1/63. Visualisation of a paraganglioma by technetium-99m-sestamibi scintigraphy.A 68-yr-old woman presented to our observation with multinodular goiter and a contiguous right laterocervical mass. In spite of ultrasound, technetium and iodine scan, CT and fine-needle biopsy, the precise origin of the mass remained uncertain. On additional multi-phase sestamibi scan, the neck region showed an early high uptake rapidly decreasing over time in the laterocervical mass, and a persistent inhomogeneous distribution in the thyroid gland. This behavior suggested that the laterocervical mass could derive from an anatomical structure other than the thyroid. Surgical exploration established the extrathyroid nature of the laterocervical mass and the histological examination confirmed that it was a typical paraganglioma. This finding is in keeping with a recent report of positive sestamibi uptake in a cervical paraganglioma, although our case showed a more rapid kinetic. This tumor should be therefore taken into consideration in the differential interpretation of focal sestamibi uptake.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/63. Histologic transformation of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of salivary gland.Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of salivary gland origin (PLGA) was initially described in 1984 and has since become an established clinicopathologic entity. Owing to the indolent nature of PLGA and its relatively recent description, the full clinicopathologic spectrum of this entity has not been elucidated fully. Transformation to a histologically different-appearing lesion or progression to a higher histologic grade has not been reported. We describe 2 PLGAs arising in the palate and associated with multiple locoregional recurrences that were treated with excision and radiation therapy. This was followed by histologic transformation to a higher grade neoplasm after 17 and 26 years, respectively. The histologic appearance after transformation was characterized by a predominantly solid and cystic growth pattern, nuclear atypia with prominent nucleoli, and foci of necrosis. High-grade transformation of PLGA may occur after a protracted clinical course with multiple recurrences of typical PLGA. The possible role of radiation therapy as an initiator of this transformation merits further study. Tumors with these histologic features should not be included under the rubric of typical PLGA. Segregation of these neoplasms will allow further study of their biologic potential, particularly with regard to possible increased rates of local recurrence and metastasis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/63. Malignant triton tumor of the head and neck: A case report and review of the literature.BACKGROUND: Malignant triton tumor (MTT) is a relatively rare, aggressive tumor comprised of both malignant schwannoma cells and malignant rhabdomyoblasts. Because MTT frequently arises in the head and neck, the otolaryngologist must be aware of the nature of the tumor and its response to various treatment modalities. METHOD: This article reviews the treatment and outcome of all reported cases of MTT arising in the head and neck. CONCLUSIONS: Although statistical analysis is limited by the short duration of follow-up of many patients, complete tumor resection appears to carry an improved chance of survival. Adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy may also improve survival, although a benefit of these therapies was not well demonstrated in this small series.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/63. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the neck: report of two cases complicated by pulmonary metastases.BACKGROUND: Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm occurring primarily in lymph nodes but also in extranodal sites. A correct diagnosis can be difficult to make, especially in the latter sites. methods: Two patients with FDC sarcoma of the cervical soft tissues that metastasized to the lungs are reported. Both were initially misdiagnosed as having CASTLE (carcinoma showing a thymus-like element). Additional immunohistochemical stains were performed. RESULTS: The primary tumors showed jigsaw puzzle-like lobulation resembling thymic epithelial tumor and consisted of spindly cells arranged in fascicles, whorls, and a storiform pattern. The spindly cells had indistinct cell borders, vesicular nuclei, and distinct nucleoli. Perivascular spaces were present. lymphocytes were sprinkled throughout the tumor in one case but were sparse in the other. The metastatic deposits in the lungs appeared 27 and 2 years, respectively, after the initial presentation and were histologically similar to the original tumors. The FDC nature of the primary and metastatic tumors was confirmed by positive staining with CD21/CD35 cocktail and CD23 and by negative staining for cytokeratin. In one case, in direct continuity with the main tumor, there was a lobulated lesion composed of small lymphocytes punctuated by large cells with vesicular nuclei, histologically reminiscent of thymoma. The large cells were shown by immunohistochemistry to represent FDCs forming complex interconnecting meshworks. It is unclear whether this contiguous mass represents a precursor lesion or an unusual-looking component of the neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: FDC sarcoma can look deceptively like a thymic epithelial tumor histologically. A correct diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and immunohistochemical evaluation. The tumor shows a propensity to metastasize to the lungs, which can be delayed until more than 20 years after initial presentation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/63. head and neck teratomas in children.A retrospective review of seven patients with teratomas of the head and neck treated at out center over the past 5 years, which represented 2% of all teratomas (sacrococcygeal, ovarian, and retroperitoneal) seen over the past 20 years, was performed. After investigation to exclude associated anomalies, all but one of the children underwent surgery for removal of the tumour. All excised tumours were subjected to histopathological examination to confirm their teratomatous nature. The patients were followed up at regular intervals for up to 4 years. The patients' ages ranged from newborn to 2.5 years. There were three cervical, two oral, and two skull teratomas. The youngest patient had a cervical teratoma with respiratory compromise, requiring tracheal intubation. All but one patient (skull teratoma) had excision of the tumours with a satisfactory outcome. Histopathological examination of the excised tumours showed mature tissue from the three germinal layers in all specimens. Specific components included glandular epithelium, keratinising epithelium, and muscle fibres. Follow-up did not show any recurrence in the operated children. The three with cervical teratomas had normal levels of thyroid hormone postoperatively. head and neck teratomas in children are mostly benign lesions amenable to curative excision. In cervical teratomas airway management takes priority.