Cheek alveolar soft part sarcoma recurrence at the primary site during follow-up: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) occurs most often in the deep muscles or fascia of the extremities in adults, with only 3.4% of these tumours originating from the head, face and neck. To date, only 17 cases of buccal ASPS have been reported, including the case presented here. Only one case of ASPS recurrence at the primary site, similar to our case, has been reported thus far. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis)-associated diabetes, with an estimated incidence of 0.43%, is usually seen in older cancer patients and has not been reported in younger people or in patients with ASPS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old male patient presented with a slowly progressing right cheek mass with a clinical history of approximately 28 months. Sonographic imaging revealed a hypoechoic mass, which was considered a benign tumour. However, a pathological diagnosis of ASPS was made after excision of the mass. Five days later, functional right cervical lymph node dissection was performed. No other adjuvant therapy was administered after surgery. In a periodic follow-up of the patient six months later, blood-rich tumour growth was noted at the primary site, and Positron emission tomography-computedtomography (PET-CT) ruled out distant metastasis in other areas. The patient was referred to the Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University. Due to the large extent of the mass, the patient received a combination of a Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1(PD-L1) inhibitor and a targeted drug. Unfortunately, the patient developed three episodes of severe diabetic ketoacidosis after the administration of the drugs. A confirmed diagnosis of ICPis-associated diabetes was confirmed. After the second operation, the postoperative pathological diagnosis was ASPS, and the margins were all negative. Therefore, we made a final clinical diagnosis of ASPS recurrence at the primary site. Currently in the follow-up, the patient is alive, has no distant metastases, and undergoes multiple imaging examinations every 3 months for the monitoring of their condition. CONCLUSIONS: In analysing the characteristics of all previously reported cases of buccal ASPS, it was found that the clinical history ranged from 1 to 24 months, with a mean of approximately 3 to 9 months. Tumour recurrence at the primary site has been reported in only one patient with buccal ASPS, and the short-term recurrence in our patient may be related to the extraordinarily long 28-month history. ICPis-associated diabetes may be noted in young patients with rare tumours, and regular insulin level monitoring after use is necessary.

Prognostic importance of modified geriatric nutritional risk index in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

We probed the associations of preoperative modified geriatric nutritional risk index (mGNRI) values with prognosis in patients receiving surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 333 patients with OCSCC and undergoing surgery between 2008 and 2017. The preoperative mGNRI was calculated using the following formula: (14.89/C-reactive protein level) + 41.7 × (actual body weight/ideal body weight). We executed receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to derive the optimal mGNRI cutoff and employed Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard model to probe the associations of the mGNRI with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The optimal mGNRI cutoff was derived to be 73.3. We noted the 5-year OS and DFS rates to be significantly higher in the high-mGNRI group than in the low-mGNRI group (both p < 0.001). A preoperative mGNRI below 73.3 was independently associated with unfavorable DFS and OS. A mGNRI-based nomogram was constructed to provide accurate OS predictions (concordance index, 0.781). Hence, preoperative mGNRI is a valuable and cost-effective prognostic biomarker in patients with OCSCC. Our nomogram facilitates the practical use of mGNRI and offers individualized predictions of OS.

Prognostic impact of elective tracheotomy in resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Elective tracheotomy is commonly performed in resected oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to maintain airway patency. However, the indications for this procedure vary among surgeons. This nationwide study evaluated the impact of tracheotomy on both the duration of in-hospital stay and long-term survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. METHODS: A total of 18,416 patients with OCSCC were included in the analysis, comprising 7981 patients who underwent elective tracheotomy and 10,435 who did not. The primary outcomes assessed were 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). To minimize potential confounding factors, a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis was performed on 4301 patients from each group. The duration of hospital stay was not included as a variable in the PS-matched analysis. RESULTS: Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had significantly lower 5-year DSS and OS rates compared to those without (71% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001; 62% vs. 75%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified tracheotomy as an independent adverse prognostic factor for 5-year DSS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.03-1.18], p = 0.0063) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.04-1.17], p = 0.0015). In the PS-matched cohort, the 5-year DSS was 75% for patients with tracheotomy and 76% for those without (p = 0.1488). Five-year OS rates were 66% and 67%, respectively (p = 0.0808). Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had a significantly longer mean hospital stay compared to those without (23.37 ± 10.56 days vs. 14.19 ± 8.34 days; p < 0.0001). Following PS matching, the difference in hospital stay duration between the two groups remained significant (22.34 ± 10.25 days vs. 17.59 ± 9.54 days; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: While elective tracheotomy in resected OCSCC patients may not significantly affect survival, it could be associated with prolonged hospital stays.

