Updated WHO nomenclature of head and neck lesions and associated imaging findings

Insights into metastatic roadmap of head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma based on clinical, histopathological and molecular profiles

The incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC), constituting approximately one in ten cancer cases worldwide, affects approximately 644,000 individuals annually. Managing this complex disease involves various treatment modalities such as systemic therapy, radiation, and surgery, particularly for patients with locally advanced disease. HNC treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach due to alterations in patients' genomes affecting their functionality. Predominantly, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the majority of HNCs, arise from the upper aerodigestive tract epithelium. The epidemiology, staging, diagnosis, and management techniques of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), encompassing clinical, image-based, histopathological and molecular profiling, have been extensively reviewed. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a well-known predictive factor for HNSCC that initiates metastasis and significantly impacts HNSCC prognosis. Distant metastasis (DM) in HNSCC has been correlated to aberrant expression of cancer cell-derived cytokines and growth factors triggering abnormal activation of several signaling pathways that boost cancer cell aggressiveness. Recent advances in genetic profiling, understanding tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease, and immunotherapy have revolutionized treatment strategies and disease control. Future research may leverage genomics and proteomics to identify biomarkers aiding individualized HNSCC treatment. Understanding the molecular basis, genetic landscape, atypical signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironment have enhanced the comprehension of HNSCC molecular etiology. This critical review sheds light on regional and distant metastases in HNSCC, presenting major clinical and laboratory features, predictive biomarkers, and available therapeutic approaches.

Analysis of HLA-G 14 bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

HLA-G is the checkpoint molecule involved in the suppression of the immune response. Increased expression of HLA-G and its ILTs receptors have been correlated with tumor progression in various cancer types. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors, the effect of HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 expression on cancer development has to be explained. The 34 HNSCC patients and 98 controls were genotyped for the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del polymorphism. In HNSCC lesions, HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 mRNA expression was analysed using real-time PCR. The association between HLA-G, ILT2 and ILT4 mRNA expression and clinical variables (age at onset, TNM staging system and p16 positivity) was also evaluated. No genetic association between the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del and HNSCC risk was detected (p > 0.05). However, in the non-metastatic HNSCC group, a significantly higher HLA-G mRNA expression was noted in tumors in the T4 stage compared to those in the T1 and T2 stages (p = 0.0289). ILT2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in non-metastatic vs. metastatic tumors (p = 0.0269). Furthermore, a significantly higher ILT4 mRNA expression was noted in tumors in the T1+T2 stage compared to those in the T3 stage (p = 0.0495). Our results suggest that the HLA-G molecule creates an immunological microenvironment involved in HNSCC development.

The value of dual-layer spectral detector CT in preoperative T staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To explore the optimal kiloelectron voltage (keV) of virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) of dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (DLSCT) to display laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC) and its diagnostic performance for preoperative T staging of LHSCC.

METHODS

A total of 67 LHSCC patients were included, and the contrast between the tumor and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SM), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and image noise of 40-100 keV VMIs and conventional polyenergetic images (CIs) were evaluated. The image quality of the CI and 40-100 keV VMI was evaluated by a five-point method. The VMI with the best image quality was screened out, and the accuracy of the optimal keV VMI and CI for T staging was assessed using clinical T staging as the reference standard.

RESULTS

The contrast between the tumor and SM, SNR, CNR and subjective image quality scores of LHSCC on 40-50 keV VMIs were higher than those on CIs (P < 0.05); the image noises of 40-100 keV VMIs were lower than those of CIs (P < 0.05). The 40 keV VMI had the highest SNR, CNR and subjective score of image quality. The accuracy rates of the 40 keV VMI and CI for T staging of LHSCC were 0.86 and 0.63 (P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The image quality of 40-50 keV VMI is higher than that of CI, and the diagnostic accuracy of 40 keV VMI is better than that of CI, which is most suitable for preoperative T staging of LHSCC.

Metastasis of solitary fibrous tumor to the parotid gland diagnosed on aspiration cytology supplemented with immunocytochemistry

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) can occur in varied anatomic locations, most commonly being the extremities-superficial and deep soft tissues, followed by retroperitoneum, visceral organs, and the bone. Head and neck region may harbor a few with a predilection for the orbit and sinonasal tract, oral cavity, and rarely the salivary glands. The parotid gland is most involved among all salivary glands. Overall, SFT in salivary glands is rare and mostly seen as a primary tumor. The occurrence of metastasis to the parotid gland is exceedingly uncommon. We present cytological findings of SFT, metastatic to the parotid gland in a young 31-year-old lady where the diagnosis was confirmed with the help of immunocytochemistry (ICC) on the cell block. The smears were highly cellular and showed predominantly discrete round to oval tumor cells with mild pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm. Mitosis and focal areas of necrosis were noted. Lymphoglandular bodies were absent ruling out a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Features were of a poorly differentiated malignant tumor with differentials being sarcoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. A panel of ICC was done and positivity for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) helped in clinching the correct diagnosis of SFT.

