A Case of Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma Originating from Minor Salivary Gland of Tongue Base / 대한이비인후과학회지

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare, often low grade malignant neoplasm that occurs most commonly in the parotid gland. However, EMC originating from a minor salivary gland is extremely rare. A 38-year-old female patient was referred to our department for dysarthria and a huge mass at the base of tongue. Transoral resection of the mass was performed using a midline glossotomy approach. The pathological examination revealed epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of a minor salivary gland. Sequential adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed. After clinical follow-up of 26 months, she has remained free of disease. We report on this rare condition in order to share our experience.

Outcomes and Prognosis of Patients Treated by Facial Nerve Decompression via Transmastoid Approach for Traumatic Facial Paralysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes and prognosis of traumatic facial paralysis in patients treated with facial nerve decompression via transmastoid approach. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who suffered from temporal bone fractures resulting in facial paralysis and received surgical facial nerve decompression treatment via transmastoid approach from 2004 to 2012. RESULTS: In 14 patients, the House-Brackmann grade improved to 1, 2, or 3. The preoperative average House-Brackmann grade of 4.95 improved from 4.95 to the postoperative average House-Brackmann grade of 3.15. Statistically significant improvements were found in all groups whether the operation was performed within two weeks, or from two weeks to four weeks, or after four weeks. CONCLUSION: Postoperative results of facial nerve decompression in traumatic temporal bone fracture can be excellent. Surgeons can expect better outcomes with early diagnosis and lesser nerve damage.