Metastatic head and neck carcinoma to a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a safe and widely accepted alternate route for enteral alimentation in the head and neck cancer patient population. Cancer metastatic to a PEG tube exit site is a rare but serious complication of this procedure. We sought to determine the route of spread responsible for PEG site metastases such that we may prevent further occurrences of this highly morbid condition. We also report a case of PEG site metastasis at our institution. METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search for the years 1962 to 2002 and conducted a review of the literature. In the case at our institution, a 63-year-old man was referred to our institution with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the right base of tongue; he also had a 1.5-cm left apical lung nodule. He underwent PEG tube placement at the time of staging panendoscopy. Six months after the original tube placement, he had an ulcerated mass develop at the PEG site; biopsy of the mass revealed squamous cell carcinoma histologically identical to the base of tongue tumor. He also had recurrent lung cancer and four hepatic lesions develop. RESULTS: In our MEDLINE search, of the five patients diagnosed with PEG site disease >10 months after PEG placement, all five (100%) had synchronous distant metastatic disease. In the group of patients diagnosed with PEG site metastases < or =10 months after PEG placement, only four (24%) of 17 had synchronous distant metastatic disease. All patients underwent PEG placement by means of the "pull" technique. Direct implantation with a variable-sized initial tumor burden can explain all cases of PEG site metastasis. The presence of distant metastases is representative of the natural history of advanced head and neck malignancies. Smaller initial tumor implants present later than would larger initial tumor burdens, when the patient is more likely to have distant metastatic disease. In the case at our institution, the patient did not respond to treatment for his hepatic and PEG site metastases and his lung cancer, and he died 4 months after detection of the PEG site metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: PEG site metastases are iatrogenic complications of PEG tube placement in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. The use of laparoscopic, open, or the "push" technique of PEG tube placement in patients with head and neck cancer may prevent direct implantation of malignant cells into an enteral access site.     

Metastatic head and neck carcinoma in a percutaneous gastrostomy site

Two unusual cases of metastatic head and neck carcinoma to the exit site of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube are reported. These patients presented with squamous cell carcinomas of the supraglottic larynx and oropharynx. In both patients, a PEG tube was inserted using the “pull” technique prior to any extirpative measures. Within 9 months after surgical treatment, each patient was diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma at the PEG tube exit site. A review of the literature revealed three cases of metastatic head and neck neoplasms to a PEG site and a single case report of spread to the wound of an “open” gastrostomy. The hematogenous route is the probable mechanism of metastasis, but direct implantation cannot be dismissed. Until further data become available, the authors recommend that, when possible, PEG tube placement using the “pull” technique be deferred until after extirpation of head and neck tumors.     

Timing of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in head and neck cancer patients.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an effective method for providing alimentation in patients with upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma. Multiple complications of this procedure have been reported, ranging from leakage around the tube to tumor seeding of the abdominal cavity. This study was undertaken to determine whether the timing of PEG tube placement with respect to primary tumor extirpation led to a difference in the number and severity of observed complications. The medical records of 43 patients with head and neck carcinoma who had PEG tubes placed from 1995 to 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons of timing of PEG tube placement, complication, location, and stage of the primary tumor were performed. In addition, the use of adjuvant therapy with respect to the time of PEG tube placement and complications was evaluated. Of these, 23% were done before and 30% during surgery at the time of primary tumor resection (9 of 13 were after primary removal). One patient had an intraabdominal abscess. Minor complications occurred in 15 of 43 patients (35%) and included granulation tissue at the PEG site, leakage, and tube displacement. Eight of the 9 patients who underwent intraoperative PEG after tumor resection had no complications. Patients who underwent PEG during or after surgery had significantly fewer complications than those who underwent preoperative PEG or had unresectable tumors (P = 0.038). The largest number of complications occurred in patients who underwent preoperative PEG (57%) followed by patients whose tumors were unresectable (31%). There was no statistical difference with regard to tumor location or postoperative x-ray therapy in PEG complications. This study demonstrates that PEG tube placement after tumor resection has the lowest incidence of postoperative complications. Performing PEGs intraoperatively after tumor resection can prevent the need for additional anesthesia to provide alimentation in patients with upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma.     

