Primary neoplasms of the parapharyngeal space: diagnostic and therapeutic pearls and pitfalls.

PURPOSE: Parapharyngeal space neoplasms (PSNs) are rare tumors of the head and neck region. In this study, we report our institutional experience with PSNs over a 27-years period. METHODS: Patients treated between 1992 and 2018 were identified through our tumor board database. Data concerning demographics, clinical presentation, disease features, treatment, complications and follow-up were obtained retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 48 patients were identified. Most patients had benign tumors (67.5%), with pleomorphic adenoma and schwannoma being the most frequent entities. Malignant tumors represented the remaining 32.5% of neoplasms. Concerning tissue of origin, 67.5% of neoplasms originated from salivary glands and 17.5% were neurogenic. The vast majority of PSNs required open surgical approaches (77%). The most frequent reversible and irreversible complications included paralysis of facial, vagal, and hypoglossal nerves (transient 62.5%, permanent 31.3%). Tumor recurrences occurred in 16.7% of our patients. CONCLUSION: Neoplasms of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are rare. In our series, consistent with the literature, most patients had benign tumors. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or transoral biopsy in selected cases combined with radiographic imaging are helpful to plan the optimal approach (open/transoral) and extent of primary surgery. Close follow-up in malignant neoplasms is crucial to assess recurrence early. We present one of the largest recent studies on PPS tumors treated in a center. Given the low incidence of these tumors, our results contribute to the existing sparse evidence regarding the management and outcome of such tumors.

Exploring the Correlation Between Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) and the Usage of Oral Contraceptive Pills Among Affected Females.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), particularly among women, has prompted an investigation into possible associated factors. The effect of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) usage is debatable, with varying and often conflicting results. It is not confirmed whether OCPs have a protective effect against thyroid cancer or an increased risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of OCP usage among females diagnosed with PTC at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study included females aged 18 and above diagnosed with PTC. An OCP user was defined as a female exposed to OCPs for at least one month. Data collection involved chart reviews and phone interviews, and statistical analyses were conducted using Excel and SPSS. RESULTS: Among 58 female patients diagnosed with PTC, 29.3% (n=17) reported using OCPs, and 70.7% (n=41) were non-users. The ages of OCP users ranged from 26 to 56 years, with a median age of 44 years. The duration of OCP usage varied from 1 to 72 months, with a median duration of seven months. Additionally, for the non-users of OCPs, the age range was from 21 to 85 years, with a mean age of 46.4 years. The median ages for the total sample, OCP users, and non-users were 43.5, 44, and 43 years respectively. The timing of OCP usage among users varied from 1 to 35, with a mean timing of 13. CONCLUSION: The study found about one-third 29.3% (n=17) of patients diagnosed with PTC reported using OCPs. These results contribute to the ongoing debate within epidemiological studies regarding the association between PTC and various reproductive factors, including OCP use. Further research is needed to clarify this relationship and its implications on public health.

Role of fine needle aspiration in malignant parotid tumors at a single-center experience: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Parotid gland tumors are mostly benign with good prognosis. On the other hand, malignant tumors of the parotid gland often have poor prognosis and metastasize. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common cancer in the parotid gland accounting for nearly 40-50% of the cases. Therefore, it is important to define the role of fine needle aspiration in differentiating between different types of parotid malignancies. METHOD: This is a retrospective chart review study that was done on 49 consecutive patients who underwent parotid surgeries in King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between Jan 2003 and Feb 2020. The records of 49 patients were obtained, fine needle aspiration and pathology reports were reviewed to define the role of fine needle aspiration in diagnosing malignant parotid tumors by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis of 39 cases revealed that there was one case which was diagnosed for cancer was missed by fine needle aspiration. Meanwhile, six cases were diagnosed as malignant lesions using both fine needle aspiration and histopathology. Furthermore, 30 cases were determined benign based on fine needle aspiration and histopathology. The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration for detecting malignancy was 85.7%, specificity was 93.8%. positive predictive value of 75% and negative predictive value of 96.7%. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration is highly sensitive and specific for parotid tumors. We support the role of pre-operative FNA for all parotid tumors as its accurate in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.