Prognosticators of Excision of Giant Intra-Oral Tumors in a Resource-Challenged Setting: A Case Report.

Minor salivary glands are widely distributed in the mucosal surface of the lips, palate, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx, thus can arise from any of these primary sites. Intra-oral minor salivary gland tumors (IMSGTs), while considered rare in the general population are relatively more common when compared to all the other extra-oral sites. Pleomorphic adenoma, as seen in the index patient, is the most commonly diagnosed benign IMSGT. Intra-oral minor salivary gland tumors are not uncommon and depending on their size, nature, and location can be associated with severe limitation of the Patient's ability to breathe, speak clearly, and/or swallow and consequent severe morbidity and even mortality. In addition to these deleterious effects, they present a major surgical challenge to the surgeon, who has to determine the safest, most feasible access to ensure complete, or near-complete excision, as well as to the anesthetist, who needs to secure a definitive airway through the nose or mouth, both of which could be significantly restricted by the presence of the tumor. The aim is to present our successful management of one of the largest intra-oral minor salivary gland tumors documented in the literature, highlighting the specific measures we undertook to tackle the peculiar surgical and anesthetic challenges we faced. It had been two years since surgery and the patient is thriving with a markedly improved quality of life and no features of recurrence. The patient is a 50-year-old male with a slowly growing painless, left palatal mass in the roof of the mouth of 10 years duration with recurrent spontaneous bloody discharge effluent and snoring. There was an associated history of dysphagia to solid with associated choking spells, a left-sided facial asymmetry with no cheek swelling, odynophagia, sore throat, or difficulty with breathing. There was ipsilateral loss of upper incisors and dental anarchy about two years before presentation. No other nasal, otologic, or ophthalmic symptoms were present. No neck swelling, stiffness, cough, or chest symptoms. The oropharyngeal physical examination was highly restricted due to the intra-oral size of the mass. Figure 1. There was facial asymmetry with a bulge of the left maxilla, left-sided levels 1b and 2 non-tender lymph node enlargements, freely mobile, not adhered to the skin. A craniofacial CT scan revealed extensive isodense heterogeneously enhancing intra-oral soft tissue mass occupying the entire palate/oral cavity and encroaching laterally on the masticator and the parapharyngeal space with erosion of the left maxillary floor and hyoid bone Figure 2. The patient had an excision biopsy of the palatal mass with a free margin. No frozen section at the time of surgery. Histology revealed Pleomorphic adenoma and was followed up for 2 years with no evidence of recurrence. Prognosticators are delay in presentation leading to an increase in size of the mass and severe limitation of the patient's ability to breathe, speak clearly, and/or swallow and consequent severe morbidity and even mortality, the surgeon not being overwhelmed, the skillful Anaesthesist that could maneuver the nasal cavity without us doing tracheostomy and the successful outcome of the surgery.

