Mediastinal liposarcoma: Case report with radiology review.

De-differentiated primary mediastinal liposarcomas account for less than 1% of all liposarcoma pathology. We report the case of an 82-year-old male who was suffering from progressive dysphagia, shortness of breath, and dysphonia for a period of 2 months. A CT scan of the chest with contrast revealed a large heterogeneously enhancing posterior mediastinal mass extending into the posterior soft tissues of the neck, abutting bilateral carotid arteries, and displacing the trachea and esophagus.

18F-FDG PET evaluation of sinonasal papilloma.

Objective: It has been suggested that (18)F-FDG uptake determined by PET can differentiate squamous cell carcinoma from benign sinonasal papilloma. We wish to present our experience with sinonasal papillomas and PET/CT to determine if the degree of FDG uptake is indicative of benign or malignant disease.

Conclusion: Benign sinonasal papilloma may be associated with intense FDG uptake on PET/CT.

Early use of a mechanical stretching device to improve mandibular mobility after composite resection: a pilot study.

Objective: To evaluate the use of a mechanical stretching device, the Therabite, for the early postoperative management of trismus in select patients.

Design: Prospective series of consecutive head and neck cancer patients.

Setting: Academic, tertiary referral center.

Levels of cyclooxygenase-2 are increased in the oral mucosa of smokers: evidence for the role of epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a promising pharmacologic target for preventing aerodigestive malignancies. In this study, we investigated the effects of tobacco smoke on the expression of COX-2 in oral mucosa. An approximately 4-fold increase in amount of COX-2 mRNA was observed in the oral mucosa of active smokers versus never smokers.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland lesions in a selected patient population.

Objective: To report the role of selective use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with major salivary gland lesions at a tertiary care cancer center.

Design: Retrospective review of FNAB results compared with final histologic diagnosis as the criterion standard.

Setting: An academic tertiary care cancer center.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 are overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

Purpose: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes malignant growth. Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes the synthesis of PGH2, which is converted, in turn, by microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1) to PGE2. One strategy for inhibiting carcinogenesis is to prevent PGE2 production in premalignant and malignant tissues.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Elevated levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) occur in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and have been associated with a poor prognosis. Recently, an inducible microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES) was identified. This enzyme converts the cyclooxygenase product prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)) to PGE(2).

Congenital salivary gland anlage tumor of the nasopharynx.

Objective: Nasal and upper respiratory tract obstruction in the neonatal period can result from a variety of conditions, and may present with variable symptoms. In the absence of dysmorphic features or other abnormalities, causes of nasal obstruction may be difficult to differentiate on initial examination. We report an unexpected and potentially life-threatening condition arising during the work-up of this common neonatal complaint.

Postoperative management of differentiated thyroid cancer.

The large numbers of studies on the postoperative management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma allows us to use adjuvant treatment and follow-up studies more selectively based on patient risk for recurrence and mortality. Recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma is more easily and more effectively treated with early diagnosis. With this in mind, patients who are at high risk for life-threatening recurrent disease should be treated aggressively and followed up expectantly.