Multimodality management of locoregionally extensive Marjolin ulcer: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Marjolin ulcer (MU) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy that commonly occurs in those with a chronic wound such as post-burn scar. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old male who sustained a flame burn over the scalp at 3 months of age developed a nonhealing ulcer over the burn scar 20 years later, which was treated with adequate surgical margins with adjuvant mold brachytherapy. Two months after completion of that treatment, he developed parotid nodal metastasis with positron emission tomography (PET)-positive bilateral cervical, supraclavicular, right suboccipital, and mesenteric lymph nodes that were treated with concurrent chemoradiation. One month later, the patient developed an ulcerative lesion involving the left parotid region with PET showing infiltration of the parotid gland, but with resolution of other previous sites of uptake. The patient was treated surgically with radical parotidectomy with elective neck dissection and reconstruction with locoregional flap. At 6-month follow-up, the patient developed extensive locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis and was started on oral metronomic therapy. The patient was alive with stable disease at 3-month follow-up after initiation of palliative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Despite timely multimodality therapy, MU may present with a hostile clinical course with a short disease-free interval and early recurrence.

Neck management in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to assess the oncologic outcomes of observation, elective neck dissection (END), and elective neck irradiation (ENI) in the neck management of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with parotid metastasis (P+) and to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who received END or ENI. METHODS: Patients with P+ HNcSCC were retrospectively enrolled. The impact of observation, END, and ENI on regional control (RC) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model with presentation via hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). QoL was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included in our analysis. In the Cox model for RC, both END and ENI had decreased HRs of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.15-0.69) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18-0.86), respectively, in comparison with observation. In the Cox model for OS, both END (p = 0.001, HR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10-0.72) and ENI (p = 0.006, HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83) were superior to observation. In patients with three or more positive parotid lymph nodes, END resulted in significantly better RC (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.001) compared with ENI. The two groups were found to be comparable in all 12 domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire. CONCLUSION: In the neck management of P+ HNcSCC, observation is not recommended. END is the preferred option, but ENI is an alternative method without compromise to survival or QoL, except in cases with three or more metastatic parotid lymph nodes.

Tumores parotídeos: correlación entre estudios de imagen, punción aspiración con aguja fina y los hallazgos histopatológicos / [Parotid tumors: correlation between imaging studies, fine needle aspiration and histopathological findings]

Introducción y objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es establecer la rentabilidad del diagnóstico citológico mediante punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) y la utilidad del estudio de imagen preoperatoria en el manejo de masas parotídeas. Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una muestra de 142 pacientes con tumoración parotídea intervenidos por el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del HUPR en los últimos 10 años, con diagnóstico preoperatorio radiológico (ecografía, TC, RNM) y citológico, mediante PAAF. Los resultados de ambas pruebas se han clasificado como positivos o negativos para malignidad y se compararon con el diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Resultados: La edad media fue de 56 años, el 61,3% eran hombres. La PAAF presentó una sensibilidad para detectar malignidad del 75% y una especificidad del 100%; con valores predictivos positivo y negativo (VPN) de 100 y 97%, respectivamente. La sensibilidad del estudio radiológico fue de 25%, y la especificidad del 99%. El valor predictivo positivo para malignidad fue de 80%, y el valor predictivo negativo, de 89%. Conclusiones: La PAAF es una prueba sencilla, pero de utilidad limitada para la orientación diagnóstica debido a su baja sensibilidad y elevados falsos negativos; sin embargo, su alta especificidad y elevado VPN hacen de la misma una prueba con mayor precisión frente a un resultado benigno o negativo. El estudio radiológico previo es útil en el diagnóstico de extensión y características tumorales, aunque se ve limitado por sí solo en el diagnóstico diferencial de malignidad. La RM se ha convertido en la modalidad de imagen de elección. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Our aim is to establish the profitability of cytological diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and the usefulness of preoperative imaging in the management of parotid masses. Method: A retrospective study of a sample of 142 patients with parotid tumors operated on by the HUPR Otorhinolaryngology Service in the last 10 years, with preoperative radiological (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and cytological diagnosis, by FNA, was carried out. The results of both tests have been classified as positive or negative for malignancy and were compared with the pathological diagnosis. Results: The average age was 56, 61.3% were men. FNA had a sensitivity to detect malignancy of 75% and a specificity of 100%; with positive and negative predictive values (NPV) of 100 and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of the radiological study was 25%, and the specificity 99%. The positive predictive value for malignancy was 80%, and the negative predictive value was 89%. Conclusions: FNA is a simple test, but of limited utility for diagnostic orientation due to its low sensitivity and high false negatives; however, its high specificity and high NPV make it a more accurate test against a benign or negative result. The previous radiological study is useful in the diagnosis of tumor extension and characteristics, although it is limited by itself in the differential diagnosis of malignancy. MRI has become the imaging modality of choice. (AU)

Parotid gland masses: outcomes in the pediatric age group.

