In nasal polyps (NPs), locally secreted growth factors are involved in the remodelling of the epithelium and extracellular matrix but little is known concerning vessel remodelling. The in situ expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in NPs and control nasal mucosa (CM) were evaluated and in vitro secretion of VEGF from primary human cultures of nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) was quantified. VEGF expression was evaluated in NP (n=14) and CM (n=6) after immunolabelling. In supernatants from HNECs cultured at air/liquid interface, VEGF was quantified by immunoassay, under baseline conditions and after transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) stimulation. In HNEC lysates, VEGF and VEGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were detected using Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction respectively. VEGF positivity was more frequent in inflammatory cells in NPs (14 of 14) than in CM (three of six) (p<0.05) and in the epithelium in NPs (six of 14) than in CM (two of six) (nonsignificant). Under baseline conditions, the VEGF concentration in HNEC culture medium increased from day 2 to 4, then decreased and became undetectable. VEGF concentrations increased significantly after TGF‐β1 stimulation. In HNEC lysates, VEGF and VEGF mRNA were detected on days 4 and 14 of culture. It was concluded that vascular endothelial growth factor is intensely expressed in situ in nasal polyps, mainly in inflammatory cells but also in epithelial cells. Human nasal epithelial cells are able to secrete in vitro vascular endothelial growth factor. Transforming growth factor‐β1 upregulates this secretion. This suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor, inducing oedema and angiogenesis, could be involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

Haemangiopericytomas are rare peri-vascular tumours with variable malignant potential. The nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses are most often involved in the head and neck. Five cases of haemangiopericytomas treated by a strict endonasal endoscopic approach are presented. Bleeding and nasal obstruction are the most frequent symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed pre-operative assessment. Angiography with embolization was needed in two of the five cases. None of our patients presented with malignant histology. Our five cases were operated on, and a total tumour excision was performed through the endoscopic endonasal approach. We had one recurrence with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. We suggest that when the tumour is purely intranasal or strictly located in the ethmoid or sphenoid sinus, it can be removed via an endonasal approach under endoscopic guidance in experienced hands.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the first month of lockdown related to the Covid-19 epidemic on the oncologic surgical activity in the Ile de France region university hospital otorhinolaryngology departments. Material and methods: A multicenter prospective observational assessment was conducted in 6 university hospital otorhinolaryngology departments (Paris Centre, Nord, Est and Sorbonne) during the 1-month periods before (Month A) and after (Month B) lockdown on March 17, 2020. The main goal was to evaluate lockdown impact on oncologic surgical activity in the departments. Secondary goals were to report population characteristics, surgery conditions, postoperative course, progression of Covid status in patients and surgeons, and adverse events. Results: 224 procedures were performed. There was 10.9% reduction in overall activity, without significant difference between departments. Squamous cell carcinoma and larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity and nasal cavity and sinus locations were predominant, at 79% and 75.8% of cases respectively, with no significant differences between months. T3/4 and N2/3 tumors were more frequent in Month B (P = .002 and .0004). There was no significant difference between months regarding surgical approach, type of reconstruction, postoperative course, tracheotomy and nasogastric feeding-tube time, intensive care stay or hospital stay. None of the Month A patients were Covid-19-positive, versus 3 in Month B, without adverse events. None of the otorhinolaryngologists involved in the procedures developed symptoms suggesting Covid-19 infestation. Conclusion: The present study underscored the limited impact of the Covid-19 epidemic and lockdown on surgical diagnosis and cancer surgery in the Ile de France university otorhinolaryngology departments, maintaining chances for optimal survival without spreading the virus.

