Tumour Recurrence, Depth of Invasion, and Temple Location as Independent Prognostic Parameters of Lymph Node Metastases of Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

The excellent survival rate of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) exceeding 90% is reduced by the presence of nodal metastases by over 50%. We analysed various risk parameters of cSCC to predict the incidence of nodal metastases. A total of 118 patients with the head cSCC were included in a single-institution retrospective study covering the period from 2008 to 2020. Tumour recurrence, temple location, and tumour infiltration depth were found to be independent predictors of nodal metastases (increasing the probability of metastases by 8.0, 8.1, and 4.3 times, respectively). Furthermore, univariate analysis shows that the tumour size and T stage are significant factors increasing the risk of metastases. Several independent risk factors for the development of metastases in the head cSCC have been confirmed. These findings might help identify at-risk patients who require additional attention for adequate radical treatment and close follow-up. In contrast, elective treatment of lymph nodes is not recommended due to the low incidence of regional metastases.

Parotid Gland Metastases of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head: Occult Metastases Occurrence and Their Late Manifestation.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are malignant tumours with excellent prognosis unless nodal metastases develop. The aim of our study is to determine the prognostic significance of the clinical stage of parotid gland metastases and the incidence of occult cervical lymph node involvement in cSCC of the head. Our retrospective analysis includes 39 patients with cSCC parotid gland metastases, 15 of whom had concurrent cervical node involvement. In 32 patients, the lymph nodes manifested at stage N3b. A total of 26 patients were treated with parotidectomy, 9 patients received radiotherapy alone, and 4 received symptomatic therapy. The surgical treatment included either total conservative (21 cases) or superficial parotidectomy (5 cases) and neck dissection (therapeutic neck dissections in 11 cases and elective in 14 cases). In all cases, surgery was performed with sufficient tumour-free resection margins. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered postoperatively in 16 patients. Occult metastases were present in 21% of cases after an elective neck dissection, but not in any case in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The five-year overall survival and recurrence-free interval were 52% and 55%, respectively. Patients with the cN3b stage and G3 histological grade tend to have a worse prognosis, but not at a statistically significant level. The prognosis was not worse in patients with concurrent parotid and cervical metastases compared to those with metastases limited to the parotid gland only. The addition of adjuvant irradiation, in comparison to a single modality surgical treatment, was the only statistically significant prognostic factor that reduced the risk of death from this diagnosis (p=0.013). The extent of parotidectomy (partial vs. total) had no impact on either the risk of recurrence or patient prognosis. The combination of surgery with irradiation provides the best results and should be applied to all patients who tolerate the treatment. A partial superficial parotidectomy should be sufficient, with a minimum risk of occult metastasis in the deep lobe. Conversely, the relatively high incidence of occult neck metastases indicates that patients could likely benefit from elective neck dissection.

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head.

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. RESULTS: We diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUCION: Our negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: How common is the problem? Step 4 (Case-series) Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard) What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Step 4 (Case-series) Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Step 4 (Case-series).

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head

Abstract Objective Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. Results We diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclucion Our negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. Level of evidence How common is the problem? Step 4 (Case-series) Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard) What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Step 4 (Case-series) Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Step 4 (Case-series)

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Study and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland (pPSCC) is a rare tumor, accounting for less than 3% of all parotid carcinomas. There is no general consensus on the management of this tumor, since clinical experience for pPSCC is minimal. Moreover, pPSCC is often misdiagnosed for metastatic cutaneous carcinoma. In our study, we focused on evaluating its biological and clinical characteristics, treatment results and prognosis. We proposed an update on diagnostic and therapeutic management of pPSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort included 18 patients diagnosed and treated for pPSCC in three tertiary head and neck centers between 2008 and 2022. We retrospectively evaluated their prognosis and established a therapeutic recommendation after analyzing our own and previously published data. RESULTS: Fourteen of 18 tumors were diagnosed in stage IV. Five-year overall survival was 36 months. Six patients received palliative therapy. Twelve patients underwent parotidectomy, neck dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Remission was achieved in 8 patients (follow-up interval 3-56 months). One patient died with recurrent disease. The others are alive and in complete remission. CONCLUSION: The definitive diagnosis of pPSCC must meet the histological and clinical criteria. First of all, the metastatic origin of the tumor must be excluded. Five-year survival of this very aggressive tumor does not exceed 50%. Without surgery, the prognosis is poor. The best results, irrespective of tumor stage, are achieved with surgery. Therefore, a total parotidectomy, neck dissection (therapeutic or elective) and adjuvant radiotherapy are indicated for all resectable tumors.