Novel prognostic nomograms for postoperative patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in the central region of China.

BACKGROUND: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is the most common pathological type in oral tumors. This study intends to construct a novel prognostic nomogram model based on China populations for these resectable OCSCC patients, and then validate these nomograms. METHODS: A total of 607 postoperative patients with OCSCC diagnosed between June 2012 and June 2018 were obtained from two tertiary medical institutions in Xinxiang and Zhengzhou. Then, 70% of all the cases were randomly assigned to the training group and the rest to the validation group. The endpoint time was defined as overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The nomograms for predicting the 3-, and 5-year OS and DFS in postoperative OCSCC patients were established based on the independent prognostic factors, which were identified by the univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. A series of indexes were utilized to assess the performance and net benefit of these two newly constructed nomograms. Finally, the discrimination capability of OS and DFS was compared between the new risk stratification and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage by Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: 607 postoperative patients with OCSCC were selected and randomly assigned to the training cohort (n = 425) and validation cohort (n = 182). The nomograms for predicting OS and DFS in postoperative OCSCC patients had been established based on the independent prognostic factors. Moreover, dynamic nomograms were also established for more convenient clinical application. The C-index for predicting OS and DFS were 0.691, 0.674 in the training group, and 0.722, 0.680 in the validation group, respectively. Besides, the calibration curve displayed good consistency between the predicted survival probability and actual observations. Finally, the excellent performance of these two nomograms was verified by the NRI, IDI, and DCA curves in comparison to the AJCC stage system. CONCLUSION: The newly established and validated nomograms for predicting OS and DFS in postoperative patients with OCSCC perform well, which can be helpful for clinicians and contribute to clinical decision-making.

Effect of Acoustic Environment in Wards on Postoperative Rehabilitation in Patients with Oral Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The increase in patient flow, replacement of medical equipment, and variations in surrounding environments induce increasingly serious acoustic environment problems in hospitals. This study aims to provide additional bases for the formulation of subsequent management plans in clinical practice by analyzing the influence of the acoustic environment in wards and the postoperative rehabilitation effect among patients with oral cancer. METHODS: The medical records of 210 patients with oral cancer undergoing surgical treatment in Jinan Stomatological Hospital from February 2020 to October 2022 were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients with the acoustic environment in wards >55 and ≤55 dB were classified as groups A and B, respectively, according to the acoustic environment in wards. The effects of the acoustic environment in wards on postoperative blood pressure, blood viscosity, and blood glucose fluctuation (BGF) were observed to further analyze their relationship. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in indices such as preoperative systolic pressure (SP), diastolic pressure (DP), cardiac output (CO), postoperative CO, total cholesterol, and low- and high-density lipoproteins between the two groups (P > 0.05). The SP, DP, whole blood low-shear viscosity (WBLSV), whole blood middle-shear viscosity (WBMSV), whole blood high-shear viscosity (WBHSV), and BGF in group B were significantly lower than group A (P < 0.05). Correlation results showed that the total mean value of the acoustic environment in wards was positively correlated with SP, DP, WBLSV, WBMSV, WBHSV, and BGF (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high acoustic environment in wards is significantly positively correlated with postoperative blood pressure, blood viscosity, and BGF in patients with oral cancer. The hospital should focus on and strengthen the management of the acoustic environment in wards, providing additional schemes to promote the postoperative recovery of patients with oral cancer.

Letter to the editor regarding, "Beneath the surface: A systematic review on intraoperative imaging techniques for deep margin assessment in oral squamous cell carcinoma".

Surgical methods for oral squamous cell carcinoma have the potential to improve patient outcomes with the integration of modern imaging tools for deep margin evaluation. This articlesummarises the potential benefits of MRI, FMI, and ultrasound modalities for improving surgical accuracy, based on a wide range of research. Theuses of intraoperative imaging in oral pathology are also covered, along with difficulties including ethical and technological constraints. Important insights to direct future research and implementation efforts in the field of oral cancer surgery are provided, which also examines implications for clinical education and innovation.

