Abstract
Dermal metastases reflect the ominous and aggressive spread of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The rampant proliferation of these metastatic tumors to the neck results in respiratory distress and impending airway obstruction. We report a case of a patient with massive neck dermal metastases requiring urgent airway control for intermittent stridor. Awake tracheostomy is generally regarded as the gold standard to manage the compromised airway. However, in this unusual case, after discussion between surgeon and anesthesiologist, because of the anticipated formidable difficulties in performing awake tracheostomy, it was decided that awake fiberoptic intubation would provide the best chance of success.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 221-223 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | A&A practice |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 15 2018 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine