Radiological assessment of the dissection area in supraomohyoid neck dissection.

PURPOSE: The current supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) is performed above the omohyoid muscle to dissect levels I, II, and III in the levels of cervical lymph nodes. However, the anatomical boundary between levels III and IV is the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage. We investigated the anatomical relationship between the omohyoid muscle and cricoid cartilage using contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) images to assess the validity of the current SOHND. METHODS: CE-CT images of the head and neck regions in patients were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: "malignant tumors" and "others". The vertebral levels corresponding to the positions of anatomical structures such as the intersection of the omohyoid muscle and internal jugular vein (OM-IJ), and the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (CC), were recorded. RESULTS: The OM-IJ was located around the seventh cervical to the first thoracic vertebra. There was a significant difference between the malignant tumor and others groups in females (p = 0.036). The CC was located around the sixth to seventh cervical vertebrae. There was a significant sex difference in each group (malignant tumor: p < 0.0001; others: p = 0.008). Both sexes tended to have lower OM-IJ than CC, and females had significantly lower OM-IJ than males. CONCLUSION: This study provides clear anatomical evidence showing the difference between the SOHND dissection area and levels I, II, and III. It could be considered that in most cases SOHND invades level IV, not just levels I, II, and III, especially in female patients.

The potential for facial artery injury during mandibular third molar extraction. An anatomical study using contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of injury to the facial (FA) and related arteries during mandibular third molar (MTM) extraction using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT). CE-CT images of the MTM region were retrospectively reviewed. The area of the MTM was equally divided into three zones in the coronal images from mesial to distal, that is, zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3. The FA, submental artery (SMA), and sublingual artery (SLA) were identified. The distance from the mandible to FA, SMA, and SLA and the diameter of the FA, SMA, and SLA was measured in three zones, respectively. The thickness of the facial soft tissues and width of the mandible were measured at their maximum. The mean distance from the FA to the buccal cortical bone in zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3 was 2.24 mm, 2.39 mm and 1.67 mm, respectively. The SMA and SLA were found to be distal to the mandible. The mean diameter of the FA was 1.26 mm in males and 1.04 mm in females, respectively (p < 0.0001). The distance between the FA and buccal cortical bone of the mandible, and the patients' weight showed moderate correlation in zones 1 and 2. Based on our findings, the FA can be damaged if the surgical invasion reaches the facial soft tissues during MTM surgery. The patients' weight might be a good predictor for FA injury when CE-CT is not available.

Imaging characteristics of incidentally detected cosmetic surgery-derived foreign bodies on CT images in the maxillofacial region.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the imaging characteristics of cosmetic surgery-derived foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region through a retrospective review of cosmetic material foreign bodies incidentally detected on computed tomography (CT) images in routine clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated cases of cosmetic surgery-derived foreign bodies other than dental materials in the maxillofacial region, using 5 years of CT image data stored on an imaging server. The imaging findings of these foreign bodies were investigated, along with patient age, patient sex, whether the foreign bodies were associated with the disease targeted by the CT scan, and the availability of cosmetic surgery information prior to examination. RESULTS: Foreign bodies were more common in women (19/21 cases), and affected patients displayed a wide age range (20-84 years). Four types of cosmetic surgery-derived foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region were detected by CT examination: nasal prostheses (nasal region), lifting sutures and injectable facial fillers (both in the buccal region), and silicone chin implants (chin region). CONCLUSIONS: A cosmetic surgery-derived foreign body should be suspected when a foreign body is identified without a dental source of infection. In addition, cosmetic surgery-derived foreign bodies may be present in numerous patients, regardless of age or sex.

Central dentinogenic ghost cell tumor of the maxilla: a case report with new imaging findings and review of the literature.

A dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare benign odontogenic tumor that commonly shows characteristics of solid proliferation and has a relatively high risk of recurrence after surgical treatment. We herein report a case of a central DGCT that occurred in the maxilla and resulted in bone expansion. This study highlights new imaging findings (particularly magnetic resonance imaging) along with histopathological observations. In addition, we conducted a review of the existing literature on this rare tumor. A 37-year-old man developed swelling around the right cheek. A benign odontogenic tumor such as ameloblastoma was suspected based on the imaging examination findings (including bone expansion and the internal characteristics of the tumor) on panoramic imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion was surgically excised from the right maxilla. Postoperative histopathological examination led to a definitive diagnosis of central DGCT. The tumor comprised epithelial neoplastic islands, resembling ameloblastoma, inside tight fibroconnective tissue; masses of ghost cells and formation of dentin were also observed. We had suspected that the minute high-density region around the molars on the imaging examinations represented alveolar bone change; however, it represented dentin formation. This led to difficulty diagnosing the lesion. Although DGCT may present characteristic findings on imaging examinations, its occurrence is infrequent, and in some cases, the findings may include the presence or absence of an impacted tooth without obvious calcification. The present case suggests that we should consider the possibility of an odontogenic tumor with calcification when high-density structures are observed inside the lesion.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the upper lip: a case of an unusual malignant component of squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as the malignant component of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) occurring in upper lip is rare. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old male patient presented with an asymptomatic mass of the upper lip that had noticed 8 years previously. The mass was clinically suspected to be a benign salivary gland tumor based on palpation and magnetic resonance imaging findings. A needle biopsy was then carried out, and the pathological diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma. The tumor was removed under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed well-demarcated tumor tissues showing typical histologic features of pleomorphic adenoma. However, SCC tissue with several mitotic figures was found in the central area of the tumor tissue. The tumor was finally diagnosed as CXPA. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 6 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of CXPA of the upper lip with an unusual malignant component of SCC.

Ultrasound procedure for the diagnosis of mass lesions in the oral region.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the diagnostic usefulness and procedures of ultrasonography (US) for mass lesions in the soft tissue of the oral region. METHODS: This study involved patients with mass lesions (tumorous lesions and cysts) who had undergone US and histopathological examinations from January 2017 to December 2019. The following points were evaluated by two observers using an evaluation scale: vascularity, echo intensity level, boundary, margin shape, distribution of internal echoes, and capsule. The usefulness of each point for differential diagnosis of tumorous lesions and cysts was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-five mass lesions in the soft tissue of the oral region (33 tumorous lesions and 12 cysts) were analyzed. There were significant differences in four evaluation points between the tumorous lesions and cysts: vascularity, echo intensity level, boundary, and margin shape. Cysts were almost completely excluded diagnostically, especially when vascularity was observed. There were also significant differences in two evaluation points between nonvascular tumorous lesions and cysts: echo intensity level and boundary. CONCLUSIONS: In US examination for mass lesions in the oral region, it was possible to diagnose tumorous lesions and exclude cysts when vascularity was observed. When vascularity was not observed, however, tumorous lesions and cysts could be identified using two evaluation points: echo intensity level and boundary.

An imaging­based diagnostic approach to vascular anomalies of the oral and maxillofacial region.

The accurate diagnosis of vascular anomalies (VAs) is considered a challenging endeavor. Misdiagnosis of VAs can lead clinicians in the wrong direction, such as the performance of an unnecessary biopsy or inappropriate surgical procedures, which can potentially lead to unforeseen consequences and increase the risk of patient injury. The purpose of the present study was to develop an approach for the diagnosis of VAs of the oral and maxillofacial region based on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). In the present study, the CT and MR images of 87 VAs were examined, and the following imaging features were evaluated: Detectability of the lesion, the periphery of the lesion, the inner nature of the lesion, the density of the lesion on CT, the signal intensity of the lesion on MRI, the detectability of phleboliths and the shape of the lesion. A total of 29 lesions were further evaluated using the contrast index (CI) curves created from the DCE-MRI images. A diagnostic diagram, which is based on the imaging features of VAs and CI curve patterns, was subsequently extrapolated. The results obtained demonstrated that the VAs were detected more readily by MRI compared with CT, whereas the detectability of phleboliths was superior when using CT compared with MRI. VAs showed a propensity for homogeneous isodensity on CT, whereas, by contrast, they exhibited a propensity for heterogeneous hyperdensity on CE-CT. VAs also showed a propensity for homogeneous intermediate signal intensity when performing T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), heterogeneous high signal intensity when performing short tau inversion recovery MRI, and heterogeneous high signal intensity when performing fat-saturated CE-T1WI. The CI curves of VAs were found to exhibit a specific pattern: Of the 29 CI curves, 23 (79.3%) showed early weak enhancement, followed by a plateau leading up to 400-600 sec. An imaging-based diagnostic diagram was ultimately formulated. This diagram can act as an aid for radiologists when they are expecting to find a VA, and hopefully serve the purpose of simplifying the diagnostic process. Taken together, the findings of the present study indicated that DCE-MRI may be considered a useful tool for the diagnosis of VAs.

