Tonsillectomy as prevention of tonsil and base of tongue cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis on the immuno-oncological effect of one among the most common surgeries in the world

Otorhinolaryngology tradition is that tonsillectomy (TE) is conducted among children and adolescents for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and in adults for chronic disease of the tonsils and adenoids (recurrent tonsillitis). Nevertheless, over the last 50 years, we have observed a decline in TE worldwide. As a result, there is an emerging concern of a correlated possible increased risk of tonsil cancer (TC) and other subtypes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Since the available data on such topics are limited and controversial, our aim was to elucidate the impact of TE on the incidence mainly of TC through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the studies. After a thorough search, 7 retrospective studies were considered eligible for review and meta-analysis (MA). At MA, patients with a history of TE seem to show a reduced risk of TC but a higher predisposition for base of tongue (BOT) cancer (p[removed]95%). In future, randomized control trials will be welcome to elucidate the prophylactic role of TE against TC and its real impact on BOT cancer

Amyand's hernia: which oncologic risk can be hidden in the sac?

Amyand's hernia (AH) is a rare condition in which the appendix is found in the sac of an inguinal hernia. It occurs in only 1% of adult inguinal hernias. The herniated appendix can occasionally range varying degrees of acute inflammation up to neoplastic transformation. An appendiceal tumor can be rarely described inside the AH sac. We describe a case of gangrenous appendicitis in AH and offer a review of the literature on AH when presenting with appendicitis associated with appendiceal cancer. As of 2022, only nine cases of AH presenting with appendicitis associated with appendiceal cancer have been reported by the pertinent literature. In order of decreasing frequency, AH, AH-related appendicitis and AH-related appendicitis associated with appendiceal cancer are three rare conditions. Particular attention should be kept in each situation as diagnosis is achieved postoperatively most of the times