Destruction of the vestibular organ by Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Jungehülsing.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a group of 20 patients undergoing chemoradiation for larynx organ preservation after diagnosis of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, (18)F-fluordeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) was performed before the start of therapy. After i.v. application of 240 MBq FDG, a dynamic PET in 3-D-mode was performed over 90 min (Siemens CTI ECAT EXACT HR(+)). Analysis was done visually and semiquantitatively (60-90 min p.i.) following iterative reconstruction. Additional (18)F-FDG-PET investigations were done and correlated with the clinical outcome in 16/20 patients at 3 months and in 14/20 patients at 6 months after the end of therapy. RESULTS: In 17/20 patients (85%), the preclinical (18)F-FDG-PET correlated well with the histologically confirmed primary tumor. Three cases were false negatives. In one case this was due to an increased glucose value (203 mg%). After 3 months, 8/13 (62%) patients showed a positive correlation between clinical and PET results (sensitivity 100%, specificity 70%). After 6 months, 9/11 (82%) patients presented clinically normal PET results. PET results were false negative in one case (sensitivity 67%, specificity 88%). CONCLUSION: The data of our trial slightly reduce the enthusiasm of early (18)F-FDG-PET detection of residual disease after chemoradiation in resectable laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. Further trials should optimize the calculation integrating the exact quantification of glucose metabolism with the aim of improving sensitivity and specificity.
A 62 year old patient presented with a bleeding, incurable squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior floor of the mouth. A curative concept was not possible. After four palliative surgical procedures, a definitive and a palliative radiation therapy and a palliative chemotherapy, the patient remained free of tumor in the head and neck region for 2 years after the initial treatment. Using a combination of palliative procedures, it is possible not only to achieve a full local remission but also to provide a high quality of life.
AIM: Assessment of the clinical value of (18)F-FDG-PET for detection of recurrent head and neck cancer, local lymph node involvement and distant metastases comparing a qualitative visual with a semiquantitative analysis (SUV values). PATIENTS, METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of 73 (18)F-FDG PET studies in 55 patients by use of a four-step qualitative visual grading system and calculation of standard uptake values in pathological lesions. Calculation of SUV values in normal regions for generating a map of physiological (18)F-FDG distribution. Correlation to histopathological findings and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: 1. Qualitative visual analysis of (18)F-FDG PET studies: a) local recurrence sensitivity 79%, specificity 97%, positive predictive value 95%, negative predictive value 85%, and diagnostic accuracy 89%; b) local metastatic lymph nodes 100%, 95%, 85%, 100%, 96%; c) distant metastases 100%, 98%, 86%, 100%, 98%, respectively. 2. Semiquantitative analysis had only little incremental, non-significant value in comparison to qualitative visual analysis for the detection of a local recurrence in two patients: a) local recurrence: sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 88%, and diagnostic accuracy 93%; b) local metastatic lymph nodes or c) distant metastases did not change in comparison to qualitative visual analysis. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET is an effective tool for re-staging of patients with suspected recurrence after therapy for head and neck cancer.
