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In this communication, the authors discuss the issue of individualization of thyrotropin suppressive therapy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients and share their views with respect to optimizing the dose of levothyroxine (LT) prescription both during discharge from radioiodine therapy ward and during follow-up. The changing management paradigm at our Institute during post-thyroidectomy period and during the preparation for radioiodine scan is also briefly highlighted. Five factors can be identified as important determinants for the dose individualization approach: (1) Persistence or absence of metastatic disease, (2) the risk characteristics of the patient and the tumor (3) patient's clinical profile, symptomatology, and contraindications (4) the feasibility to ensure a proper thyroid stimulating hormone TSH suppression level (depends on patient's socio-economic and educational background, the connectivity with the local physician and his expertise) (5) time period elapsed since initial diagnosis. While discussing each individual case scenario, the authors, based upon their experience in one of the busiest thyroid cancer referral centers in the country, discuss certain unaddressed points in the current guideline recommendations, deviations made and some challenges toward employing them into practice, which could be situation and center specific. In addition to these, the value of clinical examination, patient profile and detailed enquiry about clinical symptomatology by the attending physician in each follow-up visit cannot be overemphasized. According to the authors, this aspect, quite important for dose determination in an individual, is relatively underrepresented in the present guidelines. It would also be worthwhile to follow a conservative approach (till clear data emerges) in patients who have characteristics of "high-risk" disease, but are clinically and biochemically disease free, if no medical contraindications exist and patient tolerates the suppressive therapy well. This would be particularly applicable in the presence of aggressive histopathological variants, where, in the event of recurrence/metastasis, the disease demonstrates adverse prognosis and higher incidence of radioiodine refractoriness. At the end, certain important and noteworthy concepts pertaining to LT prescription that has definitive practical implications for the suppressive therapy in DTC patients are described.

Context: Head and neck surgeries are complex. Wound complications are associated with considerable morbidity and can result in delay in the adjuvant treatment. Identification of factors will help in formulating preventive guidelines. Aims: The aim of this study is to identify perioperative factors responsible for wound complications. Settings and Design: Prospective study of 186 head and neck patients. Subjects and Methods: Pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative factors were recorded. Each patient was evaluated for minor and major wound complications twice daily during the hospital stay. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used for univariate and log regression test was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The overall wound complication rate was 29% with 7% major and 22% minor complications. On univariate analysis, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal location, advanced T stage, poor oral hygiene, clean-contaminated surgery, low Karnofsky performance status (KPS), flap reconstruction, blood loss more than 1000 ml, perioperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery greater than 4.3 h and post-operative hemoglobin lesser than 11 g%, post-operative tracheostomy and resection of mandible were statistical significant factors. On multivariate analysis, post-operative tracheostomy, low KPS, post-operative serum albumin less than 3.7 g/dl and duration of surgery greater than 4.3 h were significant factors. Conclusion : Apart from unavoidable factors, it is essential to take care of certain factors viz nutrition, haemoglobin, oral hygiene, asepsis and repeating antibiotics in prolonged surgery.

Post laryngectomy voice rehabilitation using primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion is considered the “gold standard” method. No special effort is taken to measure the tracheoesophageal partywall thickness before inserting voice prosthesis. TE puncture related problems (peri-prosthetic leakage) are commonly seen in our population as compared to device failures (central leak). An accurate prosthesis inserted primarily may prevent the development of peri-prosthetic leakage. We surmise that tracheoesophageal party wall thickness (PWT) to be an important factor determining this phenomenon. There is still no consensus on the size of the prosthesis to be inserted during a primary TEP. To cater this, we propose a simple, quick and accurate method of measuring tracheoesophageal PWT intraoperatively. This method will guide us to determine an accurate prosthesis size which can be inserted during primary TEP. We also propose that this method will prevent future TE puncture related problems.

Objective To generate a nomogram for predicting the risk of neck node metastasis in pathologically node-negative patients using a combination of variables comprising of protein expression, ultrastructural alterations and clinicopathological parameters. Materials And Methods Surgically removed oral tumours (n=103) were analyzed for the expression of desmosomal and hemidesmosomal assembly proteins by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural alterations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protein expression, ultrastructural alterations and clinicopathological variables were used to construct nomogram from the training set in 75 patients. Clinical utility of the nomogram was validated in a discrete set of 28 patients. Results Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed on the training set and obtained significant variables comprising of integrin β4 expression (p=0.027), number of hemidesmosomes (p=0.027)/ desmosomes (p=0.046), tumour differentiation grade (p=0.033) and tumour thickness (p=0.024) were used for construction of the nomogram. The area under the curve was calculated for both training 0.821 (95% CI 0.725-0.918) and validation sets 0.880 (95% CI 0.743-1.000). The nomogram demonstrated a predictive accuracy of 73.3% and 78.6% with the sensitivity of 81.4% and 83.3% in the training and validation sets respectively. Conclusions The nomogram constructed on post surgical tumour samples will be a value addition to histopathology for the detection of neck node metastasis in pathologically node negative patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Introduction To study the characteristics of pyramidal lobe (PL) in cancer patients with emphasis on its involvement in patients subjected to thyroidectomy at a tertiary care cancer centre. Methods Retrospective review of prospectively maintained data of 103 patients (33 males and 70 females) who underwent thyroidectomy from January 1st 2011–August 31st 2013. Surgery was performed by single surgeon, findings recorded by the lead author and all measurements taken with specimen in situ prior to mobilization of thyroid gland with intact anatomy. Thyroid specimens were examined for presence, location, length and histology of PL. Results PL was identified in 38 (36.89%) patients. PL was commoner on left 27 (71.05%) compared to 11 (28.95%) on right side. The frequency of PL was higher in males 51.51% compared to females 30%. The length varied from 4 to 35 mm. The mean length was 18.0 ± 12.4 mm. In 10.53% cases PL contained deposits of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Discussion Meticulous clearance of disease is of utmost importance in thyroid cancer surgery in order to prevent recurrence and ensure reliable follow up with serum thyroglobulin. PL is a common site of residual thyroid tissue which if involved by cancer can be a cause of local recurrence. Conclusions PL is a well established entity which is present in over one third of patients. Efforts should be made to identify PL during surgery given its bearing on the management of thyroid carcinoma as nearly 10% of these will be site of multifocal papillary carcinoma.

