An assessment of racial differences in epidemiological, clinical and psychosocial factors among head and neck cancer patients at the time of surgery.

Objective: Racial disparities have been well characterized and African American (AA) patients have 30% lower 5-year survival rates than European Americans (EAs) for head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). This poorer survival can be attributed to a myriad of different factors. The purpose of this study was to characterize AA-EA similarities and differences in sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics in HNSCC patients near the time of surgery.

Inhibition of mTOR Signaling and Clinical Activity of Rapamycin in Head and Neck Cancer in a Window of Opportunity Trial.

Purpose: We studied the impact of mTOR signaling inhibition with rapamycin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the neoadjuvant setting. The goals were to evaluate the mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target for patients with advanced HNSCC, and the clinical safety, antitumor, and molecular activity of rapamycin administration on HNSCC.

Patients And Methods: Patients with untreated stage II-IVA HNSCC received rapamycin for 21 days (day 1, 15 mg; days 2-12, 5 mg) prior to definitive treatment with surgery or chemoradiation.

Availability of patient-centered cancer support services: A statewide survey of cancer centers.

The Institute of Medicine recommended in their landmark report "From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition" that services to meet the needs of cancer patients should extend beyond physical health issues to include functional and psychosocial consequences of cancer. However, no systems exist in the US to support state-level data collection on availability of support services for cancer patients. Developing a mechanism to systematically collect these data and document service availability is essential for guiding comprehensive cancer control planning efforts.

Intramuscular myxoma of the paraspinal muscles: A case report and systematic review of the literature.

Intramuscular myxoma (IM) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the head and neck region. The current study reports a case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a painless neck mass. Imaging showed involvement of the levator scapulae and scalene muscles.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia: a systematic review.

Objective: Radiation-induced xerostomia is one of the most common morbidities of radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. However, in spite of its high rate of occurrence, there are few effective therapies available for its management. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen on the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia and xerostomia-related quality of life.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite Injection for Persistent Velopharyngeal Insufficiency after Sphincter Pharyngoplasty.

Background: The role of calcium hydroxylapatite injection pharyngoplasty after failed sphincter pharyngoplasty surgery has not previously been described. We report our technique of injecting calcium hydroxylapatite into the pharyngoplasty site to add bulk to specific areas of the velopharyngeal port.

Methods: A retrospective review of children undergoing calcium hydroxylapatite injection pharyngoplasty for persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency after sphincter pharyngoplasty was performed.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Systematic Review.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare tumor, usually diagnosed within the first year of age, with a predilection for the maxilla. Although the tumor is usually benign, its rapidly growing nature and ability to cause major deformities in surrounding structures necessitate early diagnosis and intervention. It is important that medical and dental specialists are prepared to make the diagnosis and proceed with appropriate intervention.

Facial nerve monitoring during parotidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (FNM) in preventing immediate and permanent postoperative facial nerve weakness in patients undergoing primary parotidectomy.

Data Sources: PubMed-NCBI database from 1970 to 2014.

Review Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted.

The association between T-stage and clinical nodal metastasis In HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the association between T-stage and primary tumor subsite with clinical nodal metastasis in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Study Design: Retrospective medical record review.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of all previously untreated patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma evaluated by the senior author in a tertiary-care center over a 5-year period was performed.

Endolymphatic sac surgery for Ménière's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To analyze current endolymphatic surgery techniques and quantify their efficacy in controlling vertigo and maintaining hearing in the short and long term.

Data Sources: A comprehensive literature search using the PubMed-NCBI database from 1970 to 2013.

Study Selection: Articles on sac decompression and mastoid shunt (with and without silastic) were included.

Ultrasound-Guided Needle Localization during Open Parotid Sialolithotomy.

Objectives: Our objective is to describe a novel operative technique for localization of parotid sialolithiasis, demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, and discuss its indications.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Tertiary-level academic center.

Initial symptoms in patients with HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer.

IMPORTANCE This study addresses the most common initial symptoms of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and investigates differences between human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive vs HPV-negative tumors. OBJECTIVES To analyze the most common initial symptoms in patients with OPSCC and to determine if any differences in initial symptoms occur between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Retrospective single-institution review of medical records of previously untreated patients with OPSCC diagnosed from January 1, 2008, toMay 20, 2013, who were evaluated by 1 physician (the senior author, T.

Management of radiotherapy-induced salivary hypofunction and consequent xerostomia in patients with oral or head and neck cancer: meta-analysis and literature review.

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of various treatment options for radiation-induced hyposalivation in patients with head and neck cancer.

Study Design: A literature review and meta-analysis was performed on all appropriate literature identified via MEDLINE/PubMed.

Results: Fourteen articles were identified that met inclusion criteria for review, and 8 articles qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis.

Salivary gland transfer to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Salivary gland transfer (SGT) has the potential to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia. We attempt to analyze the efficacy of SGT in prevention of xerostomia and maintenance of salivary flow rates after radiation treatment (XRT). Systematic review and meta-analysis.