Prognostic factors for development of distant metastases in surgically treated high-grade salivary gland carcinomas: results of retrospective single center study with 213 patients.

PURPOSE: Distant metastases (DM) are the primary cause of treatment failure and death of patients with salivary gland carcinomas (SGC). The purpose of present study was to evaluate factors predictive on DM development in a cohort of patients with high-grade salivary gland carcinomas. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients surgically treated with curative intention at the authors' institution from January 1993 to December 2018. Outcomes evaluated were overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS). RESULTS: A total of 213 patients, 117 males (55%) and 96 females (45%), were included in the study. Parotid gland malignancies accounted for 56% of all cases. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (119 cases; 56%) was the most common tumor type. Cumulative OS for the 5-and 10-year follow-up period was 80% and 58% respectively. DM occurred with 75 patients (35%). The most common locations for DM were lung (55 cases; 73%) and liver (12 cases; 16%). Pathological nodal status, particularly the number of metastatic nodes, was the independent prognostic factor for OS, DSS, RFS and DMFS. CONCLUSION: Number of metastatic lymph nodes, instead of extranodal extension and largest nodal diameter, was the contributing factor related to DMFS. Since the main function of staging system is to predict outcomes, the significance of extranodal extension and nodal dimension in salivary gland cancer staging system requires further clarification. The elective neck dissection could be considered therapeutic approach for high-grade SGC since occult metastases were detected in 33% of cases.

Pathological nodal status as a main predictive factor of survival and treatment outcomes of submandibular salivary gland cancers: A 25-year single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to explore the survival predictive factors and treatment outcomes in a cohort of SGC patients treated at a single center over a period of 25 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had received primary treatment for SGC were enroled. Outcomes evaluated were: overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DFS). RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with SGC were enroled in the study. The most common tumor was the adenoid cystic carcinoma (60% of cases). Cumulative OS for 5-and 10-year follow up period was 81% and 60%, respectively. Thirteen patients (32.5%) developed distant metastases during follow-up. Nodal status, high-grade histology, tumor stage and adjuvant radiation-therapy (RT) were significant variables on multivariate analysis for survival and treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Submandibular gland carcinomas represent rare and heterogenous tumor group regarding histological appearance and locoregional and distant metastatic potential. Tumor histological grade, AJCC tumor stage and nodal status were the strongest predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes. RT improved OS and locoregional treatment outcome, but not DFS. Elective neck dissection (END) could be beneficial for selected cases of SGC. Superselective neck dissection of levels I-IIa may be the level of dissection for END. Distant metastases were the main cause of death and treatment failure. Prognostic factors for poor DMFS were AJCC stage III and IV, high tumor grade and nodal status.

Predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes of patients with minor salivary gland malignancies: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to explore the incidence, pathology, clinical behaviour and evaluate factors predictive on survival and treatment outcomes in a cohort of patients with minor salivary gland (MiSG) malignancies treated at a single center over a period of 25 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had received primary treatment for MiSG malignancy during 25 years observation period were identified. Outcomes that were evaluated were overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DFS). RESULTS: A total of 88 patients with MSG malignancies were included in the study. The most common location for MiSG malignancies was the oral cavity (65 tumors; 77%). Cumulative OS for 5 and 10 year follow up period was 82% and 62% respectively. Cumulative DSS for 5 and 10 year follow up period was 85% and 73% respectively. Twenty one (23%) patients developed distant metastases during follow-up. High-grade pathology and tumor stage were significant variables on multivariate analysis for all survival and treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Minor salivary gland malignancies are minor only by name. Tumor histological grade, AJCC tumor stage and pT stage were the strongest predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes. The elective neck dissection could be considered therapeutic approach for selected cases of high grade MiSG malignancies. Distant metastases were the main cause of death and treatment failure.

Pathological tumor volume as a simple quantitative predictive factor of survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most common type of cancer in the world. Knowledge of prognostic factors of survival in OSCC is key. Several clinical and pathological prognostic factors have been investigated to develop a prognostic model of survival for patients with oral cancer. The present study focused on the association between pathological tumor volume (PTV) and overall survival time in patients with OSCC, regardless of cervical nodal status. The present study was a prospective study and covered 65 consecutive patients who received surgical treatment for oral cancer. The PTV was calculated according to dimensions of the postoperative specimen. Other pathological parameters as perineural and perivascular tumor spreading and extra-nodular propagation were also determined. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software. Cox PH regression model was built to analyze association between the PTV and survival time. Survival time was defined as the period from surgery to a target event or last contact. The results of the present study showed that PTV >4.24 cm3 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival time in patients with OSCC. The PTV value was higher in patients with metastasis and in patients with higher pathological tumor and node stage. In conclusion, PTV was an important pathological prognostic factor for survival in patients with OSCC.