A schwannoma is a benign, encapsulated tumour that is derived from neural sheath (Schwann) cells. Approximately 25–40% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck. The most common site is the parapharyngeal space of the neck; oropharyngeal occurrence is extremely rare. Among the various histological types of schwannomas reported to date, the ancient (degenerative) variant is the most rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ancient schwannoma in the parapharynx with an extensive oropharyngeal component causing dysphagia. Dysphagia was the prominent symptom because of the location and volume of the lesion. The tumour was excised via a transcervical approach.

Pediatric thyroid cancer is a rare entity accounting for less than 5% of all thyroid cancers. This intriguing disease is characterized by advanced presentation, coupled with frequent lymph nodal metastases and often pulmonary metastases. It perhaps exhibits a distinct biology and behaviour, because in spite of its aggressiveness, survival is extremely good. This mandates meticulous treatment decisions that are well executed, because the complications of therapy in patients with good survival may spell prolonged morbidity. Being an unusual disease, it is unlikely that level I evidence guiding the management will come forth. There have been controversies regarding management, and the current consensus comes from large prospective studies. There have been only a few studies from India detailing pediatric thyroid cancers. In the current discussion, we review the existing evidence about pediatric thyroid cancers, and try to have an Indian perspective at the problem.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis associated with hypersensitivity to ultraviolet light due to defects in Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair. These patients have more than a 1000-fold increased risk of developing skin cancers. Although multiple cutaneous malignancies are common, the simultaneous occurrence of angiosarcoma and basal cell carcinoma is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of a 25-year-old male with XP with angiosarcoma scalp and basal cell carcinoma of face and occiput and discuss the treatment of this aggressive neoplasm with a review of the literature pertaining to it.

Background. Pharyngoesophageal spasm is a known entity to cause hypertonic/failed tracheoesophageal speech and is successfully treated by botulinum toxin A injection. However, success of botulinum toxin treatment is based on the accurate localization of the pharyngoesophageal segment. Methods. A 65-year-old man who had a laryngectomy using voice prosthesis with hypertonic speech underwent ultrasonographic localization of the hypertonic pharyngoesophageal segment. The ultrasound findings were confirmed using videofluoroscopy. Under ultrasound guidance, botulinum toxin was injected into the hypertonic pharyngoesophageal segment and subsequently voice outcomes were evaluated by a speech language pathologist and the pharyngoesophageal segment was assessed by using an ultrasound scan. Results. The patient had improvement in his postinjection tracheoesophageal puncture speech. Ultrasound scan assessment of the pharyngoesophageal segment showed adequate dilation as compared to the pre-botulinum toxin injection treatment. Conclusion. Ultrasonographic localization of the hypertonic pharyngoesophageal segment and ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection is a simple, quick, and re latively cheap method to be used in routine practice. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: E122-E125, 2013

An ectopic thyroid gland may be present in any location along the path of migration from the foramen caecum to the mediastinum. The most common locations for an ectopic thyroid are the lingual thyroid followed by median cervical cysts. An ectopic thyroid in the submandibular region is extremely rare. We present the case of a 44-year-old patient with ectopic thyroid tissue in submandibular space and a review of the literature related to it.

Head neck cancer is an important health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Early detection and adequate treatment improve prognosis significantly. Thus creating awareness among clinicians is an important step toward control of head neck cancer and reducing its overall burden. We here provide an update on the International Federation of Head Neck Oncology Society/American Head Neck Society 2014 held between July 26, 2014 and July 30, 2014 in New York.

Aims To highlight the misdiagnosis or delay in the detection of Bisphosphonate induced necrosis of Jaw (BINJ). It is associated with prolonged administration of intravenous bisphosphonates that are routinely used in the management of osteoporosis, Paget's disease, Multiple Myeloma, bone metastases. It improves quality of life, delays the skeletal complication, decreases the pain and hypercalcemia. Methods We prospectively collected data of those patients who were receiving bisphosphonates for management of their primary illness and developed BINJ. This pathology being a new entity most oncologists are still ignorant about its existence. Results Use of intravenous bisphosphanates can lead to BINJ which may mimic malignancy or metastasis. None of our patients were counseled, oncologists did not perform routine oral examinations, dentists went ahead with unwarranted interventions, radiologist raised false alarm and oral surgeons undertook unnecessary biopsies. Misled by clinical presentation and radiological appearance, all patients were initially misdiagnosed and underwent unwarranted interventions. Conclusions A careful dental clinical examination and appropriate imaging study is recommended before starting bisphosphonate therapy. The doctors prescribing Bisphosphonates especially intravenous preparations should not only counsel the patients but also routinely examine patient's oral cavity.

6000Background: We conducted an investigator-initiated, phase 3 randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of addition of Nimotuzumab during concurrent chemoradiation in locally advance...