Comparing the clinical outcomes of initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy with a dosage of 6600 cGy or higher in cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes of two treatment modalities, initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy (RT), in Taiwanese patients diagnosed with cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, we analyzed data for 13,542 cT1-2N0M0 patients who underwent initial surgery (n = 13,542) or definitive RT with a dosage of at least 6600 cGy (n = 145) for the treatment of OCSCC. To account for baseline differences, we employed propensity score (PS) matching, resulting in two well-balanced study groups (initial surgery, n = 580; definitive RT, n = 145). RESULTS: Before PS matching, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 88% for the surgery group and 58% for the RT group. After PS matching, the 5-year DSS rates of the two groups were 86% and 58%, respectively. Similarly, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates before PS matching were 80% for the surgery group and 36% for the RT group, whereas after PS matching, they were 73% and 36%, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A multivariable analysis identified treatment with RT, older age, stage II tumors, and a higher burden of comorbidities as independent risk factors for both DSS and OS. We also examined the 5-year outcomes for various subgroups (margin ≥5 mm, margin <5 mm, positive margins, RT combined with chemotherapy, and RT alone) as follows: DSS, 89%/88%/79%/63%/51%, respectively, p < 0.0001; OS, 82%/79%/68%/39%/32%, respectively, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwanese patients with cT1-2N0M0 OCSCC, a remarkably low proportion (1.1%) completed definitive RT. A significant survival disparity of 30% was observed between patients who underwent initial surgery and those who received definitive RT. Interestingly, even patients from the surgical group with positive surgical margins exhibited a significantly superior survival compared to those in the definitive RT group.

Reconstruction of Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Oral Commissure With Hatchet-Shaped Flap.

The mouth is a unique and prominent element of the lower face. Given the complex anatomy, aesthetic appearance, and function of the oral commissure, its reconstruction due to various causes presents a significant challenge for surgeons. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of all oral cancers. Wide excision is the treatment of choice, and the prognosis is generally favorable. We encountered a case of SCC of the right oral commissure in a 69-year-old man. We designed a hatchet-shaped flap to minimize anatomical disruption and, as a result, achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of both functionality and aesthetics.

Submental Artery Perforator Flap Drained Solely With the Vena Comitans of Facial Artery.

BACKGROUND: The submental artery perforator flap (SMAPF) is an alternative to reconstruct oral and maxillofacial defects secondary to oral cancers. However, vascular anomalies or surgical damage often lead to vascular crises or harvest failure. Our clinical findings suggest that the vena comitans of the facial artery (cFA) very commonly exist. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of the cFA as a sole venous reflux route for the SMAPF. METHOD: The patients were from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University. All patients were treated for oral cancer between January 2016 and September 2022. Seventeen SMAPFs were successfully raised to reconstruct the postoperative defects, of which 7 had cFA as the sole reflux route. RESULTS: The size of the flaps varied from 4.0×3.0 cm to 12.0×3.0 cm. All flaps survived. Patients were followed from 1 month to 5 years. Satisfactory restoration of contour and functional outcomes were achieved at the recipient sites. The scars were well camouflaged in the submental region. No local or regional recurrence was detected during follow-up. Patients had an overall 2-year survival rate of 100% with no suspected flaps-related recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The cFA as the sole venous reflux route for SMAPF is reliable for flap harvesting and is applicable for immediate defect reconstruction secondary to cancer resection.

Systematic review of minimally-invasive reconstructive options for oral cavity defects.

The oral cavity is a primary site for malignant neoplasms of the head and neck region. Surgery, with or without adjuvant therapy, offers the highest probability of cure by focusing on radical tumour removal and organ function restoration. Reconstructive options are represented by local and free flaps, while small defects can be managed without reconstruction. For medium-sized defects without bone involvement, local flaps can be a good alternative to free flaps in selected patients. The purposes of this article are to analyse the main minimally-invasive reconstructive techniques in oral cancer surgery through a systematic review of the literature and develop a reconstructive algorithm based on the site and size of the defect. We defined minimally-invasive reconstruction as any reconstructive option not involving flap dissection from the neck or other distant areas from the oral cavity. Options considered include: local myo-mucosal or mucosal flaps (based on the facial or buccal arteries, and palatal flap), Bichat's fat pad flap, and nasolabial flap. Use of biological or synthetic materials is also described. In selected patients with small to moderate-sized defects, the possibility of reconstruction with local flaps can be a viable option.