Prognostic factors for descending necrotizing mediastinitis development in deep space neck infections-a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of deep neck infections (DNI). The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate prognostic factors for DNM development in deep space neck infections. METHODS: The study enrolled patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of multispace DNI with or without DNM either as the primary diagnosis or with discharged diagnosis after surgical treatment during 7-year period. The data were obtained from patient medical records. RESULTS: After final analysis total of 141 charts were randomized for statystical analysis, 124 charts in DNI and 17 in DNI + DNM groups. The most common cause of infection in both groups was odontogenic. On multivariate regression analysis of collected data infection of retropharyngeal, pretracheal and carotid space, C-reactive protein and procalcitonine values were statistically significant predictors for DNM development. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment and diagnosis of DNM requires multidisciplinary approach, with prompt clinical and radiological examinations, empirical broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and radical surgical debridement. Multispace neck infection and especially infection of retropharyngeal, carotid and pretracheal spaces are the most sensitive predictors for DNM development in deep space neck infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If the infection from deep neck spaces reach retropharyngeal, carotid or pretracheal space, the DNM is probable to occur. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04865003. Date of registration 27.4.2021.

Congenital Cervical Bronchogenic Cyst: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the embryonic foregut. They are caused by abnormal budding of diverticulum of the embryonic foregut between the 26th and 40th day of gestation. Bronchogenic cysts can appear in the mediastinum and pulmonary parenchyma, or at ectopic sites (neck, subcutaneous tissue or abdomen). So far, 70 cases of cervical localization of bronchogenic cysts have been reported. Majority of bronchogenic cysts have been diagnosed in the pediatric population. Bronchogenic cysts of the cervical area are generally asymptomatic and symptoms may occur if cysts become large or in case of infection of the cyst. The diagnosis is made based on clinical findings, radiological examination, but histopathologic findings are essential for establishing the final diagnosis. Treatment of cervical bronchogenic cyst involves surgical excision. CASE OUTLINE: Authors present a case of a 6-year-old female patient sent by a pediatrician to a maxillofacial surgeon due to asymptomatic lump on the left side of the neck. The patient had frequent respiratory infections and respiratory obstructions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck was performed and a well-circumscribed cystic formation on the left side of the neck was observed, with paratracheal location. The complete excision of the cyst was made transcervically. Histopathological findings pointed to bronchogenic cyst. CONCLUSION: Cervical bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital malformations. Considering the location, clinical findings and the radiological features, these cysts resemble other cervical lesions. Surgical treatment is important because it is both therapeutic and diagnostic. Reliable diagnosis of bronchogenic cysts is based on histopathological examination.

Eagle's syndrome - A report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Eagle's syndrome is defined as elongation of the styloid process or the stylohyoid ligament mineralization complex which consist of styloid process, stylohyoid ligament and lesser horn of hyoid bone. It is a rare entity, is not commonly suspected in clinical practice. It is characterized by recurrent facial and throat pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, parapharingeal foreign body sensation, otalgia and neck pain. Eagle's syndrome can be treated conservatively (lacing local anesthetic into the styloid process and stylomandibular ligament attachment) or surgically. Its pathogenesis and threatment modalities are still being debated while different theories have been presented. CASE REPORT: The two traditional surgical approaches to styloidectomy (removal of the elongated portion of the styloid process) were presented the intraoral approach and the extraoral approach. We presented two cases (49 years and 34 years old males), with bilateral and unilateral elongated styloid process. The surgical treatment included unilateral right side stiloidectomy by intraoral approach in the first case and right styloidectomy by extraoral approach in the second case. In both eases post-operative course passed regularly with no complaints at regular postoperative control. CONCLUSION: Surgical techniques for treatment of Eagle's syndrome have many advantages and disadvantages. We believe that the length of the styloid process or the calcified ligament is a decisive parameter for the selection of techniques and approach.

