The role of mast cells on angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: Angiogenesis or neovascularization has long been known to aid in progression and metastasis of malignant tumors. Tumor angiogenesis is a complex event mediated by angiogenic factors released from cancer cells and or by host immune cells. Mast cells may induce tumor progression and potentiate metastasis by stimulating angiogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to validate topographic distribution of micro vessel density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) and help to elucidate the possible role of mast cells in tumor angiogenesis and correlating this with advanced disease parameters. Study Design: MVD and MCD were investigated in tumor specimens from 30 patients diagnosed with different histologic grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Intratumor vessels were stained with collagen Type IV antibody and mast cells with Toluidine blue before being measured by light microscopy. Results: There was a significant correlation between MVD and disease progression and number of blood vessels increased from well to poorly differentiated OSCC where as MCD decreased. Conclusions: These findings suggest that angiogenesis indeed occur in OSCC and might be used as an index to inflect the aggression of the disease however mast cells make up only a part of complex process of angiogenesis along with other factors secreted by tumor. © Medicina Oral S. L

An evaluation of emerging technologies in ENT - virtual reality simulation & robotic surgery

Virtual reality (VR) simulation and robotic surgery represent two focus areas for research and development in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. This thesis was driven by a desire to deliver improvements in surgical training and patient care. The development and long-term prospective clinical evaluation of three novel robotic applications in Head & Neck surgery were investigated. The results suggest that robotic assisted thyroidectomy and robotic assisted parathyroidectomy are safe, feasible alternatives to conventional surgery. The primary advantage is the avoidance of a neck scar. The approach occupies a niche role that is justified in patients who have cultural or biological drivers to avoid a neck scar. Improvement in surgical exposure was necessary. A novel soft-tissue retractor was designed and manufactured to address this issue. Transoral robotic surgery represents a promising treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea who cannot tolerate or fail all the other treatment modalities. Biometric measures represent an important tool when assessing patient suitability for TORS. Only those who have undergone appropriate training, proctoring and licensure should perform robotic surgery. Safe implementation is essential. The studies of VR temporal bone simulation served as a preparatory to introducing VR simulation for robotic head and neck surgery. The face, content and construct validation of a novel temporal bone simulator was demonstrated. Further studies were conducted to benchmark and pilot a VR skills curriculum and assess the role of case specific surgical rehearsal. Simulation training represented a useful adjunct. This body work demonstrates that both technologies can be integrated to deliver effective robotic surgical training to enhance surgical performance and improve patient care.Open Acces

Thyroid and parathyroid disease

xi+205hlm.;25c

A unique complication of radiofrequency therapy to the tongue base

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation treatment of the tongue base can be used either alone or as part of a multilevel approach in the treatment of snoring. This involves the generation of thermal energy around the circumvallate papillae of the tongue. Potential complications include ulceration, dysphagia, haematoma and abscess formation. Presentation of case: We present the case of a 50-year-old patient who developed an anterior neck swelling following a second application of radiofrequency ablation therapy to the tongue base for snoring. This was secondary to an infection of a previously undiagnosed thyroglossal cyst. The patient made a full recovery following intravenous antibiotic therapy and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. Discussion: Thyroglossal tract remnants are thought to be present in seven percent of the adult population. An infection in a thyroglossal tract cyst has not previously been reported following radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base. Given the relatively high complication rate of tongue base radiofrequency ablation in some series, this complication may be under-recognised. Conclusion: An infected thyroglossal tract cyst should be suspected in patients with anterior neck swellings following radiofrequency ablation therapy to the tongue base. We advise caution when performing this procedure on patients with known thyroglossal tract remnants though there is insufficient evidence to suggest that this procedure is contraindicated