Metastatic spread to a percutaneous gastrostomy site from head and neck cancer: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes is a common procedure in patients with head and neck cancer who require adequate nutrition because of the inability to swallow before or after surgery and adjuvant therapies. A potential complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes is the metastatic spread from the original head and neck tumor to the gastrostomy site. METHODS: This is a case of a 59-year-old male with a (T4N2M0) Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement at the time of his surgery and shortly thereafter developed metastatic spread to the gastrostomy site. A review of the published literature regarding the subject will be made. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site metastasis occurring in patients with head and neck cancer have been previously reported in the literature. The pull-through method of gastrostomy tube placement had been used in our patient as well as in the majority of the other cases reviewed in the literature. CONCLUSION: The metastatic spread of head and neck cancer to the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site is a very rare occurrence. The direct implantation of tumor through instrumentation is the most likely explanation for metastasis; however, hematogenous seeding is also a possibility. To prevent this rare complication, other techniques of tube insertion need to be considered.     

Prevention of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy stoma metastases in patients with active oropharyngeal malignancy

The implantation of metastasis of oropharyngeal or esophageal cancer to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) stomata is considered an uncommon complication, but it is being recognized with increasing frequency. The incidence of this complication is not known. Multiple theories of metastatic spread have been proposed. We describe a case following retrograde endoscopy via a PEG stoma site. A National Library of Medicine literature search was performed, and case reports and bibliographies were reviewed. We estimate the incidence of this complication as 1% minimum. Direct seeding of the site is the only reasonable hypothesis to explain this phenomenon. Health care providers need to be educated about this problem. Although there is no direct evidence that metastases are spread by direct contact, we believe that transgression of the active primary tumor during gastrostomy tube placement should be avoided. Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method of enteral access, which avoids transgression of the primary tumor site, and may prevent stomal metastases in patients with active aerodigestive tract malignancies who require gastrostomy.     

Cervical node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: the significance of extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits

BACKGROUND: Literature regarding the prognostic significance of extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits in cervical lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract shows variable results. METHODS: We analyzed 215 prospectively collected neck dissections from 155 patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma to assess the prevalence of extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits and to assess their effect on survival. RESULTS: Both extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits significantly reduced survival (actuarial and recurrence free) compared with pN0 necks (p <.001) and pN+ve necks without extracapsular spread (p <.0025). There was no statistically significant difference between pN+ve necks without soft tissue deposits or extracapsular spread compared with those with pN0 necks (p =.24). Multivariate analysis revealed comparable results. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic and macroscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits are of prognostic significance for survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma.     

The introducer technique is the optimal method for placing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes in head and neck cancer patients

Background Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are often placed in head and neck cancer patients to provide nutritional support, but studies have found the complication rates to be higher than other subsets of patients who undergo PEG placement. Complication rates as high as 50% have been reported, with the bulk of these complications being PEG site issues (i.e., cellulitis, abscess, fascitis, and tumor implantation). Because the pull technique has been the primary technique used, the theory is that the transoral tube passage is the source of the complications in these patients. Alternatively, the introducer technique uses a transabdominal approach to place the device, avoiding any tube contamination by upper aerodigestive organisms or tumor cells. At our institution, this technique has been used exclusively for head and neck cancer patients and this article reports our experience. Methods One hundred forty-nine head and neck cancer patients who had a prophylactic PEG tube placed were reviewed from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2003. The rates of placement success, morbidity, and complications were determined. Results Successful placement was achieved in 148 (99%) patients without any PEG-related deaths. Overall, 17 complications (11%) occurred, with only one major complication (0.7%) identified. PEG site infections were uncommon with only five cases (3.4%) and all were mild cellulitis. Conclusions The introducer technique is the safest method for PEG tube placement in head and neck cancer patients. The overall rate of complications is low and PEG site infectious complications are rare. The introducer technique should be the method of choice for PEG tubes in head and neck cancer patients.     