Non-Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx: A State-of-the-Art Review

(1) Background: Non-squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma includes endothelial tumors, such as minor salivary gland tumors, lymphoepithelial tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, soft and hard tissue sarcomas, and malignant melanomas. (2) Methods: A state-of-the-art review using the MEDLINE/PUBMED, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus electronic databases was performed. (3) Conclusions: In order to optimize overall treatment outcomes, a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to the management of non-SCC of the larynx must be adopted universally; a national or international registry on non-SCC laryngeal cancer can be useful to improve understanding about the behavior of this kind of tumor.

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma: European multicentre case-series and systematic literature review

Objective

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare low-grade cancer that was included from the 4th edition of WHO classification of head and neck tumours. The purpose of this study is to analyse clinical behaviour, pattern of recurrences and survival outcomes of this neoplasm.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients affected by BSNS who were treated via an endoscopic-assisted approach in 6 European tertiary-care referral hospitals. Cases of BSNS described in literature since 2012 to date were fully reviewed, according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 15 patients were included. Seven patients were treated via an endoscopic endonasal approach, 4 with endoscopic transnasal craniectomy, and 4 via a cranio-endoscopic approach. Adjuvant treatment was delivered in 2 cases. After a mean follow-up of 27.3 months, systemic metastasis was observed in 1 case; the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 100% and 80 ± 17.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

BSNS is a locally aggressive tumour with a low recurrence rate and encouraging survival outcomes if properly treated with surgical resection and free margins followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for selected cases. Endoscopic-assisted surgery is safe and effective as an upfront treatment within a multidisciplinary care protocol.

Imaging Diagnosis of Primary Solitary Bone Neoplasts and Its Comparison with Tumor-like Lesions

Objective. To explore the imaging diagnostic value of primary solitary bone tumor and tumor-like lesion of iliac crest. Methods. A total of 156 patients with primary solitary bone tumors and tumor-like lesions of the iliac bone treated in our hospital were selected, and the patients were diagnosed by X-ray, CT, and MRI. Sexual analysis of single diagnostic and combined diagnostic value was carried out. Results. Round high-density shadow, soft tissue mass shadow, soft tissue mass, right intestinal tube, and bladder obvious pressure were observed. The detection rates of giant cell tumor of bone, myeloma, osteochondroma, chondroma, eosinophilic granuloma, osteosarcoma, fibrous dysplasia, and Hodgkin lymphoma were 34.6%, 12.8%, 11.5%, 10.3%, 7.7%, 6.4%, 3.8%, and 2.6%, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 005); X-ray, CT, MR single diagnostic comparison, three methods joint diagnostic missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate, higher detection rate ( $P<0.05$ ); combined with X-ray, CT, MR single diagnosis, three methods joint diagnosis sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, statistical significance ( $P<0.05$ ); comparison with X-ray, CT, MR single diagnosis, three methods jointly diagnosed positive predictive value, negative predictive value higher, difference statistics significance ( $P<0.05$ ); there is a significant difference in the near-end, backbone, and distal detection rate of different bone tumors and tumor lesions, including the humerus and tibia. There is a statistical significance of the detection rate, and the difference is $P<0.05$ . Conclusion. X-ray plays an important role in the diagnosis of primary solitary bone tumor and tumor-like lesion of iliac crest and is the first choice in clinical diagnosis. In the diagnosis of tumor disease, range, and soft tissue mass, MRI and CT diagnostic value can provide effective theoretical basis for patient clinical treatment. Therefore, the appropriate diagnostic method should be selected according to the specific situation of the patient, so that the efficiency of the clinical feature is improved.

High-Grade Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma: A Case Report

Introduction  Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a recently found entity that first described by Lewis et al. It was then added to the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) of head and neck tumors in 2012. BSNS has been described as a rare low-grade sarcoma arising in the upper sinonasal tract. It is believed that in the past, BSNS was, likely, previously diagnosed as other low-grade or benign malignancies. Fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and peripheral nerve sheath tumors, all fall within the differential diagnosis of BSNS. However, BSNS is unlike other mesenchymal sinonasal tumors, as it displays both neural and myogenic differentiation. BSNS has thus far been recognized in only a hand full of case reports, all of which have reported similar morphologic features of a low-grade soft tissue tumor with neural involvement arising from the nasal cavity or ethmoid air cells in middle aged individuals. In fact, being low-grade sarcoma became such a hallmark characteristic of this tumor that it even received the name low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features or LGSSNMF.

