Head and neck amyloidosis reviewed in clinicopathologic study of 15 cases

06-29-2006

"Amyloidosis refers to the idiopathic, extracellular deposition of fibrillar proteins, termed amyloid, in tissues. Although amyloidosis is a rare disease, the head and neck region has been reported as a frequent site of amyloid deposits, accounting for approximately 19% of reported amyloid cases in one review," researchers in the United States reported.

"Fifteen cases of head and neck amyloid, excluding the brain, with clinical follow-up were identified in the Surgical Pathology files from 1985 to 2005 at Emory University Hospital. The histopathology, histochemistry, and patient follow-up were reviewed. Nine men and 6 women with an age range of 18-76 years (mean 55.7 years) were identified. The initial clinical presentation was dependent on the site of amyloid deposits. The clinical types of amyloidosis included localized amyloid deposits in the larynx and tongue, plasma cell dyscrasia associated AL amyloidosis, and hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis," explained C.R. Penner and colleagues, Emory University Hospital.

The researchers concluded, "Secondary amyloidosis developed in 1 patient with carcinoid tumor."

Penner and colleagues published their study in Oral Oncology (Head and neck amyloidosis: A clinicopathologic study of 15 cases. Oral Oncol, 2006;42(4):421-429).

For additional information, contact S. Muller, Emory University Hospital, Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Med C179, 1364 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Oral Oncology is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Keywords: Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Amyloid, Amyloid Deposit, Amyloidosis, Dialysis, Head And Neck, Hemodialysis, Larynx, Neurology, Oncology, Otorhinolaryngology, Plasma Cell Dyscrasia, Tongue.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.