Beneath the surface: A systematic review on intraoperative imaging techniques for deep margin assessment in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Resection margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are often inadequate. A systematic review on clinical intraoperative whole-specimen imaging techniques to obtain adequate deep resection margins in oral SCC is lacking. Such a review may render better alternatives for the current insufficient intraoperative techniques: palpation and frozen section analyses (FSA). This review resulted in ten publications investigating ultrasound (US), four investigating fluorescence, and three investigating MRI. Both US and fluorescence were able to image the tumor intraorally and perform ex-vivo imaging of the resection specimen. Fluorescence was also able to image residual tumor tissue in the wound bed. MRI could only be used on the ex-vivo specimen. The 95 % confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity were large, due to the small sample sizes for all three techniques. The sensitivity and specificity of US for identifying < 5 mm margins ranged from 0 % to 100 % and 60 % to 100 %, respectively. For fluorescence, this ranged from 0 % to 100 % and 76 % to 100 %, respectively. For MRI, this ranged from 7 % to 100 % and 81 % to 100 %, respectively. US, MRI and fluorescence are the currently available imaging techniques that can potentially be used intraoperatively and which can image the entire tumor-free margin, although they have insufficient sensitivity for identifying < 5 mm margins. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to improve the sensitivity by determining cut-off points on imaging for inadequate margins. This improves the number of adequate resections of oral SCC's and pave the way for routine clinical implementation of these techniques.

Comparing the clinical outcomes of initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy with a dosage of 6600 cGy or higher in cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes of two treatment modalities, initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy (RT), in Taiwanese patients diagnosed with cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, we analyzed data for 13,542 cT1-2N0M0 patients who underwent initial surgery (n = 13,542) or definitive RT with a dosage of at least 6600 cGy (n = 145) for the treatment of OCSCC. To account for baseline differences, we employed propensity score (PS) matching, resulting in two well-balanced study groups (initial surgery, n = 580; definitive RT, n = 145). RESULTS: Before PS matching, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 88% for the surgery group and 58% for the RT group. After PS matching, the 5-year DSS rates of the two groups were 86% and 58%, respectively. Similarly, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates before PS matching were 80% for the surgery group and 36% for the RT group, whereas after PS matching, they were 73% and 36%, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A multivariable analysis identified treatment with RT, older age, stage II tumors, and a higher burden of comorbidities as independent risk factors for both DSS and OS. We also examined the 5-year outcomes for various subgroups (margin ≥5 mm, margin <5 mm, positive margins, RT combined with chemotherapy, and RT alone) as follows: DSS, 89%/88%/79%/63%/51%, respectively, p < 0.0001; OS, 82%/79%/68%/39%/32%, respectively, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwanese patients with cT1-2N0M0 OCSCC, a remarkably low proportion (1.1%) completed definitive RT. A significant survival disparity of 30% was observed between patients who underwent initial surgery and those who received definitive RT. Interestingly, even patients from the surgical group with positive surgical margins exhibited a significantly superior survival compared to those in the definitive RT group.

Variation of resection margins in oral cancer in dependence of tumor stage and subsite - a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical resection is a key component of the treatment of head and neck cancer and the achievement of free surgical margins are essential for the patients' outcome in terms of survival. While there is a general recommendation for a free resection range of 5 mm, up to date, there is a lack of investigations on the quality of tumor resection in dependence of affected subsite and tumor stage. In the presented study, predictors for the achieved resection margins in surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinomas were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 567 patients was included in a retrospective analysis and resection status with exact margin ranges were analysed. Tumor stage, affected subsite and the results of the intraoperative frozen section analysis were assessed. Primary endpoint was the achieved resection margin in mm, secondary endpoints were overall and progression-free survival. RESULTS: The observed mean values of minimal resection margins differed significantly between the investigated subsites (p = 0.042),pathological tumor stages (p < 0.001) and in tumors which demonstrated perineural infiltration (Pn1, p = 0.002). Furthermore, there was a significant impact of the results of the intraoperative frozen section analysis on progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data clearly indicate that resection status differs between tumors of different subsites and tumor stages. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical procedures should be adapted in order to achieve similar certainty in all resections, and, thus to improve patients' outcome.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Oral Cancer Patients Reconstructed With Double Free Flaps: A Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in patients with locally advanced oral cancer who underwent surgical resection followed by simultaneous double free flap reconstruction. METHODS: Institutional database was reviewed from 2015 to 2021 and prospectively collected University of Washington Quality of Life data that were extracted for patients who met the inclusion criteria. Mean, composite, and best percentage scores were computed. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze differences between groups. RESULTS: Thirteen patients completed the assessment, all of them being male with a mean follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.2 years. Most common double free flap combination was fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 11). Improvement in pain ( P = 0.01) domain score with decline in speech ( P = 0.01) and taste ( P = 0.02) was noted along with an overall decline in QOL ( P = 0.001) after cancer diagnosis. A decrease in physical function was seen postoperatively. Chewing and saliva were the most cited postoperative patient-reported domain affecting QOL. CONCLUSIONS: In double free flap reconstructed patients, in the postoperative phase, pain scores improved, whereas speech and taste scores declined. The overall health-related QOL declined compared with before cancer diagnosis.

