A new landmark for the identification of the facial nerve during parotid surgery: A cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: Precise knowledge of facial nerve anatomy is crucial for parotid surgery. Although several surgical landmarks to identify the facial nerve have been described in literature, their position is variable, inconsistent, and difficult to follow in some cases. The purpose of this study was to prove that the facial nerve trunk (FNT) is located midway between the mastoid tip (MT) and osteocartilaginous junction of the external auditory canal (EAC). METHODS: A prospective study of 7 frozen cadaver specimens, of which 13 facial sides were dissected. The distances between the osteocartilaginous junction and the MT, between the FNT and the MT, and between the FNT and the osteocartilaginous junction were recorded, respectively. RESULTS: The distance between the osteocartilaginous junction and the MT ranged from 17 to 21 mm, with a mean of 19.5 mm (SD = ±1.19). The mean distances between the osteocartilaginous junction and the FNT and between the MT and the FNT were 9.2 mm (±1.58) and 10.3 mm (±1.79), respectively. CONCLUSION: The FNT was consistently located close to the midpoint between mastoid tip inferiorly and bony-cartilaginous junction of the EAC superiorly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

An Improved and Simplified Approach to Identify the Facial Nerve During Parotid Surgery.

Precise identification and preservation of the facial nerve is mandatory to avoid dysfunction of the facial nerve during parotidectomy. In this article, the authors are introducing a new landmark to identify the facial nerve for parotidectomy that is more protective for the facial nerve. The authors use a simple approach to predict the position of facial nerve main trunk intraoperatively without geometric calculations and a lot of landmarks. An imaginary almost 2 cm line is drawn between mastoid tip inferiorly and bony-cartilaginous junction of the external auditory canal superiorly. The main trunk of the facial nerve can be visualized at the midpoint of this line. The authors have been using this landmark successfully for the last 10 years, without any functional deficit of the parotid nerve. Identifying the facial nerve at the trunk level by this landmark renders following the branches forward in the glandular parenchyma less complicated.