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: The Importance of Correct Histological Diagnosis

Background: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid is an uncommon, aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The diagnosis is made after excluding metastasis from other sites in the head and neck or other primary malignancies of the parotid.Methods: Tumor registry data from 1974 to 1994 were reviewed at three University of Louisville- affiliated hospitals. Of 370 parotid tumors, 40 (11%) were initially classified as squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid. Chart review and histological specimen re-examination were conducted to confirm diagnosis.Results: Only 8 (2%) of the 370 cases, were considered true primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid. Patients with metastases to the parotid from primary sites within the upper aerodigestive tract or skin of the head and neck region and high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid were excluded. Facial nerve dysfunction was a presenting complaint in three patients. Two patients presented with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJC) clinical stage III disease and six with AJC stage IV disease. All patients were treated with total parotidectomy and radiotherapy. One patient (12%) is alive and free of disease. Median survival was 13 months (range, 11 months–7 years).Conclusions: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid is uncommon, occurring in 2% of parotid neoplasms at our institution. This is an aggressive malignancy, usually presenting in advanced stage and with facial nerve involvement or cervical metastases. Prognosis is poor even with radical surgery and adjunctive radiotherapy. Careful clinical and histological review is necessary to differentiate primary squamous cancer of the parotid from metastases or other primary parotid malignancy.     

Spread of a pharyngeal cancer to the abdominal wall after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is frequently used in patients with head and neck cancer to establish enteral access for feeding. Spread of head and neck cancer to the gastrostomy site is a rare but increasingly reported complication after percutaneous endoscopic placement. We report the 13th such case in the literature, occurring in a 51-year-old black man with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. The mode of tumor spread to the gastrostomy site remains debatable. Evidence exists for hematogenous dissemination and direct implantation. We think percutaneous endoscopic techniques for enteral access in this patient population are contraindicated, and we advocate a laparoscopic approach for gastrostomy placement.     

Acantholytic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Upper Aerodigestive Tract: Histopathology, Immunohistochemical Profile and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Phenotype Change

Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma in the mucosa of upper aerodigestive tract. Histomorphologically, acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma may lose the typical features of conventional squamous cell carcinoma and mimic other epithelial or mesenchymal malignancies due to advanced acantholysis and dyskeratosis. Because of its rarity, information of prognosis, pathologic features and immunohistochemical profiles is limited. We have studied clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical profiles of four acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma cases arising from upper aerodigestive tract. Clinical results indicate an aggressive biologic behavior. Morphologically, all tumors revealed significant acantholysis with separation of tumor cells and intratumoral spaces. The tumor cells were highly pleomorphic and growth patterns were variable. In immunohistochemical studies, all tumor cells revealed positive reactions for AE1/AE3 and p63 supporting a squamous epithelial origin. In contrast to conventional aerodigestive squamous cell carcinoma, acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma showed significant reductions of cytokeratin19, E-cadherin and concomitant up-regulation of vimentin expression. Both morphologic features and immunohistochemical profiles indicate that acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma has acquired an epithelial mesenchymal transition phenotype. However, in contrast to other solid malignant tumors, the epithelial mesenchymal transition phenotype change in acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is not limited to the invasive front of the peripheral tumor but, rather, diffusely involves entire neoplastic lesion. In addition, because cytokeratin 19 staining is attenuated, this would be an insensitive marker for following up and/or in detecting disseminated tumor cells in cases of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma in upper aerodigestive tract.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: the prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits in the clinically N0 neck

BACKGROUND: With squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract the presence or absence of neck metastases is the most important prognostic factor. This makes the histopathologic assessment of neck dissections of paramount importance. With the clinically N0 neck the prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits has not previously been described. METHODS: We have prospectively analyzed 96 elective neck dissections in 63 patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma and clinically N0 necks to assess the prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits. The dissections were separated peroperatively into nodal levels; these were sectioned at 6-microm sections and stained with H & E. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (30.2%) were upstaged to pN+ve. Twelve of these had microscopic extracapsular spread, which was 19.0% of the clinically N0 necks and 63.2% of the pN+ve. Five had soft tissue deposits, which was 7.9% of the clinically N0 necks. Fourteen patients had microscopic extracapsular spread and/or soft tissue deposits, which represented 22.2% of all necks examined and 73.7% of the pN+ve necks. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits have a high prevalence in patients with clinically N0 necks. Extracapsular spread can occur at an early stage in metastasis from upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma. Soft tissue deposits can also occur at an early stage. Soft tissue deposits may occur by the same process as lymph node metastasis with total effacement of the lymph node or may occur by some other process such as lymphatic tumor embolization.     