Systematic review of minimally-invasive reconstructive options for oral cavity defects.

The oral cavity is a primary site for malignant neoplasms of the head and neck region. Surgery, with or without adjuvant therapy, offers the highest probability of cure by focusing on radical tumour removal and organ function restoration. Reconstructive options are represented by local and free flaps, while small defects can be managed without reconstruction. For medium-sized defects without bone involvement, local flaps can be a good alternative to free flaps in selected patients. The purposes of this article are to analyse the main minimally-invasive reconstructive techniques in oral cancer surgery through a systematic review of the literature and develop a reconstructive algorithm based on the site and size of the defect. We defined minimally-invasive reconstruction as any reconstructive option not involving flap dissection from the neck or other distant areas from the oral cavity. Options considered include: local myo-mucosal or mucosal flaps (based on the facial or buccal arteries, and palatal flap), Bichat's fat pad flap, and nasolabial flap. Use of biological or synthetic materials is also described. In selected patients with small to moderate-sized defects, the possibility of reconstruction with local flaps can be a viable option.

N0 neck trial: Does intensification of follow-up (Ultrasound + Physical Examination) influence outcomes in early-stage oral cancer?

AIM OF THE STUDY: We previously reported a survival benefit of elective neck dissection (END) over therapeutic neck dissection (TND) in patients with clinically node-negative early-stage oral cancer. We now report the results of the second question in the same study addressing the impact of adding neck ultrasound to physical examination during follow-up on outcomes. METHODS: Patients with lateralized T1/T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were randomized to END or TND and to follow-up with physical-examination plus neck ultrasound (PE+US) versus physical-examination (PE). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Between January 2004 and June 2014, 596 patients were enrolled. This is an intention to treat analysis of 592 analysable patients, of whom 295 were allocated to PE+US and 297 to PE with a median follow-up of 77.47 months (interquartile range (IQR) 54.51-126.48). There was no significant difference (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.92, 95% CI, 0.71-1.20, p = 0.54) in 5-year OS between PE+US (70.8%, 95% CI, 65.51-76.09) and PE (67.3%, 95% CI, 61.81-72.79). Among 131 patients with neck node relapse as the first event, the median time to relapse detection was 4.85 (IQR 2.33-9.60) and 7.62 (IQR 3.22-9.86) months in PE+US and PE arms, respectively. The N stage in the PE+US arm was N1 33.8%, N2a 7.4%, N2b/c 44.1% and N3 14.7% while in PE was N1 28.6%, N2a 9.5%, N2b/c 39.7%, N3 20.6% and unknown 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Adding neck ultrasound to physical examination during follow-up detects nodal relapses earlier but does not improve overall survival.

A retrospective study of chemotherapeutic effect without wide-margin surgery or radiation therapy in dogs with oral malignant melanoma.

Background: Effective treatment for canine oral malignant melanoma (e.g., curative-intent surgery) may not be feasible or radiation therapy may be unavailable. However, chemotherapy is usually an option, and more information is needed regarding its use without adequate local treatments. Objective: Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of chemotherapy in canine oral malignant melanoma without adequate local control, using carboplatin with dose reduction in small-breed dogs and metronomic chemotherapy. Animals and procedure: Client-owned dogs with histopathologically diagnosed oral malignant melanoma were retrospectively enrolled from 2016 to 2022. The chemotherapy protocol in each case was determined by the attending clinician. Results: Thirteen dogs were included. The median progression-free interval of all 13 dogs was 42 d (14 to 953 d). The median overall survival time of dogs with chemotherapy as their only systemic treatment was 181 d (50 to 960 d; n = 11). The median dosage of carboplatin was 250 mg/m2. Response to treatment and clinical stage were significant prognostic factors. Conclusion and clinical relevance: As chemotherapy provided a median survival of 6 mo, it could be considered when adequate local control is infeasible. Earlier clinical stages or achievement of at least stable disease during chemotherapy may indicate better survival in dogs.

