A 27-year-old man presented in 2009 with a longstanding history of a multiloculated radiolucent lesion in the left mandible. It was assessed, and a biopsy was performed in another country. At the time of the assessment, the patient was asymptomatic. The biopsy was interpreted and reported as a benign fibrous lesion with a differential diagnosis of benign neural tumor such as neurofibroma.

PURPOSE:Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is being increasingly used worldwide as a minimally invasive option to stage the clinically node-negative neck (N0) in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). We performed this trial to assess the reliability and validity of the technique. METHODS:We did this prospective interventional nonrandomized study in patients with early (cT1-T2 OCSCC) and with negative neck. All patients underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy; SLNB was followed immediately by completion neck dissection (CND), thus each patient serving as their own control. The primary outcomes evaluated are sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection rate, SLN retrieval rate, and SLN status (positive or negative) compared with pathology of CND specimen to detect any false negatives. The secondary outcomes included SLN analyses (tumor burden, location in different levels of the neck, laterality, extracapsular spread, and total nodes positive) and overall survival. RESULTS:Of 60 patients, 59 (98%) had successful SLN detection with the lymphoscintigram failing to localize in 1 patient. Of the remaining 59 patients, 58 (96%) had all the SLNs retrieved, resulting in 96.4% sentinel node retrieval rate. In total, 24 (41%) SLNs were positive with 1 false negative. Using a combination of SLN and CND findings as the gold standard for lymph node involvement status, SLNB had a sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80-100%), a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 90-100%), and negative predictive value of 97% (95% CI: 85-100%). CONCLUSION:The results of this study suggest that SLNB is an accurate technique to assess the nodal status in patients with cT1-T2 N0 OCSCC and should be considered for eligible patients.

Background/Objectives: An involved or close resection margin in the setting of cutaneous SCC (cSCC) is associated with the risk of developing recurrence. The scalp poses unique anatomical challenges when obtaining adequate resection margins and further treatment may be required. We aimed to investigate the risk of recurrence in patients with scalp cSCCs and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods: Eligible patients with cSCC of the scalp treated with curative intent at Westmead hospital, Sydney, were identified and patient, tumor and treatment factors analyzed. Patients were categorized based on margin status and analyzed in terms of treatment delivered, local recurrence and survival. Results: In total, 114 patients with a median age of 70 years with the majority (81%) male, were identified with a median follow up of 5.6 years. Following surgery, 52 patients (46%) had clear margins, 62 (54%) had close (≤2mm) or involved margins, with a significant difference in the 5-year disease specific mortality of 20% and 35%, respectively (p=0.05). Twenty-eight patients (25%) underwent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, most with a close/involved margin. There was no significant difference in the risk of developing local recurrence between the group of patients in whom a clear margin was obtained and the group in whom the margin was close/involved (p=0.23). Conclusion: Margin status had a significant impact on disease specific mortality, but was not associated with the risk of developing local recurrence. The addition of adjuvant radiotherapy in select high-risk patients may improve outcome although this was not demonstrated in our study.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE:Having two or more sites of simultaneous ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare phenomenon. Thyroid ectopia should be considered in congenital hypothyroidism where no eutopic thyroid gland is found.CASE PRESENTATION:This case describes an incidental finding of dual ectopic thyroid tissue on computer tomography scan in an adult with known congenital hypothyroidism that was previously attributed to thyroid agenesis. The decision was made to proceed with a Sistrunk procedure to excise the ectopic submental thyroid as it became more noticeable after weight loss following bariatric surgery, and to monitor the remaining lingual thyroid with a combination of clinical symptomology, imaging and thyroid function studies given its challenging location.CLINICAL DISCUSSION:The literature on pathophysiology, imaging modalities, and common considerations for surgical extirpation is reviewed.CONCLUSION:The utility of thyroid scintigraphy may be limited in patients with known thyroid ectopia; other investigative modalities are helpful. The Sistrunk procedure was used to excise an ectopic thyroid, based on its embryological migration from the foramen caecum to the usual pretracheal position along the thyroglossal tract, and is a suitable technique for excision of submental thyroid tissue causing an unsightly mass and where thorough histopathological examination is required to exclude malignancy.