Les glandes salivaires mineures sont largement réparties à la surface muqueuse des lèvres, du palais, de la cavité nasale, du pharynx et du larynx, et peuvent donc survenir à partir de l'un de ces sites primaires. Les tumeurs des glandes salivaires mineures intra-orales (TGSMIO), bien que considérées comme rares dans la population générale, sont relativement plus courantes par rapport à tous les autres sites extra-oraux. L'adénome pléomorphe, tel que celui observé chez le patient index, est la TGSMIO bénigne la plus fréquemment diagnostiquée. Les tumeurs des glandes salivaires mineures intra-orales ne sont pas rares et, en fonction de leur taille, de leur nature et de leur emplacement, peuvent être associées à une limitation sévère de la capacité du patient à respirer, à parler clairement et/ou à avaler, avec une morbidité sévère et même une mortalité. Outre ces effets délétères, elles présentent un défi chirurgical majeur pour le chirurgien, qui doit déterminer l'accès le plus sûr et le plus faisable pour assurer une excision complète ou presque complète, ainsi que pour l'anesthésiste, qui doit assurer une voie aérienne définitive par le nez ou la bouche, tous deux pouvant être significativement restreints par la présence de la tumeur. L'objectif est de présenter notre prise en charge réussie de l'une des plus grandes TGSMIO documentées dans la littérature, mettant en évidence les mesures spécifiques que nous avons prises pour relever les défis chirurgicaux et anesthésiques particuliers auxquels nous avons été confrontés. Deux ans après l'intervention, le patient se porte bien avec une nette amélioration de sa qualité de vie et aucune manifestation de récurrence. Le patient est un homme de 50 ans présentant une masse palatine gauche en croissance lente et indolore dans le palais depuis 10 ans, avec des écoulements sanguins spontanés récurrents et des ronflements. Il y avait une histoire associée de dysphagie aux solides avec des épisodes d'étouffement, une asymétrie faciale du côté gauche sans tuméfaction de la joue, une odynophagie, un mal de gorge ou des difficultés respiratoires. Il y avait une perte ipsilatérale des incisives supérieures et une anarchie entaire environ deux ans avant la présentation. Aucun autre symptôme nasal, otologique, ophtalmique n'était présent. Aucun gonflement du cou, raideur, toux ou symptômes thoraciques. L'examen physique de l'oropharynx était fortement limité en raison de la taille intra-orale de la masse. Figure 1. Il y avait une asymétrie faciale avec une bosse du maxillaire gauche, des ganglions lymphatiques non douloureux des niveaux 1b et 2 du côté gauche, mobiles librement, non adhérents à la peau. La tomodensitométrie craniofaciale a révélé une masse tissulaire molle intraorale extensive, hétérogène, rehaussée de manière isodense occupant l'ensemble du palais/cavité buccale et empiétant latéralement sur les muscles masticateurs et l'espace parapharyngé, avec érosion du plancher du maxillaire gauche et de l'os hyoïde. Figure 2. Le patient a subi une biopsie d'excision de la masse palatine avec une marge libre. Aucune section congelée n'a été réalisée lors de la chirurgie. L'histologie a révélé un adénome pléomorphe et un suivi de 2 ans n'a montré aucun signe de récurrence. Les facteurs pronostiques comprennent le retard de la présentation entraînant une augmentation de la taille de la masse et une limitation sévère de la capacité du patient à respirer, à parler clairement et/ou à avaler, avec une morbidité sévère voire une mortalité, le chirurgien ne se laissant pas dépasser, l'anesthésiste compétent pouvant manœuvrer dans la cavité nasale sans avoir recours à une trachéotomie, et le succès de l'intervention chirurgicale. MOTS-CLÉS: Intraoral; Glande salivaire mineure; Excision; Tumeur; Pronostiqueurs.

Central Pleomorphic Adenoma of Mandible Mimicking Ameloblastoma - A Rare Case Report.

Salivary gland neoplasms account for 3% of all head and neck tumours. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common salivary gland tumour that mainly occurs in the parotid gland, followed by minor salivary glands of the oral cavity, however, the occurrence of PA inside the jaw bones is exceedingly rare and very few cases have been reported in the literature. Inside jaw bones these lesions tend to imitate large osteolytic lesions encompass a diagnostic challenge. An exhaustive review of the literature revealed only 10 cases of central pleomorphic adenoma. We present a rare case of primary PA that occurred inside the mandible and was provisionally diagnosed as ameloblastoma.

Extracapsular dissection via single cervical incision for parotid pleomorphic adenoma.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical management of parotid pleomorphic adenoma ranges from total parotidectomy to extracapsular dissection (ECD). Minimalistic techniques aim to preserve function and minimize the rate of recurrence. This study assesses functional, aesthetic, and disease control outcomes post-ECD through a sole transverse cervical incision for parotid pleomorphic adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal analysis enrolled 36 consecutive patients with pleomorphic adenoma who underwent ECD via a single cervical incision. Complications, satisfaction, salivary function, and tumor recurrence were evaluated. Salivary gland function was assessed using scintigraphy at 6 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Tumors occurred in superficial (83%) or deep (17%) parotid inferior parts according to the European Salivary Gland Society level classification. The median tumor size was 2.8 cm (1.8-6.0 cm); the median operation time was 42 min (30-65 min). No tumor spillage or facial nerve injuries occurred. Facial nerve paralysis was only temporary in two (6%) patients, with minimal other complications. Operated parotid gland function matched the unoperated side. No recurrence was found during the median follow-up of 44 months (24-60 months). CONCLUSIONS: ECD via a single transverse cervical incision is a safe approach for benign parotid tumors, yielding excellent functional and disease control outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings can provide clinically meaningful minimally invasive recommendations to treat pleomorphic adenoma with minimal complications.

