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To evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) in the identification of metastatic cervical node involvement from cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx, 61 consecutive, previously untreated patients with T2 or greater squamous cell carcinoma of these sites were studies prospectively by CT, followed within 1 month by surgery to the primary and neck as initial treatment. The CT scan of each patient was evaluated according to the location, size, and appearance of visible nodes, and each feature was correlated with the histopathologic findings of all 83 neck specimens. A significant relationship was found between CT findings (node size, node appearance, and multiplicity of nodes) and the pathologic status of the neck using Chi-square contingency table analysis (overall chi 2 = 30.928, p less than 0.001). This data supports the role of CT in the evaluation of patients with cancer of these sites.

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the absence of body fat from birth. Focal bone lesions have also been reported, but their pathophysiology is poorly understood. To characterize skeletal abnormalities further in 3 patients with CGL, we employed whole-body radiographic skeletal surveys, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, including gadolinium enhancement), and triple phase technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy. Radiographs showed numerous focal lesions within the long bones, as described in other reports. MRI showed that the entire marrow space of the long bones was abnormal and was characterized, at least in part, by the absence of marrow fat. Prolonged T1 and T2 times and marked gadolinium enhancement were observed in radiographically normal-appearing long bone. Radiographically lytic lesions occasionally demonstrated fluid-fluid levels on MRI and enhanced peripherally after gadolinium infusion. Bone scintigraphy findings such as periarticular hyperemia were relative subtle. We conclude that the appendicular skeleton of patients with CGL is diffusely abnormal and is predisposed to focal osteolysis and cyst formation.

\s=b\Although the presence of squamous cell carcinoma within the peritumoral vascular spaces of primary lesions of the oral cavity and oropharynx has been statistically linked to regional lymph node metastases, the association of this finding with disease control and survival has not been well demonstrated. To evaluate this relationship, we have reviewed the clinical and histopathologic features of 65 consecutive cases of previously untreated T2 or greater squamous cell carcinoma of these sites managed by simultaneous surgical treatment of the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes. Of all the histopathologic features of the primary lesion studied, vascular invasion had the greatest impact on survival, as confirmed by both univariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, vascular invasion correlated statistically with local recurrence, neck recurrence, and distant metastasis. TX 75235-9035 (Dr Close).

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