Clinical, Radiological and Histological Features and Their Association with Extranodal Extension in Buccoalveolar Complex Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Jeyashanth RijuObjectives The study was aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of clinical examination, intraoperative finding, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to detect extranodal extension (ENE) in buccoalveolar complex squamous cell carcinoma (BAOSCC), (2) to know various factors influencing ENE, and (3) to evaluate survival outcome in patients with ENE. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study, which included 137 patients with BAOSCC who underwent curative treatment between May 2019 and April 2021. Collaborative findings suggestive of ENE were noted during preoperative clinical examination, CECT, and intraoperatively, and their efficacy was compared with postoperative histopathology. Also, the various factors associated with ENE were evaluated and compared. Statistical Analysis Univariate and multivariate analysis of parameters was done using multiple logistic regression analysis and significant correlation was determined using chi-square test between ENE positive and negative categories. Analysis of prognosis and survival was done by Kaplan-Meier curve plotting using regression analysis and its significance was compared. Results The overall prevalence of ENE was 18.98% and that of lymph node involvement was 40.88%. CECT (73.1%) was found to be more sensitive in detecting ENE compared to intraoperative examination (46.2%) and clinical examination (34.6%).In comparison with clinical examination (91.9%) or CECT (78.38%), intraoperative examination (93.7%) showed the highest specificity in detecting ENE. Clinical nodal size ≥ 3 cm ( p ≤ 0.001), fixity ( p ≤ 0.001), and clinical number of nodes ( p ≤ 0.001) had significant association with ENE. The presence of thick nodal walls on CECT increased the probability of predicting ENE 15 times ( p = 0.180, confidence interval: 0.3-765.4). After a mean follow-up of 18 months, subjects without nodal positivity had a survival advantage over patients with positive lymph nodes (86.4% vs. 53.3%) and those with ENE (86.4% vs. 23.2%), respectively. Conclusion The results demonstrated that clinical examination can be used as an adjuvant to radiological imaging for prediction of ENE preoperatively. Clinical finding suggesting size of node ≥ 3 cm and ≥ 2 nodes are strong predictor of ENE, in addition to other known predictors. Patients with ENE had an unfavorable prognosis when compared with subjects with metastatic nodes without ENE. Presence of ENE remains one of the strongest factors predicting recurrence and thus poor prognosis.

Worst Pattern of Invasion as an Independent Predictor of Lymph node Metastasis and Prognosis in oral Cavity Squamous cell carcinoma - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Although Worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) is one of the histopathological (HP) markers that has been utilized in risk stratification of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, its potential as an independent predictive factor for lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis is least analyzed. Aim of the study is to analyze the relationship of various HP parameters to WPOI, their propensity for lymph node metastasis and prognostic value. This retrospective study included 140 patients diagnosed with resectable OSCC who underwent definitive surgery. Multiparametric HP risk assessment was done on the postoperative specimen and patients were categorized as low-risk WPOI (Type 1-3), and high-risk group (type 4 and 5). After categorization, 36.1% patients had low-risk WPOI and 63.9% had high-risk WPOI. Significant association was noted between WPOI and patient's age (p = 0.001), nodal stage (p = 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p = 0.006) and neural invasion (p = 0.001). 87% patients with nodal metastasis had high risk WPOI. LVI (p = 0.014) and WPOI (p < 0.001) had significant predictive role in LNM. High-risk WPOI and bone involvement were found to be predictive factors for overall survival, and only high risk WPOI had strong correlation with disease free survival having significant poor prognosis. Analyzing WPOI is essential in reporting HP specimens in OSCC. High-risk WPOI can act as an independent predictor for LNM, early recurrence and poor prognosis. Incorporation of WPOI into TNM staging is recommended to improve clinician's ability to prognosticate and individualize treatment strategies.

Difference in clinical presentation and their significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains the most common cancer among Indian men. OSCC involving the tongue and bucco alveolar complex (BAC) behaves differently. Nevertheless, the differences in clinical features and symptoms between the two subsites and their relation to pathology remain largely unexplored. STUDY DESIGN: The study compared various clinical parameters and pathological factors between tongue cancer patients and patients with BAC cancer. RESULTS: Among 474 patients, 232 had tongue cancer and 242 had BAC cancer. Except for the ulcer, 30% of patients with OSCC were asymptomatic at presentation. Compared to tongue cancers, lesions confined to BAC present at an advanced stage (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that dysphagia in tongue cancer (P = 0.020) and external swelling or lesion in BAC cancers (P = 0.002) were significant predictors of an advanced stage of the disease. On histopathology, perineural invasion (PNI) was significantly associated with tongue (P = 0.008) compared to BAC cancers (P = 0.015). Cancers of the tongue with pain and referred otalgia had a significantly higher depth of invasion (DOI), compared to those without pain (DOI - no pain 6.9 mm, pain 9.9 mm, and referred otalgia 11.4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSCC present late and in an advanced stage of the disease. Among tongue cancers, clinical history of pain was significantly associated with DOI and PNI, the significance of which needs to be prospectively analyzed. Clinical history in OSCC can be used as predicting factor for an advanced pathological stage of the disease. It also had an influence on various pathological characters, which is subsite specific.

