MARK A. VARVARES, MD

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This study looked at where head and neck cancer surgeons in the U.S. are located and found that most of them practice in big cities, with 622 out of 688 graduates working in the U.S. and Canada. Specifically, 152 out of 3,142 U.S. counties had a higher number of surgeons than expected, while many rural and underserved areas—especially in the Southeast and along the southern border—lack access to these specialists. This is important because it highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve cancer care access for those living in less populated regions. Who this helps: Patients in rural and underserved areas.

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This study looked at two different methods for checking the edges of tumors in early-stage oral cancer to see how they affect follow-up treatment and the chances of the cancer coming back. The researchers found that patients whose tumors were assessed using the tumor bed-based method were 82% more likely to need additional treatment and had a 72% higher risk of their cancer returning compared to those assessed with the specimen-based method. This is important because it suggests that the specimen-based method may lead to better outcomes for patients by providing more accurate information on tumor margins. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage oral cancer and their doctors in making better treatment decisions.

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Surgeons reconstructing head and neck cancer often take tissue from patients' legs to use as grafts, but this creates damage at the donor site on the leg. Researchers compared how well patients recovered from three different types of leg grafts (fibula, thigh, and calf) by measuring their leg function over a year using a standardized questionnaire. Patients who received calf grafts recovered their leg function faster and had better mobility at one year than those who received thigh or fibula grafts. When choosing which type of graft to use, doctors should factor in how much damage each one causes to the leg, since the calf graft appears to cause the least long-term problems.

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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 research paper focuses on head and neck cancer, which remains a serious health problem with limited treatment options like surgery and chemotherapy. It highlights that while immunotherapy has shown some promise, only 14% to 22% of patients see a significant response to the treatment, due to various challenges like diverse tumor characteristics and immune system suppression. Understanding these challenges better could lead to improved therapies, making a real difference for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at the involvement of private equity firms in medical residency programs. It found that private equity aims to make quick profits by reducing staff and selling off assets, which clashes with the goal of providing thorough training for medical professionals. This is important because it can undermine the quality of education and stability residents experience while learning. Who this helps: This helps medical residents and ultimately patients by ensuring better training standards.

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This study looked at the rise of thyroid cancer cases in young people (children, teens, and young adults) in the United States and Canada from 1995 to 2014. It found that the number of cases increased by 137%, with the highest rise in papillary thyroid cancer, particularly among those aged 35-39. Understanding this trend is important because it helps identify the possible reasons behind the increase, which could lead to better care and diagnosis for those affected. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and doctors by highlighting trends in thyroid cancer among younger populations.

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This study looked at how a technique called fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) can help surgeons remove all of the cancer in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, which often has lingering cancer cells at the edges after surgery. The review highlighted that the deep margins, or the area deep within the tissue, are particularly difficult to clear, contributing to many cases where cancer is still present after surgery. FGS can help by lighting up leftover cancer cells, leading to clearer surgical margins and potentially better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer by improving surgical results and reducing the risk of cancer returning.

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Researchers examined the impact of the HPV vaccine since it became available in 2006, finding that 78.2% of adolescents started the vaccination and 62.9% completed the series. However, the study highlights that vaccination rates vary significantly across the U.S., with only 39.1% completion in Mississippi compared to 79.8% in Massachusetts. To prevent HPV-related cancers effectively, it's crucial for states to strengthen their vaccination policies, especially since only five states have school-entry requirements for the vaccine, which can greatly improve uptake. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly adolescents, and their families by increasing access to lifesaving prevention against HPV-related cancers.

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This study focused on a new imaging technique called single-shot fluorescence lifetime imaging (S-FLT) that helps surgeons see tumors more clearly during operations. The researchers found that this method provides highly accurate details about tumor boundaries in real-time, which is crucial when removing cancerous tissue. Their results show that S-FLT offers clearer images without needing complex setups, making it easier for doctors to identify and ensure they remove all the tumor while preserving healthy tissue. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and cancer patients by improving the accuracy of tumor removals during surgery.

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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 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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Surgeons use skin and tissue from the calf (called an MSAP flap) to reconstruct damaged areas of the head and neck after cancer or injury. This study tracked 22 patients who received this surgery and tested their leg function over time using a standard mobility test. Patients' leg function was significantly impaired immediately after surgery but steadily improved, reaching nearly normal levels within 6-12 months and fully recovering by one year. This proves the surgery causes minimal lasting damage to the donor leg, making it a safe and effective choice for head and neck reconstruction.

