Neck dissection for cervical lymph node metastasis is an established procedure for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, with the advent of immunotherapy, head and neck surgical oncologists need to rethink removing all lymph nodes, including those with immune function. We investigated the anti-cancer immune response of the cervical lymph nodes in four patients with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Using lymphocytes extracted from local, metastatic, and non-metastatic lymph nodes and peripheral blood from these patients, we performed an intracellular flow cytometric cytokine assay using anti-IFNγ and anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies to detect HPV16 E6- and E7-specific T cells. HPV status and p16 immunostaining were determined by in situ detection using the HPV RNAscope method and immunohistochemistry. In one case, E6-specific and E7-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in proximal metastatic nodes and distal non-metastatic nodes. This finding suggests that non-metastatic nodes should be preserved for their immune function during neck dissection and that the immune function of non-metastatic lymph nodes is important when administering immunotherapy. In this context, head and neck surgical oncologists treating HNC should consider the place of immunotherapy and neck dissection in the treatment of HNC.

We report a rare case of angiomyolipoma (AML) of the larynx. AML belongs to the family of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas). We review the literature on PEComas and describe differences in immunohistochemical findings between renal AML and AML in the head and neck region.

Giant cervico‐laryngopharyngeal venous malformations are rare vascular anomalies that can cause life‐threatening airway obstruction, posing significant challenges in clinical management. A staged, multidisciplinary approach combining safe tracheostomy and transoral endoscopic sclerotherapy can effectively restore airway patency while minimizing surgical risk.