Outcomes of free flap reconstructive surgery in head and neck cancer patients over 80-years old.

An increasing elderly population in the United Kingdom has led to an increasing number of older patients with head and neck cancer, resulting in a greater demand for complex head and neck reconstructive surgery in this potentially high-risk age group. A possible perceived poorer tolerance to such major treatment risks under-treating some of these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes in the elderly population (older than 80 years) who had undergone free flap reconstruction following head and neck cancer resection. A retrospective review of 127 patients was performed. Eighteen patients were 80 or older (14.2%) and 109 under 80 (85.8%). The elderly group experienced increased number of postoperative medical complications (p=0.01), but the surgical complications were not significantly different in the two groups (p=0.4). The average length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the older group (p=0.01). There was one flap failure during the study period, which belonged to the younger group of patients. Elderly patients undergoing free flap reconstruction experience an increased rate of postoperative medical complications resulting in an increased length of hospital stay. However, good surgical outcomes can still be achieved in this age group, and therefore age alone should not be considered as a primary factor in head and neck cancer management.

Split zygomaticus major muscle sling reconstruction for significant lower lip defects.

Defects to the lower lip remain surgically challenging to reconstruct. Restoration of aesthetics and function are crucial, of which the aims include restoring the tissues of the lower lip, maintaining oral competence, speech articulation, and restoring lip height and the vermillion. Further surgical techniques continue to be explored, with local flap surgery being the generally preferred method. However, many reconstructions leave the patient with pronounced deformity and morbidity. In this case report, we describe a new technique for the reconstruction of an 80% lower lip defect with an ipsilateral split zygomaticus major muscle sling, nasolabial flap, and facial artery musculomucosal flap. The reconstruction provided good oral competence, speech articulation and aesthetics, in addition to maintaining the oral commissure and lower lip height/length. Iatrogenic microstomia was avoided and zygomaticus functioning was normal. We are confident this technique will be useful to reconstructive surgeons in select cases of significant lip defects.

Spontaneous oral ulceration with bone sequestration: its relevance in current clinical practice.

Oral ulceration associated with bony exposure and sequestration is uncommon and often related to well-recognised conditions. In a small group of patients no obvious aetiological factors can be elucidated, and various terminologies have been utilised to describe these lesions. We report six cases of spontaneous oral ulceration with bone sequestration as a specific entity and review the pertinent literature. We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting in the period 2013-2018. Data collected included demographic details, relevant medical, drug, and radiotherapy history; presentation, investigations, management, and outcome. Six patients with an age range of 49-65 years were identified with spontaneous oral ulceration with bone sequestration in the study period. All were males, and none had any relevant history. Five lesions occurred over the mylohyoid ridge and one was related to a lingual mandibular torus. The most common presentation was a painful ulcer with exposed bone, which had been present for 6 - 12 weeks. Occlusal radiographs demonstrated focal rarefaction in two patients. All were managed conservatively and by removal of the loose sequestrum. Healing occurred successfully in all cases, and this was earlier when the loose sequestrum was removed. Spontaneous oral ulceration with bone sequestration is a distinct lesion that most often presents over the prominence of the mylohyoid ridge. It is currently an uncommon entity (0.02%), but this could well be due to a lack of recognition and under-reporting. It should be considered as a diagnosis only when other causes have been excluded. Lesions heal successfully with conservative management and surgical intervention, and this occurs earlier following removal of the loose sequestrum.

Intraosseous venous malformation of the craniofacial region: diagnosis and management.

Vascular lesions mainly affect soft tissues, and less than 1% affect bone. In 1982, they were categorised by Mulliken and Glowacki as haemangiomas or vascular malformations, and an updated classification was subsequently published by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. These lesions, however, continue to be termed haemangiomas and there is little attempt to differentiate between them. We report eight cases of intraosseous venous malformation that were inappropriately labelled as haemangioma by clinicians, pathologists, and radiologists. We highlight tailored management, and describe the clinical features, results of investigations to aid accurate designation (histological and immunohistochemical, including GLUT1 staining and cross-sectional imaging), and outcomes.

RETRACTED: Management of seborrhoeic keratosis and actinic keratosis with an erbium:YAG laser-experience with 547 patients.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors because the photograph in Figure 1b was a duplicate image of Figure 1a, but with the keratosis removed, and did not represent the surgery that was described in the article. The authors apologise for this error.

Addison's disease as a presentation of metastatic malignant melanoma.

Melanoma accounts for 5% of all skin cancers. The risk of metastasis is related to the thickness of the tumour, and can affect local, regional and distant sites. Adrenal metastasis from melanoma of the head and neck is uncommon and often asymptomatic. Addison's disease as a presentation of metastatic melanoma is extremely rare and we are unaware of previous reports in the world literature. We report a case of a patient with metastatic melanoma presenting with signs and symptoms of Addison's disease.