N0 neck trial: Does intensification of follow-up (Ultrasound + Physical Examination) influence outcomes in early-stage oral cancer?

AIM OF THE STUDY: We previously reported a survival benefit of elective neck dissection (END) over therapeutic neck dissection (TND) in patients with clinically node-negative early-stage oral cancer. We now report the results of the second question in the same study addressing the impact of adding neck ultrasound to physical examination during follow-up on outcomes. METHODS: Patients with lateralized T1/T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were randomized to END or TND and to follow-up with physical-examination plus neck ultrasound (PE+US) versus physical-examination (PE). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Between January 2004 and June 2014, 596 patients were enrolled. This is an intention to treat analysis of 592 analysable patients, of whom 295 were allocated to PE+US and 297 to PE with a median follow-up of 77.47 months (interquartile range (IQR) 54.51-126.48). There was no significant difference (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.92, 95% CI, 0.71-1.20, p = 0.54) in 5-year OS between PE+US (70.8%, 95% CI, 65.51-76.09) and PE (67.3%, 95% CI, 61.81-72.79). Among 131 patients with neck node relapse as the first event, the median time to relapse detection was 4.85 (IQR 2.33-9.60) and 7.62 (IQR 3.22-9.86) months in PE+US and PE arms, respectively. The N stage in the PE+US arm was N1 33.8%, N2a 7.4%, N2b/c 44.1% and N3 14.7% while in PE was N1 28.6%, N2a 9.5%, N2b/c 39.7%, N3 20.6% and unknown 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Adding neck ultrasound to physical examination during follow-up detects nodal relapses earlier but does not improve overall survival.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Oral Cancer Patients Reconstructed With Double Free Flaps: A Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in patients with locally advanced oral cancer who underwent surgical resection followed by simultaneous double free flap reconstruction. METHODS: Institutional database was reviewed from 2015 to 2021 and prospectively collected University of Washington Quality of Life data that were extracted for patients who met the inclusion criteria. Mean, composite, and best percentage scores were computed. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze differences between groups. RESULTS: Thirteen patients completed the assessment, all of them being male with a mean follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.2 years. Most common double free flap combination was fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 11). Improvement in pain ( P = 0.01) domain score with decline in speech ( P = 0.01) and taste ( P = 0.02) was noted along with an overall decline in QOL ( P = 0.001) after cancer diagnosis. A decrease in physical function was seen postoperatively. Chewing and saliva were the most cited postoperative patient-reported domain affecting QOL. CONCLUSIONS: In double free flap reconstructed patients, in the postoperative phase, pain scores improved, whereas speech and taste scores declined. The overall health-related QOL declined compared with before cancer diagnosis.

Study of the PD-L1 expression, T-cells density and immunoscore in paired baseline tumor biopsies and surgical specimens in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

OBJECTIVES: Primary objective was to evaluate the correlation between immune marker expression in baseline tumor biopsies and their respective surgical specimens in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OCSCC). Secondary objective was to assess the impact of these markers on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a histological diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma treated surgically between 2012 and 2020 were included in this retrospective, translational monocentric study. The expression of PD-L1, T-cells markers and an OCSCC-adapted immunoscore were evaluated by multiplex immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients (mean: 58 years) were included. Seventy patients had paired samples available. Poor correlation was highlighted for PD-L1-positive surface expression (r = 0.29) and combined positive score (CPS). For CPS ≥ 20 and CPS ≥ 1, correlation coefficient r was 0.24 and 0.46 respectively. T-cells density showed also poor correlation with a r of 0.57 and 0.31 for CD3 and CD8 T-cells, respectively. Univariate survival analyses showed significant better OS and DFS (P < 0.05) for patients with stage III-IV OCSCC with a high compared to a low immunoscore, based on surgical samples only. CONCLUSION: Our study showed poor correlation in PD-L1 expression, CPS, T-cells density and immunoscore between baseline tumor biopsies and surgical resection specimens. In addition, the immunoscore may emerge as a potential prognostic factor in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. If surgical specimens are available, they may be of interest for clinical practice decision.

