Giant Sublingual, Submental, and Lingual Dermoid Cyst Restricting Tongue Movement Undiagnosed for Several Years.

(1) Background: Dermoid cysts occurring in the sublingual space are uncommon, typically manifesting as painless, gradually enlarging masses, usually not exceeding 3 cm in diameter. These cysts can resemble various conditions due to their clinical presentation, with a relatively low occurrence rate in the oral cavity, accounting for about 1.6% of all dermoid cysts. (2) Methods: We present the case of a 17-year-old female with a giant dermoid cyst involving the submental, sublingual, and lingual areas, undiagnosed for several years. Diagnosis was achieved through MRI and fine-needle aspiration, leading to the decision for surgical removal through a cervical approach. (3) Results: The healing process was uneventful. From the first day post-surgery, the patient began myofunctional therapy, successfully regaining proper tongue functions. Throughout a 24-month follow-up, the patient remained symptom-free. (4) Conclusions: A cervical approach can successfully treat giant oral dermoid cysts involving submental, sublingual, and lingual spaces. Tongue function can be successfully regained through myofunctional therapy after surgical treatment.

"Air Sign" in Misdiagnosed Mandibular Fractures Based on CT and CBCT Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic errors constitute one of the reasons for the improper and often delayed treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this study was to present a series of cases involving undiagnosed concomitant secondary fractures in the mandibular body during preoperative diagnostics. Additionally, this study aimed to describe the "air sign" as an indirect indicator of a mandibular body fracture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of CT/CBCT scans conducted before surgery was performed on patients misdiagnosed with a mandibular body fracture within a one-year period. RESULTS: Among the 75 patients who underwent surgical treatment for mandibular fractures, mandibular body fractures were missed in 3 cases (4%) before surgery. The analysis of CT/CBCT before surgery revealed the presence of an air collection, termed the "air sign", in the soft tissue adjacent to each misdiagnosed fracture of the mandibular body. CONCLUSIONS: The "air sign" in a CT/CBCT scan may serve as an additional indirect indication of a fracture in the mandibular body. Its presence should prompt the surgeon to conduct a more thorough clinical examination of the patient under general anesthesia after completing the ORIF procedure in order to rule-out additional fractures.

Risk Factors for Orbital Invasion in Malignant Eyelid Tumors, Is Orbital Exenteration Still Necessary?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor of the eyelids in Caucasians, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma. The primary treatment for these tumors is radical excision. In cases where malignant eyelid tumors are advanced and have invaded the orbit, orbital exenteration is necessary. In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the correlation between the risk of orbital infiltration and various factors like tumor location, size, histological type, and patient age. This study revealed that tumors in multiple regions increased the risk of orbital infiltration by 3.75 times. Tumors with a diameter of 21-30 mm raised the likelihood of requiring exenteration by 15.5 times compared to smaller tumors (up to 10 mm). Age was also associated with the likelihood of orbital invasion in periocular tumors. Interestingly, no correlation was found between the histological type of the tumor and the risk of orbital infiltration. Notably, the conjunctiva of the eyeball was the most commonly infiltrated orbital structure, followed by the orbital fat. Timely treatment and well-planned procedures are crucial for patients with malignant periocular skin tumors to avoid multiple reoperations and the potential need for orbital exenteration.

Stylohyoid Chain Syndrome (Eagle Syndrome) in Conjunction with Carotid Artery Dissection: A Case Report of Surgical Treatment.

(1) Background: "Eagle Syndrome", also known as "stylalgia" or a "stylohyoid chain anomaly", typically manifests with ipsilateral orofacial pain, a foreign body sensation in the throat, and ear-related symptoms. Despite these common presentations, its potential association with carotid artery dissection is not widely acknowledged. (2) Methods: This article presents an extremely rare case of a patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere, followed by the dissection of the left internal carotid artery, initially with an unidentified cause. Subsequent examinations revealed elongated left styloid processes directly compressing the dissected artery. (3) Results: After initial treatment involving pharmacological and mechanical thrombectomy, styloidectomy restored blood flow to the internal carotid artery. The patient remained symptom-free during a 12-month follow-up. (4) Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of considering anatomical variations within the stylohyoid chain when assessing young individuals with neurological symptoms. Furthermore, it underscores the potential benefits of early surgical intervention in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Minimally Invasive Cervical Styloidectomy in Stylohyoid Syndrome (Eagle Syndrome).