BACKGROUND:The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is widely used in North America for benchmarking. In 2015, NSQIP was introduced to four New South Wales public hospitals. The aim of this study is to investigate the agreement between NSQIP and administrative data in the Australian setting; to compare the performance of models derived from each data set to predict 30-day outcomes.METHODS:The NSQIP and administrative data variables were mapped to select variables available in both data sets where coding may be influenced by interpretation of the clinical information. These were compared for agreement. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the probability of adverse outcomes within 30 days. Models derived from NSQIP and administrative data were compared by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTS:A total of 2240 procedures over 21 months had matching records. Functional status demonstrated poor agreement (kappa 0.02): administrative data recorded only one (1%) patient with partial- or total-dependence as recorded by NSQIP data. The American Society of Anesthesiologists class demonstrated excellent agreement (kappa 0.91). Other perioperative variables demonstrated poor to fair agreement (kappa 0.12-0.61). Predictive model based on NSQIP data was excellent at predicting mortality but was less accurate for complications and readmissions. The NSQIP model was better in predicting mortality and complications (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.93 versus 0.87; P = 0.029 and 0.71 versus 0.64; P = 0.027).CONCLUSIONS:There is poor agreement between NSQIP data and administrative data. Predictive models associated with NSQIP data were more accurate at predicting surgical outcomes than those from administrative data. To drive quality improvement in surgery, high-quality clinical data are required and we believe that NSQIP fulfils this function.

Quality improvement in surgery requires accurate, reliable, risk-adjusted and comparative data. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) takes reliable clinical data and provides risk-adjusted comparisons with more than 800 hospitals. This paper describes the early outcomes of introducing this programme into New South Wales (NSW).Four NSW hospitals formed a collaborative. Surgical clinical reviewers were trained and data collected. Risk-adjusted reports were returned to individual hospitals and the NSW Collaborative.The results identified that the NSW Collaborative were outliers for the following causes of morbidity: urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia and 30-day readmissions.We have shown that ACS-NSQIP can be adapted to Australia and there is a plan to widen the programme in NSW.

Over the past four decades, there has been significant debate as to whether mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and oral antibiotics (OAB) should be prescribed preoperatively prior to elective colorectal surgery. With the widespread implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols as well as the findings of the Cochrane review in 2011 (n=5,805) concluding that MBP did not provide any statistically significant benefit (1), there was a paradigm shift away from mechanical bowel preparation.

Importance There has been a resurgence of interest in the use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and oral antibiotics (OAB) before elective colorectal surgery. Until now, clinical trials and meta-analyses have not compared all 4 approaches (MBP with OAB, OAB only, MBP only, or no preparation) simultaneously. Objective To perform a network meta-analysis to clarify which approach in colorectal surgery is associated with the lowest rate of surgical site infection (SSI). Data Sources Five electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club. and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness from database inception to November 27, 2017. Study Selection Only data from randomized clinical trials were included. Inclusion criteria were RCTs that reported on SSI rates or other complications based on MBP or OAB status. Quality of studies was appraised by the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Data Extraction and Synthesis The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Main Outcomes and Measures Total, incisional, and organ/space SSI rates. Secondary outcomes included rates of anastomotic leak, mortality, readmissions/reoperations, urinary tract infection, and pulmonary complications. Results Thirty-eight randomized clinical trials among 8458 patients (52.1% male) were included, providing 4 direct comparisons and 2 indirect comparisons for 8 outcome measures. On Bayesian analysis, MBP with OAB vs MBP only was associated with reduced SSI (odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% equal-tail credible interval [CrI], 0.57-0.88). There was no significant difference between MBP with OAB vs OAB only (OR, 0.95; 95% CrI, 0.56-1.62). Oral antibiotics without MBP was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in SSI compared with any other group (except for a risk reduction in organ/space SSI when indirectly compared with no preparation) (OR, 0.13; 95% CrI, 0.02-0.55). There was no difference in SSI between MBP only vs no preparation (OR, 0.84; 95% CrI, 0.69-1.02). Conclusions and Relevance In this network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, MBP with OAB was associated with the lowest risk of SSI. Oral antibiotics only was ranked as second best, but the data available on this approach were limited. There was no difference between MBP only vs no preparation. In addition, there was no difference in rates of anastomotic leak, readmissions, or reoperations between any groups.

