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Ciljevi: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je prikazati utjecaj pandemije COVID-19 na rad Klinike za bolesti uha, nosa i grla i kirurgiju glave i vrata KBC-a Zagreb. Metode: Iz računalne baze podataka KBC-a Zagreb te baze onkoloških bolesnika Klinike retrospektivno su izvučeni te uspoređeni podatci o izvršenim postupcima i dijagnozama u razdoblju prva četiri mjeseca 2019., 2020. te 2021. godine. Rezultati: Ukupan je broj slučajeva 2020. bio veći za 32,4%, a 2021. za 13,19% (p, Aim: The aim of this study was to show changes in the work of the Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery Department, UHC Zagreb, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively extracted and compared the data on the procedures and diagnoses of the Department during the period from January 1st to April 30th in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Results: The total number of cases was lower by 34.2% in 2020, and by 13.19% in 2021, compared to 2019 (p

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is a rare and aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor, most commonly located in the mandible or maxilla. An extremely rare extragnathic localization of AC with no connection to the jaws, ectopic ameloblastic carcinoma (EAC), has so far been described only three times. This report presents a 64-year-old male with skull base ameloblastic carcinoma and offers a review of diagnostic and treatment challenges related to EAC. Because of its rarity and histological similarity to other tumors, EAC is often misdiagnosed. This is why we established a pathohistological and immunohistochemical profile of EAC that differentiates it from histologically similar tumors. The most frequently used EAC treatment is radical surgical resection, but the majority of reviewed reports described local recurrence. Taking into consideration new scientific discoveries on the molecular pathogenesis of ameloblastoma, we are the first to have performed BRAF mutation analysis in an EAC patient. BRAF inhibitors offer promising results in the treatment of BRAF-positive ameloblastomas and should continue to be researched in AC and EAC patients. Finally, EAC should be considered in differential diagnosis of head and neck tumors outside the jaws.

Objectives: The high incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC), significantly associated with living environment and behaviour, can be prevented more efficiently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental and behavioural risk factors for HNC. Methods: Using a detailed questionnaire on social status, education, living and occupational environment exposures, family cancer and lifestyle, HNC patients (103 cases, 76.7% of men) were compared with control subjects (244 subjects, 73% of men) balanced by age: mean (standard deviation) 63.8 (9.3) and 63.8 (9.0) for cases and controls, respectively. Results: The results of this study showed that smoking and low education were significant risk factors for HNC regardless of sex. Family HNC and breast cancer were significant predictors of HNC risk. Conclusion: The study confirmed previous results that smoking and low education are significantly associated with HNC. Additionally, results pointed to significant HNC and breast cancer risk in HNC patient's families that may have originated from passive smoking or a smoking habit stemming from social environments that support it. Better dissemination programmes regarding smoking risks for children and adults are needed, targeting not only individuals but also families.

The worldwide annual incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is over 300,000 cases with a mortality rate of 48%. This cancer type accounts for 90% of all oral cancers, with the highest incidence in men over 50 years of age. A significantly increased risk of developing OSCC exists among smokers and people who consume alcohol daily. OSCC is an aggressive cancer that metastasizes rapidly. Despite the development of new therapies in the treatment of OSCC, no significant increase in 5-year survival has been recorded in the past decades. The latest research suggests focus should be put on examining tumor stroma activation within OSCC, as the stroma may contain cells that can produce signal molecules and a microenvironment crucial for the development of metastases. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the factors that activate OSCC stroma and hence faciliate neoplastic progression. It is based on the currently available data on the role and interaction between metalloproteinases, cytokines, growth factors, hypoxia factor and extracellular adhesion proteins in the stroma of OSCC and neoplastic cells. Their interplay is additionally presented using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation in order to sublimate the collected knowledge and enable the more efficient recognition of possible new biomarkers in the diagnostics and follow-up of OSCC or in finding new therapeutic targets.