Expression of IL-1α correlates with distant metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The presence of IL-1 in human cancers is associated with aggressive tumor biology but its prognostic value is unknown. We studied whether IL-1α expression is a prognostic marker of distant metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). IL-1α mRNA and protein levels were determined in tumor samples and cancer cell lines using RT-PCR and ELISA.

Parotid incidentaloma identified by positron emission/computed tomography: when to consider diagnoses other than warthin tumor.

Introduction Parotid gland incidentalomas (PGIs) are unexpected hypermetabolic foci in the parotid region that can be found when scanning with whole-body positron emission/computed tomography (PET/CT). These deposits are most commonly due to benign lesions such as Warthin tumor. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PGIs identified in PET/CT scans and to assess the role of smoking in their etiology.

[Aetiology and treatment of vocal fold paralysis: retrospective study of 108 patients].

Objectives: To review the aetiology and treatment of laryngeal paralysis diagnosed at our hospital and to describe the available therapeutic options.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 108 patients diagnosed with unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis between 2000 and 2012, identifying the cause of paralysis and its treatment.

Results: Of the 108 cases analysed, 70% had unilateral vocal fold immobility and 30% bilateral immobility.