Basaloid squamous carcinoma of the buccal cavity.

Basaloid-squamous carcinoma was first recognized as a separate pathologic entity in 1986. It has been described in the hypopharynx, larynx, base of tongue, and nasal cavity. We report the first case of this rare tumor occurring in the buccal cavity and review the atypical squamous cell carcinomas that occurred in these sites.     

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. Long-term results.

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome among 390 patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis and whether patient or operative factors influenced results. The combined operative morbidity rate for the pouch-anal anastomosis and the subsequent closure of the temporary ileostomy was 29% (bowel obstruction, 22%; pelvic sepsis, 5%), with one death due to pulmonary embolus. The probability of a successful outcome at 5 years was 94%. Of the 24 patients who failed (6% of total), 18 did so within 1 year (4%), three during year 2 (1%), three during year 3 (1%), and none thereafter. Stool frequency (7 stools/24 h), the occurrence of pouchitis (14%), and satisfactory daytime continence (94% of patients) remained stable over 4 years after operation, whereas nocturnal fecal spotting decreased (51% of patients to 20%). Women had more spotting than men, whereas patients over 50 years old had more stools per day than those 50 years or younger. In conclusion, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis achieved a reasonable stool frequency and satisfactory continence in patients with ulcerative colitis over the long-term. These results support the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as a safe, satisfactory alternative to permanent ileostomy.     

A stereotactic approach to deep-seated central nervous system neoplasms using the carbon dioxide laser

This report describes a technique in which deep-seated CNS neoplasms, the volume and shape of which had been determined and stereotactically localized by computer reconstruction of CT data, were vaporized with a carbon dioxide laser attached to a stereotactic frame. The clinical results with 6 patients treated by this technique are presented.     

Informational needs of individuals and families with hereditary cancers

Individuals and families with hereditary cancers have informational needs that differ, depending on the availability of testing for increased hereditary risk and major focus of concern (reproductive decision-making or risk to self). Cancer risk counseling helps individuals understand risk information so they can make decisions appropriate to their lives and value systems.