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Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Sep 2021Hoarseness lasting greater than 2 weeks should be thoroughly evaluated. Here, a case is presented of a 38-year-old female with a 10-year history of dysphonia. Endoscopic...
Hoarseness lasting greater than 2 weeks should be thoroughly evaluated. Here, a case is presented of a 38-year-old female with a 10-year history of dysphonia. Endoscopic examination confirmed the presence of a supraglottic mass, for which operative biopsy and imaging were performed. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of supraglottic schwannoma. This was excised endoscopically with close management postoperatively to monitor for rapid recurrence and airway compromise. At one month postoperatively, the patient is still mildly dysphonic but vocally improved and the operative site continues to heal well.
Topics: Adult; Dysphonia; Epiglottis; Female; Hoarseness; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngoscopy; Neurilemmoma
PubMed: 34112006
DOI: 10.1177/01455613211018586 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2024: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from the paraganglia, which might be sympathetic or parasympathetic. Laryngeal...
: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from the paraganglia, which might be sympathetic or parasympathetic. Laryngeal paragangliomas are the rarest subtype of these tumors, with only 1.41% of all paragangliomas, arising from the supraglottic or subglottic paraganglia of the larynx. The vast majority of them are benign, but there are some cases in which they turn out to be malignant, and the only way to know with certainty the difference between them is when we identify distant metastases. The aim of this article is to share our experience with a rare case of laryngeal paraganglioma and review the clinical characteristics, methods of diagnostic, necessary investigation prior to the operation, and surgical management of this type of tumor. : We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient, a non-smoker, who accused dysphagia, dysphonia, foreign body sensation, chronic cough, and hoarseness for six months. We performed a tracheostomy prior to biopsy to secure the airways in case of bleeding and then took a few biopsy samples. The histopathological exam revealed the presence of a laryngeal paraganglioma. An enhanced CT scan was performed in order to describe the localization, size, and invasion of the tumor. We also measured the vanillylmandelic acid from the urine to determine if the tumor produced catecholamines alongside a full cardiology and endocrinology examinations. In order to prevent massive bleeding during the operation, chemoembolization was attempted before surgery, but it was unsuccessful due to an anatomical variation of the left superior thyroid artery. She underwent surgery, first through transoral endoscopic microsurgery; however, we decided to undertake an external approach because of poor bleeding control, even though we had ligated both the superior thyroid artery and the external carotid artery, with a thyrotomy and laryngofissure achieving the complete resection of the tumor. : The patient was discharged 10 postoperative days later, with the recommendation of introducing food step-by-step from liquids to solids. She was decannulated after 30 days, with no complications regarding breathing, phonation, or deglutition. Twelve months after the surgery, we did not identify any local relapses of distant metastases. : Laryngeal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the laryngeal paraganglia. Surgery is the best treatment option available, and it can be done by either an external approach or by transoral endoscopy. Enhanced CT or MRI, as well as full cardiological and endocrinological evaluation are mandatory prior to the operation. Measuring the catecholamines levels show the if the tumor is secretory. Controlling the bleeding poses the biggest challenge in performing the resection of the tumor, especially when a transoral endoscopic approach is chosen. Further standardized follow-up guidelines are required in the future.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Paraganglioma; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Catecholamines
PubMed: 38399485
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020198 -
Head and Neck Pathology Dec 2021Carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare clinicopathologic variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histologically, it is characterized by invasive growth of bland, acanthotic,...
Carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare clinicopathologic variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histologically, it is characterized by invasive growth of bland, acanthotic, and keratinizing squamous epithelium that forms multiple rabbit burrow-like, keratin-filled crypts and sinuses. We present a 51-year-old male smoker with CC of the left vocal cord. The tumor was staged T1a and the patient was disease-free 12 months after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of CC of the larynx reported in the English literature and the first, due to its early diagnosis, where radical surgery was not performed. We highlight the necessity for awareness of this entity and coordination between otolaryngologists, radiologists, and pathologists for early diagnosis and organ-sparing surgical treatment.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Smokers; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33394373
DOI: 10.1007/s12105-020-01264-7 -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology Apr 2022At the University of Wisconsin, all treatment of head and neck cancer patients begins with discussion at our multi-disciplinary tumor board. Most patients with T4... (Review)
Review
At the University of Wisconsin, all treatment of head and neck cancer patients begins with discussion at our multi-disciplinary tumor board. Most patients with T4 disease, with existing laryngeal dysfunction, considered unlikely to complete definitive CRT or who have a high risk of persistent aspiration after non-operative management undergo total laryngectomy. A laryngeal sparing approach is attempted on most other patients. Radiotherapy is delivered over 6.5 weeks, preferably with concurrent weekly cisplatin. If the patient is hesitant of chemotherapy or has contraindications to cisplatin, concurrent cetuximab may be offered. Patients treated with RT alone are often treated to the same dose, but via an accelerated schedule by adding a 6th fraction per week. The 6th fraction is given by delivering two treatments at least 6 h apart on a weekday of the patient's choosing. We consider the following to be major risk factors for clinically significant weight loss during treatment: a 10% or greater loss of weight in the 6 months prior to starting treatment, delivery of concurrent cisplatin, and treatment of the bilateral neck with radiation. Patients who have 2-3 of these characteristics are often given gastrostomy tubes prophylactically. Patients are seen 2 weeks after completion of therapy, and then every 3 months after completion for 2 years. A CT neck and PET-CT are performed at the first 3-month visit. They are seen twice in year three, and then yearly until years 5-7. At each of these visits, we have a low threshold to present the patient at our multidisciplinary tumor board for consideration of salvage laryngectomy if there are signs of progression.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cisplatin; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Organ Preservation; Organ Sparing Treatments; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
PubMed: 35303749
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00945-5 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2024
Topics: Humans; Lipoma; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Male; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38442639
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2024.101407 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Jul 2023Recent studies have uncovered that the microbiota in patients with head and neck cancers is significantly altered and may drive cancer development. However, there is...
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have uncovered that the microbiota in patients with head and neck cancers is significantly altered and may drive cancer development. However, there is limited data to explore the unique microbiota of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and little is known regarding whether the oral microbiota can be utilized as an early diagnostic biomarker.
METHODS
Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we characterized the microbiome of oral rinse and tissue samples from 77 patients with LSCC and 76 control patients with vocal polyps, and then performed bioinformatic analyses to identify taxonomic groups associated with clinicopathologic features.
RESULTS
Multiple bacterial genera exhibited significant differences in relative abundance when stratifying by histologic and tissue type. By exploiting the distinct microbial abundance and identifying the tumor-associated microbiota taxa between patients of LSCC and vocal polyps, we developed a predictive classifier by using rinse microbiota as key features for the diagnosis of LSCC with 85.7% accuracy.
CONCLUSION
This is the first evidence of taxonomical features based on the oral rinse microbiome that could diagnose LSCC. Our results revealed the oral rinse microbiome is an understudied source of clinical variation and represents a potential non-evasive biomarker of LSCC.
Topics: Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Microbiota; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37408030
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04285-2 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... Dec 2023To investigate epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of patients with laryngeal verrucous carcinomas (LVC). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of patients with laryngeal verrucous carcinomas (LVC).
METHODS
Two independent authors investigated PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library for studies dedicated to epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of patients with LVC. The following outcomes were investigated with PRISMA criteria: age; gender; tobacco/alcohol consumption; HPV infection; anatomical, pathological, therapeutic and survival outcomes. Studies were analyzed for bias through a validated clinical tool.
RESULTS
Of the 212 identified articles, 15 retrospective studies and one prospective uncontrolled study met our inclusion criteria. Three studies reported findings from national databases. The males/females ratio is 9/1. Mean age was 60.3 years, which was younger compared to other laryngeal malignancies. The alcohol, cigarette overuse and the HPV status of patients were lacking in most studies. Glottis and supraglottis were the most common anatomical locations, corresponding to 78.7% and 12.4% of cases, respectively. The main therapeutic approaches consisted of surgery, radiotherapy, surgery followed by radiotherapy. Treatments reported 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival of 86.3 and 90.8, respectively. The 5- and 10-year local control rate were 83.6 and 72.6, respectively. The 10-year disease-specific survival was 80.2. Heterogeneity between studies was found for inclusion criteria, comorbidity data, and treatments.
CONCLUSION
LVC is a rare laryngeal cancer associated with better survival and recurrence outcomes than laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The role of radiotherapy in the treatment regimen needs to be investigated in future prospective controlled studies.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Retrospective Studies; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Verrucous; Neoplasm Staging
PubMed: 38093339
DOI: 10.1186/s40463-023-00666-1 -
The Laryngoscope May 2021A paucity of data exists regarding surgical outcomes for patients undergoing total laryngectomy for a dysfunctional larynx. Herein, we present the largest study...
OBJECTIVE
A paucity of data exists regarding surgical outcomes for patients undergoing total laryngectomy for a dysfunctional larynx. Herein, we present the largest study evaluating the method of closure on postoperative fistula rate and swallowing ability.