First comprehensive report on distribution of histologically confirmed oral and maxillofacial pathologies; a nine-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the distribution of oral and maxillofacial pathologies diagnosed histologically in laboratory. METHODS: The retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan, and comprised biopsied lesions submitted to the institutional laboratory from 2010 to 2019. Data on gender, age, site of the lesion and histopathological diagnosis was retrieved from the records. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Of the 986 histologically confirmed cases, 545(55.27%) related to males and 441(44.72%) to females. The overall mean age of the patients was 43.20±19.85. Tongue was the most affected site 159(16.1%). The most common diagnostic category was malignant tumours 338(34%), followed by salivary gland pathology 162(16%), and cysts and odontogenic tumours 138(14%). The most common histopathological finding was oral squamous cell carcinoma 249(25.2%), and pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumour 103(10.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy, while pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumour.

[Otorhinolaryngological symptoms of tumors of the pharyngeal process of the parotid saliva (clinical case with literature review)]. / Otorinolaringologicheskie simptomy opukholei glotochnogo otrostka okoloushnoi slyunoi zhelezy (klinicheskii sluchai s obzorom literatury).

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland. Tumors of the salivary gland account for 5% in the structure of oncological morbidity, and up to 80% of tumors affect the large salivary glands with tumor localization in 20% of cases in the pharyngeal process of the parotid salivary gland. The main clinical sign of a tumor of the parotid salivary gland is the presence of a slowly growing mass in the area of the gland. Often, underestimation of the clinical symptoms of salivary gland tumors is the reason for the late diagnosis of this disease and the initial manifestations of the process remain unnoticed for a long time. In order to increase the efficiency of clinical diagnostics of salivary gland tumors, the staff of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology and Topographic Anatomy with Operative Surgery of the Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University studied the clinical and anatomical parallels of changes in the ENT organs in lesions of the pharyngeal process of the parotid salivary gland. Using the previously obtained results of interdisciplinary interaction of otorhinolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons made it possible to increase the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of patients with tumors of the pharyngeal process of the parotid salivary gland.

Is parotidectomy justified in elderly patients with pleomorphic adenoma? A decision analysis model.

PURPOSE: The value of parotidectomy in older patients is unclear. This study presents a decision model to help resolve this question. MATERIALS & METHODS: A Markov model with Monte Carlo simulation was used to compare outcomes in patients of different ages with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland treated by surgery or surveillance. RESULTS: In 30-year-old patients, surgery conferred a 3.5-year gain in life expectancy whereas in 75-year-olds, it was only 0.74 months. The expected rate of malignant transformation at age 30 years was 6.5% after surgery and 26.5% after surveillance; at age 65, corresponding rates were 0.8% and 10.7%. Sensitivity analysis showed that age was the only parameter that significantly contributed to life expectancy. The benefit of surgery was restricted in older patients. CONCLUSION: Our Markov decision-analysis model suggests that patients older than 65 years with pleomorphic adenoma have a limited survival advantage with surgery compared to surveillance.