BACKGROUNDHead and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses a diverse group of tumors, and thus providing appropriate and tailored information to patients before, during, and after treatment is a challenge. The objective of the current study was to characterize the experience and unmet needs of patients with HNC with regard to information and support provision.METHODSA 28‐question, cross‐sectional survey was completed by patients treated for HNC at 1 of 4 institutions in New South Wales, Australia (Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Liverpool, Westmead, and Wollongong hospitals). It consisted of the adapted Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and questions assessing information quality, quantity, and format.RESULTSA total of 597 patients responded. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range, 21‐94 years) with 284 men and 313 women (1:1.1). The majority of patients reported information concerning the disease process (76%), prognosis (67%), and treatment (77%) was sufficient, and approximately 50% reporting having received little or no information regarding coping with stress and anxiety. A substantial percentage of patients reported receiving minimal information concerning psychosexual health (56%) or the availability of patient support groups (56%). The majority of patients preferred access to multiple modes of information delivery (72%), with the preferred modality being one‐on‐one meetings with a health educator (37%) followed by internet‐based written information (19%).CONCLUSIONSPatients with HNC are a diverse group, with complex educational and support needs. Patients appear to be given information regarding survivorship topics such as psychological well‐being, patient support groups, and psychosexual health less frequently than information concerning disease and treatment. Verbal communication needs to be reinforced by accessible, well‐constructed, written and multimedia resources appropriate to the patient's educational level. Cancer 2017;123:1949–1957. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Lymph node density (LND) has been described as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of LND in patients with node positive oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Background The prognostic variables in patients with metastatic cutaneous nodal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are well documented; however, the relationship between lymph node ratio (LNR) and outcome is not well researched. LNR represents the ratio of positive lymph nodes to total excised lymph nodes. We analyzed the correlation between LNR and outcome in patients who have undergone surgery for metastatic cutaneous nodal SCC of the head and neck. Methods Analysis was performed on retrospectively collected data, identifying patients who underwent surgery at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Pathology reports were reviewed to ascertain LNR. A log-rank test identified a specific LNR value to compare time to disease progression (TTDP) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate proportional hazard regression models were used to review outcome. Results In total, 193 males and 45 females with a median of age 68 years were identified, with a mean recorded LNR of 0.15. On multivariate analysis, an LNR cutpoint of 0.21 was a significant predictor of decreased TTDP [hazard ratio (HR) 2.34, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.40–0.49; p = 0.009] and OS (HR 2.75, 95 % CI 1.57–4.82; p < 0.001). Forty-nine of 238 patients (21 %) developed recurrence, with most recurrences being regional (29 of 49; 59 %). A total of 17 % of patients with an LNR ≤0.21 recurred compared with 40 % for patients with an LNR >0.21. Conclusions LNR is potentially an independent predictor of outcome in patients with metastatic cutaneous nodal SCC. The clinical relevance of this finding requires further validation.

BACKGROUND:Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become an alternative option to elective neck dissection (END) for early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) outside of Australia. We sought to assess the technical feasibility of SLNB and validate its accuracy against that of END in an Australian setting.METHODS:We performed a prospective cohort study consisting of 30 consecutive patients with cT1-2 N0 OCSCC referred to the Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, between 2011 and 2014. All patients underwent SLNB followed by immediate selective neck dissection (levels I-III).RESULTS:A total of 30 patients were diagnosed with an early clinically node-negative OCSCC (seven cT1 and 23 cT2), with the majority located on the oral tongue. A median of three (range: 1-14) sentinel nodes were identified on lymphoscintigraphy, and all sentinel nodes were successfully retrieved, with 50% having a pathologically positive sentinel node. No false-negative sentinel nodes were identified using selective neck dissection as the gold standard. The negative predictive value (NPV) of SLNB was 100%, with 40% having a sentinel node identified outside the field of planned neck dissection on lymphoscintigraphy. Of these, one patient had a positive sentinel node outside of the ipsilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection template.CONCLUSION:SLNB for early OCSCC is technically feasible in an Australian setting. It has a high NPV and can potentially identify at-risk lymphatic basins outside the traditional selective neck dissection levels even in well-lateralized lesions.

BACKGROUND:Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arising from the scalp, although relatively uncommon, is associated with a poor outcome. Older men with a history of baldness and actinic scalp lesions are particularly at risk.METHODS:Between 1980 and 2005, 27 patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp were referred to the Head and Neck Cancer Service at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Relevant data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Patterns of recurrence and outcome were analysed.RESULTS:Median age at diagnosis was 70 years and median follow up was 45 months in 26 men and one woman. Ten primary (index) lesions were located on the midline scalp, 14 left sided and 3 right sided. Median lesion size was 18 mm and median thickness was 5.5 mm. The median time between treatment of the scalp primary and the development of nodal metastases was 8 months. In 10 patients, nodal metastases were present at the time of primary treatment. Fifteen patients developed parotid metastases (+cervical nodes in 7 of 15) and 12 developed cervical only metastases (5 of 12 level V). All patients underwent nodal surgery and most (75%) also received adjuvant radiotherapy. At the last follow up, 41% of patients had died from their disease. Median survival after relapse was 9 months and all patients experiencing relapse died with most (11 of 13) dying from metastatic disease.CONCLUSION:Patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp have a poor prognosis with most dying from regional relapse. Those treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy had a better outcome.