Current status and future perspectives of oral HPV testing in the diagnosis and monitoring of oropharyngeal cancer. A review.

HPV16 status in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is an important prognostic factor. Its determination, based on immunistochemical analysis of p16 oncoprotein requires an invasive biopsy. Thus, alternative methods are being sought. Determining oral HPV16 status appears to be a promising alternative. However, it is not used routinely. This prompted us to perform a systematic literature review enabling us to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive ability of this approach. Thirty-four relevant studies were finally selected. For determination of HPV status in OPC, the calculated average sensitivity and specificity for oral sampling was 74% and 91%, respectively, with p16 tumour tissue marker being the gold standard. The method appears to be valuable in monitoring treatment response as well as the biological activity of the tumour, enabling early detection of persistent or relapsing carcinoma sufficiently long before its clinical and/or radiological manifestation. It can also contribute to identification of the primary tumour in cases of metastases of unknown origin. Last but not least, the screening HPV oral testing would help to identify individuals with persistent HPV oral infection who are at increased risk of development of OPC.

Salivary Gland Secretory Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic and Genetic Characteristics of 215 Cases and Proposal for a Grading System.

Salivary gland secretory carcinoma (SC), previously mammary analog SC, is a low-grade malignancy characterized by well-defined morphology and an immunohistochemical and genetic profile identical to SC of the breast. Translocation t(12;15)(p13;q25) resulting in the ETV6 :: NTRK3 gene fusion is a characteristic feature of SC along with S100 protein and mammaglobin immunopositivity. The spectrum of genetic alterations for SC continues to evolve. The aim of this retrospective study was to collect data of salivary gland SCs and to correlate their histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic data with clinical behavior and long-term follow-up. In this large retrospective study, we aimed to establish a histologic grading scheme and scoring system. A total of 215 cases of salivary gland SCs diagnosed between 1994 and 2021 were obtained from the tumor registries of the authors. Eighty cases were originally diagnosed as something other than SC, most frequently acinic cell carcinoma. Lymph node metastases were identified in 17.1% (20/117 cases with available data), with distant metastasis in 5.1% (6/117). Disease recurrence was seen in 15% (n=17/113 cases with available data). The molecular genetic profile showed ETV6 :: NTRK3 gene fusion in 95.4%, including 1 case with a dual fusion of ETV6 :: NTRK3 and MYB :: SMR3B . Less frequent fusion transcripts included ETV6 :: RET (n=12) and VIM :: RET (n=1). A 3-tiered grading scheme using 6 pathologic parameters (prevailing architecture, pleomorphism, tumor necrosis, perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and mitotic count and/or Ki-67 labeling index) was applied. Grade 1 histology was observed in 44.7% (n=96), grade 2 in 41.9% (n=90), and grade 3 in 13.5% (n=29) of cases. Compared with low-grade and intermediate-grade SC, high-grade tumors were associated with a solid architecture, more prominent hyalinization, infiltrative tumor borders, nuclear pleomorphism, presence of PNI and/or LVI, and Ki-67 proliferative index >30%. High-grade transformation, a subset of grade 2 or 3 tumors, seen in 8.8% (n=19), was defined as an abrupt transformation of conventional SC into high-grade morphology, sheet-like growth, and a tumor lacking distinctive features of SC. Both overall survival and disease-free survival (5 and 10 y) were negatively affected by tumor grade, stage, and TNM status (each P <0.0001). SC is a low-grade malignancy with predominantly solid-microcystic growth patterns, driven by a gene fusion, most commonly ETV6 :: NTRK3 . There is a low risk for local recurrence and a good overall long-term survival, with a low risk for distant metastasis but a higher risk for locoregional lymph node metastasis. The presence of tumor necrosis, hyalinization, PNI and/or LVI, and positive resection margins correlate with higher tumor grade, less favorable prognosis, and increased mortality. The statistical results allowed us to design a 3-tiered grading system for salivary SC.