BACKGROUND: Childhood parotid neoplasms appear to have different characteristics from adults. This point, in addition to the rarity of these tumors, reflects the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating parotid neoplasms in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all children who presented to the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE, 57357) with parotid masses from January 2008 to December 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. Malignant neoplasms were found in 12 (57.1%) of which mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common. Benign neoplasms were found in 6 (28.6%) all of them were pleomorphic adenoma, and non-neoplastic lesions were found in 3 (14.3%). Superficial, deep, or total parotidectomy was performed according to the involved lobes. The facial nerve was sacrificed in three cases because of frank invasion by the tumor. Neck dissection was considered in clinically positive lymph nodes and/or T3/4 masses. Complications occurred in 7 (33.3%) all were of the malignant cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was restricted to high-risk cases (7 cases). Recurrence occurred in two cases, and one patient died of distant metastasis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed 88.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing malignant neoplasms. The correlation of radiological and pathological staging was fair (66.74% for overall staging). CONCLUSIONS: Parotidectomy is the backbone treatment for benign and malignant pediatric parotid tumors. Neck nodal dissection should be considered after preoperative FNAC of suspicious nodes. Adjuvant radiotherapy is considered only in high-risk tumors. Preoperative FNAC of parotid masses and clinically suspicious lymph nodes is highly recommended.

Clinicopathological Predictors of Survival for Parotid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Various prognostic factors are associated with the survival of patients with parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the clinical and pathologic prognostic factors on survival outcomes in patients with parotid MEC. DATA SOURCES: Articles published from database inception to July 2020 on OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Cochrane Central, and Scopus. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were included that reported clinical or pathologic prognostic factors on survival outcomes for adult patients with parotid MEC. Data extraction, risk of bias, and quality assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 4290 titles were reviewed, 396 retrieved for full-text screening, and 18 included in the review. The average risk of bias was high, and quality assessment for the prognostic factors ranged from very low to moderate. Prognostic factors that were consistently associated with negative survival outcomes on multivariate analysis included histologic grade (hazard ratio [HR], 5.66), nodal status (HR, 2.86), distant metastasis (HR, 3.10-5.80), intraparotid metastasis (HR, 13.52), and age (HR, 1.02-6.86). Prognostic factors that inconsistently reported associations with survival outcomes were TNM stage, T classification, and N classification. CONCLUSION: Histologic grade, nodal status, distant metastasis, intraparotid metastasis, and age were associated with worse survival outcomes. These prognostic factors should be considered when determining the most appropriate treatment and follow-up plan for patients with parotid MEC.

Pathology Mimicking Orofacial Pain.

A case of a 64-year-old woman is reported, who developed new-onset pain over a preexisting area of right mandibular fullness. Clinical examination, MRI, and fine-needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of a benign parotid gland tumor-pleomorphic adenoma, which was treated by total parotidectomy with complete removal of the tumor. When evaluating a patient with orofacial pain, oral health care providers should be cognizant of all potential differential diagnoses, especially in the setting of red flags such as persistent or enlarging facial swelling/fullness.

Recurrent Parotid Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Diffuse Myocardial Metastatic Disease.

A 64-year-old man who had undergone treatment for left parotid adenocarcinoma presented with progressive exertional shortness of breath. Evaluation revealed metastatic invasion of the myocardium as a rare presentation of recurrent parotid adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the importance of using multimodal imaging methods in diagnostic evaluation and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach in managing patient care.