(1) Background: Stylohyoid syndrome, known as classical Eagle Syndrome (cES), is characterized by calcification of the stylohyoid chain with numerous nonspecific symptoms, mainly pain. This study introduces minimally invasive cervical styloidectomy (MICS). (2) Methods: MICS was performed on sixty-five patients diagnosed with classical Eagle Syndrome. Patients underwent meticulous differential diagnosis. Surgical plans were established based on the findings from neck angioCT. (3) Results: The healing process was uneventful, without significant complications. The overall success rate was 97.0%, with a follow-up of a minimum of six months. In one case, the surgery did not yield the desired improvement. In one case, a partial relapse of symptoms was observed. (4) Conclusions: MICS is a straightforward and efficient surgical treatment technique for stylohyoid syndrome.

Surgical Treatment of Sublingual Gland Ranulas.

Introduction Ranulas are divided into oral (OR) and plunging (PR) and comprise the most common pathology of the sublingual gland. This study presents a case series of patients operated due to OR and PR within different type of modalities in a 1-year period. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the optimal surgical treatment of ranulas based on our results as well as in the literature review. Methods The medical charts of 7 patients with sublingual gland ranulas treated in 2020 were reviewed. Results The median age of the patients was 19. Three patients with OR were treated by marsupialization, micromarsupialization, and sublingual gland excision. Four patients with PR were operated via cervical approach in three cases and intraoral approach in one case. No recurrence was observed in 14 months of follow-up, on average. Conclusion Micromarsupialization should be consider as the primary treatment for OR. In case of recurrent OR and primary or recurrent PR, the best results might be obtained by radical excision of the sublingual gland, which can be performed without resection of the ranula sac with the intraoral approach.

Myoepithelial Carcinoma Arising in a Salivary Duct Cyst of the Parotid Gland: Case Presentation.

Cystic lesions observed in parotid glands are relatively rare and comprise 2-5% of all parotid primaries. A salivary duct cyst (SDC) is a true cyst representing 10% of all salivary gland cysts. The risk of malignant transformation of SDC's epithelium is extremely rare. In the literature, only three cases of carcinoma ex SDC of the parotid gland are described. This report presents the first in the literature case of myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) arising from a parotid SDC. A 75-year-old male patient was referred to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland due to a cystic tumor arising from the right parotid gland. Superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation was performed. Histological examination confirmed a rare case of MECA emerging from the SDC. The immunohistochemical profile of MECA ex SDC was presented. During 6 months of the follow-up, local recurrence or distant metastasis was not observed.

The Influence of Preventive Activities on Stress Perception among Dentistry Students in the Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the strengthening of the earlier stressors and the appearance of new pandemic-related stressors. Many students of dentistry fit the profile of a group who are particularly susceptible to stress related to the pandemic. Thus, it was necessary to implement preventive activities, reducing their stress perception. This was understood as a means of significantly influencing the student's well-being, thus improving the quality of education. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impacts of implemented preventive activities on stress perception among students of dentistry during the pandemic, as well as their influence on this assessment of the selected students' personal experiences regarding the pandemic. METHODS: The study was performed one year after the outbreak of the pandemic on students of dentistry at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. It consisted of the completion of a self-designed, voluntary, anonymous, online questionnaire. The respondent's task was to assess the influences of implemented preventive activities on stress perception using a five-point scale. The activities were divided into external (national, global) and internal (institutional). The material was statistically analysed for all students, including pre-clinical and clinical groups. Additionally, the impact of the selected students' personal experiences regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on the assessment was studied. RESULTS: All preventive activities (in total) significantly reduced stress perception (p ≤ 0.001), but the intensity of their impacts (mean rank) was different. The most highly assessed activities were all external preventive activities, with the greatest intensity belonging to the prospect of receiving vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The remaining external activities were the prospect of developing an effective COVID-19 treatment and the increase in knowledge about SARS-CoV-2. The internal activities were assessed and ascribed lower positions, with the exception of the theoretical classes held online. This activity was placed slightly lower than the highest-rated activity, the prospect of receiving vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The studied preventive activities reduced stress perception with different levels of intensity. The highest-ranked activities were external activities. One exception was the theoretical classes held online, an internal activity. Due to the lower impact of the internal activities and the ability to modify them by the educators, there is a need to strengthen their effectiveness. The possibility of monitoring and tailoring some preventive activities to the students' needs was the practical aspect of the conducted study. Students' personal experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their assessment of the preventive activities, in some cases significantly.

Extraparotid Warthin Tumors Imitating Metastasis of Oral Cancers.

