of Efficiency of Injection Laryngoplasty Technique for with or without Neck Treatment Patients: A Transcartilaginous Approach Versus the Cricothyroid Approach

Objectives

These days, the main injection laryngoplasty technique is cricothyroid (CT) approach. However, patients who have previously undergone other neck treatments, such as thyroidectomy or neck dissection have distorted anatomical landmark makes this approach more difficult. The aim of this study is to determined the efficiency of transcartilaginous (TC) approah as compared with CT approach for unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients, especially for previously neck treated patients.

Methods

From March 2005 to February 2008, 137 consecutive injection laryngoplasties were performed in patients with unilateral glottic insufficiency. Percutaneous injection was performed under local anesthesia into the vocalis muscle, using disposable 25 G 4 cm long needles through the cricothyroid membrane or directly through the thyroid cartilage. Of the 137 patients, 124 completed acoustic, perceptual, stroboscopic, and subjective evaluations prior to the injection and at 3 months after the injection.

Results

In the 124 patients, the CT and TC approaches were used in 94 and 30 patients, respectively. Acoustic and perceptual parameters (GRBAS, MPT, jitter, shimmer), voice handicap index, and grades of mucosal waves and glottic closure were significantly improved after the injection in both the CT and TC groups (P<0.05). Only two patients (6.6%) had penetration difficulties, because of ossification of the thyroid cartilage. The overall success rates of the CT and TC approaches were 86.2%, 93.3%, respectively. However, the success rate of the TC approach in patients who had previously undergone neck treatments was significantly higher than that of the CT approach (100% vs. 65% P<0.05).

Conclusion

Based on the preliminary results of this trial, injection laryngoplasty using a TC approach was an effective alternative to the CT approach, especially in patients who had previously undergone neck surgeries.     

EXIT (Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment) in lymphatic malformations of the head and neck: discussion of three cases and proposal of an EXIT-TTP (Team Time Procedure) list

Objectives

Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a technique to secure the fetal airway while oxygenation is maintained through utero-placental circulation. The aim of the study is to present three cases of fetal lymphatic malformation of the head and neck that required EXIT and to summarize EXIT details.

Methods

The cases were studied before the delivery and EXIT was planned with a multidisciplinary team. The key factors of EXIT are considered and the type, stage and clinical score of the three lymphatic malformations are defined.

Results

In the three cases of EXIT the time working on placental support to secure the airway was 9, 7, and 9 min, respectively (from the hysterotomy to clamping the umbilical cord). Procedures performed on the airway were laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy in the first case, laryngoscopy and intubation in the second one, laryngoscopy, drainage of the lymphatic macro-cyst, and intubation in the third case. A sketching to detail the EXIT steps are presented: EXIT-Team Time Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list).Lymphatic malformations were classified as mixed (micro/macro-cystic) in two cases, and macro-cystic in one. de Serres Stage was IV, V and II. Therapy varied in the three neonates (surgery alone, surgery + Picibanil^® + Nd-YAG, or Picibanil^® alone).

Conclusions

In case of prenatal suspicion of airway obstruction, EXIT should be planned with a multidisciplinary team. The EXIT-Team Time Procedure list (EXIT-TTP list), reviews the most critical phases of the procedure when different teams are working together. The type of lymphatic malformation, the anatomic location and the clinical score predict the outcome.     

Results of Active Middle Ear Implantation in Patients With Mixed Hearing Loss After Middle Ear Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study (the ROMEO Study)

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the user satisfaction, efficacy, and safety of round window (RW) vibroplasty using the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) in patients with persistent mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy.Methods The study included 27 patients (mean age, 58.7 years; age range, 28–76 years; 11 men and 16 women) with mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy from 15 tertiary referral centers in Korea. The VSB was implanted at the RW. The Korean translation of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire and the Korean version of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (K-IOI-HA) questionnaire were used to evaluate user satisfaction as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome measures were audiological test results and complication rates.ResultsThe mean scores for ease of communication (61.3% to 29.7% to 30.2%), reverberation (62.1% to 43.1% to 37.4%), and background noise (63.3% to 37.7% to 34.3%) subscales of the APHAB questionnaire significantly decreased after VSB surgery. The mean K-IOI-HA scores at 3 and 6 months after surgery were significantly higher than the mean preoperative score (18.6 to 27.2 to 28.1). The postoperative VSB-aided thresholds were significantly lower than the preoperative unaided and hearing aid (HA)-aided thresholds. There was no significant difference between preoperative unaided, preoperative HA-aided, and postoperative VSB-aided maximum phonetically balanced word-recognition scores. None of the 27 patients experienced a change in postoperative bone conduction pure tone average. One patient developed temporary facial palsy and two developed surgical wound infections.ConclusionRW vibroplasty resulted in improved satisfaction and audiological test results in patients with mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy, and the complication rate was tolerable.