Patients with Oncocytic Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Have a Similar Prognosis to Matched Classical Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Controls.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that oncocytic variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may be more aggressive, with higher rates of recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients with oncocytic variant PTC compared to classical PTC.

Methods: Patients with oncocytic variant PTC were retrospectively identified from 519 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for PTC between January 2009 and August 2015.

Survivorship care plans for patients with head and neck cancer.

Objective: To determine the perceived value of survivorship care plans (SCPs) (cancer treatment summaries and follow-up recommendations).

Design: Survey of patients and their physicians between 3 and 4 years after receipt of the SCP.

Setting: Ambulatory, tertiary care medical center.

Dysphagia due to adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

Objectives: Although oropharyngeal neoplasia can often lead to dysphagia, salivary gland tumors rarely grow within the tongue base. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue causing profound dysphagia and weight loss, and provide a current literature review and update on the management of these rare tumors.

Methods: We present a case report and a literature review.

Comparison of physical examination and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography 4-6 months after radiotherapy to assess residual head-and-neck cancer.

Purpose: To retrospectively compare fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and physical examination 4-6 months after radiotherapy for assessing residual head-and-neck cancer (HNC).

Methods And Materials: From July 2002 through March 2006, 52 HNC patients underwent definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Categoric assessments of residual tumor by PET/CT and physical examination 4-6 months after therapy were correlated and compared with clinical outcomes.

Analysis of pepsin in tracheoesophageal puncture sites.

Objectives: Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and prosthesis insertion is a well-established method of voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy. Maintenance of the prosthesis and tract can be challenging, and reflux to the TEP site has been proposed as a cause. The sites of TEP were evaluated for the presence of pepsin in tissue biopsy specimens and tract secretions to explore this association.

Clinical outcomes of patients receiving integrated PET/CT-guided radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma.

Purpose: We previously reported the advantages of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) fused with CT for radiotherapy planning over CT alone in head and neck carcinoma (HNC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and the predictive value of PET for patients receiving PET/CT-guided definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.

Methods And Materials: From December 2002 to August 2006, 42 patients received PET/CT imaging as part of staging and radiotherapy planning.

Stapedectomy in congenital stapes fixation: are hearing outcomes poorer?

Objective: To evaluate outcomes of stapedectomy surgery for congenital stapes fixation.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: The charts of 463 stapedectomies performed by 1 surgeon from 1996 to 2003 were reviewed.

Avoiding pitfalls in surgery of the neck, parapharyngeal space, and infratemporal fossa.

The region of the upper neck, parapharyngeal space, and infratemporal fossa contains many vital structures in a confined area. Access is often limited, making surgical treatment challenging. Preoperative assessment is critical in determining the optimal surgical approach.

Stapedectomy outcomes: titanium versus teflon wire prosthesis.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of two stapes prostheses in hearing improvement of patients undergoing stapes surgery for otosclerosis.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Titanium and Teflon wire stapes prostheses were compared with regard to effectiveness in closing the air-bone gap.

Resorption rate and biocompatibility characteristics of two polyester ventilation tubes in a guinea pig model.

Objectives: Determine the resorption rate and biocompatibility characteristics of 2 polyester ventilation tubes, and to determine whether soap and water exposure accelerates polyester tube degradation.

Study Design And Setting: 50/50 poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA-50) and poly (L-lactide; PLA) polymers were placed into the tympanic membranes of Hartley pigmented guinea pigs. Integrity of the tubes was determined by weekly otoscopic examination.