Systematic Review of Clinical and Radiographic Signs of Pediatric Pleomorphic Adenoma of Minor Salivary Glands.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical signs, radiographical features, and demographics of pediatric pleomorphic adenoma (PA) in the minor salivary glands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several databases were searched for relevant studies. The included studies were assessed for methodological quality. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were collected. RESULTS: Sixteen of 3,121 articles met the inclusion criteria (17 lesions). The mean age was 9.7 ± 3.9 years and majority were females n = 10 (59%). It is commonly presented as asymptomatic swelling n = 16 (94.1%), in the hard palate 13 (76.5%). Radiographically, most were well-defined n = 15 (93.7%) and 8 (47%) caused erosion or displacement of surrounding tissues. CONCLUSION: The small size and asymptomatic nature of pediatric PA can render these lesions undiagnosed. On rare occurrences, PA can show calcifications, MRI, or CT enhancement. MRI is the best imaging modality to depict soft tissue content but not subtle erosion of adjacent bony structures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The dentist can be the first to detect PA in the mouth of a child. Augmenting clinical examination with radiographic examination is paramount to ensure adequate diagnosis of PA, examine effects on surrounding bone, and maintain close follow-up as watchful waiting is not safe in this population.

[Differential bioinformational model for diagnostics of inflammatory and tumor diseases of the parotid salivary gland]. / Differentsial'naya bioinformatsionnaya model' diagnostiki vospalitel'nykh i opukholevykh zabolevanii okoloushnoi slyunnoi zhelezy.

THE AIM: Of the work was to develop a diagnostic algorithm for the differentiation of chronic inflammatory, benign and malignant processes in the parotid salivary gland (PSG) by the ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the oral fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The epidemiological group of patients with cancer of the parotid salivary gland included 140 people from the oncological register of the Rostov region with the date of diagnosis, from 1969 to 2020. The clinical part of the work was performed on 70 patients of both sexes aged 50 to 80 years: 15 patients with chronic nonspecific parenchymal sialadenitis of the PSG (ICD K11.2) (group 1), 19 patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the PSG (ICD D11.0) (2 group), 20 patients with cancer of the PSG (ICD C07) (group 3) and 16 healthy individuals without pathology of the oral cavity (control group). The concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was determined in the oral fluid by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: It was found that in 58.5% of cases at the initial examination of patients with PSG cancer referred to a tertiary care hospital an erroneous opinion was formed about the inflammatory origin of the process. In inflammatory and tumor lesions of the PSG multidirectional differences are noted in the ratio between the concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the oral fluid. In chronic sialadenitis of PSG in the oral fluid a moderate increase in the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 occurs, in the presence of adenoma of PSG, the concentration of IL-6 does not change while IL-10 increases threefold, and there is a sharp and unidirectional increase in the concentration of cytokines of the opposite groups in case of a malignant lesion of PSG. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the concentration of IL-6 and IL-10 in saliva and their ratio defined by the developed discriminant models helps to make an individual diagnostic decision in a specific clinical situation.

Clinical difference between benign and malignant tumors of the hard palate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics and treatment results of benign and malignant tumors of the hard palate in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients who underwent surgical treatment for hard palate tumors between 2008 and 2018 were included in this study. Their demographic characteristics, smoking status, alcohol consumption, symptoms, duration of symptoms, size and localization of hard palate tumor, status of mucosal surface, radiologic examinations, surgery, reconstruction method, histopathologic results, treatment outcomes, oral intake start time, adjuvant treatment, postoperative complications, and recurrence were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients with hard palate tumors, 15 (60.0%) had benign tumors and 10 (40.0%) had malignant tumors. Both benign and malignant tumors of the hard palate occurred more frequently in females than in the males. The most common symptom of hard palate tumor was palate mass. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (n = 13). The most common malignant tumors were squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (n = 3 for each). All patients were operated via transoral approach without external incision. We did not experience any recurrence in this study. The oral intake start time was late in malignant hard palate tumors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The comparison of clinical features of benign and malignant hard palate tumors showed a statistical significance only for oral intake start time. Transoral surgical removal with clear margin is a safe and effective procedure for benign and malignant hard palate tumors.

Management of Parapharyngeal Space Tumor Using Transoral Robotic Surgery: The Tonsillar Fossa Battlefield.

