Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine

Background/Objectives: Head and neck cancers significantly affect patients’ functional and psychosocial well-being. Multidisciplinary tumor boards have a central role in optimizing treatment strategies, but the relationship between tumor characteristics, comorbidities, and quality of life (QoL) remains insufficiently explored. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 94 patients with head and neck cancers evaluated by the oncology committee of Coltea Clinical Hospital in 2024. QoL was assessed post-surgery using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, correlations, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine associations between clinical variables and QoL outcomes. Results: The cohort comprised 82 men (87.2%) and 12 women (12.8%), with a mean age of 61.5 ± 9.8 years. The most common tumor site was the larynx (43.6%). Global QoL was low (mean = 42.3, SD = 11.7), and fatigue scores were high (mean = 61.5, SD = 13.5). All EORTC domains showed non-normal distributions (Shapiro–Wilk, p < 0.05). Kruskal–Wallis analysis revealed significantly lower QoL scores in patients with metastatic adenopathy with aunknown primary (p = 0.03). Spearman’s correlation indicated a moderate negative association between Charlson Comorbidity Index and QoL (r = −0.38, p = 0.01). Multivariate regression confirmed comorbidities (β = −2.5, p = 0.02) and tumor type (metastatic adenopathy, β = −8.0, p = 0.04) as independent predictors of reduced QoL. Conclusions: Patients with advanced disease and higher comorbidity burden experience significantly poorer QoL after head and neck cancer surgery. Tumor board decisions facilitate individualized treatment planning; however, systematic integration of QoL metrics is essential to optimize both oncological and functional outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Hearing loss is a disorder that develops because of being exposed to high noise levels affecting the quality of life among affected individuals. A review of the literature was conducted to explore the prevalence of hearing loss and its associated factors among workers in the metal industry. Methods: The literature search was conducted on ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Pub Med, ResearchGate and African Journals Online databases to identify articles according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The studies published in scientific journals between January 2014 and December 2024 describing hearing loss and its associated factors among workers in the metal industry were considered for inclusion in the review. The articles were screened by the author. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality assessment tool with modified checklist questions was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Results: Following the literature search and using the relevant inclusion criteria, a total of 127 articles were identified, and 8 articles with a total of 2605 participants were included in the review. The sample sizes ranged from 93 to 606. The participants’ age ranged from 19 to 65 years. A review of studies showed varying prevalence of hearing loss ranging from 13.8% to 59%. Furthermore, the studies have found working experience, advanced age, cigarette smoking, tinnitus, working in areas of high noise levels and not using hearing protective devices to be associated with a risk of developing hearing loss. Conclusions: The review found that workers in the metal industry are at risk of developing hearing loss and, therefore, implementation of control measures to prevent the occurrence of hearing loss is necessary.

Background/Objectives: Maxillofacial volumetric deficits are often treated using structural fat grafting with autologous free fat grafts. The buccal fat pad (BFP) is commonly used as a pedicled flap for limited oral cavity applications. This study explores its use as a free graft for reconstructing deformities in the upper and lower lips caused by trauma or tumor resections. Methods: Five patients underwent soft tissue defect reconstruction using a free fat graft from the BFP, following standard surgical procedures. Techniques for harvesting, transferring, and evaluating aesthetic and functional outcomes up to three months post-surgery are detailed, with long-term follow-up extending to an average of 20 months (range 12–24 months). Results: Initial post-operative assessments showed lip asymmetry due to edema and excessive graft volume. Partial necrosis was observed within 1–2 weeks, typical of tissue healing. By 4–5 weeks, mucosal revascularization occurred, with desired lip volume and functionality achieved between 8–12 weeks. Long-term follow-up averaging 20 months demonstrated excellent graft stability with no volume regression beyond the vermilion border in all patients. Conclusions: The BFP as a free graft offers advantages such as high survival rates and easy harvesting. It effectively restores lip function, volume, and aesthetics. Challenges include graft manipulation, retention, potential fibrosis, and volume unpredictability. Future refinements in technique and follow-up are necessary to overcome these issues, enhancing the reliability of BFP for lip reconstruction.