BACKGROUND: Subtotal laryngectomy with Cricohyoido(epiglotto)pexy (CHEP and CHP) is a commonly used surgical procedure in France, Italy and North America, but it is rarely carried out in Germany,where most laryngeal carcinomas staged T1-T3 are resected endoscopically or with total laryngectomy. OBJECTIVE: To identify indications for the CHEP and CHP in a setting that uses endolaryngeal procedures as a standard approach to organ preserving surgery in laryngeal cancer patients. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients with primary (n=15) or recurrent (n=4), supra- or transglottic carcinoma or carcinoma of the anterior commissure staged (r)T1b-4N0-2cM0 were treated with subtotal laryngectomy with CHEP (with or without neck dissection/radiotherapy) between October 1997 and June 1999. RESULTS: Undisturbed deglutition without aspiration and respiration without tracheotomy was achieved in 17/19 patients. Three patients showed temporary pneumonia from aspiration and two patients needed further treatment for endolaryngeal synechia. Three patients died of unrelated causes. Four patients were diagnosed with local recurrence: Two of them died from tumor, two patients had curative total laryngectomy as salvage surgery. Fourteen patients are living free of disease 24-40 months after therapy. CONCLUSION: CHEP is a subtotal laryngectomy with increased postoperative morbidity, but good functional results. Assuming a scrupulous indication for the extended tumors the oncological results of the CHEP are satisfying, too.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
OBJECTIVE: Malformations of the first branchial cleft are uncommon and only sporadically reported in the literature. They may present as inflammatory openings on the neck, bland cysts or fistula associated with the external auditory canal. In this retrospective study, clinical features and anatomical relationships are described in three pediatric cases. Therapeutical guidelines for surgical management of first branchial cleft anomalies are discussed. PATIENTS: Between 1997 and 1999 three patients aged 9 months, 2 and 7 years with first branchial cleft anomalies were included in this study. All patients were treated surgically, wide exposure and superficial parotidectomy was necessary for complete removal in two of three cases. RESULTS: Exploring patients histories revealed previous infections with repeated incision and drainage procedures as well as inadequate operative resections. Clinically, purulent drainage from the ear, swelling in the parotid area and abscess formation with persistent drainage after incision in the neck or parotid area were noted. CONCLUSIONS: From our case series two of three patients underwent inadequate incision and drainage procedures to combat infection followed by scar tissue formation. Because of the variable relation to the facial nerve this led to difficulties in identifying and protecting the nerve during definite surgery. Management of first branchial cleft anomalies must include the facilities to achieve ear surgery and superficial parotidectomy including facial nerve exposure.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
We report a case of recurrent major hemorrhage in a patient with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Before and between the bleeding episodes, the functional level of the patient was remarkably high. Therefore, an attempt at bleeding control with superselective embolization with Ethibloc was made. Because of its specific characteristics, this substance is almost ideal for the purpose of palliative embolization. The material used and the technique of application are described in detail. After the procedure, no hemorrhage occurred for more than 4 months. We recommend superselective embolization, preferably with Ethibloc, for minimally invasive control of recurrent bleeding as palliative treatment in selected patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma, since significant benefit in terms of the quality of life may result.
Recurrent parotitis is rare in childhood. Its occurrence is characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling and pain in the parotid gland, which are usually accompanied by fever and malaise. Inflammation usually resolves spontaneously during adolescence. The disorder is a condition of unknown etiology. Sialectasis and stricturing occurs in the distal ducts, whereas inflammation of the gland and duct epithelium is probably caused by a low salivary flow rate. Which one can be considered the primary event or secondary change remains unknown. The main-stay of diagnosis is sialography, which depicts typical intraparotidal duct system lesions as strictures or ectasias and excludes sialolithiasis. We here report two 10-year-old male monovular twins who suffered from recurrent swelling and pain in only their left parotid glands. Symptoms were noted approximately every 6 weeks in both patients strictly. Characteristic sialectasis of the distal ducts was demonstrated by magnetic resonance-sialography. Our findings support the hypothesis that recurrent parotitis is caused by a congenital abnormality of the salivary gland ducts. Diagnostic imaging was performed by magnetic resonance imaging during the acute phase of the disease. This technique helps to make the diagnosis without retrograde application of a contrast agent.
OBJECTIVE: Olfactory dysfunction is a common finding in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between olfaction and nasal flow as determined by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR). METHODS: Thirty patients with CRS were included in this series. Patients' histories and subjective assessments of olfaction were documented with questionnaires. Smell tests, assessments of olfaction, AAR, and results of rhinoscopy were recorded, including odor identification, discrimination and thresholds measured with the "Sniffin' Sticks"-test. RESULTS: CRS influenced olfactory performances variably in the different tests: 10% of the patients had pathologic rates of odor discrimination, compared with 34% in odor identification and 73% in thresholds. Statistical analyses (using Spearman's test) indicated a significant correlation between nasal airflow and odor identification screening (r29 = 0.56, P < 0.01) and n-butanol-threshold (r29 = 0.44, P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Olfactory performance in CRS was correlated to several parameters of nasal airflow measured with AAR. The n-butanol threshold test revealed the most frequent pathological results and may best be used for detecting olfactory disorders. However, because a number of factors may influence olfactory dysfunction in CRS, our findings must be evaluated in a lager series.