Influence of mesiodens on adjacent teeth and the timing of its safe removal.

Purpose: To focus on the effects of the presence of mesiodens on adjacent teeth and to investigate the timing of its safe removal. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography examinations, obtained at Okayama University Hospital over a three-year period, were inspected. Data were recorded including the number of mesiodens; associated abnormalities; and the relationship with neighboring structures. Depending on multiple factors, the risk of developing complications due to early extraction of a mesiodens was divided into three categories: high, medium, and low risk. Results: A total of 5,958 cone-beam computed tomography exams were obtained, 460 patients aged 3-85 years were diagnosed with a total of 568 mesiodens, 382 (67.3%) of which were discovered in young patients (age <10 years), and 333 (87.2%) of these were associated with abnormalities. Regarding the risk categories, 11 (1.9%) were considered to be in the high-risk, five (0.9%) in the medium-risk and 552 (97.2%) in the low-risk categories. Moreover, eight out of 11 high-risk mesiodens were extracted and no post-operative complications have been seen. Conclusion: As the results showed that no postoperative complications were seen in all the extracted cases of high-risk mesiodens, this indicates the possibility of safe extraction at an early age which could reduce related future complications.

Prediction and monitoring of the response to chemoradiotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinomas using a pharmacokinetic analysis based on the dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging findings.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a pharmacokinetic analysis is useful for both predicting and monitoring the response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in oral cancer. METHODS: Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with preoperative CRT and surgery were enrolled. They underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI before (n = 23), and after CRT (n = 20). We estimated four parameters: arrival time of contrast medium (TA), exchange rate constant from the extracellular extravascular space (EES) to plasma (k(ep)), elimination of contrast medium from the central compartment (k(el)) and an amplitude scaling constant (AH) using the Brix model. The histological evaluation of the effects of CRT was performed according to Ohboshi and Shimosato's classification. We analysed the correlation between the parameters and the histological evaluation. RESULTS: The pre-CRT AH between the responders and non-responders was significantly different (P = 0.046), however, the three parameters (TA, K(ep), K(el)) were not significantly different among the groups (P = 0.76, P = 0.60, P = 0.09). As AH decreased, the tumour response improved. The change in the AH between the pre- and post-CRT of responders was significantly higher than that of non-responders (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The AH, which is affected by the ratio of the EES, was an important parameter for predicting and monitoring the tumour response to CRT.

Assessment of Hounsfield unit in the differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Hounsfield unit (HU) assessment with multislice-CT in the differentiation of radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). METHODS: In total, 307 odontogenic cysts (RCs, DCs and OKCs) were included in this study. Cysts with lesion diameter <10 mm, cysts with artefacts affecting measurement of HU values, cysts involving infection and recurrent cysts were regarded as exclusion criteria. Images were acquired in three different types of CT scanners: Aquilion ONE, Discovery CT750 HD and SOMATOM Definition Flash. Differences in HU values among scanners and among types of odontogenic cysts were assessed using one-way analysis of variance; multiple comparisons were performed post hoc, using the Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test. RESULTS: In total, 164 cysts were analysed in this study (64 RCs, 57 DCs and 43 OKCs). Regardless of the type of lesion, the Aquilion ONE scanner demonstrated a significant difference in HU value, compared with the Discovery CT750 HD scanner. Regardless of CT scanner model, HU values significantly differed between DCs and OKCs (p < 0.0001), as well as between OKCs and RCs (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HU values were found to vary among CT scanners and should always be associated with other lesion imaging features while interpreting and elaboration diagnostic hypothesis. Notably, the results suggested that OKCs might be able to be differentiated from DCs and RCs by using HU values.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI as a predictor of programmed death ligand-1 expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) are highly promising therapies for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The assessment of PD-L1 expression may help predicting the therapeutic effect of ICIs and, thus, benefit patient selection. Contrast index (CI) parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) have been proven as efficient to assess microvessel density (MVD) in OSCC. The present study aimed to determine the correlation between DCE-MRI parameters and MVD and between DCE-MRI parameters and PD-L1 expression to determine whether DCE-MRI could be used non-invasively to evaluate PD-L1 expression in patients with OSCC. A total of 21 patients with primary OSCC who had undergone a 3T MRI scan, including DCE-MRI, were included in the present study, and CI curve-derived parameters were examined. The MVD and PD-L1 expression in the surgically resected specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for CD31 and IHC staining for PD-L1, respectively. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of these markers were correlated with DCE-MRI parameters. PD-L1 expression levels were found to be significantly correlated with the maximum CI (CI-max; P=0.007), peak CI (CI-peak; P=0.007), maximum CI gain (CI-gain; P=0.006) and MVD (P=0.001) values. The mean CI-max, CI-peak, CI-gain and MVD values were significantly higher in tumors with high PD-L1 expression (P<0.05). MVD levels were also significantly correlated with the time of CI-max (T-max; P=0.003) and CI-gain (P=0.037). The mean CI-gain was significantly increased, and the mean T-max was significantly shorter in high MVD tumors (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). In summary, the findings from the present study confirmed the correlation between CI parameters, derived from DCE-MRI, and MVD, and suggested that these parameters may be correlated with PD-L1 expression in OSCC tumor cells.

