Matricellular proteins: Potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of diverse multidomain macromolecules, including collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin, that significantly contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. Matricellular proteins (MCPs), as a family of non-structural proteins, play a crucial role in regulating various ECM functions. They exert their biological effects by interacting with matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, cytokines, and proteases.

Regional metastasis to anatomies beyond traditional neck dissection boundaries: a multi-institutional analysis focused on unconventional metastases in oral cancer patients.

Background: Regional metastasis sometimes occurs in anatomies that are not included in traditional neck dissections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity (SCCOC) patients with unconventional metastatic lymph nodes (UMLNs) in sublingual, buccinator, and parotid anatomies.

Methods: This retrospective multi-institutional analysis of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity patients with unconventional metastatic lymph nodes was performed from January 2008 to December 2015.

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma in the maxillary sinus: an unusual presentation.

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare histological type of soft tissue sarcoma presenting as a subcutaneous or deep dermal mass in the distal extremities of young adults. Recently, a more aggressive, so called 'proximal-type' ES has been described. The literature is limited on the clinical features and management of ES originating in the head and neck area.

Anatomic extent of lymph node metastases as an independent prognosticator in node-positive major salivary gland carcinoma: A study of the US SEER database and a Chinese multicenter cohort.

Background: We aimed to explore whether the anatomic extent of lymph node metastases (AE-LNM) could independently predict prognosis of node-positive major salivary gland carcinoma (MaSGC).

Methods: A total of 376 pathologically node-positive MaSGC patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database and constituted the training cohort. Using the X-Tile program, these patients were divided into three groups based on AE-LNM degrees.