Postoperative pain and analgesic consumption after endoscopic and microscopic ear procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is considered a minimally invasive technique. It is hypothesized that patients after endoscopic procedures experience less pain and require fewer painkillers. Our aim was to compare patients' postoperative pain and need for analgesics in patients undergoing microscopic and endoscopic ear surgeries. METHODS: a single-institution, prospective study included 92 patients undergoing ear procedures (48 cholesteatoma and 44 reconstructive);(43 endoscopic and 49 microscopic) during 1/2016-1/2018. The postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) 0-10) and painkillers consumption were recorded and compared in each subgroup. RESULTS: VAS (P=0.02) and analgesics consumption (P=0.06) were lower after endoscopic ear surgeries. In the cholesteatoma group, 94% of endoscopic patients reported VAS 0-2 in contrast to 58 % of microscopic patients on day 1 (P=0.04). Similar tendencies were revealed in reconstructive cases, i.e. 92% compared to 73% (P>0.05). On day 1, 92% of endoscopic, and 77% of microscopic reconstruction patients received no painkillers group (P=0.06). In the cholesteatoma patients, 88% of endoscopic patients, 43% of microscopic patients using endaural approach, and 75% of microscopic patients using retroauricular approach, required no painkillers on the postoperative day 1 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the EES is associated with less postoperative pain than the conventional microscopic ear surgery. It seems that it is rather the transmeatal approach, and not the endoscope itself that reduces postoperative pain. The removal of the same size cholesteatoma using endoscope (rather than using microscope) leads to less intensive postoperative pain. Consequently, it was not surprising that patients after endoscopic ear surgery very rarely took painkillers.

Coexistent neck enteric cyst and intraspinal neurenteric cyst: Embryopathogenetic implications.

INTRODUCTION: Enteric cysts are very rare conditions, occurring mainly in the posterior mediastinum and posterior neck. Their pathomorphology corresponds with that of intraspinal neurenteric cysts. Both formations are derivatives of the posterior foregut. However, their embryopathogenesis has not been elucidated satisfactorily as yet. For those associated with vertebral anomalies, the split notochord theory has been widely accepted. However, this is be hardly conceivable for cases free of these anomalies. CASE REPORT: Here, a patient with concurrent separated enteric and neurenteric cysts and cervical spine dysmorphism is presented. DISCUSSION: The review of the relevant literature revealed sporadic analogical cases in which a transvertebral communication between the two cysts was present or absent. The latter was associated with a minimal abnormality of the vertebral body. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that normal vertebrae may be formed in patients with enteric cysts, which would make the notochord-split theory plausible also for those free of spinal malformations.

Heterotopic acinic cell carcinoma and its clinical implications.

This is a review of the clinical and histopathological published data on very rare heterotopic acinic cell carcinomas (AcCCs) with suggested optimal management. Extrasalivary AcCCs originate primarily in parotid lymph nodes. They present at low clinical stage, show mostly low-grade histopathology and are circumscribed with a complete nodal capsule. Extracapsular dissection was advocated as adequate therapy. In rare cases with positive surgical margins, a completion parotidectomy or adjuvant radiotherapy should follow. Heterotopic high-grade AcCCs are rare, necessitating radical surgery including neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. The short term prognosis is excellent, long term outcomes are not known. Longer term follow-up is essential.

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules in the maxillary sinus. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules are biologically inactive formations simulating true actinomycotic granules. They occur mainly in the female genital tract. Here we describe a previously unreported case of these granules in a maxillary sinus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 74-year old man underwent maxillectomy for a carcinoma of the right alveolar ridge. In the tumor-free sinus mucosa, a deposit of condensed mucus, cell debris and eosinophilic granules, surrounded by leukocytes, were seen. These Gram-positive granules were refractile, not bi-refringent and revealed radiate pattern with peripheral club-like thickening. Alcian blue staining was negative, PAS reaction was present at the periphery. Ziehl-Neelsen, Grocott and Kongo red reactions tested negatively. In the mucoid surroundings, strong IgM, moderate IgG, weak IgA and IgG4, but no IgD immunoreactivity was present. CONCLUSIONS: PAMRAGs in the maxillary sinus have not been described so far. Despite their extremely rare occurence, they must be taken into consideration in histopathological differential diagnosis of actinomycosis of that anatomic location.

Chronic inflammation of the middle ear with cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is a cystic pseudotumor. It is consisted of a keratinized squamous epithelium producing keratin masses. It occurs in purulent form of chronic otitis media. It can behave aggressively and cause osteolysis of surrounding structures in the middle ear, such as the middle ear bone, facial nerve channel, inner ear, etc. Diagnosis of cholesteatoma is based on otomicroscopy and the use of modern imaging methods (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging). The treatment is surgical and must be radical enough to prevent recurrence of the disease. Despite precise surgical technique, recurrence is relatively frequent, especially in childhood. Early diagnostics and adequate surgical therapy can prevent severe otogenic complications of middle ear inflammation.

