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Biomedical subjects

R F Canalis

Publications and source records attributed to R F Canalis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Lethal thyroid carcinoma.

Forty-three patients who died of thyroid carcinoma (29 well-differentiated and 14 poorly differentiated tumors) were evaluated to define the parameters that affect the lethal nature of this tumor. Differentiated, limited extent of tumor and a young age at diagnosis correlated favorably with length of survival. Sex showed a trend in favor of female patients, while specific histologic characteristics and extent of resection showed no positive correlation. Based on these findings and a review of the literature, we recommend a radical approach in the management of localized, poorly differentiated tumors. For well-differentiated cancer, resection of the thyroid gland and the paratracheal, jugular, and upper mediastinal lymph nodes is advised.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Experimental repair of orbital floor fractures.

Eight rhesus monkeys (16 orbits) were used to evaluate the treatment of experimentally created orbital floor fractures. The fractures were repaired with antral bone, Silastic, and gelatin film implants and studied clinically and histologically. Four orbits were used as controls. All implants appeared to favorably influence healing by preventing entrapment of the orbital contents within the reparative tissue. Autogenous bone appeared to be the best implant. Silastic and gelatin film were also effective and well tolerated.

Animals↗

Management of brachial plexus tumors.

Brachial plexus neoplasms are uncommon. When this diagnosis is suspected, the functional and anatomical integrity of the brachial plexus and cervical spinal cord must be carefully assessed. A thorough search for other signs of neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) must also be completed. The distinction between neurilemoma and neurofibroma is an important and useful one to know. Evaluation by a pathologist who is well versed in neural tumors is mandatory for appropriate treatment of these usually benign lesions. Surgical intervention, adequately prepared on the basis of the patient's age, the amount of neural impairment, and the extent and histology of the tumor requires a surgeon who is experienced in peripheral nerve surgery and in microdissection techniques. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor the growth of known tumors, the detection of malignant change, and the appearance of other stigmata of von Recklinghausen's disease.

Adolescent↗

Transpalatal approach to deeper cranial structures.

The approach to deep midline cranial structures is technically difficult. The transpalatal approach has a relatively wide exposure as compared to the transnasal, transantral and transethmoidal approches. The added advantage of a medial approach which follows medial landmarks and the flexibility of being able to extend exposure to the maxillary sinuses and pterygomaxillary space makes this an attractive approach for large lesions in the nasal passages, nasopharynx and sphenoid sinuses. Large mucoperiosteal flaps, care to avoid the palatine vessels, and application of palatal splint postoperatively, minimize complications and patient discomfort. The authors have used this approach to repair nasopharyngeal atresia, remove nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, approach the pituitary, craniopharyngioma and isolated sphenoid sinus opacification as well as sphenoid sinusitis with cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Biopsy↗

The fate of pedicle osteocutaneous grafts in mandibulo-facial restoration.

To overcome some of the problems encountered in the repair of extensive composite defects of the head and neck, several means of transfering bone and soft tissue--while preserving the blood supply by means of a pedicle--have been clinically attempted. The superiority of pedicle osteocutaneous grafts compared to free grafts is demonstrated in a series of experiments in monkeys and dogs. Conventional and tetracycline labelled histological specimens, from animals sacrificed at intervals from two weeks to six months after grafting, illustrate the dynamic changes in the grafts. Pedicle supported grafts appeared superior to free grafts and partivipated actively in bone reconstruction.

Animals↗

Laryngocele--an updated review.

This communication reviews the clinical and pathological features of 121 cases of laryngocele reported in the English literature and the authors experience with 10 cases. A case of an infected laryngocele presenting with airway obstruction and one of an external laryngocele associated with laryngeal cancer are described in detail. An instance of bilateral congenitally long saccules is also presented, and the role of this anomaly in the pathogenesis of laryngoceles is discussed.

Adult↗

Childhood myxomas of the head and neck.

Childhood myxomas of the head and neck are rare, benign, locally invasive tumors. They present great difficulties in histological diagnosis and because of their tendency to recur, present great difficulties in treatment. The combination of vital structures in the head and neck and longevity in children places the head and neck surgeon in a difficult position when determining how radical treatment should be. From a review of the literature and our own experience with four cases, the treatment of choice was found to be surgical resection with tissue margins checked by frozen section and modified by consideration of function and cosmetic appearance. Recurrence occurs in approximately one-third of these patients, but careful longterm follow-up will aid in early detection and local re-excision.

