Key Points Combined-modality therapy (CMT) is a treatment option for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, most often in three clinical scenarios: (1) chemoradiation delivered concomitantly for an enhanced local treatment effect, known as…
Key Points Basic Radiation Physics The unit of measure for radiation is gray (Gy), which corresponds to 1 joule (J) being deposited per kilogram of material. The two main energy sources in use are electrons and photons. Electrons differ from…
Key Points Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted pathogen that is etiologically responsible for a growing subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). HPV-related OPSCC (HPV-OPSCC) patients more often present with small primary-site disease and lymph node involvement when…
Key Points Molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are opportunities for targeted therapeutics. Tobacco and human papilloma virus (HPV), risk factors for HNSCCs, impart genomic patterns; for example, mutation rates are higher for tobacco-associated tumors compared…
Key Points Gene-therapy strategies involve replacing defective genes with functional variants, enhancing the expression of certain key genes, or suppressing genes that contribute to disease. Methods of administering gene therapy include direct injection of DNA/RNA, use of specialized nonviral vectors…
Key Points Flexible and rigid bronchoscopy are essential diagnostic and therapeutic tools for management of thoracic diseases. Diagnostic yields of navigation/guided bronchoscopy increase with (1) experience of the user, (2) the presence of a bronchus sign on CT imaging, and…
Key Points Zenker diverticulum is the most common type of hypopharyngeal diverticulum. The most common presenting symptoms are dysphagia for solid food and food regurgitation. Definitive management is surgical treatment, which should be provided electively for relief of symptoms and…
Key Points Transnasal esophagoscopy has diagnostic efficacy comparable to that of conventional sedated endoscopy but can be performed in an office-based setting without sedation. Performing transnasal esophagoscopy in an office-based setting is more cost-effective, more convenient, and safer for patients…
Key Points Primary symptoms of underlying esophageal disorders, most often due to mechanical or motility disturbance, include heartburn, dysphagia, odynophagia, and regurgitation. Indications for endoscopy are presence of weight loss, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain, poor response to…
Key Points Accurate preoperative assessment of laryngotracheal stenosis is critical to a successful repair; it includes the use of multiple staging systems to evaluate diameter and levels of airway stenosis. The primary goals of surgical intervention are to establish an…