Successful adaptation during COVID-19 pandemic: suspected head and neck cancer biopsies under local anaesthetic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Fergus Cooper ◽  
◽  
Hassan Baig ◽  
Panagiotis Asimakopoulos ◽  
Kim W Ah-See ◽  
...  

The patients suspected to have cancer in the head and neck region including pharynx and larynx undergo biopsy of the suspicious lesion under general anaesthetic. This is a long established practice but lately, biopsy of such lesions under local anaesthetic in the outpatient setting is promoted. During the current COVID-19 pandemic our access to operating theatre is significantly reduced. We have, therefore, modified our practice to allow us to carry out such biopsies under local anaesthetic in the outpatient setting. We share our experience with 20 patients who successfully underwent this procedure. The patients reported no side effects and were happy to avoid undergoing a general anaesthetic and its associated risks. We would encourage colleagues in other units to consider this option when dealing with such patients.

1996 ◽  
Vol 37 (1P1) ◽  
pp. 52-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Tomura ◽  
M. Kobayashi ◽  
H. Hirano ◽  
J. Watarai ◽  
Y. Okamoto ◽  
...  

Fourteen patients with malignant tumor in the head and neck region were treated with infusion of carboplatine microcapsules (CBDCA-mc) via percutaneous superselective catheterization. A microcatheter was advanced into a feeding artery using a coaxial catheter system. Eleven patients had over 30% reduction of the tumor size on CT within 1 month after embolization. Twelve patients had an increased amount of low attenuation tissue in the tumor on CT after embolization, suggesting increased necrosis in the tumor. No definite hematologic toxicity was found. A majority of patients complained of moderate pain in the embolized region immediately after embolization, easily relieved by i.v. analgesics. Chemoembolization using CBDCA-mc may be an effective therapeutic modality in advanced cases of head and neck cancer.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Rahne ◽  
Amina Basic ◽  
Annica Almståhl

Abstract Background: Lactobacillus are acid-producing bacteria associated with caries development. Some Lactobacillus have also anti-microbial properties. In patients treated for cancer in the head and neck region, a marked increase in Lactobacillus has previously been reported. The consequences of this ecological shift towards a Lactobacillus friendly environment are, however, still unknown. Little is known about the prevalence of different Lactobacillus species and their characteristics in these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to identify Lactobacillus isolates from patients with head and neck cancer and to determine their acid-producing capacity and anti-microbial activity. Methods: Lactobacillus isolates were collected from 21 patients pre-treatment, six and 12 months post treatment. For identification to species level, the isolates were subjected to DNA-extraction, amplification of 16S and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using the restriction enzymes Hpa II and Hae III. The acid-producing capacity was analyzed using a colorimetric fermentation test in microtiter plates. The anti-microbial activity of the isolates against Streptococcus mutans associated with caries, and the mucosal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis was determined by determining inhibitory zones on agar plates. Results: The most frequent species were L. paracasei (n=21), L. casei/rhamnosus (n=17) and L. fermentum (n=10). The highest proportion showing acid-producing capacity using sugars and sugar-alcohols was found among L. paracasei and the lowest proportions were seen for L. fermentum. Seventy-one strains showed an anti-microbial activity against S. mutans, one strain against S. aureus and none against C. albicans or E. faecalis. Conclusion: The most frequent species Lactobacillus species isolated from patients with head and neck cancer were L. paracasei, L. casei/rhamnosus and L. fermentum of which L. paracasei showed the best acid-producing capacity. A weak anti-microbial activity against S. mutans was frequently detected. Further studies are needed to increase the knowledge of the role and characteristics of oral Lactobacillus.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Thaináh Bruna dos Santos Zambrano ◽  
Solange De Paula Ramos ◽  
Nora Gavilanes ◽  
Ricardo Sergio Almeida

AbstractCandidiasis is closely related to patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy due to the immunosuppressive state, induced xerostomia, mucositis and difficulties in establishing adequate oral hygiene. Therefore, the aim of this study was to discuss the relationship between candidal infections and the radiotherapy of the head and neck region, based on available scientific literature. In order to identify the studies included or considered in this study, a search strategy was carried out for the following databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science and PubMed. Inclusion criteria were publications that addressed key words: Candida spp. of the oral cavity and head and neck cancer. Therefore, this work exposes the necessity for studies relating candidal infections with radiotherapy treatment of the head and neck region.  However, it is possible suggest that colonization and infection by Candida spp. can be increased by radiotherapy. Additionally, it can be suggested that patients irradiated at the head and neck region should be periodically investigated for the presence of pathogenic yeasts in the oral cavity, followed by greater care with oral hygiene and nutrition.Keywords: Candida Spp. Xerostomia. Oral Health. Publications.ResumoA candidíase está intimamente relacionada com pacientes submetidos a radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço devido ao estado imunossupressor, xerostomia induzida, mucosite e dificuldades no estabelecimento de higiene bucal adequada. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi discutir a relação entre infecções por Candida spp. e a radioterapia da região da cabeça e pescoço, com base na literatura científica disponível. Para identificar os estudos incluídos ou considerados neste estudo, foi realizada uma estratégia de busca para os seguintes bancos de dados: SCOPUS, Web of Science e PubMed. Os critérios de inclusão foram publicações que abordavam as palavras-chave: Candida spp. da cavidade oral e câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Desta forma, este trabalho expõe a necessidade de estudos relacionados às infecções por Candida spp. com tratamento de radioterapia da região da cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, podemos sugerir que a colonização e a infecção por Candida spp. pode ser aumentada por radioterapia. Além disso, pode-se sugerir que os pacientes irradiados na região da cabeça e pescoço devem ser investigados periodicamente quanto à presença de leveduras patogênicas na cavidade bucal, seguido de maiores cuidados com higiene bucal e nutrição.Palavras-chave: Candida Spp. Xerostomia. Saúde Bucal. Publicações.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan S. Lewin ◽  
Katherine A. Hutcheson ◽  
Denise A. Barringer ◽  
Brad G. Smith