Trends in thyroid carcinoma among thyroidectomy patients: a 12-year multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid malignancy, the most diagnosed cancer of the endocrine system, represents 2% of all malignancies worldwide. The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been linked to the increasing sensitivity of modern diagnostic methods which overdiagnosis small thyroid tumors. OBJECTIVES: Assess the distribution and trends in thyroid cancer among thyroidectomy patients. DESIGN: Descriptive, based on medical record review. SETTINGS: Two tertiary care centers in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients who underwent thyroid surgery from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2016 who ranged in age from 9-90 years regardless of initial diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distribution of thyroid carcinomas by type, age and sex and trends over the time period. SAMPLE SIZE: 979 patients. RESULTS: Of 979 patients, 84.5% were <55 years old, with the majority being female. Thyroid malignancy ranked second to benign tumors, and the most common type of thyroid cancer was papillary thyroid carcinoma (91% of malignant tumors), followed by follicular thyroid cancer (4.7% of malignant tumors). After thyroid microcarcinomas were isolated from the sample and studied separately, we found the overall trend for thyroid cancer to be stable, and that the annual increases in rates were due to increased diagnosis of thyroid microcarcinoma in the period from 2010 to 2016. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that increases in thyroid cancers may be attributed to a rise in the rates of diagnosis of thyroid microcarcinomas. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is the retrospective nature of this design. Also, a multicenter collaboration would prove beneficial in evaluating the trends of thyroid cancer in Saudi Arabia on a much larger scale. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / Impacto do índice de massa corporal sobre o desfecho de sobrevida em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25 kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40 kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. Results Median follow up period was 5.2 years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3 kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40 kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30 kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p = 0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Resumo Introdução Sabe-se que o aumento do índice de massa corpórea está associado à alta prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide; entretanto, os dados sobre seu impacto no desfecho de sobrevivência após tireoidectomia e terapia adjuvante são escassos. Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Método Entre 2000 e 2011, 209 pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide (papilar/folicular/de células de Hurthle) foram tratados através de tireoidectomia, seguida de tratamento com iodo radioativo-131 adjuvante e supressão de hormônio estimulante da tireoide. Com base no índice de massa corpórea, os pacientes foram divididos em cinco grupos; (a) < 18,5 kg/m2 (baixo peso); (b) 18,5-25 kg/m2 (peso normal); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (sobrepeso); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obesos) e (e) > 40 kg/m2 (obesos mórbidos). Várias características demográficas, clínicas e de tratamento e toxicidade associada e desfechos (sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença) foram analisadas e comparadas. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 5,2 anos (0,6-10). O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 31,3 kg/m2 (17-72); o índice de massa corpórea de 31-40 kg/m2 foi predominante (89 pacientes, 42,6%), seguido por 26-30 kg/m2, observado em 58 pacientes (27,8%). Observaram-se 18 recidivas locorregionais (8,6%) e 12 metástases distantes (5,7%). As taxas de sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global de 10 anos foram de 83,1% e 58,0%, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado impacto significativo do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global ou sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,081). Da mesma forma, a análise multivariada mostrou que o índice de massa corpórea não foi um fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Conclusão Embora o índice de massa corpórea possa aumentar o risco de câncer de tireoide, ele não tem impacto no resultado do tratamento; contudo, outros estudos são necessários.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Median follow up period was 5.2years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p=0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. CONCLUSION: Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Patterns of failure and survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the patterns of failure (locoregional and distant metastasis), associated factors, and treatment outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2006 to December 2011, 68 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were treated with IMRT and chemotherapy at our hospital. Median radiation doses delivered to gross tumor volume and positive neck nodes were 66-70 Gy, 63 Gy to clinical target volume, and 50.4-56 Gy to clinically negative neck. The clinical toxicities, patterns of failures, locoregional control, distant metastasis control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were observed. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 52.2 months (range: 11-87 months). Epstein-Barr virus infection was positive in 63.2% of patients. Overall disease failure developed in 21 patients, of whom 85.8% belonged to stage III/IV disease. Among these, there were seven locoregional recurrences, three regional recurrences with distant metastases, and eleven distant metastases. The median interval from the date of diagnosis to failure was 26.5 months (range: 16-50 months). Six of ten (60%) locoregional recurrences were treated with reirradiation ± concurrent chemotherapy. The 5-year locoregional control, distant metastasis control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates of whole cohort were 81.1%, 74.3%, 60.1%, and 73.4%, respectively. Cox regression analyses revealed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, and Epstein-Barr virus were independent predictors for disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without chemotherapy improves the long-term survival of Saudi patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Distant metastasis was the main pattern of treatment failure. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, and Epstein-Barr virus status before IMRT were important independent prognostic factors.

Comparative clinicopathological and outcome analysis of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi patients aged below 60 years and above 60 years.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi patients aged above 60 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative analysis was performed in 252 patients aged 46-60 years (Group A) and 118 patients aged above 60 years (Group B), who had thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine-131, and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy between July 2000 and December 2012. Different clinicopathological features, treatment, complications, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were compared. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in Group A was 51.9 years (range: 46-60), and mean age of those in Group B was 68.6 years (range: 62-97). Group B patients had higher positive lymph nodes (43.2%), P=0.011. The frequency of extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and lymphovascular space invasion was seen more in Group B than in Group A. Postsurgical complications (permanent hypoparathyroidism, bleeding, and wound infections) were also seen more in Group B (P=0.043, P=0.011, and P=0.021, respectively). Group B patients experienced more locoregional recurrences (11.0%, P=0.025); similarly, more distant metastases were observed in Group B (15.3%, P=0.003). The 10-year disease-free survival rates were 87.6% in Group A and 70.8% in Group B (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Differentiated thyroid cancer in patients aged above 60 years are more aggressive biologically and associated with a worse prognosis, and the morbidity is significantly high as compared to patients aged below 60 years.

Clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of the rare, salivary duct carcinoma of parotid gland.

