Predictive factors for malignant neoplasms veiled in deep neck infections

• Published in: Acta Oto-Laryngologica Vol. 142; no. 2; pp. 202 - 205
• Main Authors: Sato, Mitsuo P., Otsuki, Naoki, Kimura, Takayuki, Doi, Katsumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.02.2022; Informa UK Limited
• Subjects: cervical lymphadenopathy; Deep neck infection; Head; Hospitalization; Humans; malignant neoplasms in head and neck; Neck; Neck - pathology; Neoplasms; Neoplasms - pathology; platelet to albumin ratio; Retrospective Studies; malignant neoplasms in head and neck; cervical lymphadenopathy; Deep neck infection; platelet to albumin ratio
• ISSN: 0001-6489; 1651-2251; 1651-2251
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2022.2030880

Background: Malignant neoplasms (MNs) in the head and neck are occasionally hidden in deep neck infections (DNIs) that require emergency treatment, which potentially leads to delayed diagnosis of MNs. Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictive factors that can prevent delays in diagnosing MNs in patients with DNIs. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from 83 patients admitted to our hospital who were diagnosed with DNIs. Results: Four patients (4.8%) had DNIs veiling MNs in the head and neck. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association (p = .0481) of platelet to albumin ratio (PAR; ≥ 98.9 × 10 3 ) with hidden MNs in DNIs. Furthermore, concomitant cervical lymphadenopathy, especially multiple lymphadenopathies and excluding abscesses, was higher in patients with DNIs veiling MNs (p = .0142 and p = .0023, respectively). Conclusions and Significance: The PAR, which can be easily measured and readily detected, was a potential predictive factor. Moreover, performing fine-needle aspiration for lymphadenopathies could help diagnose hidden MNs in DNIs.