Une étude rétrospective de l'effet chimiothérapeutique sur le mélanome malin buccal canin dépourvu de chirurgie et de radiothérapie á large marge : le stade clinique et la réponse au traitement prédisent les résultats du patient. Mise en contexte: Des traitements efficaces pour le mélanome malin oral canin, tels que la chirurgie á visée curative, ne sont parfois pas réalisables ou la radiothérapie n'est pas disponible dans certaines régions. La chimiothérapie reste une option de traitement et davantage d'informations devraient être fournies pour les cas qui n'ont pas eu accés á un traitement local adéquat. Objectif: Cette étude visait á étudier l'efficacité de la chimiothérapie dans le mélanome malin oral canin sans contrôle local adéquat, en utilisant le carboplatine avec réduction de dose chez les chiens de petite race et la chimiothérapie métronomique. Animaux et procédure: Treize chiens appartenant á des clients atteints d'un mélanome malin oral diagnostiqué par histopathologie ont été rétrospectivement inscrits de 2016 á 2022. Le protocole de chimiothérapie a été déterminé par le clinicien traitant. Résultats: L'intervalle médian sans progression des treize chiens était de 42 jours (14­953 jours). La durée médiane de survie globale des chiens ayant reçu une chimiothérapie comme seul traitement systémique était de 181 jours (50­960 jours; n = 11). La dose médiane de carboplatine était de 250 mg/m2. La réponse au traitement et le stade clinique étaient des facteurs pronostiques importants. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: La chimiothérapie pouvait encore être envisagée lorsqu'un contrôle local adéquat était impossible. Des stades cliniques plus précoces ou des patients atteignant au moins une maladie stable pendant la chimiothérapie peuvent indiquer une meilleure survie.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Rare presentation of solitary fibrous tumour in the floor of the mouth.

A male in his 20s, a tobacco chewer, presented to the outpatient department with a history of painless, slowly progressive swelling in the floor of the mouth. After a thorough history and clinical examination, MRI was done and the tumour was completely excised. Histopathological examination revealed the mass to be a solitary fibrous tumour, confirmed with immunohistochemical markers. On subsequent follow-ups, the patient was found to be asymptomatic with no clinical signs of recurrence.

Application of gel based on medical image inspection in total closure resection of oral cancer patients.

Oral cancer is a common malignant tumor, and total closed resection is a common treatment. However, it has always been a challenge to determine the exact extent of excision during surgery. The application of medical image examination in surgery can provide important reference information, but the current methods still have some limitations. This study explored the application of gels based on medical image examination in the total closed resection of oral cancer patients to improve the accuracy of resection range and surgical treatment effect. The study collected medical image data of patients with oral cancer for image enhancement and determination of resection boundaries. By comparing the results of the experimental group and the control group, the application effect of gel in operation was evaluated. Through the application of medical image inspection technology, the determination of surgical resection boundary is more accurate, and the positive incisal margin of patients is effectively avoided. Gel technology improves the success rate and efficacy of surgery, and this method helps to improve the accuracy of surgery and the certainty of the scope of resection, which is of great significance for improving the surgical treatment effect and the survival rate of patients.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Before and After Surgical Oncological Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common of head and neck malignancies in well-developed countries. In most cases, patients with OSCC experience a degree of nutritional status disturbances and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare nutritional status and QoL in 51 patients before and after surgery for OSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-one eligible patients with OSCC were followed during a 3-year period (2019-2022). For all patients, we determined body mass index (BMI), serum albumin (ALB), prognostic nutritional index, and nutritional risk index before and after treatment. Also, all patients completed a standardized QoL questionnaire before and after treatment. The obtained data were compared between the groups by using the t test and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS The values of BMI and NRI were statistically significantly different between the preoperative and postoperative measurements (24.1 kg/m² vs 21.1 kg/m², and 103 vs 100.1, respectively, P=0.001), while values of ALB and prognostic nutritional index did not differ significantly (41.35 g/L vs 39.1 g/L, and 48.5 vs 46.2, respectively). Dysphagia (P=0.03) and chewing problems (P=0.04) were found to be the 2 most important factors decreasing the QoL of patients. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, BMI and NRI were the most sensitive parameters of nutritional status. Dysphagia and chewing problems were the 2 most important factors affecting the QoL in patients with OSCC.