Background Surgery is the mainstay in the management of thyroid cancer. Surgical outcomes need to be tempered against the excellent prognosis of the disease. Aims This study aims to study the surgical outcomes including the 30-day morbidity and 5-year survival of thyroid cancer patients. Settings and design Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained surgical database in a tertiary cancer center in India. Materials and methods We analyzed 221 surgically treated patients in the year 2012. Statistical analysis Used IBM SPSS 24.0 (Armonk, NY) with p Results The median age was 40 years with predominantly papillary thyroid carcinoma (55%). Localized disease in 47% of cases, locoregional disease in 42.5% and distant metastasis in 10.2% of cases at presentation was noted. Treatment naive patients were 71% and revision surgeries were done in 29% patients. Extended thyroidectomy constituted 11% of the surgeries. Temporary hypocalcemia was seen in 30.8% of patients, 5% requiring intravenous calcium supplementation. Vocal cord palsy as per nerve at risk and chyle leak were seen in 4.5% and 3.1%, respectively. Aggressive histology, extended thyroidectomy, and inadvertent parathyroidectomy were significant factors associated with complications. Five year estimated overall survival with median follow-up of 50 months was 98%, and event-free survival was 84.8%. Advanced age, distant metastasis at presentation and aggressive histology connoted poor outcomes. Conclusion Thyroid cancer, irrespective of the extent of disease, has good prognosis. Aggressive histology, the extent of thyroid surgery, distant metastasis and age are important factors, which should be factored in the algorithm of thyroid cancer management.

The objective of the article is to study the prognostic indicators of loco-regional failure in patients with early stage cancers of the gingivobuccal complex (GBC) treated at a single institution. The study design is based on retrospective chart review. A review of 2,275 patients diagnosed with GBC was conducted from January 1997 to December 1999, wherein 207 patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were analyzed. Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and disease-free survival are reported. During a median follow-up of 2.85 years there were 85 (43%) loco-regional failures of which 64% could be salvaged. As much as 80% of all failures occurred within the first 24 months and the mean survival for patients with recurrences was 9.6 months. Two and five-year disease-free survival for the entire cohort was 65% and 52%, respectively. Nodal metastasis, soft tissue infiltration, and pathological bone involvement correlated with poor disease-free survival on multivariate analysis. Early stage tumors of the GBC as evaluated clinically are often upstaged pathologically due to a high rate of occult nodal metastasis and local failure as they tend to invade bone and infiltrate adjacent soft tissue. Consequently, we recommend aggressive surgical therapy as we would recommend for advanced stage cancers of the GBC which includes a wide three-dimensional resection to account for soft tissue and bony infiltrations and adjuvant therapy in the presence of adverse features since salvage rates for recurrent tumors are poor.

BackgroundPrimary tracheoesophageal prosthetic speech is the gold standard for speech rehabilitation in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. However, despite a high success rate, the speech outcome can be suboptimal in 5-15% of these patients. The most frequent cause being hypertonicity of the pharyngoesophageal segment. We elaborate a simple clinical technique that can be performed in an outpatient clinic to identify the hypertonic pharyngoesophageal segment in patients with PES.MethodsAll these patients (13 males and 1 female) had undergone total laryngectomy and primary tracheoesophageal puncture followed by postoperative radiotherapy. Even after rigorous speech therapy, these patients had failed to develop fluent speech. The mean duration following surgery was 8 months (range 4-20 months). A simple clinical technique is elaborated utilizing the dermal ballooning effect observed in the cervical region to ascertain the site of pharyngo esophageal spasmodic segment.ResultsUsing this technique we have been able to identify the hypertonic segment successfully in 13 of the 14 patients with PES. In these patients the trial lignocaine block was injected specifically at these points medial to the carotid vessels. Improvement in speech following the block was observed, and was further confirming using a videofluroscopy.ConclusionThis technique serves as a simple and useful clinical tool to map the spasmodic segment and to guide the injection site for trial lignocaine block and as well for botulinum a toxin. In addition, it also prevents inadvertent injection to the normal segments.

Aim : Prospective subjective evaluation of swallowing function and dietary pattern in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). Materials and Methods : Prospective evaluation of swallowing function with performance status scale for head and neck cancer patients (PSSHN) at pre-CRT, CRT completion and at subsequent follow-ups in adult with loco-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Results : In 47 patients (40 male, seven females; mean age 53; 72% smoker 53%, oropharyngeal cancer), the mean total PSSHN score at pre-CRT was 258.5 and decreased to 225.2 and 219.2 at two and six months respectively. Understandability of speech, normalcy in diet and eating in public at pre-CRT and six months were 91.5 and 84.4; 80.4 and 63.1; 87.3 and 76.6 respectively. In univariate analysis, pre-CRT PSSHN scores were significantly lesser in patients with severe pre-CRT dysphagia (P = 0.001), hypopharyngeal cancer (P = 0.244) and advanced T-stage (T3/4) disease (P = 0.144). At CRT completion, there was significant reduction of PSSHN scores in patients with severe pre-CRT dysphagia (P = 0.008), post-CRT weight loss (>10%) and disease progression (P = 0.039). At two months and six months, 17 (57%) and 11 (73.5%) patients respectively showed change in dietary habit. Mean increase in meal time was 13% and 21% at two and six-month follow-up. Conclusions : HNSCC patients show deterioration in swallowing function after CRT with normalcy of diet in maximum and eating in public least affected. Pre-CRT severity of dysphagia, weight loss> 10% and disease progression have significant correlation with higher swallowing function deterioration after CRT.