INTRODUCTION: The management of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is surgical, but the approach remains a challenge. Attention should be paid to avoid intra-operative bleeding, cranial nerves damage, and external scars. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors report a case of a 23-year-old female, with complaint of progressive, painless swelling just below the right angle of the mandible of 6-month's duration. Magnetic resonance imaging images reported the presence of an oval-shaped expansive lesion (maximum diameter 3 cm), from the lower polar region of the parotid gland while fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was not diagnostic. We performed a Trans Oral Robotic surgical excision of the tumors with Da Vinci Robot. DISCUSSION: Thanks to a detailed magnification, the authors were able to reach the PPS region through the tonsillar fossa saving the palatine tonsil without any significant bleeding or nerve lesions. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland. The decision on which surgical approach to be used is determined by site, size vascularity, histology of the tumor, and knowledge of radiological images. CONCLUSION: There is not only 1 surgical approach for PPS tumors but the surgeon must know all the different options and possible outcomes. Transoral Robotic Surgery approach with Da Vinci could represent a valid option with a good knowledge of Robot surgical instruments and a detailed preoperative plan.

Surgical Management of the Palatal Pleomorphic Adenoma.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical excision is the basic treatment option of the palatal pleomorphic adenoma (PA), it is generally accepted to prevent for recurrence. The purpose of this study was to determine the decision criteria for the management of the palatal PA through evaluating the postoperative results of palatal PA correlation with the clinical appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of patients were evaluated the mucosal ulceration, palatal erosion, and size with CT images in all 18 palatal PAs. The clinical features, surgical methods, and surgical results of these 18 PAs were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common age was 51 to 70 years. One patient was in pediatric age (14 years). Females were involved more commonly than males (F:M ratio was 5:1) Mucosa was normal in 16 patients. Ulcerations of the overlying mucosa were seen in 2 cases. On the coronal CT images, hard palate was erosion in 14 patients who had involved hard palate. The size of tumors was from 7 mm to 33 mm in CT scans. Two patients were ruptured the tumor during the operation, and 1 out of 2 patients was recurred. CONCLUSIONS: For the definitive diagnosis is necessary to perform the preoperative core biopsy for the histopathological examination, and CT is necessary for evaluating the erosion of the hard palate and severity of the erosion. Hard palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation and removal of the periosteum or involved bone. Soft palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation without mucosal resection. Rupture of the tumor is related to the recurrence.

Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery of Submandibular Gland Removal With Preservation of Sublingual Gland and Wharton's Duct.

In surgical removal of a submandibular gland, trans-cervical approach has esthetic problem and existing trans-oral approaches are extensively invasive. The authors have used trans-oral robotic surgery to remove the submandibular gland with preservation of the sublingual gland and the Wharton's duct, and hereby report the case and discuss our preliminary experiences.

Technique of the Buccal Fat Pad Flap as an Alternative for the Surgical Defect of Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm, and its malignant transformation rarely occurs. Diagnosis is based on clinical features of local or regional malignancy or distant metastasis, and histological identification of invasion and cellular atypia. Buccal fat pad, also called Bichat fat pad, is an excellent option to create tissue coverage over surgically treated areas, providing great blood supply. Thus, this study aims to report a surgical treatment of a patient who reported to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology service of a hospital in the city of Fortaleza, presenting a large lesion in the right side of the palate. Clinical examination revealed a nodular volume increase with smooth surface, sessile insertion, firm to palpation and coloration similar to the mucosa, no pain complaints, and 2 years of evolution. Orthopantomographic examination did not reveal alterations in the adjacent anatomical structures. After clinical and radiographic evaluation, an incisional biopsy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was PA. Patient was submitted to surgery for tumor excision with narrow surgical margins, including oral lining mucosa to reduce recurrence chances. In the same surgical act, after the excision of the lesion, the right buccal fat pad pedicle flap was sutured onto the residual mucosa in order to act as a framework for re-epithelialization of the palatal mucosa, phenomenon of metaplasia, and reduction of patient's morbidity. Surgical piece obtained was sent to anatomopathological study, confirming initial diagnosis. After 12-month follow-up, patient is esthetically and functionally rehabilitated, and satisfied with clinical and surgical plans executed.

Notch Signaling Affects Oral Neoplasm Cell Differentiation and Acquisition of Tumor-Specific Characteristics.