This prospective study evaluates the oncological results of transoral laser surgery (TLS) for glottic carcinoma categorized Tis, T1 and T2 in a large, unselected group of 285 consecutive patients from a university-based referral center that uses transoral laser surgery as the standard approach to these tumors. Patients were treated between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1996. Thirty-three patients had Tis disease, 174 T1 tumors and 113 T2. Main outcome measures were local control with initial therapy, ultimate local control, regional control, organ preservation, overall survival and cause-specific survival. The 5-year uncorrected actuarial survival for all 285 patients was 71.1%, and cause-specific actuarial survival was 98.7%. Local control with initial treatment was 85.9%, ultimate local control with salvage for local treatment failures 98.5%, and regional control 98.4%. In all, 94.3% had their larynges preserved after 5 years. Although favorable oncological results for early laryngeal carcinoma treated with laser surgery are supported this study, no definitive recommendations can be given for the best single treatment. Partial laryngectomies lead to the highest local control rates reported so far, radiotherapy is believed to preserve voice best and laser surgery is associated with time- and cost-effectiveness, low morbidity, fair local control rates and excellent re-treatment options in case of local failure. All specialists dealing with the treatment of early glottic carcinoma should be able to offer these different treatment modalities to their patients and to deal specifically with each patient's individual needs and preferences.
BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of antibiotics deep neck space infections with anaerobic germs (Ludwig's angina) still carry the potential for significant morbidity and mortality with delayed treatment. Usually, odontogenic infections with involvement of the submandibular space are the source of deep neck space infections in adults, whereas in the pediatric population the most common cause is acute tonsillitis with involvement of the peritonsillar space. During the second half of this century intravenous drug abusers appeared as a new group of patients at risk for deep neck space infections. When peripheral veins sclerosis the addicts feel it necessary to either inject subcutaneously or use the major vessels of the neck and groin. Intravenous drug abusers injecting the major vessels of the neck risk delayed diagnosis because of dissimulation of their injection practices. Dangerous complications of deep neck space infections may be the result. CASE: We report a clinical case with delayed diagnosis and fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Intravenous drug abuse is a rare cause for deep neck space infections but should be considered when swelling of the neck soft tissue of uncertain cause is presented. The search for the diagnose should not keep from taking quick therapeutic steps.
BACKGROUND: Ackerman's tumor, named after the author of the first description in 1948, is a low grade malignant tumor. The aim of this paper is to clarify the role of the carbon dioxide laser therapy in the management of this neoplastic disorder of the larynx. PATIENTS: Twenty-four men and one woman suffering from glottic tumors fulfilled the diagnostic criteria laid down by Ackerman from 1986 to 1998. All patients were treated with transoral laser surgery with a follow-up ranged from 14 to 142 months. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were diagnosed at T1, seven at T2, and one at T3. In T1 lesions, a laser cordectomy or an extended laser cordectomy was performed. In T2 and T3 tumors, partial laryngectomy with a CO2 laser was performed. No patient died tumor-related. In this series, initial failure rate of laser resection was 8%: one patient was salvaged with endolaryngeal laser surgery, another patient (initially T3 tumor) with total laryngectomy. No patient required radiation therapy. No cases of anaplastic transformation were recognized. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this material, recommended treatment for T1 and T2 Ackerman-Tumors is oncologic CO2 laser resection in combination with a meticulous follow up for every recognition of local recurrences.