METHOD
We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing total laryngectomy for a dysfunctional larynx after primary radiation or chemoradiation therapy for laryngeal carcinoma from 1998 to 2020. Demographic information, operative details, length of hospitalization, fistula formation, method of fistula treatment, and need for enteral feeding 6 months after surgery were analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 268 patients were included. Flaps were performed in 140 (52.2%) patients, including radial forearm free flaps (RFFF), pectoralis flaps, and supraclavicular flaps. Sixty-four (23.9%) patients developed postoperative fistulas. There was no significant difference in the fistula rate between flap and primary closure methods (P = .06). However, among patients who had a flap, RFFF had a significantly lower fistula rate (P = .02). Significantly more patients who had initial closure with a pectoralis flap required an additional flap for fistula repair than those who underwent RFFF or primary closure (P < .05). Last, whereas 87 patients (32.5%) required an enteral feeding tube 6 months after surgery, significantly fewer patients who underwent RFFF were feeding tube-dependent (P = < .0001).
CONCLUSION
Herein, we present the largest study of outcomes after total laryngectomy for dysfunctional larynx. Postoperative fistula rates are high, 23%; however, the majority of patients, 67%, will not require long-term enteral support. The RFFF is an excellent option demonstrating the lowest rates of postoperative fistula and enteral feeding tube dependence.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1510-E1513, 2021.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma; Chemoradiotherapy; Cutaneous Fistula; Enteral Nutrition; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngectomy; Larynx; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Postoperative Complications; Radiation Injuries; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33037821
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29154 -
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII Dec 2023laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common head and neck cancer with significant impact on quality of life due to its crucial roles in...
PD-1 Inhibitors combined with paclitaxel (Albumin-bound) and cisplatin for larynx preservation in locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common head and neck cancer with significant impact on quality of life due to its crucial roles in vocalization, airway protection, and swallowing. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy and larynx organ preservation of neoadjuvant treatment with PD-1 inhibitors in combination with paclitaxel (Albumin-bound) and cisplatin for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC.
METHODS
Medical records of consecutive patients diagnosed with histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced SCC of the larynx and hypopharynx, who received PD-1 inhibitor therapy at a single tertiary care center, were reviewed from January 1, 2019, to December 15, 2022. The patients were treated with a combination of PD-1 inhibitors, paclitaxel (Albumin-bound) 260mg/m2, and cisplatin 60mg/m2 (TP) as their first-line therapy. Survival outcomes, laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) rates and response rates were assessed.
RESULTS
The study cohort comprised 156 patients, predominantly male, with a median age of 60.4 years. The estimated one-year overall survival (OS) rate was 94.1%, two-year OS rate was 82.5%, one-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 80.4%, and two-year PFS rate was 66.3%. The one-year LFS was 86.4%, and the two-year LFS rate was 73.0%. The overall response rate after TP + PD-1 inhibitors therapy was 88.5%. Common treatment-associated adverse events included rash, thyroid function abnormalities, myelosuppression, and colitis.
CONCLUSION
Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors in combination with paclitaxel (Albumin-bound) and cisplatin showed promising efficacy and tolerability for larynx preservation in locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC. The high response rates and favorable survival outcomes suggest this approach as a potential treatment option. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate these findings and establish the role of immunotherapy in larynx preservation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Cisplatin; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Paclitaxel; Retrospective Studies; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Neoplasm Staging; Larynx; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 37804437
DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03550-z -
Head & Neck Dec 2021High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx (HG-NECL) is rare and aggressive with limited data regarding response to systemic therapy. We evaluated...
BACKGROUND
High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx (HG-NECL) is rare and aggressive with limited data regarding response to systemic therapy. We evaluated clinicopathological features, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes in patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal HG-NECL.
METHODS
Data were retrospectively collected through 1997-2020. Median disease-free (mDFS), progression-free (mPFS), and overall survival (mOS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
RESULTS
Fifteen patients were identified; most had locoregional (N = 7) or metastatic disease (N = 5). The main curative-intent treatment was chemoradiation concurrent with platinum-based chemotherapy; the rate of complete response was 78%. Most patients (80%) developed recurrence; the mDFS was 13.1 months. For the first-line palliative therapy, the ORR and mPFS were 50% and 3.1 months, respectively. For all patients, the mOS was 17.8 months, and 8.6 months for metastatic disease.
CONCLUSION
Laryngeal HG-NEC is associated with high relapse rates and dismal prognosis for those with recurrent/metastatic disease. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed.
Topics: Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Humans; Hypopharynx; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Larynx; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate
PubMed: 34524729
DOI: 10.1002/hed.26865