Iatrogenic mandibular fractures following removal of impacted third molars: an analysis of 130 cases.

Immediate and late mandibular fractures are a rare complication of third molar removal. We analysed 130 cases of mandibular fractures following removal of impacted third molars reported in the literature, including four managed in the maxillofacial unit and identified potential risk factors. Its occurrence is likely to be multi-factorial, with age, gender, angulation, laterality, extent and degree of impaction and associated pathologies contributing to the risk of fracture. Postoperative fractures were more common than intra-operative fractures (2.7:1) and occurred most frequently in the second and third weeks (57%). A 'cracking' noise was the most frequent presentation (77%). Intra-operative fractures were more frequent among females (M:F - 1:1.3), and differed from postoperative fractures (M:F - 3.9:1). This study analyses the results, providing suggestions to minimise the risk and to manage a mandibular fracture following removal of a third molar.

Congenital anomalies associated with cleft lip and palate-an analysis of 1623 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To document the frequency and nature of associated anomalies in cleft lip and/or palate patients from a craniofacial center in India. SETTING: Craniofacial Surgery & Research Centre, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad, India. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1623 consecutive patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate treated in a 40-month period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Frequency and nature of associated anomalies, analyzed according to the cleft type and principal organ system and/or area affected. RESULTS: The overall male to female ratio was 1.8∶1. Unilateral cleft lip with cleft palate (41%) was the most frequent cleft subtype, followed by cleft lip and/or cleft alveolus (33%); isolated submucous cleft palate (1%) was the least frequent. A total of 240 (14.8%) patients had associated anomalies, and these were more frequent in males (M∶F  =  1.4∶1). Per patient, anomalies were most frequent in the submucous cleft group (mean, 0.53) and least common in the cleft lip with or without cleft alveolus (mean, 0.14). Anomalies were most frequent in the facial region (21%), followed by the ocular (17%), central nervous (15%), gastrointestinal (3%), and urogenital (2%) systems. Thirty-four patients (2%) had recognized nonchromosomal syndromes; this was more common in the cleft palate group. CONCLUSIONS: Associated anomalies are not uncommon in patients with cleft lip and/or palate, though the frequency varies with the cleft type and organ system affected.

Head and neck pilomatricoma: an analysis of 201 cases.

We report our experience with 201 pilomatricomas of the head and neck. They occurred over a wide age range (2-93 years, mean 29.5) and were most common in the first and second decades. Almost half (49%) presented in people over 40 years of age and there was no sex predilection (male:female ratio 1:1.1). The most common presentation was as a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic, subcutaneous mass, although nearly 25% were symptomatic, and 12% had a reddish blue skin discolouration. Most lesions were solitary; only 9 patients (5%) had multiple lesions. The most commonly affected sites were the cheek (23%), neck (22%), eyebrow (18%), and scalp (14%). Tumours were often mistaken for other lesions and a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only 28% of cases. Preoperative investigations were done only occasionally and were not always helpful. All lesions were excised and excision was reported to have been incomplete in 22%. Two patients (1%) had a recurrence after incomplete excision. We highlight the condition to raise awareness among clinicians, and we support conservative excision as the most appropriate method of treatment.

Linear trapdoor or "white-eye" blowout fracture of the orbit: not restricted to children.

The management of orbital blowout fractures remains controversial, particularly in patients with a white-eye or trapdoor-type injury. We report our experience with 10 such cases (mean age 19.6 years, range 4-53) and show, unlike previous reports, that this pattern of injury is not restricted to children. Although most patients had a white eye (70%), the presence of subconjunctival haemorrhage and periorbital bruising did not exclude this injury, and the patients often (60%) had serious autonomic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. A high index of suspicion and cross-sectional imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis. Early intervention (less than 7 days) seems to be associated with better outcome, but patients benefitted from intervention up to 41 days after injury. The mechanism underlying this pattern of injury and the rationale behind early intervention is also discussed.

Epitheloid myxofibrosarcoma of the parotid gland.

Myxofibrosarcoma has been recently described as a distinct histological entity and commonly affects the extremities and trunk of the elderly. It is, however, rare in the head and neck (2.8%) region, and we are unaware of any reports of it presenting as a parotid mass. The epitheloid variant accounts for less than 3% of myxofibrosarcomas. We report a case of a 78/F presenting with an epitheloid myxofibrosarcoma in the parotid gland. The clinical presentation was of a parotid lump of 9-month duration, and the diagnosis was made following thorough histological assessment. We present what we believe to be the first reported case of a (epitheloid) myxofibrosarcoma affecting the parotid gland and highlight its diagnostic features and outcome of treatment.

Implant-retained nasal prosthesis for reconstruction of large rhinectomy defects: the Salisbury experience.