Tumores de parótida en población pediátrica: 10 años de experiencia / PAROTID TUMORS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION: 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Introducción: Los tumores de las glándulas salivales son infrecuentes en la población en general y comprenden menos del 3% de los tumores de cabeza y cuello1 . En pediatría el 90% corresponden a tumores de la glándula parótida,2 siendo en su mayoría tumores benignos. Objetivo: Describir la incidencia de tumores parotídeos en un centro de referencia, haciendo hincapié en la variabilidad etiológica y la presentación por grupos etarios. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 18 años con tumores de parótida en un periodo de 10 años: de 2011 a 2021, seguidos en el Servicio de Cirugía General Pediátrica del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes pediátricos que presentaron tumor en la región parotídea seguidos o tratados en este centro, se excluyeron aquellos que no se pudieron recabar los datos de forma completa. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, forma de presentación, estudios complementarios, tipo de tratamiento, histología, complicaciones. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 33 pacientes, de estos un 64% (N = 21) fueron mujeres, con una relación mujer/hombre de 1,7. La media de edad al diagnóstico fue de 8.5 años, siendo 2 de diagnóstico prenatal y hasta los 18 años. La localización fue en un 57% (N = 19) izquierda, el 43% restante derecha. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la masa palpable en región parotídea 75% (N=25), en dos pacientes fue un hallazgo en estudios por imágenes: resonancia prenatal y otro por resonancia de cerebro. Conclusiones: en pediatría, a diferencia de la población adulta, se presentan una gran variedad de diagnósticos, que incluye desde lesiones vasculares hasta tumores malignos. Debido a que las lesiones parotídeas malignas son clínicamente indistinguibles de las benignas, es importante establecer un diagnóstico preciso. Esta serie representa esta diversidad etiológica en pediatría, así como la distribución etaria comparada con la descrita por la literatura

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors are rare in the general population and comprise less than 3% of head and neck tumors1. In pediatrics, 90% correspond to tumors of the parotid gland,2 being mostly benign tumors. Objective: To describe the incidence of parotid tumors in a reference center, emphasizing the etiological variability and the presentation by age groups. Materials and methods: Tis is a retrospective cohort study of patients under 18 years of age with parotid tumors over a period of 10 years: from 2011 to 2021, followed up at the Pediatric General Surgery Service of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires. All pediatric patients who presented tumor in the parotid region followed up or treated in this center were included, those who could not collect the data completely were excluded. Te variables analyzed were age, sex, form of presentation, complementary studies, type of treatment, histology, and complications. Results: A total of 33 patients were analyzed, of which 64% (N = 21) were women, with a female/male ratio of 1.7. Te mean age at diagnosis was 8.5 years, with 2 prenatal diagnoses and up to 18 years. Te location was 57% (N = 19) left, the remaining 43% right. Te most frequent form of presentation was a palpable mass in the parotid region 75% (N=25), in two patients it was a finding in imaging studies: prenatal MRI and another by brain MRI. Conclusions: in pediatrics, unlike the adult population, a wide variety of diagnoses are presented, ranging from vascular lesions to malignant tumors. Because malignant parotid lesions are clinically indistinguishable from benign ones, it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis. Tis series represents this etiological diversity in pediatrics, as well as the age distribution compared to that described in the literature

Carcinoma de células acinares de parótida: reporte de un caso y revisión de literatura / Acinic cell carcinoma of parotid: A case report and review of literature

Resumen Los tumores malignos de glándulas salivales (TMGS) constituyen un grupo infrecuente de cánceres de una gran variedad histológica. Dentro de las neoplasias de estirpe epitelial encontramos al carcinoma de células acinares (CCA), que representa entre un 6%-10% de todos los TMGS. No posee patrones clínicos ni radiológicos específicos, pero comparte características comunes con otros TMGS que serán discutidas a lo largo del reporte. Cabe destacar que en términos generales es un cáncer de bajo grado y poco recidivante, por lo que un tratamiento oportuno y un seguimiento estricto mejoran el pronóstico para este tipo de pacientes. Su diagnóstico se establece con evidencia histopatológica que confirme la presencia de diferenciación epitelial de tipo acinar. El tratamiento consiste en la exéresis tumoral con márgenes libres por parotidectomía suprafacial o total, asociado a vaciamiento cervical si se detecta compromiso nodal. Adicionalmente, se debe sugerir terapia adyuvante ante la presencia de un factor de mal pronóstico. Se presenta un caso y se realiza revisión de literatura.

