Sidrah M. Ahmad

Impact of neck dissection on long-term feeding tube dependence in patients with head and neck cancer treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation.

The impact of posttreatment neck dissection on prolonged feeding tube dependence in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation remains unknown.

Postradiotherapy neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: pattern of pathologic residual carcinoma and prognosis.

For patients with head and neck cancer who were treated using primary radiotherapeutic approaches, the pattern of pathologic residual carcinoma in the neck dissection specimen and its effect on clinical outcome remains unknown.

Balloon laryngoplasty for pediatric laryngeal stenosis: Case series and systematic review

The aim of this study was to systematically review available literature on the outcomes of children treated with balloon laryngoplasty (BLP) as a primary or adjuvant treatment for subglottic or laryngeal stenosis, as well as briefly report on a new series of 60 children treated at the Medical University of South Carolina from 2007 to 2013.

Retinoblastoma RB94 Enhances Radiation Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: To assess whether adenovirus-mediated retinoblastoma 94 (Ad-RB94) transgene expression enhances efficacy of radiation therapy (XRT) of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Experimental Design: The HNSCC cell lines (JHU006 and JHU012) were treated in vitro and in a nude mouse xenograft model with Ad-RB94, Ad-DL312 control vector, or untreated as mock control. Cell viability and tumor growth were evaluated and combined RB94/XRT antitumor activity was analyzed by measuring DNA double-strand breaks, apoptosis-associated early DNA fragmentation, and levels of RB-regulated cell cycle progression E2F1 transcription factor. Results: Ad-RB94/XRT resulted in significant HNSCC cell growth inhibition compared with XRT alone or Ad-RB94 alone in vitro and caused significant tumor regression compared with XRT alone and Ad-DL312/XRT in JHU006 and with XRT alone, Ad-DL312/XRT and Ad-RB94 alone in JHU012 in vivo. Neutral comet analysis revealed that DNA damage was significantly elevated in cells treated with Ad-RB94 alone and Ad-RB94/XRT. Tumors treated with Ad-RB94 alone showed a striking increase in early apoptosis DNA fragmentation, and DNA fragmentation was further enhanced with XRT. In addition, levels of E2F1 were up-regulated by Ad-RB94/XRT combination, whereas Ad-RB94 alone did not affect E2F1 levels and XRT alone led to down-regulation of E2F1. Conclusions: A potent antitumor effect has been observed after Ad-RB94/XRT combination treatment in HNSCC xenograft tumors. Enhanced tumor regression correlated with increased apoptosis. Ad-RB94 treatment enhances the efficacy of XRT through tumor cell sensitization by arresting the cells at the radiation-sensitive G2-M cell cycle and via E2F1 up-regulation.

The role of aerodigestive tract endoscopy in penetrating neck trauma

To determine the role of aerodigestive tract endoscopy in the management of penetrating neck trauma.

Airway obstruction: a rare complication of benign vocal fold polyps.

Objectives Benign laryngeal polyps usually present with hoarseness and dysphonia. There have been a few reported cases, however, of polyps that caused airway obstruction. Herein we present our series of obstructing laryngeal polyps. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all patients with benign laryngeal lesions treated by the senior author (A.M.S.S.) between 1997 and 2006. Patients who presented with airway obstruction were identified. Detailed information was recorded on the demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, and surgical procedures. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopies were reviewed. Results Ten patients were identified. There were 7 women and 3 men. The mean age was 49 years (range, 34 to 64 years). All had a history of vocal abuse and smoking, with a mean of 35.2 pack-years (range, 7.5 to 112.5 pack-years). All underwent microlaryngoscopy with excision of the lesions. Jet ventilation or a small endotracheal tube was used to secure the airway. The mean follow-up of 9 patients was 71.2 days (range, 25 to 208 days); 1 patient was lost to follow-up. An excellent airway and improved voice was achieved in all. Forty-four percent (4 of 9) had persistent dysphonia and a decreased mucosal wave after the operation. Conclusions Benign laryngeal polyps may present with airway obstruction and thus should be included in the differential diagnosis of stridor. Endoscopic treatment can result in an excellent airway, but dysphonia may persist in some cases.

Cervical Spine Osteomyelitis Presenting as a Pharyngeal Mass

Cervical osteomyelitis is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose due to its insidious clinical course and vague symptoms. The anatomy of the cervical spine usually prevents the spread of the infectious and inflammatory process anteriorly into the pharyngeal soft tissues. We describe a patient with cervical spine osteomyelitis that presented as an ulcerative lesion of the nasopharynx and oropharynx, mimicking a neoplasm.