Background The aim of this study is to determine the need for a randomized controlled trial in order to define the role of an elective neck dissection (END) in the treatment of early tongue cancers. Methods We present a large retrospective analysis of patients with T1-2 N0 squamous cell cancers of the oral anterior tongue treated at a single institution. A total of 359 eligible patients with early tongue cancers were divided into 2 groups: END and wait and watch (WW). An analysis for survival outcomes and prognostic factors was conducted. Results The estimated 3- and 5-year disease-free survival for the END group was 76% and 74% versus 71% and 68% for the WW group, respectively (p = .53). The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for the END group was 69% and 60% versus 62% and 60% for the WW group, respectively (p = .24). Tumor grade and perineural invasion were independent predictors of recurrence. Conclusion END did not impact disease-free or OS. Current literature still remains divided on this issue emphasizing the need for a randomized controlled trial. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2009

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa in North America is thought to be different from that in the Indian subcontinent. This study compared the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in 64 patients with SCC of the buccal mucosa treated at Cancer Care Manitoba (CCMB), Canada, and 64 similar patients treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), India. Overall, cause-specific and disease-free survival for the two geographical groups were calculated and the impact of individual prognostic factors on survival was assessed. CCMB patients were significantly older (p < 0.001), had less differentiated tumour (p = 0.053) and had higher chances of positive or close surgical margins (p = 0.012). At 5 years, they had lower 5-year overall survival (57.4% versus 80.1%; p < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (76.4% versus 85.0%; p = 0.043) and disease-free survival (42.9% versus 66.4%; p = 0.004). Age had an independent influence on overall survival and cause-specific survival. After adjusting for age there was no difference in cause-specific survival between the two groups (HR = 1.20; 95% CI = 0.46,3.17; p = 0.710). The apparent survival difference between the CCMB and TMH patients was due to the difference in the age of presentation and not because of different biological behaviour.

Background. Voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) has never been studied in Indian patients. This study was planned to validate and assess V-RQOL in patients using tra- cheoesophageal puncture (TEP). Methods. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to validate V-RQOL questionnaire by testing reliability, validity, and respon- siveness. V-RQOL was assessed in patients undergoing total laryngectomy with primary TEP. Results. One hundred thirty-two patients filled 188 question- naires. Analysis was carried out on 122 patients. Reliability and validity of questionnaire were tested by Cronbach's alpha (.84- .91) and item-scale correlation (.67-.86). Median V-RQOL-Total score was 76.2 indicating excellent V-RQOL. Higher scores were observed in patients less than 50 years (82.5 vs 72.5, p 5 .08). There was no effect of time interval between laryngectomy and assessment of questionnaire on the V-RQOL scores. Conclusion. V-RQOL questionnaire can be used reliably to assess V-RQOL, which is found to be excellent in Indian patients undergoing TEP. V C 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 31: 37-44, 2009

To study the incidence of the tubercle of Zuckerkandl (ZT) among Indian patients subjected to thyroid surgery at a tertiary care cancer centre and its relevance in localization of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Prospective study on 144 patients (48 males, 96 females) undergoing thyroidectomy (35 hemithyroidectomies, 109 total thyroidectomies) from September 1st 2010 - February 28th 2013. 144 specimen/253 lobes (129 right, 124 left) were evaluated. Findings were recorded by the same team to ensure consistency. Presence, shape, grade (Pelizzo’s) of ZT and relationship to RLN were documented. ZT was identified in 90.5 % (n = 229), commoner on the right (n = 120) than on left (n = 109). ZT was Grade 0 in 9.5 %, Grade I in 28.9 %, Grade II in 50.5 % and Grade III in 11 % of cases. In all patients ZT was unilobed. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was consistent in position and was posterior to ZT in all cases. There were no branches of the RLN above the ZT. The ZT is a useful guide in locating RLN. Surgeon should be aware about the incidence, shape, grade and relation to RLN which is different in the Indian population as compared to what has been reported globally.

The purpose of this study was to explore urinary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA as a potential biomarker in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).EBV-DNA copies were estimated in plasma/urine of patients with NPC (n = 76) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at baseline, during therapy, and at follow-up. Their correlation with EBV-RNA expression in tissues (n = 53) was used to assess sensitivity and specificity of plasma/urine EBV-DNA. Correlation of urine and plasma EBV-DNA with each other and with radiological response was evaluated.This study demonstrated that urine EBV-DNA has high sensitivity (96%) at diagnosis and it correlates well with plasma EBV-DNA at baseline and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The EBV-DNA copies reduced significantly with therapy (plasma: p.001; urine: p = .011). Patients with low EBV-DNA copies demonstrated improved survival (plasma: p = .023; urine: p = .083).Plasma EBV-DNA is a good prognostic marker, whereas further study on a larger cohort may help in developing urine EBV-DNA as a surrogate prognostic marker for patients with NPC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1666-E1673, 2016.

Selective neck dissection (I-III) for oral cancers offers similar regional control rates with less morbidity as compared with modified radical neck dissection. Charts of 414 patients with oral cancer, who underwent selective neck dissection (I-III) during 1994-2001, were analysed retrospectively. Seventy nine percent of the patients had a primary tumour in the gingivo-buccal complex. Cancer of tongue showed a trend towards higher regional failure (12.3%) as compared to gingivo-buccal cancers (6.5%). Primary tumour was staged as T1-8%, T2-47%, T3-19% and T4-26%. Sixty five percent of the patients were clinically node negative. Isolated neck failure was observed in 4.8% of patients at 2 years and in 5.8% at 5 years. De-differentiation of primary tumour and perineural spread were associated with regional failures. Eighty three percent of the neck recurrences were in the ipsilateral neck and only 16% of these were at levels IV or V. In all, 30% of all regional failures were outside the field of dissection.

