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.

Abnormal Course of Internal Carotid Artery Encountered During Neck Dissection.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the most important structures to be preserved during neck dissection. Many anomalous courses of ICA have been explained and must be kept in mind while proceeding with surgery. The variation mentioned in this article has not been described yet. This is very important for head and neck surgeons, especially while performing neck dissection or external carotid artery ligation. A 51-year-old male with no known comorbidities underwent surgery for carcinoma right buccal mucosa. As noted in preoperative imaging, intraoperatively he had a abnormal course of ICA especially with abnormal relation to the internal jugular vein (IJV). It is imperative to study the anatomy of ICA preoperatively to prevent intraoperative surprises. A careful dissection of the level II cervical region keeping in mind regarding an aberrant course of ICA especially with relation to IJV can prevent catastrophic consequences.

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.