Disproportionately Increased Incidence of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer in the North Yorkshire Region: A UK Tertiary Centre Study.

Globally, the incidence of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has followed a stable trend. However, over the past decade, we have observed a marked rise in the number of cases in the North Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom. Our study aimed to explore the incidence, demographics, and geographical distribution of ATC in this region over a 12-year period.

Is malignant otitis externa on the increase? A retrospective review of cases.

We performed a retrospective review of all patients with malignant otitis externa (MOE) treated in our center between July 2004 and December 2012 to evaluate the current epidemiology in our region and to ascertain causative factors associated with the perceived increase in the number of cases diagnosed. Eleven patients were identified (5 men and 6 women), with a mean age of 77 years (range: 38 to 97 years). Diabetes was present in 36%.

Deep lobe parotid pleomorphic adenoma presenting as obstructive sleep apnoea.

We present a rare case of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) secondary to a deep lobe parotid pleomorphic adenoma and discuss its management, including the need for a thorough examination and multidisciplinary approach. Only a few cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland causing OSA have been reported. Our case is not only extremely rare but also highlights that key diagnoses maybe missed if a thorough assessment is not performed.

Obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring - is examination necessary?

This article outlines two cases of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) secondary to parapharyngeal space tumours. Both patients were referred to a specialist sleep clinic where oropharyngeal masses were seen and biopsied. Both underwent surgery and this was curative of both their snoring and their OSA.

Serum IL10 and circulating CD4(+) CD25(high) regulatory T cell numbers as predictors of clinical outcome and survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) commonly have an imbalance in T helper (Th)1/Th2-type cytokines and elevated levels of CD4(+) CD25(high) regulatory T cells (Treg). Here, we investigated the association of circulating interleukin (IL)10, IL12, and Treg-cells with clinical outcome in patients with HNSCC.

Methods: Serum cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients' pretreatment (n = 107) and 4 to 6 weeks posttreatment (n = 43), and in nontumor controls (n = 40).

Atypical presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis and a retropharyngeal neck abscess.

A 70-year-old Asian man with noninsulin-dependent diabetes presented with a 4-month history of left-sided otitis externa and right-sided facial palsy. Physical examination of the left ear revealed a punched-out ulcerative lesion on the tragus, an edematous and inflamed external auditory canal, and a purulent nonmucoid discharge. Computed tomography of the brain and neck demonstrated a large retropharyngeal abscess, an abscess in the left parapharyngeal space, and a small collection adjacent to the right carotid sheath at the level of C4; the cervical vertebrae and lungs were normal.

Biphasic synovial sarcoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall: a case report.

Synovial sarcoma is not common in the head and neck region. Because its histopathologic features are many and varied, it is often misdiagnosed. We report a case of biphasic synovial sarcoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall, and we discuss the clinical and pathologic features of this case.