Background and Objectives A significant paucity of data exists on non-squamous cancers of the maxillary sinus. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these tumors. Methods Retrospective review of 42 patients with complete available data and a diagnosis of non-squamous cancer of the maxillary sinus treated with curative intent between 1994 and 1999 were performed. Information recorded included demography, clinical characteristics, histopathological findings, treatment methods, and outcome. Survival was also compared with that of squamous cancers of the maxillary sinus. Results The majority of patients presented with locally advanced disease (83%). Malignancies were 14 sarcomas, 8 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 8 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 2 adenocarcinoma, and 10 miscellaneous tumors. Fifteen (35.7%) patients developed recurrent disease and six developed distant metastases. The most common site of recurrence was local (32.5%). The overall mean survival was 71.7 months and 5-year overall and disease-free survival was 51% and 48%, respectively. In contrast, the mean survival in the selected 62 patients with squamous cancers was 40 months and 5-year survival was 29% (P = 0.01). Tumor stage, histological, and treatment type was not associated with significant survival advantage. Conclusions Patients with non-squamous cancers of the maxillary sinus present with locally advanced disease. Local tumor progression remains a significant pattern of failure; however, unlike squamous cancers they have a better prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:362–367. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background. Carcinoma of the gingivobuccal complex is commonly associated with the use of smokeless tobacco known as ''quid.'' Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 511 patients with advanced cancer of gingivobuccal complex surgically treated during 1994 to 1995. We evaluated patterns of disease failure in these patients and correlated disease-free survival with various prognostic factors. Results. During a median follow-up of 46 months, 159 loco- regional recurrences and 11 distant metastases were detected in 148 patients. Seventy-nine percent of the recurrences ap- peared within 18 months of surgery, and the median survival for patients with recurrent disease was less than 4 months. Two-year and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 64% and 57%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, disease-free sur- vival showed significant correlation with skin involvement and extracapsular spread. Conclusions. Gingivobuccal cancers usually fail locoregion- ally. Soft tissue infiltration and extracapsular spread of nodal dis

Tracheostomy can be challenging, especially in the presence of edema or infiltrative malignancy. We present a case in which a fiberoptic bronchoscope that is routinely used for difficult intubation helped to locate the trachea in an emergency situation. A 50 year-old male, a diagnosed case of anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid, presented with respiratory distress and was immediately taken to the operating theater for an emergency tracheostomy. Following an inhalational induction, the patient was intubated with an endotracheal tube. Surgical tracheostomy was extremely difficult as, on neck exploration, there was a plaque of disease infiltrating various tissue planes. When even after considerable dissection the trachea could not be located, we passed a fiberoptic bronchoscope through the endotracheal tube. This helped as it was seen as a trans- illumination and the tracheal position could be confirmed. The rest of the tracheostomy was uneventful.

Angiosarcomas are extremely rare malignant tumours of the larynx. We present a case of laryngeal angiosarcoma in a 58-yearold man who presented with hoarseness of voice, dysphagia and neck swelling. The patient underwent a total laryngectomy with a pre-operative and frozen section diagnosis of a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the larynx. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed features of a laryngeal angiosarcoma. The case is presented for its rarity and diagnostic difficulty.

6007 Background: Chemoradiation (CRT) with cisplatin 100mg/m2 given 3-weekly is the standard of care in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Substituting low dose weekly cisplatin has pharmacological rationale due to lower toxicity and enhanced radiosensitization but has never been compared to 3-weekly cisplatin. Methods: Phase III non-inferiority trial (CTRI/2012/10/003062) in patients with Stage III or IV (non-metastatic) HNSCC planned for radical CRT. Pts were stratified for T-category, N-category and intent of therapy (adjuvant versus definitive) and centrally randomized 1:1 to cisplatin 30mg/m2 weekly or 100mg/m2 3-weekly concurrently with radiotherapy. Primary endpoint was locoregional control (LRC); secondary endpoints included toxicity, compliance, response, progression-free survival and overall survival. The upper boundary of non-inferiority margin was set at 15%, assuming LRC of 60% with power 80% and alpha 0.05. Results: 300 pts were randomized,150 to each arm; median age 44 years (range: 25-67), males 89%; 71% were smokeless tobacco users. 61% were T4, 71% > N2. 93% pts received CRT as adjuvant therapy for high-risk disease; indication was perinodal extension in 84%, close/ positive margins 8%. Median total treatment time was 86 days (IQR: 79-95). Median RT dose was 60 Gy (IQR 60-60 Gy) using shrinking field technique. In the weekly arm, 133 pts (88.7%) received > 6 cycles; 14 (9%) required dose reduction, median cumulative cisplatin dose 210 mg/m2 (IQR 180-210). In the 3-weekly arm, 143 pts (95%) received > 2 cycles, median cumulative cisplatin dose 300 mg/m2 (IQR 200-300); 12 (8%) required dose reduction. At a median follow up of 20 months (range: 1-49), locoregional relapses (LRR) occurred in 42.2% pts in the weekly arm and 29.6% pts in the 3-weekly arm, leading to an absolute difference in LRR of 12.7% (95%CI:1.89-23.41), p=0.035 by Gray’s test, HR-1.58 (95%CI:1.02-2.46). Acute > grade 3 toxicity occurred in 85.3% pts in 3-weekly arm and 70.7% pts in weekly arm, p=0.002; 30.7% pts in the 3-weekly arm and 14% patients in the weekly arm required hospitalization for management of toxicity, p=0.001. Conclusions: 3-weekly cisplatin leads to 42% relative reduction in locoregional recurrence; it is superior to weekly cisplatin and should be the preferred regimen in CRT for HNSCC. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2012/10/003062.

We present two cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from the nasal septum. The first patient was previously untreated. The second patient had been operated outside with a presumed diagnosis of a benign lesion. We excised both the lesions with wide margins as is advisable for this histology. The histopathology examination in the first case showed adenoid cystic carcinoma with no high-risk features. In the second case, the histopathology revealed no residual malignancy. Adjuvant treatment was, therefore, not given to either patient. The postoperative appearance in both cases was good. They have been disease free on follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to report the results of a phase III, 3-arm, randomized trial comparing conventional radiotherapy (RT) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and accelerated RT in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).One hundred eighty-six of 750 planned patients were randomized to receive one of the following treatment plans: RT (66-70 Gy/2 Gy fraction/5 fractions weekly; CRT of weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m(2) ) with the same RT dose; or accelerated RT alone of 66 to 70 Gy/2 Gy fraction/6 fractions weekly were available for analysis. The primary endpoint was locoregional control at 5 years.The mean follow-up was 54 months. Among the 3 arms, CRT showed superior locoregional control (49%; p = .049). RT had lower grade ≥3 mucositis and late toxicity.CRT is associated with significantly better locoregional control as compared to RT and accelerated RT with higher but acceptable acute and late toxicities.