Effect of clenching on T2 and diffusion parameters of the masseter muscle.

BACKGROUND: Persistent muscle contractions during clenching are considered to be one reason for temporomandibular disorders. However, no report has evaluated the effect of clenching on the masticatory muscles, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PURPOSE: To investigate whether clenching has an effect on either T(2) or the coefficients for diffusion of the masseter muscles (MM), and to evaluate the effect of the distribution of bite force on such indices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three subjects were examined. Bite force was measured by a pressure-sensitive sheet, and the force of the right and the left sides was calculated. MRI was used to evaluate T(2), the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the primary (lambda(1)), secondary (lambda(2)), and tertiary eigenvalues (lambda(3)). These indices on the stronger side of the bite force were compared to those on the weaker side. Thereafter, the indices were compared between at rest and during clenching. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in any of the indices (T(2), ADC, lambda(1), lambda(2), and lambda(3)) between the side of stronger bite force and the side with weaker. T(2) increased by clenching, and the difference was significant in the side with stronger bite force (P = 0.006). ADC, lambda(1), lambda(2), and lambda(3) increased significantly by clenching (P <0.01, P <0.01, P <0.01, and P <0.01, respectively) on both sides. The percentage of change of lambda(2) by clenching was 26.2+/-15.7% on the stronger side and 26.9+/-18.6% on the weaker side, which was significantly greater than either that of lambda(1) or lambda(3). CONCLUSION: The coefficients for diffusion of the MM were sensitive to change by clenching, and lambda(2) was the most sensitive. Moreover, the relative distribution of the bite forces had no effect on any of the indices.

Incidental findings in the thyroid gland on computed tomography images of the oral and maxillofacial region.

The numbers of abnormal findings incidentally detected in adjacent regions are increasing with advances in imaging modalities. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and characteristics of incidental findings in the thyroid gland on computed tomography (CT) images of the oral and maxillofacial region. CT scans of the oral and maxillofacial region in patients obtained between January 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Images that revealed incidental findings in the thyroid gland, including nodules, were recorded, together with the sizes and characteristics of the findings. The Japan Association of Breast and Thyroid Sonology (JABTS) guidelines were used for classification. The rate of descriptions of these findings in the radiographic interpretation reports were also examined. Of the 1,135 patients examined, 326 (28.7%) had several types of incidental findings. In particular, 169 (14.9%) of the 1,135 patients had nodules >5 mm in diameter, for which further careful examination is recommended in the JABTS guideline. The description rate for nodules >5 mm in diameter in the radiographic interpretation reports was 30.8% (52/169 patients), of whom 17.3% (9/52 patients) were referred to the endocrinology department for further careful examination. Incidental findings in the thyroid gland were relatively common on CT images of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral radiologists tend to focus specifically on the oral and maxillofacial region during diagnosis on oral and maxillofacial CT images, but should pay the same careful attention to observe adjacent regions, such as the thyroid gland.