Trigeminocardiac Reflex as a Complication of Excision of Schwannoma of the Trigeminal Nerve - A Rare Clinical Case Report.

Rationale: Trigeminal schwannoma (TS) is a very rare tumour in the head-and-neck region and the occurrence of intraoperative trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR), during surgery, should not be underestimated. The physiological function of this rare brainstem reflex is yet to be fully established. Patient Concerns: TCR occurs in a variety of surgeries, such as neurosurgical, maxillofacial, dental and skull base surgeries with bradycardia as the presenting sign. Diagnosis: This is a clinical profile of two patients who presented with schwannoma of the trigeminal nerve. Outcomes: Intraoperatively, during dissection of tumour, both patients had bradycardia with hypotension. Treatment: The first patient had a spontaneous recovery but the other required intervention with vasopressors. Take-Away Lessons: One must be aware of the rare occurrence of TCR mainly while operating on a rare occurring TS. Ceaseless intraoperative monitoring and being prepared with adequate measures while manipulating close to the nerve will prevent serious complications.

Parapharyngeal space pleomorphic adenoma with extensive lipometaplasia - A rare unique pathological entity.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of the salivary gland. Fat-containing tumors encountered in salivary glands are very rare. We had a case of PA of parapharyngeal space and surprisingly the final histopathology showed an unusual finding of lipometapasia. We believe that this is the first case from parapharyngeal space to be reported in the literature. The aim of this report is to discuss the behavior of lipometaplasia in PA with review of literature. Pathological characterization of this rare tumor might help in proper classification and enhance their recognition.

Analysis of Early Impact of COVID-19 on Presentation and Management of Oral Cancers - an Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Oral cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related death in Indian men. Currently steps to contain the transmission and treatment of COVID-19 pandemic have crippled the entire health care system. With hospitals running short of resources, the oncological practice became standstill, especially during the initial phase. This is a retrospective study among patients who presented to our tertiary care hospital in early 3 months of COVID-19 era(ECE) with respect to pre-COVID-19 era(PCE). The study includes patients discussed in multidisciplinary tumor board(MDT)(421 in ECE Vs 31 in PCE) and those who underwent surgery(192 in ECE Vs 26 in PCE). The presentation and outcomes of oral carcinoma were compared between the two eras. There was a significant drop in the number of patients who presented during ECE. Though mean age and gender remained comparable between groups, there was a statistical difference in relation to demographic profile of patient (p value < 0.001). Among operated during ECE, 80% had a significantly advanced tumor stage (p value < 0.034) and advanced composite stage (p value < 0.049). Among patients discussed in MDT during ECE, 38.7% were deemed inoperable which is double the number when compared with PCE (p value < 0.009). Results of our study showed a higher incidence of advanced stage disease during ECE, with many patient turning inoperable. Thus, the survival of newly diagnosed oral carcinoma patients will be worser. In the management of oral cancer both early stage and advanced stage should have the same priority. Immediate resumption of safe oncology services is mandatory to curtail the current issues.

Cochlear Implantation in Congenital Long-QT Syndrome: A Comprehensive Study.

OBJECTIVES: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by congenital sensorineural deafness and significant QT interval prolongation. Aims were to study the prevalence of long QT in congenital hearing loss, complications encountered, outcomes by Categories of auditory Performance (CAP) scores and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) scores and to create an algorithm with precautions to be followed in Long QT children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was done at Auditory implant center at a tertiary referral care ENT hospital which includes 41 paediatric patients who were diagnosed to have Long QT during preoperative assessment and underwent cochlear implantation. A standard Protocol was followed in all candidates which includes comprehensive targeted history and investigations, preoperative and intraoperative precautions, and the findings were recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative prophylactic Beta blockers, avoiding sympathetic stimulation and drugs prolonging QT interval with rational use of Magnesium Sulphate and standby of defibrillator were the standard precautions practised. Fatal Arrhythmias were encountered intra-operatively in five patients which was treated with cardiac pacing. Cardiac monitoring was done intraoperatively and during switch-on. Significant improvement in CAP and SIR scores were observed at 3 and 6 months when compared to their base line values. CONCLUSION: With special attention to preoperative evaluation, appropriate intraoperative precautions and monitoring, judicious surgical planning and post surgical follow-up cochlear implantation may be performed safely in patients with JLNS with good postoperative results allowing for improved audition.