Abstract Malignant salivary gland tumors (TMGS) constitute an infrequent group of cancers of a wide histological variety. Within the epithelial lineage neoplasms, we find acinar cell carcinoma that represent between 6%-10% of all TMGS. It does not have specific clinical or radiological patterns, but it shares common characteristics with other TMGS that will be discussed throughout the report. It should be noted that in general terms it is a low-grade cancer with low recurrence rates, so timely treatment and strict follow-up improve the prognosis for this type of patient. Its diagnosis is established with histopathological evidence that confirms the presence of acinar-type epithelial differentiation. Treatment consists of tumor excision with free margins by suprafacial or total parotidectomy, associated with cervical lymph node dissection if nodal locoregional metastasis is detected. Additionally, adjuvant therapy should be suggested in the presence of a poor prognostic factor. A case is presented and a literature review is carried out.

Management of the parotid for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A review from the salivary section of the American Head and Neck Society.

BACKGROUND: Metastases to the parotid nodal basin in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HRcSCC) impact disease specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: A writing group convened by the Salivary Section of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) developed contemporary, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of the parotid nodal basin in HRcSCC based on available literature, expert consultation, and collective experience. The statements and recommendations were then submitted and approved by the AHNS Salivary Committee. RESULTS: These recommendations were developed given the wide variation of practitioners who treat HRcSCC in order to streamline management of the parotid nodal basin including indications for imaging, surgery, radiation, and systemic treatment options as well. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical update represents contemporary optimal management of the parotid nodal basin in HRcSCC and is endorsed by the Salivary Section of the AHNS.

Deep Lobe Parotid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of deep lobe parotid tumors to evaluate their unique characteristics. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Library databases were queried for relevant literature. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were individually assessed by 2 independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane bias tool, GRADE criteria, and MINORS criteria. Results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed by comparing rates of malignancy between deep and superficial lobe tumors. RESULTS: In total, 8 studies including 379 deep lobe parotid tumors met inclusion criteria. Mean age at diagnosis was 44.9 years. Computed tomography scan was the most common imaging modality. Preoperative diagnostic fine-needle aspiration was utilized in 39.4% of patients and demonstrated high sensitivity for malignant disease. The most common approach was subtotal parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation (58.9%). The rate of malignancy was 26.6%, which was significantly higher than that of the superficial lobe tumors in this study (risk ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.56). The rate of temporary postoperative facial nerve weakness between deep and superficial lobe tumors was 32.5% and 11.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Deep lobe parotid tumors had a 26.6% rate of malignancy. On meta-analysis, deep lobe tumors appeared to have higher rates of malignancy than superficial lobe tumors. Surgical excision of deep lobe tumors showed increased rates of temporary facial nerve paresis as compared with superficial lobe tumors. Computed tomography scan was the most common imaging modality. There were limited data regarding the utility of fine-needle aspiration.

Clinical analysis of 12 patients with primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The WHO recently designated salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinoma as a unique malignant tumor that most commonly occurs in the parotid gland. This is a rare cancer and there are few reports in the literature. Among 854 patients with parotid gland tumors who were admitted to our institution, we diagnosed 12 patients (1.41%) with parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 12 patients with parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma diagnosed by the Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. RESULTS: All 12 patients had unilateral parotid gland disease and 8 had cervical lymph node metastasis. Five patients received PCR testing for the Epstein-Barr virus and two were positive. All patients received surgical treatment, two received surgical resection alone, nine received surgery and postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and one received surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 13 to 77 months. As of the last follow-up, eight patients were tumor-free, one patient was lost to follow-up, and three patients died. The main cause of death was local tumor recurrence and multiple metastases throughout the body. CONCLUSION: Parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm characterized by proliferation, invasion, and inclusion of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated carcinoma, and a high rate of metastasis to ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes. The comprehensive treatment method consists of radical resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After this comprehensive treatment, the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates of our patients were 100%, 78.8%, and 39.4%.

Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Parotid: A Case Report with Imaging Findings.