Histopathological findings of oral neoplasm cell differentiation and metaplasia suggest that tumor cells induce their own dedifferentiation and re-differentiation and may lead to the formation of tumor-specific histological features. Notch signaling is involved in the maintenance of tissue stem cell nature and regulation of differentiation and is responsible for the cytological regulation of cell fate, morphogenesis, and/or development. In our previous study, immunohistochemistry was used to examine Notch expression using cases of odontogenic tumors and pleomorphic adenoma as oral neoplasms. According to our results, Notch signaling was specifically associated with tumor cell differentiation and metaplastic cells of developmental tissues. Notch signaling was involved in the differentiation of the ductal epithelial cells of salivary gland tumors and ameloblast-like cells of odontogenic tumors. However, Notch signaling was also involved in squamous metaplasia, irrespective of the type of developmental tissue. In odontogenic tumors, Notch signaling was involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and may be related to tumor development and tumorigenesis. This signaling may also be associated with the malignant transformation of ameloblastomas. Overall, Notch signaling appears to play a major role in the formation of the characteristic cellular composition and histological features of oral neoplasms, and this involvement has been reviewed here.

Intraoral Pleomorphic Adenoma in Young Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intraoral pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is rare in young individuals, with only single clinical reports or small patient series reported previously. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological features of PA in 4 patients under 18 years of age, and to discuss the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting with intraoral submucosal nodules. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2015, all patients of intraoral PA in patients aged ≤18 years diagnosed in the Oral Pathology Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil, were retrieved for the study. Clinical data were recorded from the clinical charts. Histopathological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 4 cases of PA in patients aged ≤18 years. All patients in this patient series were males, with a mean age of 16.7 years. Three cases occurred in the palate, and in 1 case, the upper lip was affected. All PAs appeared as a painless, smooth surface, well-circumscribed, and submucosal nodule. All patients were surgically excised and subsequent histopathological analysis revealed well-circumscribed tumors composed of cells that were arranged in ducts within a fibromyxoid stroma. No signs of recurrence were observed in 3 patients after a mean follow-up of 30 months. One patient is lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although PAs are unusual in young patients, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral submucosal nodules.

Complications after superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma.

BACKGROUND: The significance of complications after superficial parotidectomy remains unclear, since prospective studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate facial nerve dysfunction and other postoperative complications after superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma of the superficial lobe and to identify the associated risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective and descriptive clinical study on 79 patients undergoing formal superficial parotidectomy with the modified facelift incision, dissection of the facial nerve and reconstruction with the superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap. Function of the facial nerve using the House-Brackmann scale and the intra- and postoperative complications were recorded at 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. A descriptive, inferential and binary logistic regression analysis were performed for the variables facial nerve dysfunction, tumor size and location, clinical presentation and duration of surgery. RESULTS: 77.2% of the patients presented facial paresis at 1 week, with the marginal-mandibular branch being the most commonly affected (64.5%). 94.9% recovered the facial function at 6 months and 100% at 12 months. A statistically significant relationship was found between the appearance of facial paresis and tumor location in the superior lateral area of the superficial lobe, size >2 cm and prolonged operative time. None of the remaining variables showed significant differences at any study timepoint. At 12 months, 57% of patients had recovered tactile sensitivity in the earlobe. The clinical occurrence of Frey's syndrome was 11.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high incidence of postoperative facial paresis at 1 week, its magnitude was low and the recovery time was short. Tumor location in the parotid superficial lobe upper area, size and prolonged operative time are risk factors that can worsen facial paresis at different study timepoints. The knowledge of these complications is relevant for patient´s counseling and to achieve better long-term outcomes.

