[Head and neck paragangliomas].

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs) are rare tumours of neural crest origin that are benign in the majority of cases. In this article HNPGs are outlined with emphasis on genetic predisposition, diagnostics and counselling. The literature on HNPGs identified using PubMed is reviewed.

Radiological imaging of the neck for initial decision-making in oral squamous cell carcinomas--a questionnaire survey in the Nordic countries.

Background: Fast and accurate work-up is crucial to ensure the best possible treatment and prognosis for patients with head and neck cancer. The presence or absence of neck lymph node metastases is important for the prognosis and the choice of treatment. Clinical lymph node (N)-staging is done by palpation and diagnostic imaging of the neck.

[Large fibrovascular polyp in the oesophagus].

We describe a 45 year-old man with a fibrovascular polyp attached to the entrance of the oesophagus. The patient had a history with regurgitation of polypose foreign body 4-5 years ago with spontaneous remission. Later the patient developed dysphagia, chest pain and weight loss.

Salivary gland carcinoma in Denmark 1990-2005: outcome and prognostic factors. Results of the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA).

To describe outcome and prognostic factors in a national Danish series of patients treated for salivary gland carcinoma. From three Danish nation-wide registries and supplementary patient records, 871 patients diagnosed with primary major or minor salivary gland carcinoma in the period from 1990 to 2005 were identified. A total of 796 (91%) histological specimens were revised according to the WHO 2005 classification.

Salivary gland carcinoma in Denmark 1990-2005: a national study of incidence, site and histology. Results of the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA).

To describe the incidence, site and histology (WHO 2005) of salivary gland carcinomas in Denmark. Nine hundred and eighty-three patients diagnosed from 1990 to 2005 were identified from three nation-wide registries. The associated clinical data were retrospectively retrieved from patient medical records.

Good results in patients with defects after intraoral tumour excision using facial artery musculo-mucosal flap.

Introduction: The purpose of this article was to assess our experience with the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap technique for reconstruction of the oral cavity after tumour ablation. We also introduce new surgical developments for this technique.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively examined 22 cases involving FAMM flap surgery during the period from July 2007 to December 2009, focusing on postoperative complications and flap survival.

Reconstruction using free jejunal transfer after resection of cancer of the upper oesophagus.

Introduction: Treatment of cancer of the upper part of the oesophagus is challenging. Even after intended curative treatment, less than half of the patients are alive after five years. This retrospective study evaluates all the patients who had the upper oesophagus reconstructed by use of a free jejunal transfer following cancer resection from February 2000 to May 2008 at the University Hospital of Aarhus.

[Spontaneous subcutaneous facial emphysema].

In this case we report how a previously healthy 35-year-old man developed a spontaneous monosymptomatic facial emphysema. The emphysema was found in large parts of deep and superficial compartments of the facial muscles, intraorbital to the optical nerve and along the blood vessels to the larynx level. The reason for this was never determined, but the differential diagnostics include allergic reaction, oesophagus/larynx rupture, infection, fracture of the facial bones, trauma or self-inflicted damage.

[Reconstruction of the maxilla with pedicled temporalis muscle after maxillectomy].

Introduction: Removal of the maxilla requires adequate restoration of the maxillary structure to replace form and functions, especially vocal and eating functions. A host of reconstructive options are available to restore the maxilla, most of which include free-flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of pedicled temporalis flap for reconstruction of the maxilla and to assess patient quality of life.

[Reconstruction after maxillectomy using the temporalis muscle flap--our experience].

The Aim Of Study: The study presents a method of a reconstruction of the palatum after maxillectomy. This method is choosen in selected cases of malignant tumors of the maxilla.

Material And Methods: The method is combined of preparation of the temporalis muscle flap and its dislocation it under arcus of zygoma into the oral cavity.

Prospective study of 18FDG-PET in the detection and management of patients with lymph node metastases to the neck from an unknown primary tumor. Results from the DAHANCA-13 study.

Background: The benefit of a complementary fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan to standard workup for carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) and metastatic neck lesions was prospectively studied.

Methods: Sixty-seven patients underwent standardized diagnostic workup according to national guidelines including panendoscopies, multiple mucosal biopsies, and diagnostic CT/MRI scans. Median follow-up was 40 months (range, 2-65 months).

The Danish national guidelines for treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The treatment strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma in Denmark has traditionally varied between the different head and neck oncology centres. A study group within the Danish Society for Head and Neck Oncology (DSHHO) was formed with the aim of optimising and standardising the treatment strategy. The approach was to use single modality treatment for stage I, stage II and some stage III and combined modality treatment for stage III and IV.

Histopathologic parameters in the evaluation of T1 squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity.

Background: Prognostic indicators that could assist in a more precise selection of patients with small oral carcinomas for differentiated therapy would be valuable. A significant fraction of patients with stage I disease have a relatively poor prognosis despite the small size of the tumor, but in general stage I tumors of the oral cavity have a favorable prognosis.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients with stage I (T1N0M0) oral squamous cell carcinoma from two different ENT departments were included in the study.