BACKGROUND Metastasis to the salivary gland is rare, with the parotid being the most commonly involved site among the salivary glands. Breast cancer metastasis to the parotid gland has been rarely reported in the literature, and relatively few case reports have described the imaging findings. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old woman presented with a recently growing mass in the left parotid gland. She had a past history of left breast cancer 6 years ago, treated by left modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and trastuzumab. During follow-up, multiple metastases developed and the patient was subsequently treated with palliative chemotherapy. Neck ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous echoic mass with indistinct margins, irregular shape, and weak rim vascularity in the left parotid gland. Contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography revealed an irregular mass with heterogeneous enhancement in the inferior pole of the left parotid gland. Ultrasonography-guided 18-gauge core needle biopsy was performed, and the histopathology report was metastasis from ductal carcinoma of breast with positive expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and negative expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor. Despite palliative chemotherapy and trastuzumab, the patient died 2 months after the diagnosis of metastasis to the parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS We report a rare case of metastasis from breast cancer to the parotid gland, with imaging findings including neck ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography. Breast cancer rarely metastasizes to the parotid gland, but radiologists should be aware of this possibility, especially in patients with a prior history of breast cancer.

Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) of the salivary gland: Report of 2 cases of a hitherto under-recognized extrathyroid counterpart.

Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) outside the thyroid gland is extremely rare. Here we report two cases of CASTLE of the major salivary gland. The tumors occurred in the parotid gland of a 31-year-old female (Case 1) and in the submandibular gland of a 40-year-old female (Case 2). Both tumors showed a lobulated growth pattern, and were histologically composed of a nested or sheet-like proliferation of carcinoma cells with round- to oval-shaped nuclei, distinct nucleoli and pale eosinophilic cytoplasm, accompanied by various degrees of lymphocytic infiltration. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the tumors were positive for pan-cytokeratin, p40, CD5, CD117 and bcl-2. In addition, PD-L1 expression was seen in 10-90% of tumor cells. After the initial surgery, Case 1 remained tumor-free for 20 months, while Case 2 suffered lymph node recurrence at 4 months, followed by lung metastasis, which was treated with chemoradiotherapy and anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, resulting in a partial response. The present findings indicate that an extrathyroid counterpart of CASTLE can occur as a primary salivary gland neoplasm. Salivary CASTLEs seem to show a wide range of biological behavior, and long-term follow-up may be needed. Immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1 might become a promising treatment option in patients with CASTLE; however, further study with a larger number of cases is necessary to establish the optimal therapeutic strategy and prognostic factors for this rare cancer.

Supporting the use of adjuvant radiotherapy in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid.

BACKGROUND: The use of adjuvant radiotherapy remains controversial in the treatment of recurrent pleomorphic adenomas. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide the highest level of evidence possible by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched the English-language literature between 1985 and 2019.Inclusion criteria included any study on the treatment and outcome of recurrent pleomorphic adenomas. Exclusion criteria included the use of radiotherapy for residual tumors, case reports, and pleomorphic adenomas not arising from the parotid. RESULTS: A total of 522 abstracts were studied, data analyzed from 14 studies, on a total of 697 patients. When the data werepooled, the overall risk of further recurrence was 21%. In studies where surgery alone was undertaken this increased to 26% and decreased to 10% in those receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (p = .000). There were 21 recurrences in 159 patients in the radiotherapy group, and 151 recurrences out of 538 patients in the surgery group (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the use of radiotherapy to decrease the risk of re-recurrence in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the highest level of evidence currently available in guiding management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma.

A Parsimonious Prognostic Model and Heat Map for Predicting Survival Following Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Parotid Gland Carcinoma With Lymph Node Metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: To construct a simplified prognostic risk model to predict overall survival after adjuvant radiotherapy for parotid gland carcinoma patients with stage T1-4aN1-3M0. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 879 patients who were pathological diagnosed as stage T1-4aN1-3M0 parotid gland cancer. Those eligible patients treated with parotidectomy and neck lymph node dissection between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. All cases received adjuvant radiotherapy. Independent prognostic factors included in the original model were identified by Cox regression analysis. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The model's prediction power was evaluated by the concordance index. The entire cohort was categorized into new low- and high-risk groups using X-tile software according to the results of prognostic model. Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict the survival curves. And the statistical significance was determined by log-rank test. Besides, a heat map was visually described the association between the survival time and 2 most significant prognostic factors. RESULTS: In the univariable and multivariate analyses, 4 independent factors for overall survival were age, tumor size, pTNM stage, and the number of positive lymph nodes, which were all selected in the parsimonious prognostic model. The concordance indices of the prognostic model and pTNM stage were 0.652 and 0.565, respectively. Patients in the low-risk group had better overall survival over patients in the high-risk group [unadjusted hazard ratio = 2.578, 95% confidence interval 2.095-3.172, P < 0.001]. The results of the heat map revealed that patients with smaller tumor size and fewer positive lymph nodes had much longer survival time. CONCLUSIONS: This parsimonious prognostic model could estimate the long-term survival after adjuvant radiotherapy for parotid gland carcinoma with stage T1-4aN1-3N0M0. The tools may be valuable to guide multidisciplinary team in making treatment decisions.

