Pathologic quiz case 2. Vagal paraganglioma.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D Myssiorek.
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Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is part of the histopathologic spectrum of laryngeal disorders where invasive squamous cell carcinoma is the endpoint of cellular disarray. Few reports consider prognostic indicators that predict which lesions become invasive. Forty-one patients with CIS of the glottic larynx were analyzed for risk factors that would predict invasive cancer. Anterior commissure involvement by CIS resulted in 92% conversion to invasive squamous cell cancer compared to 17% of lesions limited to the mobile fold. Epidermal growth factor receptors were also analyzed and were found not to be helpful in predicting invasion. Lesions of the mobile fold should be removed endoscopically and the patient should be observed closely for recurrence. Anterior commissure involvement that is inaccessible to complete laser ablation should be radiated, and the patient should be observed carefully.
Eosinophilic granuloma is a localized form of histiocytosis X, or Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, a benign lesion of proliferating Langerhans' cells. It is the least severe of the histiocytosis syndromes, and is characterized by lytic lesions of one or more bones. Temporal bone lesions usually occur in association with multifocal disease; however, isolated lesions may occur in either the mastoid bone alone, or in the entire temporal bone, without disease elsewhere in the body. We present the first case (to our knowledge) of eosinophilic granuloma, or unifocal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, limited to the petrous apex. The patient, an 8-year-old girl, presented with facial nerve paralysis. Because of delay in definitive diagnosis, the disease extended beyond its original boundaries and resulted in complete destruction of the temporal bone. We will also review Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, with attention to its involvement of the temporal bone.
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DPH may result in protean head and neck manifestations (Table 1). In some cases these effects are dose related and in others they appear to be idiosyncratic; some occur only at toxic levels (Table 2). Many of the conditions are reversible and withdrawal of DPH or re-establishment of therapeutic levels is the only treatment necessary. Failure to recognize this fact can result in expensive workups or, worse, in aggressive treatment, both of which are unnecessary. The otolaryngologist should therefore be aware of these conditions and consider them in the differential diagnosis.
Sicca syndrome (SS), consisting of xerostomia and xerophthalmia, may be caused by various disease processes. We present a unique case of SS secondary to primary amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is a rare but definite cause of SS and should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient who presents with sicca symptoms. A literature review comparing amyloidotic patients with SS and patients with amyloidosis only demonstrates that both of these groups of patients present similarly with regard to symptoms. However, the majority of patients with SS present with sicca symptoms initially in addition to symptoms of amyloidosis. These SS patients also present with proteinuria and negative serology test results. Therefore, patients presenting with sicca symptoms, proteinuria, and negative serologic findings should be suspect for amyloidosis. The importance of distinguishing the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome from SS in these patients cannot be overemphasized. There is a significantly higher incidence of developing a lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome patients. This has important implications for the head and neck surgeon treating these patients.
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Since Crile's original description of neck dissection in 1906 (Crile GW: JAMA 47:1780-1786, 1906), a variety of neck incisions has been described, suggesting that none is sufficiently versatile to satisfy the criteria necessary for the ideal neck flap. Single transverse neck incisions (STNI) for complete neck dissections have been performed since the 1950s but are not as commonly used as trifurcate incisions. A criticism of the STNI is that the perceived difficulty exposing the surgical field may compromise removal of disease and impair normal surgical technique, resulting in a higher incidence of recurrent neck disease and postoperative complications. One hundred nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were operated using the STNI. There was no incidence of skin necrosis or carotid artery hemorrhage. Fourteen percent developed fistulae and 12% developed wound dehiscences. Recurrence in the operated neck was not identified. Cosmesis was considered good in all patients. We conclude that STNI does not result in an increased incidence of postoperative complications or recurrent neck disease compared with standard trifurcate incisions.
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It is a clinical challenge to distinguish patients with parotid abscesses from those with acute sialadenitis. A case of parotid abscess is presented in which a CT scan with intravenous contrast enhancement localized the abscess cavity and guided its aspiration and drainage with an indwelling catheter. By using this percutaneous technique, the need for early surgical intervention by incision and drainage was eliminated. The dense overlying parotid fascia and position of the deep parotid lobe make differentiating between these two clinical entities difficult. Parotid abscesses are readily apparent on computerized tomographic (CT) scanning evaluation with intravenous contrast enhancement, presenting as discrete fluid-filled areas unlike the amorphous appearance of acute sialadenitis. CT scanning with intravenous contrast enhancement has been the preferred radiographic study of choice for evaluating parotid masses or parapharyngeal masses. The treatment of a patient with acute sialadenitis differs from that of a patient with a parotid abscess. Patients with acute sialadenitis will usually respond to vigorous intravenous (IV) hydration, use of sialagogues and appropriate antibiotic coverage. Following a period of conservative treatment with antibiotics and warm soaks, patients with parotid abscesses will usually undergo an incision and drainage procedure, and later, parotidectomy. A case of parotid abscess is presented in which a CT scan with intravenous contrast enhancement localized the abscess cavity and guided its aspiration and drainage with an indwelling catheter. Percutaneous drainage of parapharyngeal abscesses guided by CT has been previously described by Cole. By using this percutaneous technique, the need for early surgical intervention by incision and drainage was eliminated.
The development of a retropharyngeal hematoma following a whiplash injury is a rare occurrence. The potential for airway compression necessitates rapid assessment and treatment. An 80-year-old man who had been receiving long-term aspirin therapy sustained a retropharyngeal hematoma following a motor vehicle accident. Management consisted of tracheostomy, neck exploration, and evacuation and drainage of the hematoma. To the best of our knowledge, there are less than 20 citations of traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma in the English literature. Retropharyngeal hematoma has been associated with cervical extension/flexion injuries, anticoagulation therapy, great-vessel trauma, and foreign body ingestion.
Bony hemangiomas of the zygomatic bone are rare. This report represents the tenth citing in the literature. The most common signs and symptoms include swelling and pain or tenderness. Diagnosis can be made by plain radiographic studies followed by CT scanning or MRI. The treatment of choice is surgical excision with a rim of normal bone around the tumor. Malignant degeneration has not been reported unless radiotherapy had been used.
Indications for repair of nasal septum perforations include excessive crusting, recurrent bleeding, whistling, and pain. Large subtotal perforations usually are less symptomatic, but smaller defects (less than 1 cm) may need repair. Tragal cartilage with perichondrium autograft was used to repair these perforations. After the septal defect was debrided, this free graft was harvested and used to fill the defect. This technique was attempted in ten patients with septal perforations, none secondary to systemic illnesses. Nine of these patients had successful closure of their perforations.