Malignant melanomas involving the mucosa are rare and aggressive lesions. Their rarity has made the formulation of staging and treatment protocols very difficult, as most of the available information comes from case reports and small case series. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the behavior of melanomas of the oral mucosa in patients who were treated at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, a tertiary care referral center for malignancies and one of the largest cancer centers on the Indian subcontinent. During the 22-year period from January 1986 through December 2007, we found only 13 such cases, which had occurred in 8 men and 5 women, aged 26 to 70 years (mean: 37.5). All patients had been offered surgery with curative intent. Mucosal melanomas have exhibited a greater tendency for distant recurrence than for local treatment failure, which is why adjuvant radiation therapy has not been shown to confer any consistent benefit. In our study, only 3 of the 13 patients (23.1 %) remained alive 2 years after diagnosis, despite aggressive treatment. Tumor staging, optimal treatment, and prognostic factors for oral mucosal melanoma are far from clear, and further research is needed. Despite the small number of patients in this study, it still represents one of the largest series of oral mucosal melanoma patients in India.

Background: Use of any treatment modality in cancer depends not only on the effectiveness of the modality, but also on other factors such as local expertise, tolerance of the modality, cost and prevalence of the disease. Oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer are the major subsites in which majority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) literature in the head and neck cancers is available. However, oral cancers form a major subsite in India. Materials And Methods: This is an analysis of a prospectively maintained data on NACT in the head and neck cancers from 2008 to 2012. All these patients were referred for NACT for various indications from a multidisciplinary clinic. Descriptive analysis of indications for NACT in this data base is presented. Results: A total of 862 patients received NACT within the stipulated time period. The sites where oral cavity 721 patients (83.6%), maxilla 41 patients (4.8%), larynx 33 patients (3.8%), laryngopharynx 8 patients (0.9%) and hypopharynx 59 patients (8.2%). Out of oral cancers, the major indication for NACT was to make the cancer resectable in all (100%) patients. The indication in carcinoma of maxilla was to make the disease resectable in 29 patients (70.7% of maxillary cancers) and in 12 patients (29.3% of maxillary cancers) it was given as an attempt to preserve the eyeball. The indication for NACT in laryngeal cancers was organ preservation in 14 patients (42.4% of larnyngeal cancer) and to achieve resectability in 19 patients (57.6% of larnyngeal cancer). The group with laryngopharynx is a cohort of eight patients in whom NACT was given to prevent tracheostomy, these patients had presented with early stridor (common terminology criteria for adverse events Version 4.02). The reason for NACT in hypopharyngeal cancers was for organ preservation in 24 patients (40.7% of hypopharyngeal cancer) and for achievement of resectability in 35 patients (59.3% of hypopharyngeal cancer). Conclusion: The major indication for NACT is to make disease resectable at our center while cases for organ preservation are few.

To determine the most accurate noninvasive imaging modality for occult metastasis in clinically node-negative necks in oral squamous cell carcinoma from a granulomatous disease endemic region.Prospective, observational study comparing ultrasound (US), contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Level wise assessment of neck nodes with each imaging modality was performed and compared with final histopathology.Eighty-five necks were evaluated in 70 patients. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the three modalities were 78.9, 68.75 and 73.25% for US, 73.6, 85.4 and 80.2% for CECT, and 81.5, 54.1 and 66.2% for PET-CT, respectively. CECT performed better than US and PET-CT scan particularly in levels IB and II (accuracy of 81.4 and 88.3% for CECT, 73.25 and 79.1% for US, and 68.6 and 68.6% for PET-CT scan, respectively). Concordance with histology was best with CECT (κ = 0.615) followed by US (κ = 0.461) and PET-CT (κ = 0.337).The quest for the most accurate imaging modality in clinically node-negative necks continues. US alone is inadequate. While PET-CT may not be a specific imaging modality in detecting occult cervical nodal metastasis in endemic regions of chronic granulomatous diseases, the performance of PET CECT in this setting remains to be evaluated. CECT scan, routinely used in imaging for primary disease, is fairly accurate in detecting nodal metastasis. However, in early oral cancers that are generally treated without any imaging for the primary tumor, management of the neck will largely depend on clinical judgment.

Summary Background The median survival of technically unresectable oral-cavity cancers (T4a and T4b) with non surgical therapy is 2–12 months. We hypothesized that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could reduce the tumour size and result in successful resection and ultimately improved outcomes. We present a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who received NACT at our centre between January 2008 and August 2012. Patients and methods All patients with technically unresectable oral cancers were assessed in a multidisciplinary clinic and received 2 cycles of NACT. After 2 cycles, patients were reassessed and planned for either surgery with subsequent CTRT or nonsurgical therapy including CT-RT, RT or palliation. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis of locoregional control and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analysis was done for factors affecting the OS. Results 721 patients with stage IV oral-cavity cancer received NACT. 310 patients (43%) had sufficient reduction in tumour size and underwent surgical resection. Of the remaining patients, 167 received chemoradiation, 3 radical radiation and 241 palliative treatment alone The locoregional control rate at 24 months was 20.6% for the overall cohort, 32% in patients undergoing surgery and 15% in patients undergoing non surgical treatment (p = 0.0001). The median estimated OS in patients undergoing surgery was 19.6 months (95% CI, 9.59–25.21 months) and 8.16 months (95%, CI 7.57–8.76) in patients treated with non surgical treatment (p = 0.0001). Conclusion In our analysis, NACT led to successful resection and improved overall survival in a significant proportion of technically unresectable oral-cancer patients.