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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 looked at how many doctors responded to a survey used to rank hospitals from 2015 to 2023. The response rate dropped significantly, from 24% in 2015 to just 8.9% in 2023, with some specialties like psychiatry seeing very low rates of 4.7%. This matters because since hospital rankings can guide patients in their care choices, lower participation might lead to unfair or untrustworthy hospital scores. Who this helps: Patients seeking reliable information about hospital quality.

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This study examined how well the U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect the actual patient care results and treatment volumes in the field of ear, nose, and throat medicine (otolaryngology). Researchers found that the rankings only considered 10% of all adult patient admissions and procedures, which doesn’t accurately represent the full range of cases treated. This matters because relying on incomplete data can lead to misleading conclusions about which hospitals provide the best care. Who this helps: Patients seeking reliable information about hospital quality.

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This study examined how momordicine-I, a compound found in bitter melon, affects head and neck cancer cells and tumors in mice. The researchers found that treatment with momordicine-I decreased the production of important molecules involved in sugar and fat metabolism in cancer cells, resulting in less tumor growth. Specifically, there was a significant drop in the expression of key metabolic genes, leading to reduced tumor size in mice. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with head and neck cancer and their doctors by providing potential new treatment options.

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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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Researchers reviewed studies on using ultrasound during surgery to treat tongue cancer and found that ultrasound measurements of tumor thickness matched pathology lab measurements almost perfectly. Surgeons using ultrasound during the operation achieved wider safety margins around the tumor compared to surgeons operating without ultrasound, because they could see how deep the cancer extended into the tissue. This means ultrasound-guided surgery may be a better way to ensure doctors remove all the cancer while preserving as much healthy tongue as possible.

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In 2020, researchers looked into how often ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists) used telemedicine to provide care to Medicare patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that telemedicine visits jumped from just 262 services in 2019 to 139,094 in 2020, and these doctors earned about $13.5 million from these visits, up from only $9,300 the previous year. However, this telemedicine revenue only covered a small part (8.8%) of the losses they faced from fewer in-person visits. Who this helps: This benefits Medicare patients needing ear, nose, and throat care, especially during the pandemic.

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Researchers used a large database of patient health records to create machine learning tools that predict whether oral lesions would turn cancerous. They found that 34% of patients with oral lesions and 54% of those with dysplasia (a precancerous condition) developed cancer. The best model accurately predicted cancer risk at 86% for all lesions tested. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors by providing tools to identify patients at higher risk for oral cancer.

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This study looked at how often otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) left their medical groups in the United States from 2014 to 2021. Researchers found that 36.4% of these doctors changed jobs during this time, with yearly turnover rates between 6.2% and 10.2%. The rates of leaving were different depending on how long the doctors had been practicing and the size of their medical groups, which is important because it can affect patient care and the stability of medical practices. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting potential challenges in maintaining consistent care.

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The study looked at how intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) images can help during surgery for oral tongue cancers by examining the shape and boundaries of the tumors. Out of 29 patients, the researchers found that while the ultrasound patterns didn't strongly correlate with the final tissue analysis, an infiltrative pattern seen on ultrasound was linked to a higher risk of close surgical margins, which can mean incomplete removal of the cancer. This is important because having close margins can lead to a higher chance of cancer recurrence. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for oral tongue cancers.

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This study looked at the facial nerves that control the movement of the lower lip during smiling, especially focusing on a specific nerve called the marginal mandibular branch (MMb). Researchers found that while the MMb is important, there are other nerve branches from the cervical area that control a muscle crucial for a natural smile, and these branches are located about 2 centimeters below the jawline. Understanding these nerve branches can help doctors avoid causing weakness in the lower lip after neck surgery, which can improve both appearance and function for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

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This study looked at how perineural invasion (PNI) affects survival in patients with early-stage mouth cancers called oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Researchers analyzed data from 557 patients and found that those with PNI had a lower chance of staying disease-free after treatment. Specifically, in patients with PNI-positive tumors, radiation treatment after surgery significantly improved their chances of staying free from disease compared to those who didn't receive radiation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with early-stage OCSCC who have PNI, as well as their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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This research paper focused on how surgical margins—areas of healthy tissue surrounding a tumor—are handled in patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. It found that having clear surgical margins is crucial for better treatment outcomes, but there is still disagreement among doctors about how to properly assess and manage these margins. Addressing these issues is essential, as it can lead to improved patient care and reduced health risks. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage oral cavity cancer and their doctors.