BACKGROUND:Ameloblastic carcinoma secondary type is an extremely rare and aggressive odontogenic neoplasm that exhibits histological features of malignancy in primary and metastatic sites. It arises through carcinomatous de-differentiation of a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst, typically following repeated treatments and recurrences of the benign precursor neoplasm. Identification of an ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type presenting with histologic features of malignant transformation from an earlier untreated benign lesion remains a rarity. Herein, we report 1 such case. CASE REPORT:A 66-year-old man was referred for management of a newly diagnosed ameloblastic carcinoma. He underwent radical surgical intervention comprising hemimandibulectomy, supraomohyoid neck dissection, and free-flap reconstruction. Final histologic analysis demonstrated features suggestive of carcinomatous de-differentiation for a consensus diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type (de-differentiated) intraosseous. CONCLUSIONS:Ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type represents a rare and challenging histologic diagnosis. Radical surgical resection with adequate hard and soft tissue margins is essential for curative management of localized disease.

Background The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of Australian patients treated for early lip cancer. Methods Data on 217 patients with T1 to T2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip and treated with radical intent were analyzed. Results The addition of local adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with a close/positive margin was associated with a significant improvement in relapse‐free survival (RFS; p = .008). Tumor thickness (≤4 mm vs >4 mm) was also significantly associated with RFS ( p = .01). The 5‐year RFS was 51% after surgery, 87% after radiotherapy, and 92% after adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusions Patients with a tumor thickness >4 mm experienced an increased risk of recurrence, especially nodal. Compared with patients having any radiotherapy, those undergoing surgery experienced a higher rate of locoregional recurrence. The addition of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with inadequate excision significantly decreased the risk of recurrence. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1426–1430, 2013

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is rare. Even less commonly documented is the progression of synovial chondromatosis to a synovial chondrosarcoma. The aim of this paper is to present only the third case of synovial chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint. Distinction between these two entities by histology alone is extremely difficult and even though it is advised that the definitive diagnosis should be based on clinical, radiographic and histological evidence, this has proved not to be so simple. The patient, a 63 year old female presented with a swelling associated with her left temporomandibular joint. CT and MRI scans confirmed the presence of a periauricular chondroid mass. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed an atypical chondroid lesion that was supicious for a chondrosarcoma. The left temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues were resected after further imaging and extensive clinical, radiological and cytologic consultations. A diagnosis of synovial chondrosarcoma arising in synovial chondromatosis was made.

Background: Treatment for metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is usually multimodal and associated with morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of treatment on patients' quality of life.Method: Cross-sectional survey of 42 patients (35 men, 7 women) at least 6 months after metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment, using two standardised quality of life questionnaires: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Head and Neck questionnaire and the Facial Disability Index, with statistical analysis to identify potential predictors of outcome.Results: Female gender correlated with significantly lower Facial Disability Index physical function scores (p = 0.017). Alcohol consumption correlated with significantly better scores for Functional Assessment social wellbeing (p = 0.016), general total score (p = 0.041) and overall total score (p = 0.033), and for Facial Disability Index physical function (p = 0.034). Marital status, education, employment, chemotherapy, time from last treatment, parotidectomy and facial nerve sacrifice did not affect quality of life. The commonest patient complaints were dry mouth (76 per cent), altered voice quality and strength (55 per cent), and physical appearance (45 per cent).Conclusion: Female gender predicts worse quality of life, while alcohol consumption (versus none) predicted for better quality of life.

BackgroundDespite the association with more advanced nodal stage, patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal cancers have better outcomes. We examined whether the HPV can modify the effect of known prognostic factors in tonsillar cancer.Patients and methodsA total of 489 patients from 10 centres were followed up for recurrence or death for a median of 3.2 years. Determinants of the rate of locoregional recurrence, death from tonsillar cancer and overall survival were modelled using Cox regression.ResultsThe prognostic value of T and N stages were modified by HPV as indicated by statistically significant interaction terms. After adjusting for age, gender and treatment, T stage appeared relevant only for HPV-positive cancers (where a higher T stage was associated with worse outcomes). There was some evidence that N stage was a more relevant prognostic factor for HPV-negative than -positive cancers. There was no evidence that the HPV modifies the effect of age, gender or grade on outcomes.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the prognostic significance of the conventional staging system in tonsillar cancer is modified by HPV.

Desmoplastic fibroblastomas (DFs) are rare fibrous soft tissue tumours that usually arise in subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle in a variety of anatomical sites. These lesions most frequently present as painless, slow-growing mobile masses. A case of DF is described in a 47-year-old man who presented with a painless right parotid mass of 2 months duration. At surgery, the lesion was attached to the tail of the right parotid gland. Histopathological examination demonstrated a fibrous lesion comprising spindled and stellate shaped fibroblasts with focal myxoid stromal change. The features were consistent with a DF. This report documents a rare parotid lesion which may mimic other more common parotid gland neoplasms.