A 66-year-old Asian man presented with a tongue ulcer and without palpable metastases to the neck nodes. A thorough clinical examination of the head and neck region did not reveal any other primary lesion. To assess the status of the neck, PET-CT imaging was advised.Physical examination, punch biopsy, PET-CT imaging, blood tests, chest radiograph, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, tumor biopsy, neck incision, tuberculin test, sputum culture and histopathology.Carcinoma of the tongue of pathologic stage T2 N0 M0, with tubercular lymphadenitis and no nodal metastases.Surgical excision and multidrug antitubercular therapy.

Background. Locally advanced carcinoma of maxillary sinus has been historically reported to have poor prognosis. We evaluated the role of NACT in improving the outcome in these patients. Methods. 41 patients with locally advanced technically unresectable (stage IVa) or unresectable maxillary carcinoma (stage IVb) were treated with induction chemotherapy between 2008 and 2011. The demographic profile, response and toxicity of chemotherapy, definitive treatment received, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine factors associated with PFS and OS. Results. The chemotherapy included two drugs (platinum and taxane) in 34 patients (82.9%) and three drugs (platinum, taxane, and 5 FU) in 7 (17.1%). There was no complete response seen in any of the patients, stable disease in 18 (43.9%), partial response in 16 (39%), and progression in 7 (17.1%) patients. After induction, the treatment planned included surgery in 12 (29.3%), CT-RT in 24 (58.5%), radical RT in 1 (2.4%), palliative RT in 1 (2.4%), and palliative chemotherapy in 3 (7.3%) patients. Overall, the median PFS was 10.0 months. The OS at 24 months and 36 months was 41% and 35%, respectively. Conclusion. In unresectable maxillary carcinoma, induction chemotherapy has clinically significant benefit with acceptable toxicity.

Oral cavity squamous cell cancers form a significant percentage of the cancers seen in India. While clinical examination allows direct visualization, it cannot evaluate deep extension of disease. Cross-sectional imaging has become the cornerstone in the pretreatment evaluation of these cancers and provides accurate information about the extent and depth of disease that can help decide the appropriate management strategy and indicate prognosis. Early cancers are treated with a single modality, either surgery or radiotherapy while advanced cancers are offered a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Imaging can decide resectability, help plan the precise extent of resection, and indicate whether organ conservation therapy should be offered. Quality of life issues necessitate preservation of form and function and pretreatment imaging helps plan appropriate reconstruction and counsel patients regarding lifestyle changes. Oral cavity has several subsites and the focus of the review is squamous cancers of the gingivobuccal region, oral tongue and retromolar trigone as these are most frequently encountered in the subcontinent. References for this review were identified by searching Medline and PubMed databases. Only articles published in English language literature were selected. This review aims to familiarize the radiologist with the relevant anatomy of the oral cavity, discuss the specific issues that influence prognosis and management at the above subsites, the optimal imaging methods, the role of imaging in accurately staging these cancers and in influencing management. A checklist for reporting will emphasize the information to be conveyed by the radiologist.

Aim To reinvestigate the accuracy of 16 section multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in assessing mandibular invasion in retromolar trigone (RMT) squamous cell cancers (SCC). Materials and methods A search for diagnosed cases of early RMT SCC that were both imaged and treated at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India, between 2007 and 2010, was undertaken and yielded 37 patients. The average tumour size was 2.6 cm. All patients had undergone segmental, marginal, or hemimandibulectomy within 2 weeks of imaging. Imaging records archived on the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) were analysed. Contrast-enhanced CT had been performed using a 16 section MDCT system using the puffed-cheek technique. Image acquisition was at 2.5 mm section thickness, but axial images and isotropic coronal and sagittal multiplanar reformations were generated ad hoc from 0.625 mm retro-reconstructed images. Optimal oblique reformations were generated at will by the radiologist to depict the RMT in its entirety. The soft-tissue algorithm and bone window or bone algorithm reformations and axial images were analysed on a volume viewer integrated within the PACS using triangulation. Two investigators independently studied the images and these were compared with the findings at histopathology. Results The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 16 section MDCT for mandibular cortical and marrow invasion was 94, 90, and 91.8% and 83, 92, and 89%, respectively. Use of ad hoc generated oblique reformation contributed to the enhanced sensitivity and specificity. The accuracy for inferior alveolar canal invasion was 100%. There was excellent agreement between the two observers. Conclusion Sixteen-section MDCT used to its full potential has high accuracy for the detection of mandibular invasion in RMT SCC.

To evaluate the prognostic role of the lymph node ratio (LNR; ratio of total positive nodes to total dissected nodes) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as compared to pN staging with an aim to provide an optimal cut-off value.1,408 OSCC previously untreated patients who underwent treatment (surgery + neck dissection + adjuvant treatment). LNR sensitivity with respect to survival was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox regression method. LNR and TNM staging variables were subjected to multivariate analysis.LNR (0.088) showed significant association with survival outcomes. For patients with LNR ≤0.088, the OS, DFS, local control, regional control and distant metastasis rates were 64%, 70%, and 89%; for LNR0.088 it was 22%, 19%, and 52%, respectively (P 0.001). On multivariate analysis LNR of 0.088 was seen to be an independent prognostic factor for 5-year regional control (p, hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]; 0.044, 2.016 (1.019-3.990), DFS, 0.032, 1.858 (1.054-3.276), and OS, 0.040, 1.195 (1.033-1.144). On multivariate analysis LNR categorization showed a statistically significant [0.032, 1.858, (1.054-3.276)] advantage over pN staging [0.527, 1.208 (1.054-3.276)] in predicting survival.LNR is a better prognostic marker than the current N staging of TNM classification.