Introduction Extraparotid Warthin tumor (WT) is a very rare entity, especially when synchronous with oral cancer (OC). Objective The present study presents a case series of extraparotid WTs detected in the surgical specimen of patients treated for OC. Methods From 2007 to 2016, 336 patients were operated for OC in our institution. Neck dissection was performed in 306 patients. Results In the 306 patients operated for OC whose necks were dissected, unexpected WTs were observed in 4 surgical neck specimens. In 3 cases, extraparotid WTs were responsible for tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) overstaging before surgery. Conclusion Extraparotid WTs may be discovered during neck dissection in ∼ 1% of OC patients, and they may mimic neck metastasis, especially in positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging.

Primary basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland mimicking metastasis of basal cell carcinoma of the contralateral periorbital region: case report.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) in the head and neck area is extremely rare. World Health Organization defined BSCC as a high-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma composed both of basaloid and squamous components. Due to its histologic similarity to other parotid gland malignancies it can be easily misdiagnosed. We report first case of BSCC arising from parotid gland in Europe and second in the world literature. A 72-year-old female patient was referred to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the Jagiellonian University in Poland due to the tumor arising from the right parotid gland. Patient had history of multiple excisions of recurrent basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the left periorbital region. We performed total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) was carried out, and the patient received 70 Gy in 30 fractions on the parotid gland area due to the fact that the tumor adhered to the facial nerve trunk and branches, additionally 60 Gy on the neck area in I, II and III levels. To distinguish the tumor of the parotid gland from the possible metastasis from BCC of the left medial canthal region previous histopathological slides were also reexamined and compared with histopathological examination of removed parotid gland tumor. Histological examination confirmed a rare case of BSCC arising from the parotid gland. 14 months of the follow up did not show local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Feasibility of dpFAMM flap in tongue reconstruction after facial vessel ligation and radiotherapy-case presentation.

BACKGROUND: Salvage surgery with reconstruction of the second and next primary tongue cancer remains difficult, especially after earlier neck dissection and radiotherapy. In the current report, we describe the feasibility of the extended, double-pedicled facial artery musculomucosal (dpFAMM) flap in the reconstruction of the patient with second primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma, after facial vessel ligation and radiotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old female patient was operated on due to tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the left side T3N1M0 in 2019. Bilateral selective neck dissection with tongue reconstruction was performed by island FAMM flap. The patient also suffered from synchronous mucinous breast carcinoma treated with tamoxifen. The second primary SCC of the tongue on the opposite (right) side was detected in 2020. The patient did not agree to surgical treatment; therefore, radiotherapy was performed. The local recurrence of the tongue cancer of the right side was treated surgically in 2021. Salvage surgery comprised hemiglossectomy and dpFAMM flap reconstruction with uneventful postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case presentation proved that dpFAMM flap can be used in salvage surgery and reconstruction even in patients after ligation of facial vessels, irradiation, and in the course of hormone therapy. The flap is easy to handle, has good vascularity, and comprises a predictable method of reconstruction, especially for patients with severe comorbidities.

Fractures of the Craniofacial Skeleton in the Elderly: Retrospective Studies.

The aim of the retrospective analysis of the medical documentation of 101 patients was to assess the incidence, etiology, and type of craniofacial fractures in the elderly population of southern Poland, who required specialist treatment at the Department of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland, in the period 2010-2019. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older. The following was noted: age, sex, place of residence, education, cause and location of fracture, treatment, injuries and comorbidities, complications, alcohol and other drugs at the time of injury, and the period of hospitalization. The dominant group were patients aged 65-74 (72.28%), mainly males (56.44%). The main cause was fall (47.52%). The fractures involved mainly the mandible and the zygomaticomaxillary complex. Over half of patients (50.50%) lived in the countryside or small towns. Work tool-related accidents prevailed among geriatric patients living in small towns and rural areas. Craniofacial fractures were additionally accompanied by common complications regarding the organ of vision. Further studies analyzing factors leading to increased risk of craniofacial injuries in the elderly of the rural population will enable proper support programs, prophylaxis, and principles concerning agricultural activities.

Differences in actin expression between primary and recurrent facial basal cell carcinomas as a prognostic factor of local recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Due to a relatively high recurrence rate of facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), its morbidity is very significant. AIM: To analyse the expression of α-SMA, E-cadherin, Ber-Ep4 and MOC-31 as predictors of local recurrence in a group of patients with primary and recurrent BCCs of the face in correlation with histological and clinical data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study cohort included 79 patients with facial BCC (52 with primary BCC and 27 with recurrent BCC) who were treated at the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow in 1997-2009. RESULTS: Significant risk factors for local recurrence included: recurrent tumour (p = 0.001), multifocal BCC (p = 0.01), incomplete tumour excision (p = 0.02) and the aggressive infiltrating histologic subtype of BCC (p = 0.05). In the group of primary BCCs, positive expression of stromal α-SMA (p = 0.03) correlated with a statistically significant higher recurrence rate and so did positive expression of α-SMA in tumour cells of recurrent BCC (p = 0.002). In the group of primary aggressive BCC subtypes, reduced expression of MOC-31 was also associated with a higher rate of relapse (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide information about α-SMA and MOC-31 expression in primary and recurrent BCCs. These data may contribute to the formulation of a more targeted treatment plan and follow-up strategy for patients with facial basal cell carcinoma.

