Oral carcinoma cuniculatum, a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Lack of awareness of this tumor and its difficult diagnosis delay management and complicate treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and histological features, predisposing factors, treatment and survival rate of oral carcinoma cuniculatum. MATERIAL & METHOD: All patients with histologically confirmed CC of the oral cavity treated between January 2013 and August 2022 in a specialized center were retrospectively included. Patients were identified using the database ADICAP ("Association pour le Développement de l'Informatique en Cytologie et Anatomie Pathologique"). Once identified, the charts were reviewed. RESULTS: Ten patients were included. CC lesions were mainly located in the mandibular or maxillary gingiva, while the 2 remaining lesions were located in the mobile tongue. The tumor showed local aggressiveness: mandibular or maxillary osteolysis was systematically found for gingival CC, while tongue lesions were classified cT3. Fifteen biopsies were performed in these 10 patients, histological diagnosis is difficult on a limited tissue sample. All patients underwent curative management with oncological excision surgery combined with neck lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy (except one patient). DISCUSSION: The main problem is the difficulty of diagnosis when biopsies are performed, which leads to a significant delay in diagnosis compared with SCC. In the event of clinico-histological discordance after biopsy, CC should be considered.

Anterior Cervical Idiopathic Hyperostosis and Dysphagia: The Impact of Surgical Management-Study of a Series of 11 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of surgery for dysphagia in anterior cervical idiopathic hyperostosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 11 consecutive patients presenting with dysphagia and anterior cervical idiopathic hyperostosis. Computed tomography scans and dynamic swallowing fluoroscopies were performed. The site of compression and the size and position of osteophytes were measured. The clinical outcomes and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Two patients with anterior esophageal compression were found to have dysphagia caused by lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. In the remaining 9 patients, the level of maximal compression was between C3 and C5 with the size of the osteophytes ranging from 8 to 17 mm. Intubation was challenging in 7 patients. Postoperative transient worsening of dysphagia was encountered in 3 patients. Two patients experienced severe complications including aphagia and respiratory compromise. Within 2 months of the operation, all patients reported satisfactory improvement of symptoms and a considerable gain in quality of life. No recurrence had occurred at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cervical hyperostosis causing dysphagia typically affects older men and results from compression between C3 and C5 from osteophytes of variable sizes. Operative intervention can provide long-lasting resolution of symptoms but is complicated by difficulty in endotracheal intubation, postoperative dysphagia, and rarely respiratory compromise. A systematic preoperative ear, nose, and throat consultation is recommended to reduce these complications.