Treatment of early tongue carcinoma with brachytherapy: results over a 25-year period.

BACKGROUND: Brachytherapy for patients with early tongue cancer is an accepted method of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 409 patients with T1/2N0M0 tongue cancer treated with brachytherapy between 1978 and 2004 were reviewed. RESULTS: The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates were 82.3% and 64.6% for patients with T1 disease, and 72.2% and 56.0% for patients with T2 disease, respectively. The 5-year nodal metastasis-free survival rates for patients treated between 1978 and 1986, 1987 and 1996, and 1997 and 2004 were 64.8%, 74.8% and 81.3% for patients with T1 disease (p=0.22), and 47.4%, 70.4% and 76.4% for patients with T2 disease (p=0.0011), respectively. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rates for patients treated between 1978 and 1986, 1987 and 1996, and 1997 and 2004 were 91.0%, 84.0% and 96.9% for patients with T1 disease (p=0.31), and 87.6%, 83.3% and 85.8% for patients with T2 disease (p=0.90), respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of nodal metastasis in patients with early tongue cancer improved over the 25-year period studied, while the local recurrence-free survival rates remained stable.

Intraoral sonographic features of tongue cancer after radical radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to illustrate the sonographic changes of tongue cancer after radical radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 24 patients with tongue cancer treated by interstitial brachytherapy (BRT) (uneventful recovery n = 16 , recurrence n = 5, severe soft tissue complication n = 3), follow-up examination were performed and both the margin and the vascular pattern were retrospectively assessed. We basically performed US examination at least once every 3 months after BRT within 1 year during follow-up period. RESULTS: In the healing process, intraoral sonography shows an unclear margin immediately after brachytherapy and a transient increase of the vascularity lasted within 6 months after BRT, followed by a decrease in the vascularity. The large difference in echogenicity between the primary site and the surrounding tissue and the increased difference suggested the possibility of either radiation ulceration or recurrence. CONCLUSION: Intraoral sonography could depict the sequence changes of the tongue after BRT, and it was thus useful to confirm the clinical findings of either radiation ulcers or recurrence.

Value of computed tomography findings in differentiating between intraosseous malignant tumors and osteomyelitis of the mandible affecting the masticator space.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography (CT) images in the differentiation between intraosseous malignant tumors and osteomyelitis spreading into the masticator space. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective evaluation was carried out by using CT images from 12 patients with intraosseous malignant tumors and 9 patients with osteomyelitis involving the masticator space and accompanying mandibular bone destruction. The following CT observations are discussed: (1) bone destruction pattern subdivided into spotty, gross, or permeative; (2) cortical bone expansion; (3) diffuse osteosclerotic changes; (4) periosteal reaction; (5) masticator muscle involvement; (6) enlargement of the facial muscle; and (7) attenuation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. RESULTS: The pattern of permeative bone destruction, cortical bone expansion, and the enlargement of both the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles were all observed in patients with malignant tumors. In contrast, diffuse sclerotic change and a periosteal reaction were significant observations in patients with osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of CT in establishing a differential diagnosis of malignant tumors or osteomyelitis is supported by this study.

A quantitative analysis of sonographic images of the salivary gland: a comparison between sonographic and sialographic findings.

We performed three quantitative analyses (particle analysis, fractional Brownian motion [fBM] model analysis, two-dimensional [2-D] fractal analysis) of the ultrasonographic (US) images of the salivary gland and evaluated whether the obtained indices correlated with the sialographic stage of Rubin-Holt. Our study included 192 patients suspected of having Sjögren's syndrome (SS). In 89 patients, sialography demonstrated abnormal findings. Based on a particle analysis, we calculated both the average size of the particles (avg-area) and the area ratio to evaluate the presence of hypoechoic areas and echogenic lines, which are characteristic of SS. According to the fBM model, we calculated the Hurst index of the original image (Hurst-ori) and the background-subtracted image (Hurst-bs) to evaluate the complexity of the pixel value distribution. We also obtained the 2-D fractal dimension (2-D-FD) to evaluate the complexity of the contour lines. We entered these indices of the parotid glands (PG) into a logistic regression analysis and evaluated which indices were useful predictors for detecting an abnormal sialographic stage. Significant differences were observed between the normal and abnormal groups in all five indices of the PG (Mann-Whitney U test) and all five indices were correlated with the Rubin-Holt stage (Spearman's Rank Correlation Test). As the Rubin-Holt stage became more severe, both the Hurst-ori and 2-D-FD became smaller. Alternatively, the Hurst-bs, avg-area, and area ratio became higher. Three indices (avg-area, area ratio and Hurst-ori) were selected as useful predictors for detecting abnormal sialographic stages. This quantitative analysis system is therefore considered to have potentially useful clinical applications for the detection of abnormal sialographic findings.