Comparison of lymphatic vessel density and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D lymphangiogenic factors in Warthin's tumours and oncocytic adenomas.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the density of lymphatic vessels and VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression in Warthin's tumours (WTs) and oncocytic adenomas (OCAs). METHODS: Twenty three WTs and 13 OCAs of the parotid gland were analyzed. Lymphatic vessels were detected using the D2-40 antibody. For evaluation of the intratumour and peritumour lymphatic vessel density (iLVD and pLVD, respectively) the area of greatest vascularisation (hot spots) was chosen, using a ×40 field, and the number of vessels per square millimeter was counted in a ×200 field. The staining intensity for VEGF-C and VEGF-D immunoreaction in the tumour cells was graded from 0 to 3. RESULTS: The mean iLVD and pLVD values in WTs was 4.7 (range 1-8) and 6.9 (range 3-10), those in the OCAs 1.0 (range 0-3) and 5.8 (range 2-8), respectively. The differences in the iLVD, but not pLVD between the two tumour groups were statistically significant. In both entities, the pLVD markedly outnumbered the iLVD. The intratumour vessels in the WTs were present exclusively in the lymphoid stroma. In the group of 23 WTs, 13 (56.6%), 17 (73.9%) and 10 (43.4%) samples revealed positive VEGF-C, VEGF-D and both immunoreactions, respectively. 10 of 13 (77%) cases revealed VEGF-D immunoreaction and in none of them was the VEGF-C reaction present. CONCLUSION: The tumours had a comparable high density of peritumorous lymphatic network. However, WTs markedly differed from OCAs in the number of the intratumorous vessels. These were abundant solely in the stroma of WT, while practically lacking in the neoplastic epithelium of the WT and relatively rare in OCAs. We suggest that homeostasis in both entities is mediated mainly by peritumorous lymphatics. The lymphatic drainage in WTs is also fostered exclusively by stromal lymphatics, whereas in stroma poor OCAs by the vessels present in their neoplastic epithelium. We also believe that WTs stimulate proliferation of pre-existing lymphatic capillaries by means of the paracrine secretion of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in the neoplastic as well as reactive stromal cells, while in the OCAs only the latter factor takes part in their lymphangiogenesis.

The incidence of MYB gene breaks in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands and its prognostic significance.

AIMS: To detect MYB gene breaks in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands and its correlation with prognosis and selected clinical parameters METHODS: MYB gene break was detected by FISH assay in 23 adenoid cystic carcinomas using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate prognosis. RESULTS: Fifteen of 23 evaluated tumours were MYB positive and 8 MYB negative. The 10-year cumulative survival, respectively disease free interval, was 60.0%, respectively 59.3%, in MYB positive patients and 88.5%, respectively 80.0%, in MYB negative patients (long rank test, P=0.23). There were no significant differences in age, gender, perineural invasion, the presence of hematogenic or nodal metastases or degree of histopathological grading between MYB positive and MYB negative patients. CONCLUSION: A tendency to differences in the survival of patients with ACC, depending on their MYB status. MYB negative patients were predisposed to better prognosis.

Surgical treatment of superior laryngeal neuralgia: A case report and review of the literature.

Superior laryngeal (SL) neuralgia is paroxysmal pain above the thyrohyoid membrane. We present a case of SL neuralgia that was resistant to conservative treatment and eventually required surgical intervention. The patient was a 39-year-old woman with a 5-year history of debilitating pain above the thyroid cartilage. After having undergone different imaging scans with negative results, she tried various treatments (e.g., antibiotics, analgesics, stellate ganglion block, radiofrequency SL neurotomy, and stereotactic radiosurgery), all of which were ineffective. Finally, she underwent bilateral surgical SL neurotomy. Postoperatively, she immediately noticed a significant alleviation of her pain. Her postoperative course was completely uneventful, as she experienced no dysphagia or dysphonia, even transiently. One month later, she no longer required regular painkillers, and at 14 months, she remained essentially pain-free. While medical management remains the treatment of choice for SL neuralgia, we recommend that refractory cases be treated initially with a neural block with local anesthesia. Patients who do not respond are candidates for surgery. We consider selective peripheral SL neurotomy to be safe and effective when performed by experienced hands. We also discuss the difficulties of managing SL neuralgia.

[Ultrasound elastography and its use in the head and neck imaging]. / Ultrazvuková elastografie a její vyuzití v oblasti hlavy a krku.

