Head and Neck

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) was first described in the 1990s, showing an increasing incidence and prevalence since then, being the leading cause of food impaction and the major cause of dysphagia. Probably, in a few years, EoE may no longer be considered a rare disease. Methods: This article discusses new aspects of the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE according to the last published guidelines. Results: The epidemiological studies indicate a multifactorial origin for EoE, where environmental and genetic factors take part...

Laryngeal trauma from prolonged endotracheal intubation occurs in patients of all ages. Most changes are superficial and heal quickly. Injuries that are found consistently during intubation include nonspecific changes, edema, granulation tissue, ulceration, and othermiscellaneous injuries. In thispapersignificant, severe, and lasting trauma of the larynx has been classified on thebasis of theknown factors in pathogenesis, observations made atendoscopy, and photographic documentation. This classification has required introduction of new descriptive terminology: "tongues of granulation tissue," "ulcerated troughs," "healed furrows," and "healed fibrous nodule...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the last decade, after cetuximab (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor), none of the novel investigated compounds has demonstrated benefit in head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC), both in advanced and curative settings. Therefore, prognosis of recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC patients remains dismal, especially in platinum-refractory cohort. In the last few years, a new important class of drugs has affirmed its role. HNSCC, even if less 'immunogenic' than other malignancies (e...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite recent advances in radiotherapy, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) remains a common and difficult complication of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Available treatment options are complementary to its complex pathophysiology and the currently available theories of ORN development. The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy has recently been questioned, and therapies targeting the fibroatrophic process have become a focus of ORN treatment. The objective of this review is to evaluate the literature regarding ORN of the mandible, with a focus on available treatment options...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the advances in 3D virtual planning for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction surgical defects with full prosthetic rehabilitation. The primary purpose is to provide an overview of various techniques that apply 3D technology safely in primary and secondary reconstructive cases of patients suffering from head and neck cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Methods have been developed to overcome the problem of control over the margin during surgery while the crucial decision with regard to resection margin and planning of osteotomies were predetermined by virtual planning...

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a problematic complication following total laryngectomy. Disagreement remains regarding predisposing factors. This study examines perioperative factors predicting PCF following total laryngectomy using a large multicenter data registry. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis was performed using patients undergoing total laryngectomy in the ACS-NSQIP database for 2006-2014. Sub-analysis was performed based on reconstruction type...

OBJECTIVE: This article describes a paradigm shift in what is considered to be good care for patients living with and after (head and neck) cancer. HNO patients often experience severe and difficult physical and psychosocial problems due to the nature and location of the disease. Many disciplines are involved in their treatment, so their voice is only one amongst many others in the decision making process. For this patient group it seems complicated to put the concept of Shared Decision Making into practice...

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is rapidly evolving due to changing patient populations, an emphasis on quality of life-related outcomes, and advances in radiotherapy concepts and techniques to meet these new demands. This review includes recent and ongoing studies that are potentially practice changing, including improvements in intensity-modulated radiotherapy planning, the use of deintensified regimens in the human papilloma virus-related setting, and adjuvant therapy after transoral robotic surgery...

Pain is a significant morbidity resulting from head and neck cancer. Pain may also be the result of the treatments directed against head and neck cancer. An experienced practitioner may manage this pain by understanding the multifactorial mechanisms of pain and the various pharmacotherapies available. Pain should be managed with multiple medications in a multimodal approach, and nonpharmacologic therapies should be considered as well.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we present a 4-step approach to evaluating lymph nodes in the setting of head and neck squamous cell and thyroid carcinoma and highlight important tips and traps. CONCLUSION: The presence and extent of nodal metastases in head and neck cancer has a great impact on treatment and prognosis. Pretreatment CT and MRI of the neck are commonly performed to evaluate for nodal metastases.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is the most common and serious complication after thyroid surgery. Visual identification of the RLN during thyroid surgery has been shown to be associated with lower rates of palsy, and although it has been recommended as the gold standard for RLN treatment, it does not guarantee success against postoperative vocal cord paralysis. Anatomical variations of the RLN, such as extra-laryngeal branches, distorted RLN, intertwining between branches of the RLN and inferior thyroid artery, and non-recurrent laryngeal nerve, can be a potential cause of nerve injury due to visual misidentification...