Daniel D. Lydiatt

Molecular support for field cancerization in the head and neck

Two competing concepts, field cancerization and micrometastatic lesions, have been postulated to account for the high frequency of second primary tumors and multicentric dysplasia in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

Medical malpractice and the thyroid gland

A medical malpractice litigation “crisis” exists in this country. Analyzing litigation trends through verdict summaries may help understand causes.

Cancer of the oral cavity and medical malpractice

Objective To analyze malpractice litigation initiated by patients with cancer of the oral cavity as a result of allegations concerning their diagnosis and treatment.

Medical malpractice and cancer of the larynx

Objective To analyze the frequency, clinical characteristics, and legal outcomes of malpractice litigation initiated by patients with cancer of the larynx.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of cervical metastasis.

Thirteen patients with head and neck cancer underwent staging by clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a standardized blinded fashion. All patients subsequently underwent radical neck dissection with subsequent pathologic staging. CT and MRI each predicted 93% of staging results correctly, with clinical examination correct 67% of the time. Staging of primary tumors had an accuracy of 90% by clinical examination, 40% by CT, and 50% by MRI when compared to staging of the pathologic specimen. Understaging was seen in 50% of CT scans and 30% of MRI scans. We believe either CT or MRI should be considered for routine staging of the neck in all head and neck malignancies.

C‐erb‐B2 (HER2/neu) expression in synovial sarcoma of the head and neck

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor composed of varying proportions of spindle and epithelial cell components. Because of the histologic and immunohistochemical similarity of synovial sarcoma to epithelial carcinomas, we hypothesized that the human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (C‐erb‐B2, also termed HER2/neu) may contribute to the tumor phenotype and provide a new therapeutic target for this soft tissue tumor.

Impact of palatal prosthodontic intervention on communication performance of patients' maxillectomy defects: A multilevel outcome study

Obturators have been developed for surgical defects caused by cancer of the maxillary sinus and alveolar ridge. Outcome research is necessary to develop evidence‐based practice guidelines.

Multiple idiopathic root resorption: Diagnostic considerations

Multiple idiopathic root resorption is a specific entity that must be delineated from all other resorptive processes. We present a case report and discuss the diagnostic possibilities that must be considered before arrival at this diagnosis.

Medical malpractice and sinonasal disease.

Objective Sinonasal disease is a common diagnosis that is encountered by nearly all specialties. This study examines medical malpractice trends in sinonasal disease. Methods One hundred fifty-two malpractice cases involving sinonasal disease between 1988 and 2005 were obtained from a computerized legal database. Results Defendants prevailed in 62 percent of the cases with a median monetary award of

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes

650,000. Younger patients prevailed at a higher rate than did older patients (50% vs 35%), and men had a higher median award than did women (