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The study looked at how different ways to rebuild the tongue after cancer surgery affect patients' ability to talk and swallow. It found that patients who had less than 20% of their tongue removed did better with a simpler non-flap reconstruction, while those with 40-50% removed reported better swallowing with a flap reconstruction. For those with 20-40% of their tongue removed, the results were mixed and didn't show a clear advantage for either method. Who this helps: This information benefits patients recovering from oral tongue cancer surgery.

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This research reviewed 34 studies to understand how the distance from cancer-free tissue, called margin distance, in surgeries for oral tongue cancer affects patients' chances of survival and recurrence of the cancer. The findings showed that a margin of 5 millimeters or more generally leads to better outcomes, but margins of 4 mm, 3.3 mm, and even 10 mm can still provide good results, although these were less common in the research. This information is important because it helps guide surgical practices and may improve the quality of care for patients with oral tongue cancer. Who this helps: Patients with oral tongue cancer and their doctors.

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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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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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Surgeons use a small piece of tissue from the calf called a medial sural artery perforator flap to repair damaged areas elsewhere on the body—it's thin, flexible, and doesn't cause much damage to the donor site. The problem is that the traditional way of positioning the patient (with the leg bent outward like a frog) makes it awkward and uncomfortable for the surgeon to work. Researchers showed that crossing the patient's legs instead makes the surgery easier, gives the surgeon a better view, and provides better support for the tissue being harvested.

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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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Researchers injected a near-infrared dye called indocyanine green into cancer patients and found that cancer cells glow differently than healthy cells when measured by how long the glow lasts (rather than how bright it is). This difference in glow duration remained consistent across different cancer types and could identify tumors with over 97% accuracy, even at the cellular level. This matters because current surgical imaging techniques rely on brightness, which varies depending on how much dye the tumor absorbed and how deep it is in the body—making it hard to distinguish cancer from healthy tissue. Since the glow duration is a stable property of the dye itself, it could help surgeons more reliably spot and remove all cancerous tissue during operations.

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This study explored a new imaging technique called fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging to help doctors better spot tumors during cancer surgery. Researchers found that FLT imaging could distinguish cancerous cells from normal tissue with over 98% accuracy, even when some of the imaging agents mistakenly attached to non-cancerous areas. This is important because it means doctors could more accurately identify and remove tumors, leading to better surgical outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer surgery.

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This study reviewed various strategies aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity among surgeons in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020. The researchers found that methods like internship programs, mentorship improvements, and changes in the residency selection process successfully boosted diversity, with more than half of the studies (54.5%) highlighting enhanced exposure to surgery among underrepresented groups. Increasing diversity in the surgical workforce is important because it can lead to improved patient care and better representation in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare systems by ensuring a more diverse and capable surgical workforce.

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This study focused on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and found that mutations in a gene called FAT1, which affects the YAP1 pathway, occur in about 29% of these cancers. The researchers discovered that cancers with FAT1 mutations respond better to a drug that inhibits BRD4, which plays a role in keeping cancer cells active and growing. This is important because it highlights a targeted treatment option for patients with this specific type of mutation in their cancer. Who this helps: Patients with FAT1-mutant head and neck cancer.

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This study looked at how well medical students understand the human papillomavirus (HPV), its vaccine, and HPV-related head and neck cancer. On average, students scored 19.4 out of 26 on HPV knowledge and 7.2 out of 12 on head and neck cancer knowledge. The results showed that male students and nonwhite students had lower knowledge scores, and knowledge improved with each year of study, peaking in the fourth year. Who this helps: This helps medical students and future doctors better understand HPV and its risks, ultimately benefiting their future patients.

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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 which molecular changes in pre-cancerous mouth and throat lesions can predict which patients will develop cancer. They identified dozens of biological markers—including those controlling cell growth, cell death, and how cells stick together—that show up in these lesions and indicate whether cancer is likely to develop. Finding these markers matters because doctors could use them to identify high-risk patients early and treat them more aggressively, potentially saving lives from head and neck cancers that currently have survival rates below 70%.