BACKGROUND: Salivary ductal carcinoma (SDC) of parotid gland is a rare and aggressive entity; accounting for 1-3 % of all malignant salivary gland tumors, 0.2 % of epithelial salivary gland neoplasms, 0.5 % of salivary gland carcinomas, and 1.1 % of parotid gland carcinomas. Here in we aimed to evaluate the clinico-pathological features and treatment outcomes of parotid gland SDC in Saudi population. METHODS: Among 38 patients with parotid malignancies, who were treated in two major tertiary care referral cancer centers between December 2007 and December 2014, seven cases (18.4 %) were found to have SDC, which were investigated for clinicopathological features, locoregional recurrences (LRRs), distant metastasis (DM) and survival rates. RESULTS: Mean age of cohort was 62.3 years (range: 41-83) and female predominant (71.4 %). All patients underwent total parotidectomy and ipsilateral neck dissection. Mean tumor size was 3.4 cm (range: 2.1-5.3); perineural invasion (85.8 %); lymph node involvement (42.9 %); and HER-2 neu overexpression (28.6 %). Postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) was given to six patients (dose: 50-66 Gy). Median follow-up was 20.2 months (range: 11-48). LRRs were seen in five (71.4 %) patients (base of skull, 3 patients; cervical nodes, one patient; parotid bed, one patient). LRRs were salvaged with resection (two patients) and re-irradiation (one patient with base of skull). DM in lungs was seen in three patients (42.8 %); one treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel based chemotherapy. The 4-year disease free and overall survival rates were 16.7 % and 40 % respectively. CONCLUSION: SDC of parotid gland is a rare and aggressive entity, and most of LRRs were seen in the base of skull, which warrants inclusion of base of skull in clinical target volume in PORT planning. Role of anti HER-2 targeted therapy in SDC with HER-2 neu overexpression needs further investigations.

Adjuvant Radioactive iodine 131 ablation in papillary microcarcinoma of thyroid: Saudi Arabian experience [corrected].

BACKGROUND: Papillary Microcarcinoma (PMC) of thyroid is a rare type of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which according to the World Health Organization measures 1.0 cm or less. The gold standard of treatment of PMC is still controversy. Our aim was to contribute in resolving the debate on the therapeutic choices of the surgical and adjuvant I-131 (RAI) treatment in PMC. METHODS: From 2000 to 2012, 326 patients were found to have PMC and were retrospectively reviewed for clinicopathological characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors. RESULTS: Mean age of cohort was 42.6 years (range: 18-76) and the mean tumor size was 0.61 cm ± 0.24; lymph node involvement was seen in 12.9 % of cases. Median follow up period was 8.05 years (1.62-11.4). Total 23 all site recurrences (7.13 %) were observed; more observed in patients without I-131 ablation (p <0.0001). Ten year DFS rates were 89.6 %. Cox regression Model analysis revealed size, histopathologic variants, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular space invasion, nodal status, and adjuvant RAI ablation the important prognostic factors affecting DFS. DISCUSSION: Despite excellent DFS rates, a small proportion of patients with PMC develop recurrences after treatment. Adjuvant RAI therapy improves DFS in PMC patients with aggressive histopathologic variants, multifocality, ETE, LVSI, tumor size (> 0.5 cm) and lymph node involvement. Failure of RAI ablation to decrease risk in N1a/b supports prophylactic central neck dissection during thyroidectomy, however more trials are warranted. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant I-131 ablation following thyroidectomy in PMC patients, particularly with poor prognostic factors improves DFS rates.

"Clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi children and adults".

INTRODUCTION: Age is an important prognostic factor in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Our aim was to evaluate differences in clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes among children and adult patients with DTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 27 children (below 18 years) with DTC treated during the period 2000-2012 and were compared with (a) 78 adults aged 19-25 years and (b) 52 adults aged 26-30 years treated during the same period in terms of their clinicopathological features and long term treatment outcomes. Locoregional recurrence (LRR), locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis (DM), distant metastasis control (DMC), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of children was 13.5 years (range: 5-18), while mean age of adults was 24.6 years (range: 19-30). In children, female: male ratio was 2.85:1, and in adults female: male ratio was 7.1:1 (P = 0.041). No significant difference in tumor size was seen between the two groups (P = 0.653). According to American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification classification, the children (85.2 %) were found to have at high risk as compared to adults P = 0.001. Post-thyroidectomy complications and RAI induced toxicities were observed more in children than adults (P = 0.043 and P = 0.041 respectively). LRR occurred in 6 (22.2 %), 9 (11.5 %) and 3 (5.8 %) in age groups of <18 years, 19-25 years and 26-30 years respectively (P = 0.032); while DM was seen in 10 (37.0 %), 9 (10.3 %) and 5 (9.6 %) in age groups of <18 years, 19-25 years and 26-30 years respectively (P = 0.002). Ten year DFS rates were 67.3 % in age group below 18 years, 82.4 % in age group of 19-25 years and 90.1 % in age group of 26-30 years (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: At the time of diagnosis, children with DTC were found to have more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. Comparatively lower LRC, DMC and DFS rates in children warrants further multi-institutional studies.