Improved recurrence rates and progression-free survival in primarily surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinoma - results from a German tertiary medical center.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore survival and recurrence patterns in patients undergoing primarily surgical treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at a high-volume tertiary medical center in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 421 patients with primary OSCC who underwent radical tumor resection, neck dissection, and reconstruction with a free flap. Prognostic relevance of clinicopathological characteristics was assessed using Cox proportional-hazards models. Kaplan-Meier method estimated local recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), while the log-rank test compared survival outcomes between groups. RESULTS: Recurrence manifested in 16.63% of the patients (70 patients), encompassing local recurrence in 54 patients (77.14%) and distant metastasis in 24 patients (34.28%). Neck recurrence occurred in only 1 patient (0.24%) on the contralateral side. The majority of recurrences occurred within the initial twelve months following primary tumor surgery (64.29%). Overall, the 5-year OS stood at 58.29%, while the 5-year PFS reached 72.53%. Patients with early recurrence within ≤ 12 months showed the least favorable prognosis (log-rank, all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a significant decrease in recurrence rates and enhanced PFS at a high-volume tertiary medical center in Germany compared to previous studies. Local recurrence was the primary form observed, with most recurrences happening within the initial twelve months post-surgery. Opting for treatment at a high-volume center and devising therapy plans in interdisciplinary tumor boards may not only enhance OS but also contribute to improved PFS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings offer valuable insights for physicians regarding the post-treatment care of patients with OSCC. The results underscore the importance of frequent follow-up appointments, particularly during the initial year, and highlight the critical need for vigilance in monitoring for local recurrence.

Prevalence and implications of bilateral and solely contralateral lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Effective management of neck in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is pivotal for oncological outcomes. Although consensus exists for ipsilateral neck dissection (ND), the necessity for contralateral ND remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and implications of bilateral/solely contralateral (B/SC) lymph node metastases (LNMs) to determine the need for contralateral elective ND. Additionally, it examined the prevalence and implications of occult B/SC metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 420 OSCC patients underwent primary surgical treatment following German guidelines at a tertiary center. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography was conducted, and ND adhered to a standardized approach. RESULTS: Solely contralateral metastases occurred in 0.95% of patients, with bilateral metastases observed in 7.13%. Occult B/SC metastases occurred in 3.81% of the cases. Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant association between B/SC metastases and higher tumor stages, tumor localization at the upper jaw or floor of the mouth, proximity to the midline, ipsilateral LNMs, and lymphatic invasion (all p < 0.05). Patients with B/SC metastases showed poorer disease-free survival, with statistical significance reached in the bilateral LNMs group (p = 0.010). Similarly, a significant difference was noted in overall survival between patients with bilateral and solely ipsilateral metastases (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: B/SC LNMs are rare in patients with OSCC, especially in those who present with clinico-radiologically negative ipsilateral necks. Higher rates of B/SC metastases occur in case of advanced tumors and those localized at the upper jaw or floor of the mouth. Ipsilateral LNMs significantly elevate the risk of contralateral LNMs, tripling the associated risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings provide valuable insights for surgeons considering contralateral ND or extended adjuvant treatment for OSCC patients. However, the absence of high-level evidence from randomized controlled trials impedes the establishment of a definitive standard of care.

Medial sural artery perforator free flap versus radial forearm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction and donor site morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: Radial Forearm Free flap (RFFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstruction, yet its donor site defect remains a significant drawback. The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Free Flap (MSAPFF) is considered an alternative flap to RFFF. This study aims to comprehensively analyze their characteristics, outcomes, and their impact on patient quality of life. METHODS: All patients who underwent oral cavity reconstruction using RFFF and MSAPFF between February 2017 and April 2023 were included in this study. Flap characteristics, outcomes and post-operative complications were recorded and compared. Subjective donor site morbidity, aesthetic and functional results, and quality of life were also analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 76 patients: 37 underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and 39 with MSAPFF. There was no significance difference between the RFFF and MSAPFF regarding the success rate (97.2% vs 97.4%), flap size (4.8 × 8.8 cm2 vs 5 × 9.8 cm2), hospital of stay (15.5 days vs 13.5 days) and recipient site complications (P > 0.05). However, MSAPFF showed larger flap thickness (P = 0.001), smaller arterial caliber (P = 0.008), shorter pedicle length (P = 0.001), and longer harvesting time (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative ranges of wrist and ankle movements or in recipient site complications. MSAPFF showed a significant difference in donor site morbidity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The MSAPFF is an excellent alternative to the RFFF for repairing oral cavity defects, with additional advantage of a well-hidden scar on the posterior calf, a larger flap thickness, accepted pedicle length and arterial caliber. However, one should consider the harvesting time and surgical skills required in comparison to the RFFF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study highlights the importance of the MSAPFF as an alternative option for RFFF with less donor site morbidity and high success rate in oral cavity reconstruction and improved patient Quality of life after ablative surgery.