Prognostic effect of surgical treatment in elderly oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors in head and neck. However, few studies have focused on the postoperative prognosis of elderly OSCC patients undergoing surgical resection and reconstruction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 349 patients diagnosed OSCC in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to December 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to identify the impact of age and reconstruction types on the prognosis of OSCC patients. Univariable regression analysis and multivariable Cox analysis were conducted to find independent prognostic factors of the younger and elderly OSCC patients. RESULTS: Among 349 OSCC patients included in this retrospective study, 241 (69.1 %) were elderly patients and 108 (30.9 %) were younger patients. The two groups were comparable according to the demographic records. The elderly group presented a better recurrence-specific prognosis than that of the younger group (RFS: p = 0.0324). There are no remarkable differences on the prognosis of different reconstructive types. Gender, current address, life habit, invasion patterns, and TNM stage were identified as independent prognostic factors of the younger and elderly OSCC patients. CONCLUSION: Elderly OSCC patients achieve a better recurrence-free survival than that of the younger patients. Meanwhile, the recurrence of OSCC patients is independent of their demographic and clinicopathological features. Elderly OSCC patients will benefit from aggressive surgical treatment as the younger patients.

Beneath the surface: A systematic review on intraoperative imaging techniques for deep margin assessment in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Resection margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are often inadequate. A systematic review on clinical intraoperative whole-specimen imaging techniques to obtain adequate deep resection margins in oral SCC is lacking. Such a review may render better alternatives for the current insufficient intraoperative techniques: palpation and frozen section analyses (FSA). This review resulted in ten publications investigating ultrasound (US), four investigating fluorescence, and three investigating MRI. Both US and fluorescence were able to image the tumor intraorally and perform ex-vivo imaging of the resection specimen. Fluorescence was also able to image residual tumor tissue in the wound bed. MRI could only be used on the ex-vivo specimen. The 95 % confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity were large, due to the small sample sizes for all three techniques. The sensitivity and specificity of US for identifying < 5 mm margins ranged from 0 % to 100 % and 60 % to 100 %, respectively. For fluorescence, this ranged from 0 % to 100 % and 76 % to 100 %, respectively. For MRI, this ranged from 7 % to 100 % and 81 % to 100 %, respectively. US, MRI and fluorescence are the currently available imaging techniques that can potentially be used intraoperatively and which can image the entire tumor-free margin, although they have insufficient sensitivity for identifying < 5 mm margins. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to improve the sensitivity by determining cut-off points on imaging for inadequate margins. This improves the number of adequate resections of oral SCC's and pave the way for routine clinical implementation of these techniques.

Variation of resection margins in oral cancer in dependence of tumor stage and subsite - a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical resection is a key component of the treatment of head and neck cancer and the achievement of free surgical margins are essential for the patients' outcome in terms of survival. While there is a general recommendation for a free resection range of 5 mm, up to date, there is a lack of investigations on the quality of tumor resection in dependence of affected subsite and tumor stage. In the presented study, predictors for the achieved resection margins in surgically treated oral squamous cell carcinomas were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 567 patients was included in a retrospective analysis and resection status with exact margin ranges were analysed. Tumor stage, affected subsite and the results of the intraoperative frozen section analysis were assessed. Primary endpoint was the achieved resection margin in mm, secondary endpoints were overall and progression-free survival. RESULTS: The observed mean values of minimal resection margins differed significantly between the investigated subsites (p = 0.042),pathological tumor stages (p < 0.001) and in tumors which demonstrated perineural infiltration (Pn1, p = 0.002). Furthermore, there was a significant impact of the results of the intraoperative frozen section analysis on progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data clearly indicate that resection status differs between tumors of different subsites and tumor stages. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical procedures should be adapted in order to achieve similar certainty in all resections, and, thus to improve patients' outcome.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Before and After Surgical Oncological Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common of head and neck malignancies in well-developed countries. In most cases, patients with OSCC experience a degree of nutritional status disturbances and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare nutritional status and QoL in 51 patients before and after surgery for OSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-one eligible patients with OSCC were followed during a 3-year period (2019-2022). For all patients, we determined body mass index (BMI), serum albumin (ALB), prognostic nutritional index, and nutritional risk index before and after treatment. Also, all patients completed a standardized QoL questionnaire before and after treatment. The obtained data were compared between the groups by using the t test and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS The values of BMI and NRI were statistically significantly different between the preoperative and postoperative measurements (24.1 kg/m² vs 21.1 kg/m², and 103 vs 100.1, respectively, P=0.001), while values of ALB and prognostic nutritional index did not differ significantly (41.35 g/L vs 39.1 g/L, and 48.5 vs 46.2, respectively). Dysphagia (P=0.03) and chewing problems (P=0.04) were found to be the 2 most important factors decreasing the QoL of patients. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, BMI and NRI were the most sensitive parameters of nutritional status. Dysphagia and chewing problems were the 2 most important factors affecting the QoL in patients with OSCC.