Calvarium and dura mater as delayed sites of distant metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Skull calvarium and dura mater are rare sites of distant metastasis, and mostly have been reported in lung, breast, and prostate malignancies. However, the calvarial and dural metastases from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are rare entities and pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. To date, only seven cases of calvarial metastasis with intracranial extension from PTC have been reported in literature. However, true dural metastasis from PTC has not yet been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old Saudi woman presented with 6 months history of painful posterior scalp lump, 7 years after initial diagnosis of PTC. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed occipitoparietal calvarial lesion with massive intracranial extension. Another para-sagittal lesion was found at the top of corpus callosum mimicking a meningioma. Histopathology of para-sagittal lesion and the biopsy of calvarial mass confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic PTC. After surgical resection, residual tumors were treated with postoperative intensity-modulated radiation therapy. At 13 months of follow-up, patient was alive and without any signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Calvarial and dural metastases from PTC are extremely rare clinical entities. Surgical resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. However, for such cases, multidisciplinary approach can prolong the treatment outcome and survival.

Skull base metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma: a report of three cases.

Skull base metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma, including papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma, is a rare manifestation. Herein, we present three cases of skull base metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The mean age of the patients was 68.6 (65-74) years, and the mean interval between initial diagnosis and skull base metastasis was 56.3 (28-89) months. Cranial nerve palsies were seen in all patients. Intensity modulated radiation therapy to deliver 6,000-6,600 cGy to the skull base metastasis was given to all patients, in addition to partial resection in one patient. At the time of last follow-up, all skull base metastases were well controlled.

Cerebellum as Initial Site of Distant Metastasis from Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid: Review of Three Cases.

Background. The cerebellum as initial site of distant metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) including papillary (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is rare manifestation. Case Presentations. Herein, we present three cases of cerebellar metastasis (CBM) of PTC. Mean age of patients was 67 years (range: 64-72), and mean duration between initial diagnosis and CBM was 49.6 months (range: 37-61). Frequent location was left cerebellar hemisphere and was associated with hydrocephalus. All patients underwent suboccipital craniectomy, and in two patients postoperative intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was given to deliver 5000 cGy in 25 fractions to residual lesions. Patient without postoperative IMRT had cerebellar recurrence along with lung and bone metastasis after 38 months. However, two patients were found alive and free of disease at the time of last follow-up. Conclusion. CBM from PTC is a rare clinical entity and is often associated with hydrocephalus. Histopathological diagnosis is important to initiate effective treatment, which relies on multidisciplinary approach to prolong the disease-free and overall survival rates.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction following radioactive iodine 131 therapy in differentiated thyroid cancers: review of 19 cases.

BACKGROUND: Radioactive iodine 131 ((131)I) therapy has long been used in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). While salivary and lacrimal glandular complications secondary to (131)I therapy are well documented, there is little in the literature addressing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). We aimed to evaluate the frequency of (131)I therapy-acquired NLDO, its correlation to (131)I therapy doses, and the surgical treatment outcome of this rare side effect. METHODS: From 2000-2012, a retrospective review of 864 among 1,192 patients with confirmed DTC who were treated with (131)I therapy was performed to examine the frequency of NLDO, its causative factors, as well as imaging, surgical intervention, and outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen (2.2%) patients were identified with NLDO. The mean age was 51.9±10.5 years (range: 39-72 years). Fifteen (78.9%) were female and four were male (21.1%). The mean individual (131)I doses were 311.1±169.3 millicurie (mCi) (range: 150-600 mCi). The mean duration between the date of (131)I therapy and the occurrence of NLDO was 11.6±4.1 months (range: 6.5-20). Fourteen (73.7%) patients had bilateral epiphora. Computed tomography dacryography allowed for the detection of all NLDO. Eighteen (94.7%) patients underwent dacryocystorhinostomy. Complete recovery was obtained in 14 (73.7%) patients. Age >45 years and (131)I therapy doses >150 mCi were significantly correlated with NLDO (P=0.02 and P=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: NLDO is an underestimated complication of (131)I therapy in DTC patients. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication for prompt intervention.