Practicality and Hemodynamic Advantage of Microvascularly Augmented Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap: Technical Approach and Evidence Based on Indocyanine Green Angiography.

ABSTRACT: We have recently shown that including the blood flow from the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) in addition to the thoracoacromial artery in the pectoralis major muscle musculocutaneous (PMMC) flap (bipedicle PMMC flap) can increase the perfusion of the flap. We also developed the concept of the supercharged PMMC flap, in which the LTA included in the flap was once cut and anastomosed to a cervical artery under a microscope. It is an effective solution to maintain the additional blood flow from the LTA, when the length of the LTA is compromised for reconstruction. The mandibular reconstruction of an oral cancer patient was performed with a supercharged PMMC flap. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was performed in a single pedicle, bipedicle, and supercharged conditions, and the videos were analyzed with a quantitative assessment system of perfusion using some parameters. As a result, blood supply from the LTA was essential for flap survival in this patient, and supercharging from the cervical artery improved flap perfusion compared with the perfusion in the bipedicle condition. The supercharged PMMC flap can resolve the compromise of pedicle length and be also hemodynamically advantageous, thus making the reconstruction more reliable than the conventional technique.

Surgical Management of the Neck in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral cavity cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a poor prognosis once the disease has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. The anatomy of lymphatic drainage in the neck gives us a roadmap to follow when assessing for metastasis, although the predictive factors are still not well understood. The mainstay of treatment continues to be neck dissection. However, there is much debate on the management of the clinically negative neck. The necessity of elective neck dissection has been questioned in recent years, with other options such as sentinel lymph node biopsy gaining popularity. This review will explore the aspects of surgical management of the neck in oral cavity cancer and highlights the further research that needs to be done.

A qualitative study on experiences of stigma among postoperative oral cancer patients.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of stigma in postoperative oral cancer patients to provide a reference for the formulation of targeted intervention measures. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted on 25 postoperative oral cancer patients in a tertiary A hospital in Hunan, China, from March to July 2021. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews focused on experiences of stigma were performed. The interview data was analyzed using the NVivo V.12 software based on the reflexive intuitive thematic analysis method. The paper complies with the COREQ. RESULTS: The stigma experience of postoperative oral cancer patients can be divided into 3 themes: (1) triggers (impaired appearance and oral function and psycho-social pressure); (2) forms (overall isolation, unpleasant feeling of inferiority, and unpleasant social discrimination); (3) coping strategies (positive psychological adjustment, seeking social support and coming out of the unpleasant shadows). CONCLUSION: Postoperative oral cancer patients clearly articulated that stigma was present in their lives and they experienced multiple forms of stigma. Further work is needed to increase education and awareness about oral cancer to guide them to take positive coping and reduce stigma.

Direct healthcare costs of oral cancer: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the direct costs of OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance in a tertiary hospital in northeast Italy. Sixty-three consecutive patients surgically treated for primitive OSCC at S. Orsola Hospital in Bologna (Italy) between January 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed. Billing records of the Emilia Romagna healthcare system and institutional costs were used to derive specific costs for the following clinical categories: operating theatre costs, intensive and ordinary hospitalization, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, postsurgical complications, visits, and examinations during the follow-up period. The study population comprised 17 OSCC patients classified at stage I, 14 at stage II, eight at stage III, and 24 at stage IV. The estimated mean total direct cost for OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance was €26 338.48 per patient (stage I: €10 733, stage II: €19 642.9, stage III: €30 361.4, stage IV: €39 957.2). An advanced diagnosis (stages III and IV), complex surgical procedure, and loco-regional recurrences resulted in variables that were significantly associated with a higher cost of OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance. Redirection of funds used for OSCC treatment to screening measures may be an effective strategy to improve overall health outcomes and optimize national health resources.