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/63. Complete spontaneous regression of Merkel cell carcinoma: a review of the 10 reported cases.BACKGROUND: Merkel cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma (MCC) is a very aggressive primary cutaneous neoplasm occurring most often on the head and neck of the elderly. Complete spontaneous regression (CSR) of MCC was first described in 1986. Since then other cases have been reported bringing the total to 10. OBJECTIVE: To review these 10 cases and obtain long-term follow-up data, to compare them for similarities and differences. METHOD: Each original case report was extensively reviewed and authors contacted in most cases for confirmation and updated information. RESULTS: In no case did MCC recur after CSR was noted, although follow-up information in some cases was short. When CSR occurred, it was swift and dramatic with complete regression of skin and lymph node metastasis in 1-3 months. CONCLUSION: While only 10 cases of CSR is a small number, MCC is itself a rare malignancy with just over 600 reported cases. Today most cases of MCC receive aggressive combined therapy effectively precluding diagnosis of CSR. The nature of regression in these 10 cases may point toward future immunologic therapy just as similar cases of CRS in patients with melanoma have led to advances in the immunologic treatment for that malignancy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/63. Difficult problems and their solutions in patients with cancer pain of the head and neck areas.pain management can be especially difficult in patients with head and neck cancer due to the erosive nature of the neoplasms that invade the region, the rich innervation of the head and neck, and other factors. Consequently, diagnosis is a complex process that cannot be dealt with in a cursory fashion. Furthermore, tumor pain can mimic noncancer conditions, nonmalignant orofacial disorders can be suggestive of tumor growth, and antineoplastic treatment-related conditions can be difficult to distinguish from tumor recurrence. A series of case reports illustrates key elements of diagnosis and pain management in patients with head and neck cancer. These elements include 1) detailed assessment of pain intensity and characteristics; 2) appropriate use of analgesic adjuvant medications; 3) use of diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks and myofascial trigger point injections; and 4) a high index of suspicion regarding tumor recurrence pain.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/63. Radionuclide studies in bronchogenic carcinoma of the Hilum. Scintigraphy and tomography: their complementary features.Thirty-eight cases with direct or indirect signs of hilar masses were investigated by roentgenologic, radioisotopic and surgical methods. Reasonable correlation between tomography and scintigraphy was confirmed, substantiating their complementary nature. Bronchogenic carcinoma of the central airways was most frequent among the hilar masses. Masses as well as other involvement of the bronchovascular structures of the hilum on conventional tomography were confirmed by the gallium-67 scan, and inhalation and perfusion scintigraphy. Some cases which simulated bronchogenic carcinoma were presented. Hilar masses without destruction of the bronchovascular structures showed normal inhalation and perfusion scintigrams with positive gallium-67 accumulation. These lesions were metastatic cancer, malignant lymphoma, and sarcoidosis. If these diseases involve the airways and the vessels of the hilum, differentiation from bronchogenic carcinoma may naturally be difficult.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/63. Intramuscular hemangioma of posterior neck muscles.Intramuscular hemangiomas of the head and neck are rare tumors, sparsely reported. They usually present themselves as a mass which enlarges suddenly. A case of intramuscular hemangioma involving the posterior neck muscles is presented. Computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed the vascular nature of this lesion. Surgery consisted of a wide excision. The patient is free of disease after a 4-year follow-up.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/63. Superficial leiomyosarcoma of the head and neck: case report and review of the literature.Superficial leiomyosarcomas are rare in the head and neck region. Because of the infrequent nature of soft tissue sarcomas in general, superficial leiomyosarcomas are often misdiagnosed on clinical grounds. immunohistochemistry is essential for an accurate histologic diagnosis, and it should include a broad panel of antibody studies. With respect to differences in clinical appearance and biologic behavior, superficial leiomyosarcomas can be broadly classified as either cutaneous or subcutaneous; local control and overall survival are significantly more favorable in patients with the former. The primary treatment of a leiomyosarcoma is a wide surgical excision with an emphasis on negative margins. Treatment failures are usually attributable to a local recurrence. Systemic metastasis occurs in about one-third of patients with subcutaneous involvement. Although cutaneous leiomyosarcoma is considered a relatively more benign process with minimal metastatic potential, systemic metastasis is still possible. This was demonstrated in our case, as a recurrent cutaneous leiomyosarcoma metastasized to the lung. Proper management requires inclusion of this entity in the differential diagnosis, as well as familiarity with its clinical behavior. In this article, we review the literature on superficial leiomyosarcoma and discuss its epidemiology, presentation, clinical behavior, evaluation, tissue diagnosis, staging, and treatment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = nature (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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