Competing-risks nomograms for predicting cause-specific mortality in parotid-gland carcinoma: A population-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Parotid-gland carcinoma (PGC) is a relatively rare tumor that comprises a group of heterogeneous histologic subtypes. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database to apply a competing-risks analysis to PGC patients, and then established and validated predictive nomograms for PGC. METHODS: Specific screening criteria were applied to identify PGC patients and extract their clinical and other characteristics from the SEER database. We used the cumulative incidence function to estimate the cumulative incidence rates of PGC-specific death (GCD) and other cause-specific death (OCD), and tested for differences between groups using Gray's test. We then identified independent prognostic factors by applying the Fine-Gray proportional subdistribution hazard approach, and constructed predictive nomograms based on the results. Calibration curves and the concordance index (C-index) were employed to validate the nomograms. RESULTS: We finally identified 4,075 eligible PGC patients who had been added to the SEER database from 2004 to 2015. Their 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of GCD were 10.1%, 21.6%, and 25.7%, respectively, while those of OCD were 2.9%, 6.6%, and 9.0%. Age, race, World Health Organization histologic risk classification, differentiation grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T stage, AJCC N stage, AJCC M stage, and RS (radiotherapy and surgery status) were independent predictors of GCD, while those of OCD were age, sex, marital status, AJCC T stage, AJCC M stage, and RS. These factors were integrated for constructing predictive nomograms. The results for calibration curves and the C-index suggested that the nomograms were well calibrated and had good discrimination ability. CONCLUSION: We have used the SEER database to establish-to the best of our knowledge-the first competing-risks nomograms for predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cause-specific mortality in PGC. The nomograms showed relatively good performance and can be used in clinical practice to assist clinicians in individualized treatment decision-making.

Patterns of care, toxicity and outcome in the treatment of salivary gland carcinomas: long-term experience from a tertiary cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) cover a heterogeneous group of malignancies with a lack of data of high-level evidence. METHODS: Clinical data of 127 patients treated for SGC at a university cancer center between 2002 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The association of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, adverse events, and outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Patients received surgery (n = 65), surgery followed by (chemo-)radiotherapy (n = 56), or primary (chemo-)radiotherapy (n = 6). Injury to the cranial nerves or their branches was the most frequent surgical complication affecting 40 patients (33.1%). Ten year overall and progression-free survival rates were 73.2% and 65.4%, respectively. Parotid tumor site, advanced tumor, and positive nodal stage remained independent negative prognostic factors for overall survival, loco-regional and distant tumor control in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing treatment strategies for SGC, depending on distinct clinicopathological factors, remains challenging due to the low incidence rates of the disease.

Parotid Salivary Duct Carcinoma With a Prominent Squamous Component: Immunohistochemical Profile, Diagnostic Pitfalls, and Therapeutic Implications.

Salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland is a highly aggressive epithelial malignancy morphologically resembling high-grade, invasive, and in situ breast carcinoma. It can occasionally present with variable morphology making it diagnostically challenging in cases with unusual morphological components. Ancillary testing, particularly androgen receptor (AR) positivity on immunohistochemistry, can be very helpful in cases that demonstrate extensive squamous morphology, since AR positivity is uncommon in both the primary salivary gland and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas to the parotid. In this report, we describe a case of salivary duct carcinoma that showed only a squamous cell carcinoma component on the initial primary tumor site biopsy, as well as in subsequent contralateral neck lymph node and skin metastases. Apart from the variable morphology, the typical salivary duct and squamous cell carcinoma tumor components also showed significant immunohistochemical differences, including differential staining of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu. The associated diagnostic pitfalls, distinct immunoprofiles of the tumor components, helpful adjuncts for making the correct diagnosis, and associated therapeutic implications are discussed.