An atypical lipomatous tumor mimicking a giant fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx

Copyright © 2017 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Rationale: Giant fibrovascular polyps (GFVPs) found in the hypopharynx are exceedingly rare. These are benign tumors which are identified by CT or MRI and usually treated based on symptoms. Even more rarely, pathology may identify one of these masses as an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT). This paper will present a case of an ALT of the hypopharynx that was originally classified as a GFVP, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between them and the importance of making the correct diagnosis. Patient Concerns: An 84-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of a pedunculated hypopharyngeal growth, dysphagia, and intermittent dyspnea. Diagnoses: The mass was characterized as a GFVP by barium swallow and MRI. Interventions: The hypopharyngeal mass was resected for obstructive symptoms and to confirm the diagnosis. Final pathology found the mass to be more consistent with an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT). Outcomes: The patient\u27s dysphagia and dyspnea resolved. He was free of recurrence at 22 months postoperative. Lessons: Both GFVPs and ALTs are very rarely found in the hypopharynx but can be easily misclassified as one another. Imaging is useful to initially characterize the mass, but to definitively differentiate between them, pathological analysis is necessary. Although they are rare, it is important to consider both possibilities on the differential for hypopharyngeal masses. Further, accurate analysis is essential to distinguish between them because their definitive management and follow-up is different

Canadian Women in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery part 1: the relationship of gender identity to career trajectory and experiences of harassment

Abstract Introduction Women in surgical specialties face different challenges than their male peers. However, there is a paucity of literature exploring these challenges and their effects on a Canadian surgeon’s career. Methods A REDCap® survey was distributed to Canadian Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) staff and residents in March 2021 using the national society listserv and social media. Questions examined practice patterns, leadership positions, advancement, and experiences of harassment. Gender differences in survey responses were explored. Results 183 completed surveys were obtained, representing 21.8% of the Canadian society membership [838 members with 205 (24.4%) women]. 83 respondents self-identified as female (40% response rate) and 100 as male (16% response rate). Female respondents reported significantly fewer residency peers and colleagues identifying as their gender (p < .001). Female respondents were significantly less likely to agree with the statement “My department had the same expectations of residents regardless of gender” (p < .001). Similar results were observed in questions about fair evaluation, equal treatment, and leadership opportunities (all p < .001). Male respondents held the majority of department chair (p = .028), site chief (p = .011), and division chief positions (p = .005). Women reported experiencing significantly more verbal sexual harassment during residency (p < .001), and more verbal non-sexual harassment as staff (p = .03) than their male colleagues. In both female residents and staff, this was more likely to originate from patients or family members (p < .03). Discussion There is a gender difference in the experience and treatment of OHNS residents and staff. By shedding light on this topic, as a specialty we can and must move towards greater diversity and equality. Graphical Abstrac