Lymphedema is a collection of high protein fluid in the interstitial tissues that results from trauma, infection, or oncologic treatment that impairs lymphatic drainage. The damaging effects of radiation therapy and surgery on the lymphatic system primarily include edema and fibrosis. Lymphedema most often is recognized as a potentially serious complication for patients with breast, gynecological, or genitourinary cancers that manifests as swelling of the extremities. However, lymphedema in the head and neck region is a common complication of treatments for head and neck cancer. When lymphedema involves the head and neck region, the cosmetic and functional sequelae may be significant. Potential side effects include problems with drooling, mastication, deglutition, articulation, airway obstruction, and poor self image. The potential effects of head and neck lymphedema on swallowing function have not been well-documented and are only recently recognized. Oral preparation and pharyngeal transit are likely most affected. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the international standard of care for treating lymphedema of the extremities that combines manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), bandage compression, skin care, and targeted exercise. Preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of CDT in patients with head and neck lymphedema after cancer treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 122 ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
M. Bernsdorf ◽  
A. Loft ◽  
A. Berthelsen ◽  
L. Specht ◽  
J. Kjems ◽  
...  

1988 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 432-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harbans Lal ◽  
Bharat Singh ◽  
Umesh Wig ◽  
A. S. Saini

AbstractSerum immunoglobulin E levels were estimated in 50 patients with head and neck cancer and in 25 controls. Mean serum IgE value was significantly higher in patients with various sites of cancer in the head and neck region other than carcinoma of the tonsil. The levels increased with advancement in the stage of cancer. There was, however, no difference in mean serum IgE value with respect to the character of the lesion, to the histopathological type of growth or to radiotherapy.In patients with carcinoma of the tonsil, the mean serum IgE concentration was significantly lowered.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Neizekhotuo Brian Shunyu ◽  
Judita Syiemlieh

ABSTRACT In India, 20 to 40% of all cancer arises in the head and neck region. The highest rate is seen in the eastern and southern regions of our country. The alarming high prevalence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in this region has prompted us to undertake this retrospective study. This study is to give the picture on the prevalence of HNC in the region, as such studies are lacking, till date. This is a 5 years retrospective study of cancer patients from 2007 to 2011 who have been registered in Civil Hospital, Shillong. The period of study is short as registry before 2007 was not properly recorded, but the high prevalence of cancer especially HNC warranted the need to undertake this retrospective study. During the 5-year period, there were a total of 3,123 cancer patients, registered in Civil Hospital, Shillong. In this study, HNC and esophageal cancer constitute 2,207 (70.67%) cases of the total body malignancy (TBM) which is much higher than other studies done in other parts of the country. Fourth decade is the most common age group comprising of 471 cases which accounts for 32.72% of all HNC. This high prevalence of HNC in the young population of the region is alarming and hence needs a comprehensive afford to meet this challenge. This paper, therefore, is an attempt to quantify the spectrum of HNC in the region hoping that this paper will help the health professionals to understand the burden of HNC in the region, so as to generate strategies for future planning. How to cite this article Shunyu NB, Syiemlieh J. Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancer in the State of Meghalaya: Hospital-based Study. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2013;4(1):1-5.


1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Van den Bogaert ◽  
Emmanuel van der Schueren ◽  
Jean-Claude Horiot ◽  
Mario De Vilhena ◽  
Simon Schraub ◽  
...  

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1938
Author(s):  
Jefferson Muniz de Lima ◽  
Paulo Rogerio Bonan ◽  
Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez ◽  
Michael Hier ◽  
Moulay A. Alaoui-Jamali ◽  
...  

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease associated with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Standard therapeutic management of advanced HNC, which is based on radiotherapy often combined with chemotherapy, has been hampered by severe long-term side effects. To overcome these side effects, tumor-selective nanoparticles have been exploited as a potential drug delivery system to improve HNC therapy. A combination of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception up to June 2020 was used for this systematic review. A total of 1747 published manuscripts were reviewed and nine relevant references were retrieved for analysis, while eight of them were eligible for meta-analysis. Based on these studies, the level of evidence about the efficacy of nanoformulation for HNC therapy on tumor response and adverse side effects (SAE) was low. Even though basic research studies have revealed a greater promise of nanomaterial to improve the outcome of cancer therapy, none of them were translated into clinical benefits for HNC patients. This systematic review summarized and discussed the recent progress in the development of targeted nanoparticle approaches for HNC management, and open-up new avenues for future perspectives.


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