DR. DANIEL G. DESCHLER, M.D.

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This study looked at how accurate different optical imaging devices are in measuring the tiny blood vessels in the eye by shifting the boundaries within the images. Researchers found that small shifts, as tiny as 5 to 10 micrometers, could significantly affect the measurements, sometimes by as much as 16% or more, depending on the device used. This is important because if these small changes can lead to big differences in results, it could affect how doctors diagnose conditions like diabetes, making it crucial to standardize how these images are analyzed. Who this helps: Patients at risk for eye diseases, particularly those with diabetes.

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This study compared two advanced imaging devices, DREAM and BMizar, that use optical technology to look at tiny blood vessels in the eye. The researchers found that while both devices work well, DREAM provided clearer images with less background noise and better detail in the measurements of blood vessel structure, but took longer to capture the images (about 10 seconds compared to about 5 seconds for BMizar). Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each device is important for doctors to accurately assess eye health and guide treatment. Who this helps: This helps eye care professionals and ultimately benefits patients by ensuring more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

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Researchers looked at patients who had already been treated for a type of throat cancer linked to HPV to see if they developed other types of head and neck cancers that were not connected to HPV. They found that about 2.5% of patients did develop these second cancers years later, often in different areas of the mouth or throat, and many had received radiation and chemotherapy for their first cancer. This is important because it shows that these new cancers can have different causes than the original one, suggesting that doctors should monitor these patients long-term and consider retesting for HPV.

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Researchers examined a blood test that detects tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of head and neck cancer that doesn't involve HPV. They found that when the test showed positive results after treatment, it indicated a higher chance of cancer recurrence and lower survival rates. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors identify patients at greater risk after treatment, potentially leading to more tailored monitoring and care.

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Researchers studied a blood test that detects tiny amounts of tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of throat cancer that is not linked to HPV. They found that when this DNA was present, patients were more likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer and had a shorter survival time. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors predict outcomes and make better treatment decisions for patients with this type of cancer.

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This study focused on improving how voice prostheses are inserted into patients who have had their voice box removed, particularly those with tricky anatomical pathways. The researchers introduced a simpler method for placing these devices in the office setting, which could make the process easier and more effective for patients. This matters because it can improve communication for patients who struggle to speak after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have undergone total laryngectomy.

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This study looked at how different surgeons around the world reconstruct the throat after surgery for advanced cancer. It found that 79% of surveyed surgeons from North America, India, and Australia/New Zealand have different preferences, with surgeons in the Indian subcontinent more likely to use certain techniques like pedicle flaps. This matters because understanding these differences can help improve treatment strategies for patients recovering from major throat surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing throat reconstruction after cancer surgery.

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This study focused on a patient who experienced severe bleeding from her stoma (the opening created after a laryngectomy) more than 30 years after her throat surgery for thyroid cancer. Investigations revealed that the patient had a stent in her innominate artery that had become infected and was causing the bleeding, which was confirmed when doctors performed surgery to remove the infected stent and repair the stoma. After the surgery, the bleeding stopped, highlighting the importance of quickly addressing any stomal bleeding to prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This information helps doctors treating laryngectomized patients by emphasizing the need to evaluate and address stomal bleeding immediately.

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This study examined how different types of antibiotics given after surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (a bone condition) affect recovery. Researchers found that patients who received antibiotics based on lab cultures had a 0% rate of surgical site infections, compared to 26.3% for those who received standard antibiotics. Both short and long courses of antibiotics led to similar long-term healing rates, showing that using targeted antibiotics can significantly reduce infection risk without affecting overall healing. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

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Researchers studied a method called the submental island flap (SMIF) for rebuilding parts of the mouth in older patients who had surgery to remove oral cancers. They looked at eight patients, all over 70 years old, and found that everyone was able to start eating normally within 3 to 7 days after surgery, with an average time of 6.5 days. The surgery took about 3.5 hours, and importantly, no patients needed a tracheostomy, a procedure to help them breathe. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients undergoing mouth cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how well a specific type of surgery, called submental flap reconstruction, worked for patients with oral and throat cancer. Out of 82 patients with oral cancer, only 9% needed feeding tubes afterwards, while 36% of the 11 patients with throat cancer did. Additionally, 87% of oral cancer patients avoided needing a tracheostomy, compared to 46% of throat cancer patients. This research is important because it shows that this surgery effectively allows many patients to eat normally again and avoid more invasive procedures after treatment. Who this helps: Patients recovering from oral and throat cancer.

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Researchers created a new questionnaire called LARY-Q to measure how total laryngectomy (complete removal of the voice box) affects patients' lives—covering physical issues like breathing through a stoma, ability to function, quality of life, use of devices, and satisfaction with care. They interviewed 15 laryngectomy patients to understand their main concerns, then refined the questionnaire through multiple rounds of feedback from additional patients and medical experts until they had 18 sections with 277 total questions. This questionnaire will help doctors and researchers better understand and track how well laryngectomy patients are doing after surgery.