Comparison of the prognostic value of lymph node yield, lymph node ratio, and number of lymph node metastases in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of lymph node yield (LNY), lymph node ratio (LNR), and the number of lymph node metastases (LNMs) in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: The study included patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary OSCC. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the optimal threshold values. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed, along with the log-rank test, for the analysis of survival. To compare the performance in terms of model fit, we computed Akaike's information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: This study enrolled 429 patients. Prognostic thresholds were determined at 22 for LNY, 6.6% for LNR, and 3 for the number of LNMs. The log-rank test revealed a significant improvement in both overall survival and progression-free survival for patients with a LNR of ≤6.6% or a number of LNMs of ≤3 (p < 0.05). Interestingly, LNY did not demonstrate prognostic significance. The AIC analyses indicated that the number of LNMs is a superior prognostic indicator compared to LNY and LNR. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating LNR or the number of LNMs into the TNM classification has the potential to improve the prognostic value, as in other types of cancers. Particularly, the inclusion of the number of LNMs should be contemplated for future N staging.

Swallowing in advanced oral cancers: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Advanced head and neck cancers are known to cause swallowing dysfunction due to anatomical and post-treatment changes. Literature is sparse on post-surgical and/or multi-modality therapy-associated swallowing function in advanced oral cancers. We conducted this study to longitudinally assess and compare the pre- and post-therapy swallowing dysfunction associated with locally advanced oral cancers. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center from 2017 to 2018 including treatment-naive cT4a oral cancer patients (AJCC 7th edition). The assessment was done pre-surgery, post-surgery, and post-adjuvant setting as per the scales (Dysphagia score, Penetration aspiration scale, and Yale pharyngeal residue (vallecular and pyriform fossa). RESULTS: Of the 30 patients in the study, 47.4%, 47.4%, 52.6%, and 47.4% experienced deterioration of Dysphagia score, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), vallecula residue, and pyriform residue scores in the postoperative period. And 52.6%, 47.4%, 68.4%, and 57.9% had inferior dysphagia score, PAS, vallecula, and pyriform residue scores even 6 months after completion of adjuvant therapy. The dysphagia score correlated well with other objective assessment scores at different time points. CONCLUSION: Swallowing functions are significantly affected by surgery and adjuvant therapy and continue to be affected even 6 months after completion of treatment. Appropriate rehabilitation and intervention must be offered to patients to reduce this problem. Dysphagia scores can predict the swallowing status similar to other objective assessments.

Development and validation of a cadaveric porcine Pseudotumor model for Oral Cancer biopsy and resection training.

OBJECTIVE: The gold standard of oral cancer (OC) treatment is diagnostic confirmation by biopsy followed by surgical treatment. However, studies have shown that dentists have difficulty performing biopsies, dental students lack knowledge about OC, and surgeons do not always maintain a safe margin during tumor resection. To address this, biopsies and resections could be trained under realistic conditions outside the patient. The aim of this study was to develop and to validate a porcine pseudotumor model of the tongue. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team reflecting various specialties involved in the oncological treatment of head and neck oncology developed a porcine pseudotumor model of the tongue in which biopsies and resections can be practiced. The refined model was validated in a final trial of 10 participants who each resected four pseudotumors on a tongue, resulting in a total of 40 resected pseudotumors. The participants (7 residents and 3 specialists) had an experience in OC treatment ranging from 0.5 to 27 years. Resection margins (minimum and maximum) were assessed macroscopically and compared beside self-assessed margins and resection time between residents and specialists. Furthermore, the model was evaluated using Likert-type questions on haptic and radiological fidelity, its usefulness as a training model, as well as its imageability using CT and ultrasound. RESULTS: The model haptically resembles OC (3.0 ± 0.5; 4-point Likert scale), can be visualized with medical imaging and macroscopically evaluated immediately after resection providing feedback. Although, participants (3.2 ± 0.4) tended to agree that they had resected the pseudotumor with an ideal safety margin (10 mm), the mean minimum resection margin was insufficient at 4.2 ± 1.2 mm (mean ± SD), comparable to reported margins in literature. Simultaneously, a maximum resection margin of 18.4 ± 6.1 mm was measured, indicating partial over-resection. Although specialists were faster at resection (p < 0.001), this had no effect on margins (p = 0.114). Overall, the model was well received by the participants, and they could see it being implemented in training (3.7 ± 0.5). CONCLUSION: The model, which is cost-effective, cryopreservable, and provides a risk-free training environment, is ideal for training in OC biopsy and resection and could be incorporated into dental, medical, or oncologic surgery curricula. Future studies should evaluate the long-term training effects using this model and its potential impact on improving patient outcomes.