Application of gel based on medical image inspection in total closure resection of oral cancer patients.

Oral cancer is a common malignant tumor, and total closed resection is a common treatment. However, it has always been a challenge to determine the exact extent of excision during surgery. The application of medical image examination in surgery can provide important reference information, but the current methods still have some limitations. This study explored the application of gels based on medical image examination in the total closed resection of oral cancer patients to improve the accuracy of resection range and surgical treatment effect. The study collected medical image data of patients with oral cancer for image enhancement and determination of resection boundaries. By comparing the results of the experimental group and the control group, the application effect of gel in operation was evaluated. Through the application of medical image inspection technology, the determination of surgical resection boundary is more accurate, and the positive incisal margin of patients is effectively avoided. Gel technology improves the success rate and efficacy of surgery, and this method helps to improve the accuracy of surgery and the certainty of the scope of resection, which is of great significance for improving the surgical treatment effect and the survival rate of patients.

Medial sural artery perforator free flap versus radial forearm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction and donor site morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: Radial Forearm Free flap (RFFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstruction, yet its donor site defect remains a significant drawback. The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Free Flap (MSAPFF) is considered an alternative flap to RFFF. This study aims to comprehensively analyze their characteristics, outcomes, and their impact on patient quality of life. METHODS: All patients who underwent oral cavity reconstruction using RFFF and MSAPFF between February 2017 and April 2023 were included in this study. Flap characteristics, outcomes and post-operative complications were recorded and compared. Subjective donor site morbidity, aesthetic and functional results, and quality of life were also analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 76 patients: 37 underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and 39 with MSAPFF. There was no significance difference between the RFFF and MSAPFF regarding the success rate (97.2% vs 97.4%), flap size (4.8 × 8.8 cm2 vs 5 × 9.8 cm2), hospital of stay (15.5 days vs 13.5 days) and recipient site complications (P > 0.05). However, MSAPFF showed larger flap thickness (P = 0.001), smaller arterial caliber (P = 0.008), shorter pedicle length (P = 0.001), and longer harvesting time (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative ranges of wrist and ankle movements or in recipient site complications. MSAPFF showed a significant difference in donor site morbidity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The MSAPFF is an excellent alternative to the RFFF for repairing oral cavity defects, with additional advantage of a well-hidden scar on the posterior calf, a larger flap thickness, accepted pedicle length and arterial caliber. However, one should consider the harvesting time and surgical skills required in comparison to the RFFF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study highlights the importance of the MSAPFF as an alternative option for RFFF with less donor site morbidity and high success rate in oral cavity reconstruction and improved patient Quality of life after ablative surgery.

Primary Management of Operable Locally Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Current Concepts and Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Locally advanced oral cavity carcinoma (LAOCSCC) is primarily treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. METHODS: A review of literature using PubMED was performed for studies reporting the management of LAOCSCC. Based on the reviewed literature and opinions of experts in the field, recommendations were made. RESULTS: Studies have shown that outcomes following resection of T4a and infranotch (inferior to mandibular notch) T4b are comparable. We discuss the concept of compartmental resection of LAOCSCC and issues concerning the management of the neck. Further, patients who refuse or are unable to undergo surgery can be treated with chemoradiotherapy with uncertain outcomes. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has shown promise for organ (mandibular) preservation in a select subset of patients. CONCLUSION: The management strategy for LAOCSCC should be determined in a multidisciplinary setting with emphasis on tumor control, functional preservation, and quality of life of the patient.