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Researchers studied 8 patients with throat cancer that had returned after initial treatment, whom doctors treated by removing the cancer with robotic surgery and then reconstructing the surgical site using a skin flap taken from under the chin. The surgery took about 5 hours on average, most patients went home within a week, and importantly, patients' ability to swallow remained normal or nearly normal even months after surgery. This approach works well because the chin flap is readily available, doesn't require specialized microsurgery skills, and produces good long-term results with low complication rates.

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Researchers developed a new blood test using advanced DNA sequencing to detect HPV-associated head and neck cancers early, before symptoms appear, and compared it to three other blood-based detection methods. The new sequencing test detected cancer 98.7% of the time it was present and correctly identified healthy people 98.7% of the time—significantly better than existing blood tests. This breakthrough matters because HPV-related head and neck cancers are becoming more common, yet doctors currently have no way to catch them early when treatment is most effective.

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Researchers developed a highly sensitive blood test that detects tiny amounts of HPV cancer DNA left in patients after surgery for HPV-related head and neck cancer. They found that patients whose blood still contained this cancer DNA had much worse outcomes—only 60% stayed cancer-free for 2 years compared to 100% of patients with no detectable DNA—and this blood test was better at predicting who would relapse than current methods doctors use. The test could also spot cancer coming back up to 17 months before it shows up on scans or causes symptoms, giving doctors an early warning system to decide whether patients need additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.

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This study examined a rare type of brain tumor called meningioma that appeared as a large lump in the neck of a 26-year-old woman. The researchers found that the fine needle aspiration (FNA) test, which is commonly used to identify lumps, showed signs of the tumor but also revealed complexities due to its unusual features, including a specific protein loss. These findings matter because they highlight the difficulties in diagnosing neck masses correctly and emphasize the need for more tests to ensure accurate identification of such tumors. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical professionals who evaluate neck lumps in patients.

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This study looked at patients with recurring or leftover cases of a throat cancer called hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent a type of surgery known as salvage surgery. It found that after two years, 30% to 50% of patients were cancer-free, and after five years, the rates were between 15% and 57%. Complications from the surgery were common, with up to 71% experiencing issues like a fistula (an abnormal connection between two body parts) and up to 28.6% becoming dependent on feeding tubes. Who this helps: This information helps doctors make informed decisions for patients facing this aggressive cancer.

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This study examined a rare type of cancer in the tongue of a 46-year-old man, which was driven by a specific genetic mutation known as the FUS::CREM fusion. The tumor was about 4 cm in size and displayed aggressive features, although it had not spread to nearby lymph nodes. After surgery and radiation treatment, the patient showed no signs of the cancer returning after four months. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with rare head and neck cancers.

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Researchers looked at 49 patients who had their larynx (voice box) surgically removed and then developed scarring in their throat that needed to be stretched open. They found that 71% of these patients needed the procedure done multiple times instead of just once, and three things predicted who would need repeated treatments: having a fistula (an unwanted hole), receiving chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, and developing the scarring quickly after their initial surgery. Patients who needed multiple stretching procedures ended up with worse long-term swallowing problems—they had to eat softer foods or rely on feeding tubes—compared to those who only needed one procedure. This means that if scarring develops fast after larynx removal surgery, patients are likely to struggle with swallowing for years to come.

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Doctors use fibula free flap surgery to rebuild the head and neck after cancer or injury, but they disagreed about when patients should start putting weight on their legs afterward. This study of 152 patients found that those who started walking the day after surgery had shorter hospital stays, were more likely to go home (rather than to rehabilitation), and had fewer complications at the surgery site—while patients who waited 3+ days to walk had a higher risk of pneumonia. Early weight-bearing after this surgery should become standard practice because it measurably improves recovery and reduces complications.

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This study looked at different methods for estimating how deep cancer has invaded the tissue in patients with oral tongue cancer before surgery. It examined 40 patients and found that three techniques—full-thickness biopsy, manual palpation, and intraoperative ultrasound—were similarly accurate in detecting tumor depths of 4 mm or more, with sensitivities ranging from 83% to 90%. This is important because it helps doctors better understand the severity of the cancer before making treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with oral tongue cancer seeking accurate assessments of their cancer's depth before surgery.

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This study looked at how regional flaps, a type of tissue used in surgeries for the head and neck, can be effectively used for reconstruction without needing complex connections to blood vessels. The research found that these flaps often have fewer complications and are easier for surgeons to work with compared to other options. Using regional flaps is particularly important in situations where medical resources are limited or when it's critical to avoid additional surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction.