A 5-year retrospective analysis of necrotizing fasciitis--a single center experiences.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is usually an acute infection of superficial fascia with rapid progression in around soft tissue. If not promptly recognized and aggressively treated NF usualy leads to sepsis and multiorgan failure with fatal outcome, thus early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are crucial for healing of these patients. The aim of this article was to evaluate the clinical presentation of all patients with acute NF diagnosed and treated in surgical clinics of Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia. METHODS: The medical records of patients treated for acute NF localized on a different parts of the body in Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia, during a 5-year period (from January 2008 to December 2012) were retrospectively evaluated. This study enrolled patients admitted via Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of acute NF either as the primary diagnosis or with the diagnosis at discharge after surgical treatment. RESULTS: During a 5-year period there were 216 patients with final diagnosis of acute NF. Most of our patients (140-64.81%) were admitted with the initial diagnosis of cellulitis, abscesses, phlegmons or sepsis. Unfortunately, the clinical symptoms of acute NF were atypical at time of initial examination. Pain and swelling of the affected localization were the most presented bias of symptoms (183-84.72%). The majority of our patients were male (164-75.92%). Among the 216 patients, the most common pre-existing single factor was drug abuse (39-18.05%), followed by obesity (38-17.59%) and diabetes mellitus (31-14.35%). Trauma was most common etiological factor (22-10.8%) in infected wounds, followed by abdominal (15-6.94%) and orthopedic (11-5.09%) surgical intervention. In the present study idiopathic acute NF was diagnosed in 22 (10.18%) patients and more than one etiological factor were diagnosed in 20 (9.25%) patients. The majority of our pa- tients had type I acute NF (172-79.62%) with Streptococcal species as the most common microorganism (125-71.02%). The most common localization was an extremity (151-69.90%). The minority of our patients had head and neck lo- calization of infection (7-3.24%). Surgical treatment was performed in all the patients and most of them (183-84.72%) received the first surgery within 24 h. Other patients (23-10.64%) received operation after stabilization of general status or after getting the diagnosis of acute NF (unclear diagnosis on admission). During hospitalization, the most common complication among our patients was sepsis (156-72.22%). The mortality rate was 14.35%. CONCLUSION: Acute NF is a rare but very difficult and sometimes life-threatening disease of superficial fascia and around soft tissue. If acute NF is suspected, early radical excision of all the affected tissue with exploration and excision of superficial fascia with pathological and microbiological assessment are most significant for treatment. Appropriate antibiotics and intensive care set ting to manage other organ failure of NF are recommended at the same time with surgery.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a very rare familial disease with the predisposition to the development of malignant tumors, such as osteosarcoma, breast cancer, brain neoplasm, leukemia, and adrenal tumors. Inheritance is autosomal dominant and is caused by heterozygous mutations in the p53 gene. The diagnosis is based on clinical criteria: a person under the age of 45 years suffering from sarcoma, the closest relative younger than 45 years diagnosed with cancer and a relative of the first or second degree, which is up to 45 years, was diagnosed with cancer and was diagnosed with sarcoma at any age. CASE REPORT: The presented family with three members diagnosed with malignant disease typical for LFS suggests the need to carefully follow those diagnosed with LFS related tumor. A 24-year-old man diagnosed and treated for osteosarcoma of the maxilla died in the first year. His younger brother was submitted to surgery due to osteosarcoma of the mandible three years later, and a year later in his 24 year he had no signs of locoregional recurrence. Their mother was operated in 1996 for glioblastoma multiform brain cancer and ductal carcinoma, and died two years later at the age of 33. CONCLUSION: The presented family highlights the need for careful examination, inspection and notification of the risks of family members diagnosed with LFS related tumors.

[Infratemporal fossa schwannoma].

INTRODUCTION: Due to its contents and relations with neighboring regions, the infratemporal fossa has a great clinical significance. Primary tumors of this region, both benign and malignant, are rare, but they do require surgical treatment, which is determined by the size and localization of the tumor. CASE REPORT: The paper presents the case of a 72-year-old female patient who was referred to hospital for paresthesia in the left half of the face after having been found to have a tumor of left infratmeporal fossa by imaging methods. The tumor was completely removed by transfacial-transzygomatic approach and, according to histopathological findings, it was a schwannoma. The postoperative course was without complications and the patient did not have any discomforts at the check-up a month later. CONCLUSION: In addition to the accurate diagnosis, the success rate of the surgical treatment of tumors depends on the appropriate surgical approach to ensure the complete removal of the tumor while preserving the content of the infratemporal region.

[Chondroma of the skull base and maxilla].