Case Presentation  We present, however, for the first time, a high-grade differentiation of BSNS in an otherwise healthy 72-year-old female. The patient was referred from an outside ENT (ear, nose, and throat) after pathology from a presumed polypectomy returned positive for a BSNS. Initial imaging revealed erosion through the bilateral lamina papyracea, anterior cranial fossa floor, and posterior table of the frontal sinus. She then underwent a combined endoscopic and bicoronal open approach for resection of the skull base lesion that was found to encompass the entirety of the sinonasal cavities bilaterally. Postoperatively, the patient underwent significant complications including infection of the pericranial flap, pneumocephalus, and eventually death.

Discussion  As BSNS is a fairly new entity, currently there has only been four case series conducted, each identifying features of a low-grade sarcoma with both myogenic and neural differentiation. Histologically, BSNS has monophasic spindle cells with uniform, elongated nuclei with scant cytoplasm between benign proliferations of surface-type respiratory epithelium, with a low mitotic rate. Our case, however, revealed pleomorphic hyperchromatic cells with high mitotic activity and necrosis with invasion of bone, staging it as high grade. Immunohistochemistry also differed from the previously reported standards. This case describes a new category for BSNS which may change the differential diagnosis, management, and surgical recommendations that are currently utilized for this skull base neoplasm.

[Malignant tumors of the oral cavity]

Klinisches/methodisches Problem

Mundhöhlenmalignome stellen weltweit die häufigsten Tumoren im Bereich der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde bzw. Otorhinolaryngologie dar. Es handelt sich um eine heterogene Gruppe an Tumoren, deren Kenntnis erforderlich ist, um den unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an Diagnostik und Therapie gerecht zu werden.

Radiologische Standardverfahren

Computertomographie (CT), Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), Sonographie, nuklearmedizinische Verfahren (NUK).

Leistungsfähigkeit

Die o. g. Diagnostika werden komplementär eingesetzt.

Bewertung

Eine frühzeitigere Diagnose des Tumors verbessert das Staging und somit die Therapie und Prognose des Patienten.

Schlussfolgerung

Dem Radiologen kommt bei der interdisziplinären Behandlung von Malignomen der Mundhöhle eine bedeutende Rolle zu. Trotz großer Fortschritte in der Radiotherapie, Onkologie und Immuntherapie spielt die Chirurgie weiterhin eine wichtige Rolle in der Behandlung maligner Erkrankungen der Mundhöhle.

Cross-Sectional Imaging of Third Molar-Related Abnormalities

Third molars may be associated with a wide range of pathologic conditions, including mechanical, inflammatory, infectious, cystic, neoplastic, and iatrogenic. Diagnosis of third molar-related conditions can be challenging for radiologists who lack experience in dental imaging. Appropriate imaging evaluation can help practicing radiologists arrive at correct diagnoses, thus improving patient care. This review discusses the imaging findings of various conditions related to third molars, highlighting relevant anatomy and cross-sectional imaging techniques. In addition, key imaging findings of complications of third molar extraction are presented.

von Ebner's glands intercalated duct adenocarcinoma with PALB2 gene mutation

Secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands is a distinct entity with distinct morphologic features, immunohistochemical profile and molecular alterations. It mainly affects middle aged individuals with slight male predominance and parotid gland is the most common site of involvement. Although ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion is considered pathognomonic for secretory carcinoma, advances in molecular profiling of this tumor have led to the discovery of novel ETV6 fusion partners and gene mutations. Herein, we describe a case of an adenocarcinoma of intercalated duct origin favor secretory carcinoma, in a unique location of von Ebner's glands of mobile tongue in a 40-year-old Caucasian female. Aside from being in a unique location, the tumor showed somatic mutation for PALB2 gene which has not been described so far in secretory carcinoma. Discovery of novel fusions and mutations have therapeutic implications with respect to targeted therapy.

Imaging spectrum of NUT carcinomas

Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) (formerly known as NUT midline carcinoma) is an aggressive pleomorphic squamous cell carcinoma with a dismal prognosis. Primary NC tumors are commonly located in the chest or head and neck regions. Imaging plays an indispensable role in the staging, management, treatment response assessment, and surveillance of NC. Primary pulmonary NC usually presents as a large mass with lymphadenopathy and pleural involvement. Primary head and neck NC presents as a large expansile necrotic mass in the sinonasal region with locoregional destruction and occasional cervical lymph node involvement. These imaging features are relatively non-specific but are consistent among patients. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for the treatment of NC. Because of its rarity, paucity of reports in the medical literature, and the lack of awareness among radiologists, NUT carcinoma (NC) has been largely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Clinical aggressive features and pleomorphic/undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma should prompt genetic evaluation for NUT translocation to diagnose NC. In this article, we discuss NC's clinicopathologic and imaging features and treatment options, including emerging new treatments.