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Researchers studied 131 patients with HPV-positive throat cancer who had surgery to remove lymph nodes from their necks, looking at where the cancer had spread. They found that unusual spread patterns—where cancer appears in lower neck levels while skipping the upper levels—happened in only 5% of patients. These results suggest surgeons may be able to safely skip removing lymph nodes from the lowest neck level in some HPV-positive throat cancer patients, potentially reducing surgery complications without compromising cancer treatment.

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Researchers studied 145 patients who had surgery to remove skin cancer that had spread to the parotid gland (a salivary gland in front of the ear), tracking how many survived over three years and which surgical factors made a difference. The surgery worked reasonably well—about three-quarters of patients survived overall—but patients who were immunosuppressed (had weakened immune systems) or whose cancer showed signs of invading blood vessels did much worse, as did patients whose surgeons couldn't completely remove all the cancer or didn't remove enough lymph nodes. This matters because it shows which patients with this type of advanced skin cancer need the most aggressive treatment and closest monitoring, and that completely removing the cancer and a sufficient number of lymph nodes is critical to survival.

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Surgeons sometimes rebuild the head and neck after cancer or injury by taking tissue from the arm or chest and grafting it to the damaged area. This study compared how well patients' arms and shoulders work after four different types of these grafts, measuring disability using a standard questionnaire given an average of 20 months after surgery. All four graft types resulted in similar outcomes: patients reported minimal to mild arm problems and generally functioned well, meaning the choice of graft type doesn't significantly affect how much your arm gets worse after surgery.

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Researchers studied 64 tongue cancer patients who had surgery to remove part of their tongue, tracking whether they lost sensation in their tongue tip after healing. They discovered that removing more than 1.3 centimeters of tongue tissue significantly increased the risk of permanent loss of feeling in the tongue tip, which also made it harder for patients to speak clearly and reduced their quality of life. This finding helps doctors predict which patients will lose tongue sensation after surgery and plan better reconstruction techniques to minimize this damage.

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This study looked at a new tool called VESPA to assess the physical abilities of patients before they undergo major head and neck surgery. Out of 58 patients, nearly 25% reported issues with daily activities, and 17% had low functional status, which was linked to longer hospital stays and more complicated discharge plans. This research matters because it helps identify patients who might need extra support and planning before and after surgery to improve their recovery experience. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for major head and neck surgeries.

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This study looked at a specific type of salivary gland cancer called secretory carcinoma, which can be hard to diagnose. Researchers treated a woman with this cancer using a targeted therapy called larotrectinib after her initial surgery and radiation did not work. The treatment led to a complete recovery, allowed her to maintain good swallowing and speech abilities, and showed how important it is to properly identify this cancer for effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced salivary gland cancers and their doctors.

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This study looked at using a specific surgical technique called the submental island flap for rebuilding parts of the mouth after previous neck surgery on the opposite side. Researchers presented three cases where this technique was used, and in every case, the reconstruction healed well without any loss of tissue. This is important because it shows that this method can be safely used even after other surgeries that could complicate healing. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing oral cavity reconstruction after neck surgery.

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This study explored a new, less invasive way to diagnose HPV-related head and neck cancer by looking for tumor DNA in blood samples instead of taking tissue samples. Researchers found that this blood test had a very high accuracy, detecting the cancer correctly 98.4% of the time and correctly identifying healthy individuals 98.6% of the time. Additionally, it was cheaper and resulted in diagnoses about 26 days faster compared to traditional methods. Who this helps: This benefits patients who may need quicker and less invasive cancer diagnoses.

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This paper discusses the best practices for caring for patients after they survive head and neck cancer. It highlights important issues they face, such as trouble speaking or swallowing, fatigue, pain, and emotional well-being. The study emphasizes the need for a team of various healthcare providers to address these challenges effectively, as improving life after cancer treatment is crucial for the patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients who have survived head and neck cancer and the healthcare professionals caring for them.

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This study looked at improving the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors using a new method that analyzes single cells from fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. Researchers found that their new technique achieved an accuracy of 88% in identifying whether the tumors were benign or malignant, which is better than previous methods that relied on assessing a single marker. This improvement is crucial because accurate and quick diagnoses can lead to better treatment decisions for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with salivary gland tumors and doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how chemoradiation therapy affects PD-L1 scores, which help doctors decide on treatments for patients with recurrent head and neck cancers. Researchers found that while the PD-L1 score didn’t change much for most patients when a low cut-off score was used, 32% had changes when using a higher cut-off of 20, and 20-23% had discrepancies at a cut-off of 50, especially in oral cavity cancers. These findings suggest that doctors might need to perform new biopsies after treatment to better assess the need for immunotherapy. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients with head and neck cancers.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and found important differences in how its cells communicate with each other. By analyzing individual cells, researchers discovered that certain signaling molecules (DLL1, JAG1, and JAG2) are expressed differently in cancer cells, which may drive tumor growth. These findings can help develop new treatments for ACC and enhance understanding of its unique characteristics. Who this helps: This helps patients with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and their doctors.