Laparoscopic repair of the leaking percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Peritonitis is an infrequent yet major complication of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Traditionally, patients with peritonitis from leaking PEG tubes underwent open abdominal exploration with repair of the gastrostomy site. We report successful laparoscopic treatment of this significant complication. Surgical techniques and technical aspects of the procedure are discussed.     

Papillary squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract: a clinicopathologic and molecular study

BACKGROUND: The limited studies and the small number of published cases of papillary squamous cell carcinoma have precluded accurate assessment of the biologic characteristics of this lesion. METHODS: Thirty-eight of the carcinomas were studied. In-situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect human papilloma virus (HPV) and p53 expression. RESULTS: HPV was found in 4 of 14 assessable carcinomas by in-situ hybridization and in 5 of 14 by polymerase chain reaction. The most frequently identified HPVs were HPVs in 6/11 and 16/18 patients. In general, a reciprocal relationship was found between p53 and HPV prevalence. The most lethal site for this tumor was the sinonasal tract, whereas patients with papillary squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx had the best outlook. Eleven of 25 (44%) assessable patients died of disease (mean time interval, 2 year). CONCLUSIONS: Papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract is a distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma. As such and because of its putative association with HPV, papillary squamous cell carcinoma could be an informative model for defining how viral oncogenes cooperate with other factors in genomic instability, carcinogenesis, and tumor development.     

Risk factors for simultaneous carcinoma of the head and neck

The upper aerodigestive tract is a preferential site for multiple primary cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients presenting with at least two simultaneous cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract compared with patients with a single location. Men patients (2,738) with squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Of these, 120 (4.4%) presented with at least 2 simultaneous cancers (cancers detected within a 6-month period). The group of patients with simultaneous cancers was compared with a group presenting with a single location. Two factors (the mean daily alcohol consumption and employment as a "blue-collar" worker at any time during the working life) seem to be related to the occurrence of simultaneous cancers.     

A comparison of laparoscopic gastrostomy tubes and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in infants: results from a single institution

Background/PurposeLaparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are two common methods for gastrostomy feeding tube placement in children. There have been limited studies evaluating these surgical interventions in infants under 12 months of age.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of 186 patients who underwent either LG or PEG placement over a 5-year period at a single institution. The primary outcome for this study was the complication rate between the two groups.ResultsOf 186 patients who underwent gastrostomy tube placements, n = 130 patients comprised the PEG cohort, and n = 56 made up the LG cohort. The demographics of the two cohorts were comparable in weight, age, and co-morbidities. The overall complication rate was 29.6% The breakdown of 31.5% complications in the PEG group vs. 25% in the laparoscopic group was not statistically different. However, the PEG group did have significantly more patients who required general anesthetic for additional procedures related to G tube placement.ConclusionLaparoscopy and endoscopy are both acceptable options for gastrostomy tube placements in infants. However, this study identifies that PEG placements are associated with significantly increased risk for the need of additional procedures requiring general anesthesia in this patient population.Level of Evidence     

Understanding primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma – A systematic review

IntroductionThe true incidence of primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown and likely overestimated in the literature. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the diagnosis, aetiology and incidence of parotid SCC by analysing studies evaluating primary parotid SCC.MethodsA systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library was performed. A narrative synthesis was done.ResultsA total of 14 observational retrospective studies on primary parotid SCC were included. There are currently no standard criteria for ascertainment of primary parotid SCC. Primary parotid SCC is thought to be due to squamous metaplasia within the ductal epithelium and subsequent invasive squamous carcinoma. Histological features that favour primary disease includes SCC confined to parotid parenchyma with no direct communication to the skin and the absence of mucin. Incidence of primary parotid SCC varied from 1.54 to 2.8 cases per million person-years. Around 30%–86% of patients recorded to have primary parotid SCC on clinical records, when scrutinised, were in fact secondary to parotid lymph node involvement following regional advancement from skin or upper aerodigestive tract SCC.ConclusionPrimary parotid SCC is rare and it is currently a diagnosis of exclusion. Thorough clinical assessment including endoscopy, preoperative imaging and the scrutiny of histopathological findings allow for differentiation between primary and secondary SCC within the parotid. This thus affects both initial treatment and subsequent follow-up.     