Extended, Double-Pedicled Facial Artery Musculomucosal (dpFAMM) Flap in Tongue Reconstruction in Edentulous Patients: Preliminary Report and Flap Design.

Backgroundand Objectives: The reconstruction of tongue defects after cancer resection is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap and the myomucosal buccinator flap (Bozola flap) are important tools in the reconstruction of intraoral defects. In this study, we describe the combination of both flaps-the extended, double-pedicled FAMM (dpFAMM) flap-and present clinical results of the reconstruction of moderate tongue defects in edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: a tongue defect, after squamous cell carcinoma excision, was reconstructed with the dpFAMM flap in 5 patients. Most of them received postoperative radiotherapy. Results: the healing process was uneventful in all patients. We did not observe flap necrosis or venous congestion. Tongue mobility, speech and swallowing were satisfactory. Conclusions: In conclusion, the dpFAMM flap is a good alternative in the reconstruction of moderate defects of the lateral part of the tongue. The flap is easy to harvest and has a good vascularity. This is a predictable method of reconstruction, especially for elderly patients with numerous comorbidities.

Miofrenuloplasty for Full Functional Tongue Release in Ankyloglossia in Adults and Adolescents-Preliminary Report and Step-by-Step Technique Showcase.

Background and Objectives: Ankyloglossia is a functional term describing limitations of motor activity of the tongue due to the embryological malformation of the lingual frenulum. The lingual frenulum has a complex, three-dimensional structure, it is not only a mucosal fold, which connects the ventral surface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Such knowledge forced us to develop more advanced techniques for tongue release in ankyloglossia. The aim of this study is to describe a novel, precise surgical technique for tongue release. Materials and Methods: Miofrenuloplasty was performed in six patients with impaired tongue movements due to anatomical limitations. All of them were prepared for surgery and evaluated after the procedure by a speech therapist. Results: The healing process was uneventful in all patients. We did not observe any major complications. Tongue mobility and neck muscle tension improved significantly in all cases. In one case, the speech improvement was minor. Conclusions: Miofrenuloplasty is an advanced, but effective and highly predictable procedure for full functional tongue release in cases caused by MFGG complex. It should be done by experienced surgeon.

Turban Tumor Syndrome: In Search of a Gold Standard - A Case Report.

Turban tumor syndrome (TTS) is a rare condition characterized by predisposition to developing multiple adnexal tumors. It is the rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis that is associated with the mutation of the CYLD suppressor gene. We herein report rare TTS in an adult who suffered from numerous episodic ulcerations of the scalp tumors and frequent bleeding following a minor trauma. The plain radiograms of the skull excluded bone marrow infiltration, and no regional lymphadenopathy was noted. The patient underwent total scalp excision and split skin grafting under general anesthesia in a single-stage operation. Recovery was uneventful. No recurrence was observed during the 2-year follow-up. Due to a high recurrence rate and risk of neoplastic transformation, surgery should be considered as the gold standard.

Comparison of the results of the treatment of enophthalmos in orbital blowout fracture in children/adolescents and adults.

BACKGROUND: Orbital fractures are common injuries in adults and children. Although the mechanism of blowout fracture is generally similar regardless of age, due to differences in anatomy, clinical symptoms of these fractures vary in the 2 groups of patients. Numerous articles describe the methods of orbital reconstruction leading to enophthalmos correction; however, the current literature lacks articles presenting the comparison of enophthalmos treatment results in adults and children with orbital blowout fracture. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the treatment of enophthalmos in orbital blowout fracture in children/adolescents and adults with regard to the location of the fracture, the time from the injury to surgical treatment, the type of surgical procedure, and the donor location of an autogenous bone graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The treatment results of 2 groups were compared: 530 adults (patients over 18 years of age; 18-77 years; average age: 34 years); and 200 children/adolescents (4-18 years; average age: 12.1 years). Data was obtained retrospectively through a review of the medical history of patients treated for a fracture of the orbital floor and/or medial wall in our department in the years 1975-2015. RESULTS: In patients with post-traumatic enophthalmos, the correct positioning of the eyeball was achieved in 313 adults (59.1%) and 139 children (69.5%), improvement in 159 adults (30%) and 49 children (24.5%), and no improvement in 58 adults (10.9%) and 12 children (6%). Recovery after surgical treatment was achieved in 311 adults (60.9%) and 94 children (52.8%), improvement in 120 adults (23.5%) and 59 children (33.1%), and no improvement in 80 adults (15.7%) and 25 children (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between post-traumatic enophthalmos and the location of the fracture was more significantly marked in the adult group. In cases that required bone graft reconstruction, better results were achieved in adults. Cite as.