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Researchers reviewed 138 patients who had robotic surgery to remove throat cancer and tracked how many needed feeding tubes afterward. Only 5 patients (3.6%) needed feeding tubes in the first month after surgery, and just 1 person still needed one a year later, showing that most patients could eat normally again quickly. The study found no specific patient or tumor characteristics that could predict who would need a feeding tube, meaning doctors can't use pre-surgery factors to identify high-risk patients—but the good news is that feeding tubes are rarely necessary anyway when patients receive coordinated care from multiple specialists.

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Researchers measured virus DNA in the blood of throat cancer patients before and after surgery to see if it could predict whether cancer remained in their bodies. They found that patients whose blood virus levels dropped to nearly zero within one day after surgery stayed cancer-free, while patients with high virus levels one day after surgery had leftover cancer cells that needed additional treatment. This matters because a simple blood test done one day after surgery could tell doctors which patients need follow-up chemotherapy or radiation, potentially personalizing treatment and improving outcomes.

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This study looked at how doctors from different specialties work together to remove carotid body tumors (CBTs), which are rare growths near the neck's major blood vessels. Researchers examined 74 surgeries performed between 1996 and 2018 and found that only 4.4% of patients had their tumors come back after an average follow-up of about 43 months. No serious complications like strokes or nerve injuries occurred, showing that a team approach leads to better and safer treatment for these tumors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with carotid body tumors and their doctors by improving surgical outcomes and reducing risks.

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This study looked at how different treatment factors affect speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life for patients who had surgery for oral cavity cancer. Researchers found that patients with better tongue movement after surgery and those who had flap reconstruction generally reported improved speech and swallowing. Conversely, patients who had more tissue removed or whose tumors were located in certain areas had worse outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients recovering from oral cavity cancer and their doctors by helping to guide treatment decisions.

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This research paper focuses on how to manage cancers of the salivary glands. An expert panel reviewed 293 studies and created guidelines based on their findings, which cover diagnosis, treatment options, and follow-up care for different types of salivary gland cancer. These guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes, such as survival rates and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with salivary gland cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different treatments affect long-term survival for patients with mucosal melanoma in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Researchers analyzed data from 928 patients and found that older age and certain tumor characteristics led to worse survival. Specifically, the average survival time was 26 months for nasal cavity melanoma compared to 16 months for sinus melanoma, and surgery significantly improved survival rates compared to radiation treatment alone, with five-year survival rates of about 27.7% for surgery and 25.1% for surgery with radiation. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with nasal and paranasal sinus mucosal melanoma and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at infections that can occur after major surgeries on the head and neck, specifically those using free or pedicled flaps. Out of 715 surgeries, about 14% of patients developed at least one infection, with pneumonia being the most common at 10.6%. The research found that older patients (65 and up) had a higher risk of infections, and infections tend to develop within a week after surgery, which can lead to longer hospital stays. Who this helps: This study helps doctors better understand and prevent postoperative infections in head and neck surgery patients.

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This study looked at why many patients with head and neck cancers don't get their follow-up radiation treatments on time, which typically should start within six weeks after surgery. It found that delays in starting radiation can lower survival rates, and these delays are more common among minority groups, people without insurance, and those with socioeconomic challenges. Improving how patients are supported and streamlining the care process can help make sure everyone gets timely treatment, which is crucial for improving survival outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with head and neck cancer and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers compared cancer outcomes in 99 patients with HPV-related throat cancer who had robot-assisted surgery, looking specifically at whether leaving tiny amounts of cancer cells at the edge of the surgical site (close margins) versus completely clean edges affected whether the cancer came back. They found no difference in cancer recurrence, survival, or disease-free survival between the two groups over an average follow-up of 21 months. This matters because it suggests doctors don't necessarily need to give additional radiation or chemotherapy after surgery if the surgical margins are very close—they can simply watch these patients closely instead, potentially sparing them from the serious side effects of extra treatment.

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Researchers studied a type of salivary gland cancer called intraductal carcinoma (IC) that has a specific genetic change known as NCOA4-RET. They found that this variant of IC can look similar to another cancer type, making it easy to misdiagnose. This is important because accurately identifying these cancers can lead to better treatment options for patients.

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This study looked at the results of parotid gland surgeries performed by a single surgeon over 15 years, focusing on patient outcomes and the risk of facial nerve weakness. Out of 924 surgeries, most were for benign tumors, and complications like long-term facial nerve weakness were very low, at 1.7%, particularly for benign cases, where it was just 1.3%. These findings are important because they show that parotid surgeries can be performed safely and effectively, even without constant nerve monitoring. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing parotid surgery, particularly those with benign tumors.