This study studied the coorelation between radiological response to induction chemotherapy and acheivement of pCR or near pCR. It was a retrospective analysis in which all patients who received NACT from 2008 till april 2012 were subjected to inclusion criteria. Coorelation analysis was performed between CR + PR and acheivement of pCR or near pCR. Twenty four patients were identified.The primary site of tumor was oral cavity in 19 patients (79.2%), maxilla in 2 patients (4.2%), laryngopharynx in 2 patients (4.2%) and oropharynx in 1 patient (4.2%). The clinical stage was stage IVA in 16 patients ( 66.7%) and IVB in 8 patients (33.3%). The overall response rates ie a combination of CR and PR was seen in 11patients (45.8%). The pCR was seen in 15 patients (62.5%) and rest had near pCR. There was no linear coorelation between radiological size decrement and tumor response. On coorelation analysis the spearman correlation coefficent was −0.039 (). This suggest that presently used radiological response criterias for response assesment in head and neck cancers severly limit our ability to identify patients who would have pCR or near pCR.

To study multistep tumorigenesis process, there is a need of in-vitro 3D model simulating in-vivo tissue. Present study aimed to reconstitute in-vitro tissue models comprising various stages of neoplastic progression of tongue tumorigenesis and to evaluate the utility of these models to investigate the role of stromal fibroblasts in maintenance of desmosomal anchoring junctions using transmission electron microscopy. We reconstituted in-vitro models representing normal, dysplastic, and malignant tissues by seeding primary keratinocytes on either fibroblast embedded in collagen matrix or plain collagen matrix in growth factor-free medium. The findings of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy analyses of the three types of 3D cultures showed that the stratified growth, cell proliferation, and differentiation were comparable between co-cultures and their respective native tissues; however, they largely differed in cultures grown without fibroblasts. The immunostaining intensity of proteins, viz., desmoplakin, desmoglein, and plakoglobin, was reduced as the disease stage increased in all co-cultures as observed in respective native tissues. Desmosome-like structures were identified using immunogold labeling in these cultures. Moreover, electron microscopic observations revealed that the desmosome number and their length were significantly reduced and intercellular spaces were increased in cultures grown without fibroblasts when compared with their co-culture counterparts. Our results showed that the major steps of tongue tumorigenesis can be reproduced in-vitro. Stromal fibroblasts play a role in regulation of epithelial thickness, cell proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of desmosomalanchoring junctions in in-vitro grown tissues. The reconstituted co-culture models could help to answer various biological questions especially related to tongue tumorigenesis.

6020Background: We previously reported results of a RCT demonstrating superiority of elective neck dissection (END) over therapeutic neck dissection (TND) in early oral cancer patients with clinica...

6004Background: To evaluate the impact of post-operative adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy or accelerated radiotherapy (6 instead of 5 fractions / week), on local-regional control (LRC) and overall ...

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) forms an integral part in work-up and follow-up of various malignancies. With the increased use of PET in oncology, finding of an incidental focal thyroid uptake (incidentaloma) is not unusual and presents a diagnostic challenge. Aim: The aim of the following study is to evaluate the frequency and radio-pathologic correlation of focal 18-fluoro deoxyglucose uptake (FDG) on PET within the thyroid from a large series. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 37,000 consecutive patients who underwent FDG-PET at tertiary cancer center in India. Radiological, pathological, PET scan and follow-up details were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were carried out using Mann Whitney test and Pearson correlation. Results: Abnormal thyroid uptake was seen in 78 (0.2%) patients. Nearly 61 (0.16%) scans had focal and 17 (0.04%) had diffuse FDG uptake. A total of 57 patients with focal uptake were available for further evaluation. No further evaluation was done in 24 (42.1%) patients who had advanced index malignancy. Of the remaining 33 patients 26 were benign and seven were a cause for concern (four primary thyroid cancers, one follicular neoplasm with hurthle cell change and two metastatic cancers). There was no significant correlation in Standardized uptake value (SUV) max of benign and malignant lesion ( P = 0.5 on Mann Whitney) or size ( r = 0.087 Pearson correlation co-efficient P = 0.667). Conclusion: Incidence of PET incidentaloma is low in this large cohort of Indian patients. Nearly 27% of focal incidentaloma were malignant. There was no correlation between the SUVmax, size and malignancy.

Background and Aims: Transfusion of blood and blood products poses several hazards. Antifibrinolytic agents are used to reduce perioperative blood loss. We decided to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on blood loss and the need for transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, 240 patients undergoing supramajor head and neck cancer surgeries were prospectively randomised to either TA (10 mg/kg) group or placebo (P) group. After induction, the drug was infused by the anaesthesiologist, who was blinded to allocation, over 20 min. The dose was repeated every 3 h. Perioperative (up to 24 h) blood loss, need for transfusion and fluid therapy was recorded. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed at fixed intervals in the first 100 patients. Patients were watched for post-operative complications. Results: Two hundred and nineteen records were evaluable. We found no difference in intraoperative blood loss (TA - 750 [600–1000] ml vs. P - 780 [150–2600] ml, P = 0.22). Post-operative blood loss was significantly more in the placebo group at 24 h (P - 200 [120–250] ml vs. TA - 250 [50–1050] ml, P = 0.009), but this did not result in higher number of patients needing transfusions (TA - 22/108 and P - 27/111 patients, P = 0.51). TEG revealed faster clot formation and minimal fibrinolysis. Two patients died of causes unrelated to study drug. Incidence of wound complications and deep venous thrombosis was similar. Conclusion: In head and neck cancer surgery, TA did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or need for transfusions. Perioperative TEG variables were similar. This may be attributed to pre-existing hypercoagulable state and minimal fibrinolysis in cancer patients.

Papillary carcinoma is a well-differentiated type of thyroid carcinoma with very good overall prognosis. The commonest site of metastases is the lymph node, distant metastases being rare. We present a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with a solitary metastasis in the left para-sellar region and cavernous sinus more than three years after treatment of primary. Given the atypical radiological features and longstanding symptoms, a surgical excision was performed and focal radiotherapy was given after confirmation of the diagnosis. We discuss this case and review the relevant literature.