The authors report their experience with 34 patients who had large full thickness nasal defects reconstructed with an implant-retained prosthesis. Their technique of modifying post-rhinectomy defects is described and factors influencing implant success are evaluated. 111 implants were placed to retain a nasal prosthesis. Age, sex and tumour histology did not affect the outcome. Smoking, extent of rhinectomy, use of radiotherapy (pre- and post-implant), hyperbaric oxygen, length and location of the implant and type of retention (bar/magnets) influenced implant success. The overall success rate was 89% (99/111); 94% in patients who did not receive radiotherapy and 86% in those who did. The prosthesis was in place in all patients (100%) at the time of last follow up. Post-rhinectomy defect modification enables adequate access for safe placement of long implants with good primary stability and helps the maintenance of good hygiene (further enhanced by the use of skin grafts). The authors think implant-retained prosthesis is a reliable option for reconstructing large full thickness rhinectomy defects. They suggest their technique of modifying the defect, use of long implants and magnets for retention is responsible for the high success rate of implants used to retain a nasal prosthesis.

Intraosseous 'haemangioma' of the zygoma: more appropriately termed a venous malformation.

Vascular anomalies often affect the soft tissues and primary intraosseous lesions are uncommon, with only 33 cases reported in the zygoma. Intraosseous vascular anomalies of the zygoma have traditionally been designated 'haemangiomas' with little attempt to clarify the specific type of the lesion. Recently, specific immunohistochemical markers such as erythrocyte type glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT-1) have been described to differentiate haemangiomas and vascular malformations. The authors report a case of intraosseous venous malformation of the zygoma and provide supporting evidence to justify the nomenclature. The literature on zygomatic 'haemangiomas' is critically reviewed and the basis for their proper designation as venous malformations highlighted.

Gold weight implants in the management of paralytic lagophthalmos.

Lagophthalmos secondary to facial nerve damage can lead to corneal exposure and eventually blindness. Appropriate management depends on the severity and likely duration of recovery. Upper eyelid gold implants play an important role in the medium and long term management of this condition. The authors report their experience with 16 consecutive patients who underwent gold weight implantation of the upper eyelids for correction of paralytic lagophthalmos and describe their surgical technique. The mean age of the patients was 70 years with a male predominance (M:F=3.2:1). Radical parotidectomy (69%) was the most common reason for the intervention. The mean weight of the implant was 0.95 g. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. One implant (6%) was extruded and one patient (6%) had residual lagophthalmos and required a heavier implant. 15 of the 16 patients were satisfied with the outcome and all had adequate lid closure at last follow up.

Primary epithelial submandibular salivary gland tumours--review of management in a district general hospital setting.

Primary epithelial submandibular gland (SMG) tumours are uncommon, accounting for 8-12% of all salivary gland neoplasms, and most studies come from large specialised centres. There is little published about the relative frequency and outcome of SMG tumours treated in general hospitals. A retrospective study from two district general hospitals over a 10 year period (1996-2005). Seventeen benign (68%) and eight malignant (32%) tumours were included. A painless mass was the most common presentation. Pain and paraesthesia were not pathognomonic of malignancy. Pleomorphic adenoma accounted for all 17 benign tumours and adenoid cystic carcinoma was the commonest malignant tumour. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) accurately identified 78% of the benign tumours but none of the malignant tumours. Pre-operative imaging was also unable to distinguish malignant from benign tumours. Incomplete excision was reported in 20% of cases and was more common for malignant tumours. It may be difficult to distinguish benign from malignant SMG tumours on clinical examination and pre-operative investigations. Any suspected submandibular tumour should be considered for early treatment even when FNAC is suggestive of a benign tumour.

Factors influencing the occurrence of multicentric and 'recurrent' Warthin's tumour: a cross sectional study.

The multicentric nature of Warthin's tumour has been well recognised, though the factors predicting its occurrence and its influence on management remain speculative. In this cross sectional study, the authors analysed the presentation, management and outcome of solitary and multicentric Warthin's tumour, treated in the maxillofacial unit and investigated factors that could influence the occurrence of multicentric and recurrent tumours. Warthin's tumour was found in 24% (150/628) of patients presenting with parotid neoplasms and multicentric tumours were found in 13% (21/ 161) of parotidectomy specimens. Age, sex, side, site and smoking history were not predictors of multicentricity (P>0.40). Clinical examination (19%), imaging investigations (28%) and intra-operative palpation (33%) were poor at detecting multicentric tumours. Superficial parotidectomy was the most commonly performed operation. The recurrence rate was 0% in the solitary and 10% in the multicentric tumour group. Intra-operative rupture was not uncommon (11%), but was not associated with tumour recurrence (P= or >0.999). Incomplete excision (P=0.007) and multicentricity (P=0.026) were predictors of recurrence.