STUDY DESIGN: A matched-pair study on the relationship between proliferation associated markers Ki-67, PCNA, and p53 and treatment failure in carcinomas of the oropharynx and oral cavity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-six T1-T3 carcinomas of the oropharynx or oral cavity, treated uniformly with primary surgery and postoperative irradiation, were investigated. Twenty-eight patients had recurrent disease and were matched with 28 patients with nonrecurrent disease regarding stage and location of tumor as well as age and therapy. MIB1 staining was used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index. Immunohistochemical studies determined the p53 status and PCNA labeling index. RESULTS: Where treatment failed, the Ki-67 labeling index was significantly (p = 0.032) higher (mean = 59.1%) than in patients without recurrence (mean = 50.5%). Mean time to relapse was 45 months (n = 25) for carcinomas with a Ki-67 (MIB1) labeling index above the median (53.7%) of the general study population, compared to 61.7 months for those cases (n = 31) below this median (p = 0.029). The PCNA labeling index did not correlate significantly with tumor recurrence, nor with time to relapse. In 46% of all tumors, p53 overexpression was present. No significant correlation could be found between p53 overexpression and tumor recurrence or time to relapse. CONCLUSION: Examination of Ki-67 is thought to provide useful prognostic information concerning squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx and oral cavity. Overexpression of p53 or PCNA status is not of prognostic value, which is consistent with earlier results. We conclude that the detection of Ki-67 is an unfavorable prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and oral cavity, at least if treated with a combination of surgery and postoperative irradiation.
BACKGROUND: The neck lymph nodes are a common site of metastases from carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP syndrome). 2[(18) F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG-PET) has been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting primary malignant lesions as well as metastatic spread. We have prospectively investigated the sensitivity of 18-FDG-PET in detecting occult primary carcinomas with manifestation in the head and neck lymph nodes. METHODS: From May 1994 to July 1998, in 723 patients a cancer of the head and neck was diagnosed at the University of Cologne ENT outpatient clinic. The routinely performed staging procedures were chest radiography; full blood count; cervical and liver ultrasound; endoscopy of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and esophagus; and laboratory analyses. After the staging workup, in 27 of 723 patients (3.7%) CUP syndrome had to be presumed because the primary cancer could not be detected. In these patients 18-FDG-PET was performed, and images were reconstructed with a transmission-emission fusion technique. RESULTS: In 7 of 27 patients (26%) 18-FDG-PET revealed an unknown primary: in 2 a bronchial carcinoma, in 2 a nasopharyngeal carcinoma, in 1 a squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland, in 1 a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, and in 1 a carcinoma of the tonsil. In 4 of 7 patients the occult primary tumor was removed surgically. In 8 of 27 patients therapeutic strategy was changed as a result of the 18-FDG-PET findings. CONCLUSION: 18-FDG-PET should be performed in all patients with CUP syndrome after conventional diagnostic workup fails to identify the primary.
Early detection of local and regional recurrence is the main goal during follow-up of patients with larynx and pharynx cancer. Hypothyroidism occurring in those patients stays frequently undiagnosed as screening for hypothyroidism is not part of the routine follow-up. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in these patients. We included 120 patients (106 male, 14 female) with larynx or pharynx cancer treated more than 2 months earlier (mean = 41 months) in the study. Cancer treatment consisted of either surgery (n = 44), radiotherapy (n = 15), or surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy (n = 61). In all patients, thyroid function studies (thyrotropin [TSH], free triiodothyronine [FT3], and free thyroxine [FT4]) were performed. Twenty-six of all patients (22%) were hypothyroid; in two patients hypothyroidism was diagnosed postoperatively and these two patients were on replacement therapy with thyroid hormones. The highest rate of hypothyroidism (34%) was present in patients treated with surgery combined with radiotherapy, whereas among patients treated with surgery only 7% were hypothyroid (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the duration of follow-up between therapy and inclusion in the study between those two groups. Two of 15 patients treated only with radiotherapy were diagnosed hypothyroid, but in this group the latency was shorter (p < 0.05). The results indicate that thyroid function studies should be routinely performed in the follow-up of head and neck cancer patients, especially if radiotherapy was part of the treatment.