INTRODUCTION: Chondromas are uncommon benign tumors of cartilaginous origin. Although chonodroma of the jaw is extremely rare, the commonly involved are the anterior portion of the maxilla, condyle and coronoid process. A chondroma is a painless, slow growing tumor causing destruction and exfoliation of teeth. On a radiograph, the tumor appears as a cyst-like radiolucent lesion, while some are sclerotic. The borders are usually ill-defined. Irregular calcifications may be seen with radiolucencies and then it is an osteochondroma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a patient with a resected and histologically proven chondroma of the skull base and maxilla. A 65-year-old female was admitted to our clinic with swelling and breathing difficulties. MRI showed a large soft tissue mass of the skull base and maxilla. Clinicopathological and radiological features were examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare, benign cartilaginous tumor that often occurs in the metaphyses of proximal tibia, proximal and distal femur and small bones of the foot. The differential diagnosis is wide and includes simple or aneyrismal bone cyst, giant cell tumor, nonossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, enchondroma, chondroblastoma, eosinophilic granuloma and fibrous cortical defect. Our case demonstrates an uncommon occurrence in the maxillary sinus: CMF with nasal, pterygoid and orbital infiltration. In the diagnosis of an intracranial chondrocytic tumor, it is important to distinguish it from enchondroma and chondrosarcoma. MR provides a detailed assessment of soft tissue masses of the craniofacial region, while CT offers superior analysis of bone structure involvement. The present case underlines the importance of MR examination in the diagnosis of soft tissue masses in the craniofacial region.

[Prenatal diagnosis of granular cell myoblastoma--a case report].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to present a case of prenatal diagnosis of a congenital tumor of the oral cavity diagnosed at 28 weeks of gestation. CASE REPORT: After the diagnosis of oral cavity tumor was made by 21) ultrasound, a 3D scan was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis revealing a peduncle at the upper border of maxilla. A detailed scan was performed and no additional anomalies were seen. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, confirming the diagnosis and the site of the tumor. Karyotype was previously done, and a normal female karyotype was found. Regular three-week follow-up scans were performed to follow the growth of the tumor, as well as the state of the amniotic fluid. No tumor growth was detected, and the amniotic fluid volume was normal until 39 weeks of gestation. Cesarean section was scheduled, due to the risk of tumor disruption during a vaginal delivery. A maxillofacial surgeon was present during an uneventful cesarean section and a complete surgical excision was done immediately after the baby was extracted and umbilical cord ligated. The histopathological diagnosis was: granular cell myoblastoma. The female newborn was developing normally, and at 5 months of age there were no traces of scarring at the place of the tumor. CONCLUSION: In cases of prenatal diagnosis of tumors of the oral cavity, where development of polyhydramnios can be expected, as well as difficulties with feeding and breathing after birth, it is important to make a plan for adequate follow-up and prompt surgical treatment immediately after birth.

[Regional metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip]. / Regionalne metastaze planocelularnog karcinoma donje usne.

INTRODUCTION: Lower lip squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral carcinoma. In relation to other oral carcinomas, it has a better clinical course. If regional metastases appear, lower lip carcinoma has a very poor prognosis. METHODS: This study included patients treated for lower lip squamous cell carcinoma in the period 1984-2001. We examined neck metastases and time of their appearance after operation of the primary neoplasm. RESULTS: Our retrospective study included 305 patients with lower lip carcinoma in a twelve-year period. Out of this number, 293 had no positive neck lymph nodes, and only 12 patients had (4%). More than 75% of metastases appeared in the first year after surgery of the primary neoplasm. Contra-lateral metastases were most common. CONCLUSION: Taking into consideration the percentage of metastases, particularly during the first year after surgery, we suggest identification of sentinel lymph nodes and depending on PH finding one should decide about the type of neck operation. Frequent check-ups are necessary, especially during the first year.

[Reconstruction of the esophagus with a jejunal segment--case report]. / Rekonstrukcija jednjaka jejunalnim reznjem--prikaz slucaja.

INTRODUCTION: Portions of gastrointestinal tract may be used as microvascular transfers for reconstruction of hypopharynx and esophagus. Colon, jejunum and portions of stomach have also been successfully used. Intestinal transfer by revascularization was reported by Seidenberg in 1959, long before the development of other free tissue transfers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: When an appropriate piece of jejunum is being selected for transfer, the important considerations are its shape and its vascular supply. Because of multiple curves of jejunum, it is difficult to obtain straight lengths longer than 12-15 cm without separating it from its mesentery at both ends. DISCUSSION: Mucous production is very important in the first postoperative days. When edema decreases and patients can swallow fluids well, oral intake can gradually be increased to full fluids and eventual regular diet. It is important to monitor jejunum following its transfer. Anastomosis thrombosis and unrecognized gangrene of jejunum may cause serious neck infections. CONCLUSION: Portions of gastrointestinal tract may be used as microvascular transfers for reconstruction of hypopharynx and esophagus. Intestinal transfer by revascularization was reported by Seidenberg in 1959. It is important to monitor jejunum following its transfer.