Adolescent↗

Laryngeal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Laryngeal rhabdomyosarcomas are very rare, extremely malignant tumors. Approximately half of the reported cases have occurred in children. Diagnosis may be difficult, and adequate biopsy material is crucial in the identification of these lesions. Unil recently, rhabdomyosarcomas carried a dismal prognosis; however, combined treatment with surgery, irradiation, and triple chemotherapy appears to have improved the outlook. This should probably be the treatment for laryngeal rhabdomyosarcomas, and was successfully used in the case reported herein.

Child↗

Granular cell myoblastoma of the cervical trachea.

Only five granular cell myoblastomas affecting the cervical trachea have been previously reported. Two of these tumors appear to be primary lesions of the trachea, while the remaining three appear to involve it only secondarily. We report a case of an intraluminal granular cell myoblastoma arising from the right tracheal wall in a 45-year-old woman. The tumor extended into the partition wall between trachea and esophagus. Treatment was by surgical excision of the tumor and the involved tracheal ring. The patient was free of recurrence one year after treatment.

Female↗

Laryngeal spasm complicating pseudomyotonia.

Pseudomyotonia is a syndrome characterized by progressive muscle stiffness, weakness, myokymia, hyperhydrosis, and wasting of muscle. It especially affects the distal aspect of the extremities. The electromyogram is characteristic, and shows continuous muscle activity at rest. We discuss a case that is believed to be the first recorded instance of pseudomyotonia complicated by airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal spasm. Treatment with phenytoin sodium resulted in rapid improvement of the peripheral symptoms and simultaneous resolution of the laryngeal spasm.

Adult↗

Myxomas of the head and neck.

Myxomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that occur rarely in the head and neck. When they do occur, they are prevalent in the jaws and occur less frequently in the subcutaneous tissues. We report ten new cases and review the clinical, structural, and behavioral characteristics of myxomas arising in various head and neck locations. All ages are affected. The most common initial complaint is the presence of a slow-growing mass. The sarcomas, especially liposarcomas and fibrosarcomas, rank high in the differential diagnosis of myxomas. These tumors are stubborn infiltrators. When a capsule is present, it is usually incomplete and insufficient to contain the tumor. Treatment is by wide surgical excision. The high recurrence rate previously reported is probably due to incomplete excision and is higher when enucleation or curettage are used. Long-term follow-up is mandatory since recurrences may develop several years after treatment.

Adolescent↗

The appendix of the ventricle of the larynx.

A review of 100 consecutive laryngograms showed visualization of the appendix of the laryngeal ventricle in 40% of cases. This high incidence of visulization is related to thorough anesthesia, repeated performance of phonation and the reverse "E" maneuver as well as awareness of the anatomical structure. The appendix of the laryngeal ventricle courses superiorly between the laryngeal vestibule and the thyroid cartilage which differentiates this normal structure from ulcerations and fistulous tracts of laryngeal tumors.

Anesthesia, Local↗

Observations on the simultaneous occurrence of laryngocele and cancer.

The simultaneous occurrence of laryngocele and laryngeal cancer is uncommon. To date, 64 detailed descriptions of this association have appeared in the world's literature. In large restrospective series of laryngeal cancers, the incidence varies between zero and 9.7 per cent. Four additional cases are discussed. The pathogenesis of laryngoceles associated with tumor appears to be related to factors altering the mechanics of the laryngeal ventricle to a chronically elevated intralaryngeal pressure. Circumstances producing a ball valve effect appear to be a factor for saccular distention in some cases. In other instances, the association between laryngocele and cancer is probably coincidental.

Aged↗

Malignant fibrous xanthoma (xanthofibrosarcoma) of the larynx.

The xanthofibrosarcoma is a malignant variant of fibrous xanthoma. It is a rare tumor that derives from histiocytes. A case believed to be the first xanthofibrosarcoma reported in the larynx is presented. Differentiation between this tumor and benign lesion was difficult. The tumor proved malignant by metastasizing. Although few fibrous xanthomas become malignant they should raise a high index of suspicion when they are large, have infiltrative margins, and tend to recur locally. Treatment is by wide surgical excision. Close follow-up is mandatory. The prognosis once metastases appear is extremely poor.

Fibrosarcoma↗