Ultrasound elastography (sonoelastography, USE) is a relatively new, rapidly evolving area of imaging that measures elasticity of tissues. Its development started in the last decade of the 20th century and was accelerated after devices allowing real-time imaging and quantification (shear wave elastography, SWE) became broadly available for clinical practise. First results suggest that combination of sonoelastography and conventional ultrasound gives more precise results than ultrasound alone in certain areas. In head and neck imaging, just a few mostly pilot studies have been published till January 2014. This article summarizes available information about sonoelastography and current view on USE imaging in otorhinolaryngology.

Expression of VEGF-C/-D and lymphangiogenesis in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

AIMS: Some human neoplasms stimulate lymphangiogenesis through the over-production of vascular endothelial growth factors C/D (VEGF-C/D). Previously little attention has been paid to the mechanisms of lymphogenous spread of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). The current study investigates the presence of lymphatic network and the role of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in its formation. METHODS: The retrospective study was performed in 20 (12 females and 8 males) patients diagnosed with SACC. For the evaluation of VEGF-C/D immunoreactivity, semiquantitative histoscore was calculated as a sum of positive tumor cell score (range 0-3) and staining intensity (range 0-3). Lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was determined as the number of D2-40 positive lymphatic capillaries present at "hot spots". Moreover, the values of histoscores were calculated in surrounding normal parotid parenchyma and compared to those counted in tumors. LVD in the tumor center (iLVD), in its periphery (pLVD), and in healthy gland were identified. RESULTS: VEGF-C/D expression, iLVD and pLVD were higher in SACC than in normal gland. The VEGF-C/D score correlated neither with pLVD nor with iLVD. High iLVD values were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present the first study demonstrating the existence of lymphatic vessels in SACC.

Recurrent salivary pleomorphic adenoma shows increased immunohistologic expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Internal cell biology, including apoptotic regulation, is presumed to play a key role in the development of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (PA). AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the relevance of B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) oncoprotein immunoexpression and distribution in primary PA, and its recurrence. METHODS: Ten primary-non-recurrent, 14 primary-to-recur, and 28 recurrences of parotid PA patients aged 19-73 (mean 40.7±16.7) years were enrolled. The bcl-2 expression was compared between groups using a semi-quantitative histoscore, defined as the multiple of the percentage of cells by the intensity of immunostaining. RESULTS: Widely varying bcl-2 immunoreaction was found in the epithelial areas of 91.7% of primary and 85.2% of recurrent PA. Similarly varying but much less, immunopositivity was found in the myxoid areas of 62.5% of primary and 71.4% of recurrent tumours. No obvious differences in the bcl-2 staining intensity or pattern of specific epithelial morphologic structures in either the primary-non-recurrent, primary-to-recur or recurrent tumours were found. In both the mesenchymal and epithelial areas of PA, the differences in bcl-2 immunohistoscore between the primary-non-recurrent and primary-to-recur groups were not statistically significant (P=0.62, respectively 0.51). In the mesenchymal areas, the study revealed a significantly increased histoscore in recurrent tumours compared to their corresponding primaries (P=0.01). Increased bcl-2 expression in recurrent PA suggests an exaggerated aggressiveness of that tumor. CONCLUSION: The fact that a significant difference in the histoscore was found exclusively in the myxoid component seems to accord with the reported prevalence of the latter in recurrent and metastatic PA.

Color Doppler Ultrasound in the pre-histological determination of the biological character of major salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the use of color Doppler ultrasound in the pre-histological determination of the biological features of salivary gland tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients with major salivary gland tumors of unknown histology were examined and operated on in our clinics. They were pre-operatively examined using ultrasound imaging with color Doppler. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) was measured and pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were calculated on the pulsed wave traces. The Doppler flow parameters were correlated with clinical stage and tumour type (benign/carcinoma) as confirmed by final histological diagnosis. For the correlations, the tumors were categorized into 3: benign (group I), malignant stages I+II (group II), malignant stages III+IV (group III). RESULTS: The average PSV value was 22.15 cm/s for benign and 32.74 cm/s for all malignant tumors. The average RI value was 0.77 for benign and 0.86 for all malignant tumors. The average PI value for benign tumors was 2.85 and 3.14 for all malignant tumors. No significant differences between benign and malignant tumors in terms of SV and PI values were found. The RI values for benign tumors differed significantly from those of malignant ones (P=0.021). There were no significant differences in average PSV, PI and RI values in relation to salivary gland tumor group - I, II, III. There was no confirmation of the reported applicability of PSV and PI values in differenting benign from malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: We were not able to demonstrate significant differences in Doppler flow parameters PSV and PI between benign tumors and carcinomas. Only the RI could be used to differentiate them. There were also no significant differences in PSV, PI and RI values between low (I+II) and high (III+IV) clinical tumour stage.