HER-2/neu oncogene characterization in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To characterize the HER-2/neu oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and tumor tissue specimens.

Design: Molecular analysis of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification and expression in HNSCC cell lines by Southern, Northern, and Western blot techniques, and HER-2/neu oncoprotein expression in HNSCC tumor tissue sections by immunohistochemical analysis.

Specimens: Eleven HNSCC cell lines, eight paired samples of frozen HNSCC tumor tissue specimens and adjacent nonmalignant mucosa, and 38 paraffin-embedded slides derived from HNSCC tumor specimens (including those from which the cell lines were derived) were analyzed.

Minor salivary gland tumors of the palate: clinical and pathologic correlates of outcome.

Minor salivary gland tumors of the palate are rare and may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for the head and neck surgeon. The authors reviewed their 46 years of experience with minor salivary gland tumors of the palate to determine the factors that influence outcome and their implications for treatment. Malignant tumors were seen in 116 patients (78%) and benign tumors were found in 33 patients (22%).

Factors influencing functional outcome in supraglottic laryngectomy.

Background: The relationship between preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and postoperative aspiration and deglutition complications in supraglottic laryngectomy (SL) has not been adequately analyzed. The effects of numerous other variables are either controversial or have not been studied.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 46 SL patients, analyzing preoperative PFTs and arterial blood gases, demographic factors, stage of disease, extended resections, cricopharyngeal myotomy, hyoid preservation, neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy with regards to aspiration and deglutition problems.

Primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea constitutes only 3% to 4% of CSF fistulas. Nontraumatic, normal pressure CSF fistulas with resultant rhinorrhea, in which no cause can be identified, or primary spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, is considerably rarer. Presented here are two cases of CSF rhinorrhea of this nature, including the diagnostic workup and treatment.