Review of 109 cases of primary malignant orofacial lesions seen at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial malignancy is a growing health issue common in developing regions of the world. Presentation patterns are myriad with geographic variations. Advanced stage owing to late presentation constitutes a significant public health burden. The site and type of the lesions are valuable in diagnosis and patient management. AIM: This study aims to review cases of primary orofacial malignancies at the OAUTHC Dental Hospital. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of histologically diagnosed orofacial malignancies, the relative frequencies, types and site of distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients with orofacial malignancies at the OAUTHC, Dental Hospital over a period of 10 years (January 2008-December 2017) were reviewed, demographic data (age, gender and site), history of tobacco use were retrieved and entered into a pro forma. The data obtained were analysed with STATA 11. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 375, 109 cases of neoplasms seen were primary malignant tumours, with prevalence rate of 29.1%. There were 71 (65.1%) males and 38 (34.9%) females (male:female ratio of 1.87:1), mean age (48.7 ± 19.3 years) and range (4-94 years). Affected sites were mandible (41, 37.6%), maxilla (39, 35.8%), palate (17, 15.6%) and others. Lesions were mainly squamous cell carcinomas (SCC: 46, 42.2%), salivary gland adenocarcinomas (SGAs, 25, 22.9%) including 8 (32%) cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Others were odontogenic carcinoma (18, 16.5%) and lymphoma (8, 7.3%). Most specimen analysed were hard tissues (n = 63, 57.8%). Thirty-four (73.9%) cases of SCC and 66 (60.6%) cases of primary malignancies were in the 5th-9th decades of life. This was statistically significant at P = 0.000. CONCLUSION: SCC was more prevalent than salivary and odontogenic carcinomas. ACC and mucoepidermoid carcinoma were two most common SGAs. Metastatic tumours to the jaws are rare.

The use of the submental island flap in reconstructing palatal and facial defects in a surgical camp in East Africa.

BACKGROUND: The goals of successful reconstructive surgery are to restore function and cosmesis; however, limitation of resources can become an important consideration in low-middle income countries. METHODS: We describe our experience using the submental island flap in two cases during a short-term surgical camp in East Africa. RESULTS: The submental island flap was utilized as an excellent alternative to a free flap to reconstruct a subtotal maxillectomy and a parotidectomy defect in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the successful use of this flap and describe some necessary modifications to achieve optimal results in a resource limited setting.

Endoscopic-Assisted Palatal Surgery Via Transoral and Intranasal Approach.

Palate carcinoma often challenges to the treatment options. It depends on the histologic type, local invasion, and nodal or distant metastasis. Hard palate tumors that invade the nasal cavity can be operated by midfacial degloving approach, lateral rhinotomy approach, and lip splitting incision with infrastructure maxillectomy. These approaches inevitably coincide with facial scars, nerve injuries, facial swelling, and long hospital stay. Transoral robotic assisted surgery can be applied; however, this needs high price and has a weakness of accurate handling about intranasal lesion. The authors have performed transoral and intranasal endoscopic-assisted palatal removal of recurrent palatal carcinoma for a patient and herein report their technique and result.

Endoscopy-Assisted Transoral Versus Endoscopy-Assisted Transcervical Minimal Incision Plus Mandibular Osteotomy Approach in Resection of Large Parapharyngeal Space Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Resection of the parapharyngeal space is often challenging. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach for resection of the parapharyngeal space tumors compared with the endoscopy-assisted transcervical approach. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (15 males, 8 females) who underwent resection of large parapharyngeal space tumors via endoscopy-assisted transoral (ETO) approach or endoscopy-assisted transcervical minimal incision plus osteotomy of the vertical ramus outside the mandibular foramen (ETC + MO) approach were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The tumors in ETO group are benign; there are 2 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 patient with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma in ETC + MO group. All of the tumors were removed completely and without rupture. No major complications developed in any patient. Temporary facial paresis occurred in 1 patient in the ETC + MO group, which resolved spontaneously within 8 weeks. The cosmetic effects of all patients in ETO groups and 10 patients in ETC + MO groups were excellent. Patients were followed up for 7 to 26 months, no recurrence was encountered. CONCLUSION: ETO and ETC + MO approach in resection of large parapharyngeal space tumors are feasible and safe technique that achieve excellent aesthetic and functional results. Endoscopy-assisted transoral approach can shorten hospitalized time and avoid the risk of marginal mandibular nerve injury and ETC + MO approach may be used in malignant or recurrent parapharyngeal space tumors.