Epidemiology of Primary Epithelial Salivary Gland Tumors in Southern Poland-A 26-Year, Clinicopathologic, Retrospective Analysis.

(1) Background: Epidemiological studies of epithelial salivary gland neoplasms are difficult to conduct effectively due to tumor rarity, histological heterogeneity, tumor location diversity, and a lack of national registries collecting data. This study presents 26 years of epidemiological data from a single institution in southern Poland that estimates incidence rates of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors. (2) Methods: The charts of 805 patients with epithelial salivary gland tumors were retrospectively reviewed. (3) Results: Pleomorphic adenomas occurred less frequently in elderly patients; however, Warthin tumors were more common (p < 0.001). Pediatric patients mainly suffered from mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The estimated crude and European age-standardized incidence rates of all primary epithelial salivary gland tumors were 6.7 and 6.02 per 100,000 population, respectively. The incidence rates of salivary gland tumors increased in recent years; however, this is attributed to an increase in benign tumors (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The incidence of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors in southern Poland has increased over the past 26 years. This increase is attributed to a rise in the number of patients with benign tumors, particularly Warthin tumors in elderly patients. Moreover, the incidence of malignant salivary gland tumors appears to be higher in pediatric patients.

Analysis of complications after the removal of 339 third molars.

BACKGROUND: Extractions of third molars constitute about 90% of the scheduled surgical procedures performed by oral surgeons. Wisdom tooth surgery is associated with complications, such as the lingual and inferior alveolar nerve damage, bleeding, tooth/jaw fractures, tooth displacement into the adjacent anatomical spaces, trismus, infections, and other. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze complications after wisdom tooth extraction in patients treated at the Department of Oral Surgery of Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, Poland, in the years 2016-2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 339 patients treated in the outpatient setting was performed. The inclusion criterion comprised a single extraction of a third molar. The exclusion criteria were multiple extractions, comorbidities and pregnancy. No antibiotic prophylaxis was used. The incidence of post-extraction complications, such as oroantral communication, postoperative hematoma, acute inflammation of the surrounding tissues, trismus, and transient paresthesia in relation to patient gender and age, the developmental stage and location of the removed tooth as well as the type of surgery were studied. RESULTS: Perioperative complications occurred in 51 (15.0%) cases, and comprised the acute inflammation of the surrounding tissues in 31 patients, trismus after the removal of 13 lower third molars, oroantral communication after the extraction of 5 upper wisdom teeth, and hematoma as well as a transient sensory alteration of the lingual nerve in 1 case each. Complications were more common in patients who had a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth with root separation and in cases of lower third molar extractions. No statistically significant correlation was found between the patients' age or gender, the developmental stage of the extracted tooth and the number of observed complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lower third molars and the necessity of surgical extraction with root separation are risk factors for postoperative complications in patients who require wisdom tooth removal. Complications after the removal of third molars are most often inflammatory.

Surgical treatment of enophthalmos in children and adolescents with pure orbital blowout fracture.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated outcomes of surgical treatment for enophthalmos after pediatric orbital blowout fracture. Associations of fracture type, fracture site, time from injury to treatment, and type of surgical procedure with treatment outcomes were assessed. METHODS: The medical records of 200 children and adolescents (38 girls and 162 boys) with orbital fractures treated in the authors' department from 1975 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. The main causes of injury were accidental blows to the orbit and sports injuries. This study included only patients with fracture of the floor and/or medial wall of the orbit, which is referred to in the English literature as pure, or internal, blowout fracture. Patients with fracture of the orbital rim, lateral wall, or roof were excluded. Surgical treatment was performed for 178 patients; the other 22 children were treated conservatively. RESULTS: In the surgically treated group, treatment outcomes did not differ in relation to the severity of post-traumatic enophthalmos. The setting of the eyeball improved in 83% of patients. CONCLUSION: The severity of post-traumatic enophthalmos was not associated with surgical outcome in children.