BackgroundSurvival is poorer in elderly patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas [HNSCCs] than in younger patients. Possible explanations include a contribution of co-morbidities to mortality, frequent refusal of standard therapy, and the use of suboptimal treatments due to concern about toxicities. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment [CGA] is a multidimensional assessment of general health that can help to customise treatment and follow-up plans. The CGA has been proven effective in several health settings but has not been evaluated in randomised studies of patients with cancer. Our aim here was to assess the impact of the CGA on overall survival, function, and nutritional status of elderly patients with HNSCC.Methods/designEGeSOR is an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled, parallel-group trial in patients aged 70 years or older and receiving standard care for HNSCC. The intervention includes four components: the CGA conducted by a geriatrician before cancer treatment, participation of the same geriatrician in cancer treatment selection, a standardised geriatric therapeutic intervention designed by the same geriatrician; and geriatric follow-up for 24 months. The primary endpoint, assessed after 6 months, is a composite criterion including death, functional impairment [Activities of Daily Living score decrease ≥2], and weight loss ≥10%. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, unscheduled admissions, quality of life, treatment toxicities, costs, and completion of the planned cancer treatment. A centralised online system is used to perform 1:1 randomisation with a minimisation algorithm for centre, age, T and N stages, and tumour site [oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or laryngeal]. The estimated sample size is 704 patients, who are being recruited by 14 centres in 9 French cities.DiscussionEGeSOR is the first randomised trial of the CGA in elderly cancer patients. We expect the CGA to have direct clinical benefits on the management of elderly patients with HNSCC. If this expectation is fulfilled, the trial may lead to modifications of the management model for elderly patients with cancer.Trial registrationTrial registration: NCT02025062

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Inverted papillomas (IPs) are rare benign tumors of nasal epithelium with high recurrence rates and malignant transformation potential. Their etiology is still uncertain, and the mechanism of their growth has not yet been fully described. The purpose of this study was to detect, quantify, and compare cell proliferation, apoptosis, and apoptosis inhibition in hyperplastic epithelium from IPs and in inflammatory nasal polyps (NPs). IP samples were obtained after surgical removal of tumor in 13 patients, and NPs were sampled during endoscopic ethmoidectomy in 10 patients with nasal polyposis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis inhibition, respectively, were assessed by immunohistochemical identification of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the oncoprotein Bcl‐2. Apoptosis was evaluated by analyzing the DNA fragmentation. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were significantly higher in IPs than in NPs (P = .0002 and P = .043, respectively), while apoptosis inhibition was significantly lower in IPs than in NPs (P = .001). Concerning IPs, cell proliferation was significantly higher than apoptosis (P = .0029) and apoptosis inhibition (P = .0015). The increase in epithelial cell proliferation seemed to be greater in IPs with dysplasia than in IPs without dysplasia. Increased epithelial cell proliferation, but not apoptosis and apoptosis inhibition, seems to be involved in the development of IP.

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BackgroundAcute cervical adenitis can evolve into suppurative cervical lymphadenitis and may sometimes be associated with infection of the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces (i.e., retropharyngeal and poststyloid parapharyngeal abscesses). This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation of acute cervical lymphadenitis and infections of the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces in children and examine the management of these conditions.MethodsThis was a retrospective study including children from 3 months to 18 years old who were hospitalized in the Pediatric Department of the Centre-Intercommunal-de-Créteil between January 2003 and May 2010. Selected cases were based on the diagnosis of acute cervical lymphadenitis, suppurative cervical lymphadenitis, or infections of the retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal spaces. Case history, clinical signs, laboratory tests, imaging, treatment and clinical course were collected from patient charts.ResultsWe included 75 children (54 males [72%]); 62 (83%) were < 6 years old. Diagnoses were acute cervical lymphadenitis in 43 patients (57%), suppurative cervical lymphadenitis in 13 (17%), retropharyngeal or poststyloid parapharyngeal abscess in 18 (24%) and cervical necrotizing fasciitis in 1 (1%). In total, 72 patients (96%) presented fever and 34 (45%) had torticollis. Suppurative cervical lymphadenitis or abscesses of the retropharyngeal or poststyloid parapharyngeal spaces was significantly higher for children with than without torticollis (52.9% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001). In all, 21 patients among the 44 > 3 years old (48%) underwent a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes; results for 10 were positive (48%). Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck in children with torticollis (n = 31) demonstrated an abscess in 21 (68%). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 8 patients (11%) and 8 (11%) required surgical drainage. Bacteriology was positive in 8 patients (11%), with a predominance of Staphylococcus aureus and S. pyogenes. All patients received intravenous antibiotics and the outcome was favorable regardless of surgery. Recurrence was observed in only 1 case among the 34 patients with a follow-up visit after discharge.ConclusionOur data suggest that presentation with cervical lymphadenitis associated with fever and torticollis requires evaluation by contrast-enhanced CT scan. Furthermore, abscess drainage should be restricted to the most severely affected patients who do not respond to antibiotic therapy.