Challenges in management of a patient with oropharyngeal carcinoma and scleroderma

Nicole C. Schmitt; Jeremy Richmon; Harry Quon; Virginia Steen; Kristine Pietsch; Brandi R. Page

Otolaryngology Case Reports (Mar 2020)

Challenges in management of a patient with oropharyngeal carcinoma and scleroderma

Nicole C. Schmitt,
Jeremy Richmon,
Harry Quon,
Virginia Steen,
Kristine Pietsch,
Brandi R. Page

Affiliations

Nicole C. Schmitt: Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Corresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University, 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA.
Jeremy Richmon: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Harry Quon: Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Virginia Steen: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
Kristine Pietsch: Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Brandi R. Page: Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14

Abstract

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Objective: To discuss some of the challenges that can arise in the treatment of patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma and scleroderma, by presenting an illustrative case. Methods: We report a case of a patient with scleroderma who was treated with surgery, radiation and systemic therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We also review the literature on treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in scleroderma patients. Results: The patient tolerated treatment well, with a typical degree of toxicity and no evidence of recurrence at 3.5 years following adjuvant therapy. Conclusion: Patients with oropharyngeal cancer and scleroderma should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with a rheumatologist to determine the ideal treatment plan. Patients with limited or well-controlled scleroderma may tolerate treatment better than expected based on historical reports in the literature. Keywords: Scleroderma, Connective tissue disorder, Squamous cell carcinoma, Autoimmune, Transoral robotic surgery

Published in Otolaryngology Case Reports

ISSN: 2468-5488 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Otorhinolaryngology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/otolaryngology-case-reports/

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