Endoscopic vs surgical gastrostomy for enteral nutrition

Summary A retrospective review of 78 patients who had undergone endoscopic gastrostomy and 22 patients who had undergone Stamm gastrostomy was carried out. The mean operative time for the Stamm gastrostomy group was 63 min, while that for the endoscopic gastrostomy group was 26 min. One operative complication — bleeding — requiring reoperation occurred in the Stamm gastrostomy group. The incidences of aspiration, pneumonia, wound infection, and mortality were significantly higher in the Stamm gastrostomy group. We conclude that percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is the preferred technique for long-term enteral nutrition.     

Metastatic implantation of an oral squamous-cell carcinoma at a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become an important adjunct in the care of the head-and-neck cancer patient. When resection will likely affect swallowing, PEG can be performed just prior to cancer resection. However, it is unclear whether PEG should be the procedure of choice for establishing enteral access in head-and-neck cancer patients. In this report we describe a man with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma who had a One-Step PEG button inserted immediately prior to his cancer resection. Six months later, the patient developed metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma at the PEG site. Although the mechanism of spread cannot be confirmed, direct seeding from passage through the cancer-filled oral cavity seems likely. Methods of establishing enteral access which avoid tumor-contaminated fields, such as use of an overtube during conventional PEG, open gastrostomy, or laparoscopic gastrostomy, may be more appropriate in head-and-neck cancer patients.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the left adrenal mass accessed via the gastrostomy tract: A case report with video

Introduction and importanceAn adrenal metastasis is uncommon in esophageal cancer. Its diagnosis could be challenging if a percutaneous approach was inaccessible. Moreover, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), a useful adrenal sampling technique, is complicated by the luminal obstruction.Case presentationA patient with esophageal cancer accompanying by adrenal mass and established gastrostomy was described. The EUS-FNA of the adrenal lesion was successfully performed via the dilated gastrostomy tract. Adequate tissue for pathological examination was achieved, and the result indicated metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy was started accordingly.Clinical discussionThis report described an uncommon event of adrenal metastasis of esophageal primary. Even though it is possible to perform EUS via the gastrostomy tract, performing EUS from an unusual direction might add some difficulty to an endoscopist, considering that EUS involves image pattern recognition in identifying structures. Thus, this technique should be operated by experienced EUS endoscopists.ConclusionGastrostomy can provide an enteral route for nutrition support in esophageal cancer patients. In addition, it could be an alternative EUS intervention portal when an esophageal stent is not accessible.     

Incidence of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer After Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A 10-Year Experience in an Italian Center

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of de novo tumors (DNT) of the upper aerodigestive tract in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods

Among 225 consecutive OLT performed between January 2002 and January 2012, a total of 205 patients received a first liver allograft. Eleven (4.9%) patients developed DNT (lung, pancreas, bowel, esophagus, larynx, tongue, tonsil, and lymphoma). Among these, we observed 5 patients with DNT of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Results

The 5 patients with DNT of the upper aerodigestive tract underwent OLT for alcoholic cirrhosis. There were 4 men and 1 woman with a mean age at transplantation of 47 years. The mean period of alcohol abuse was 90 months. The tumors occurred after a mean post-transplantation time of 39 months. The immunosuppressive regimen included Tacrolimus, mTOR, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and low-dose steroids. We observed 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, 1 case of tonsillar cancer, 1 case of larynx carcinoma, and 1 case of tongue carcinoma. All patients underwent surgical excision. After surgery, 4 patients received chemotherapy and 2 patients radiotherapy. At present, among the 5 patients with DNT of the upper aerodigestive tract, only 2 are alive without disease and 1 is alive with a local recurrence.

Conclusion

The incidence of DNT of the upper aerodigestive tract after OLT is higher among patients receiving a transplant for alcoholic cirrhosis. This could be due to an additional effect of post-transplantation immunosuppression in patients exposed to alcohol before transplantation. We suggest a careful post-transplantation follow-up and more attention to improve early diagnosis.