METHODS: All patients who underwent EEN for advanced rNPC between January 2003 and December 2015 inclusive were analyzed. All surgeries were performed in University Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Sabah. We reported the 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) and any related complications and significant prognostic factors.
RESULTS: Twelve patients with rNPC (2 rT3 and 10 rT4) were followed-up over a mean duration of 44.8 months (range, 40-440 weeks). The 5-year OS was 50.0% (mean 44.75 months), DFS was 25.0% (mean 35.25 months) and the DSS was 58.3% (mean 43.33 months). No severe operative complications were encountered and no independent prognostic factors for survival outcome were identified.
CONCLUSION: This is the first report in English that exclusively described the long-term 5-year survival data in patients with both rT3 and rT4 recurrent NPC after EEN. The data suggest that EEN is a feasible treatment to improve survival with minimal morbidities in patients with rT3 and rT4 recurrent NPC. However, more studies with larger patient size is recommended.
METHODS: Data of all patients diagnosed with NPC over a 5-year period from January 2015 to December 2019 inclusive were collected from the NPC registry of 3 main hospitals in Sabah. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) for different genders, ethnicities, and districts of origin were calculated.
RESULTS: 215 NPC patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 49 (range 9-82). The ASR of NPC was 7.9/100,000 where the average age-adjusted male-to-female ratio was 2.4. The highest ASR was found in Dusun ethnicity in both male (3.19/100,000) and female (1.69/100,000) individuals, followed by Chinese (both genders), and Kadazan (for male individuals) and Bajau (for female individuals). The highest ASR was found in patients originating from Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Tawau.
CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the incidence of NPC in Sabah, Borneo. The data suggest high ASRs among the population, especially in male Dusun and Chinese ethnic groups. Further research looking into NPC in this state, especially on risk factors and ways to improve diagnosis and prevention among the population, is recommended.
METHODS: Canalplasty or meatoplasty was performed under general anesthesia via the posterior auricular transcanal approach. The EAC diameter and length were measured and a non-fenestrated uncuffed TT of suitable size was fitted into the ear canal. The TT was then modified during fitting, to fit onto the concha. Patients were advised on the importance of compliance. The adequacy of the size of the EAC after the surgery was assessed during follow-ups.
RESULTS: A total of 3 patients (4 ears) were included in our study. Various sizes of TTs were fitted into their EAC following canalplasty or meatoplasty. All of them showed excellent postoperative outcome on follow up 2 years after the surgery, with no evidence of postoperative EAC stenosis.
CONCLUSION: Modified TT stent after canalplasty or meatoplasty is proposed as an excellent alternative in preventing restenosis of EAC in centers with limited resources.
Case Report: We reported the case of a young male presented with the symptoms of non-specific chronic adenotonsillitis, mild obstructive sleep apnoea, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Subsequently, he underwent adenotonsillectomy and excision of the cervical lymph node with the tissue specimens came back strongly positive for TB. Then, he started using antituberculous medication and recovered well.
Conclusion: The authors would like to highlight this rare clinical entity in which accurate diagnosis is essential for complete treatment.