Sonographic diagnosis for Mikulicz disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the diagnostic imaging characteristics of Mikulicz disease (MD), especially sonographic ones, and to clarify the differences between them and those in Sjögren syndrome (SS), based on new criteria of MD. STUDY DESIGN: The sonographic and sialographic images, as well as clinical, histopathologic, and serologic findings of 9 patients satisfying the new criteria of MD were analyzed and compared with those in SS. RESULTS: All swollen submandibular glands showed bilateral nodal hypoechoic areas with high vascularization on sonograms and a parenchymal defect on sialograms, whereas parotid glands showed normal or slight change on both images. Nodal areas in submandibular gland sonograms were unclear on computerized tomography and on magnetic resonance imaging, but showed accumulation on gallium scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: Mikulicz disease showed a high rate of bilateral nodal change in submandibular glands, which was completely different from SS. For detection and follow-up of these changes, sonography may be the best imaging modality.

Long-term functional outcome of brachytherapy for carcinoma of the mobile tongue: focus on the atrophic change of irradiated tongue.

OBJECTIVE: To assess tongue atrophy and long-term functional outcome of mobile tongue cancer patients after interstitial radiotherapy. METHODS: Of 493 patients whose squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue had been treated with low dose rate brachytherapy, there were 57 patients evaluated between July 2002 and April 2004 whose tongue had not been modified by surgical procedures and who had no primary recurrence. The median time from treatment to evaluation was 96 months (range: 9-214 months). Almost all of the patients belonged to the early stage tongue cancer (T1/T2/T3/T4=30:24:3:0), and all had received interstitial radiotherapy with a single-plane implant. To evaluate the deformity of the tongue, we used a grading system that classified the atrophic changes of the tongue into four categories (G0-G3). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (70%) showed mild tongue hemiatrophy (G1 or G2) in the irradiated side. However, no patients showed severe atrophy where the tongue cannot be made to protrude beyond the incisors (G3). The length of time after brachytherapy was >72 months and the age of the patients at brachytherapy had the same statistical significance (P=0.0366). As for functional outcome, understandability of speech and a normal diet were preserved for almost all patients. CONCLUSION: The progression of atrophic change in the irradiated tongue occurred over a long term after brachytherapy. However, most patients could maintain their activities of daily life without severe restriction.

Is glossectomy necessary for late nodal metastases without clinical local recurrence after initial brachytherapy for N0 tongue cancer? A retrospective experience in 111 patients who received salvage therapy for cervical failure.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of neck dissection (ND) without glossectomy (GL) for late nodal metastases without local recurrence after brachytherapy for N0 tongue cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 396 patients with N0 tongue cancer treated with brachytherapy, a retrospective analysis was performed in 111 patients who were clinically diagnosed as having nodal metastases without local recurrence and whose neck lymph nodes turned out to be pathologically positive after salvage surgery. One hundred and five patients had undergone only ND (the ND group), six patients had undergone ND with GL (the ND+GL group). RESULTS: The 5 year disease-free and cause-specific survival rates after salvage therapy for the 111 patients included in this study were 58.1 and 61.9%, respectively. In the ND group, there were only nine patients who had local recurrence after ND. In addition, only six patients (5.7%) had a local recurrence within 2 years in the ND group. Sixty-three patients were free of disease after ND, 31 patients had regional or distant metastases without local recurrence and two patients had progressive disease at ND. In the ND+GL group, four patients were alive without disease and two died from regional or distant metastases. None of the patients in the ND+GL group were found to have malignant tissue in the pathological findings from the excised tongue. CONCLUSION: GL should be avoided or suspended when the clinical evaluation had revealed cervical failure without apparent local recurrence in the mobile tongue cancer patients after initial brachytherapy.