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Head and neck cancer surgery often has functional and aesthetic consequences. De-escalation surgery is a major concern for surgeons with a constant desire to develop surgical techniques with less invasive approaches and to preserve anatomical structures as much as possible. This was made possible by the appearance of minimally transoral and endonasal surgery as well as by the limitation of the surgical procedure by neoadjuvant treatments or by the limitation of surgical excision without compromising the oncological outcome and patient survival. This evolution continues with the arrival of new technologies such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence.

Thyroid cancer runs the gamut from indolent micropapillary carcinoma to highly aggressive metastatic disease. Today, using prognostic algorithms, treatment and follow-up can be tailored to each patient in order to decrease overtreatment and over-medicalization of indolent disease. Active surveillance of papillary thyroid carcinoma less than 1cm avoids surgery and thyroid hormone replacement in a large proportion of patient whose tumors remain stable for years. Total thyroidectomy, once a dogma in the treatment of all thyroid cancer, is being supplanted by thyroid lobectomy for low-risk cancers, thereby decreasing the surgical risks involved and improving patients' quality of life. Indications for prophylactic central neck dissection, once mandatory, are now being adapted to the risk of cancer recurrence. Radioactive iodine therapy, also previously mandatory for all, is now only employed according to risk factors and expected outcomes. Follow-up is also being tailored to risk factors for recurrence, with less frequent visits and less use of ultrasound and scintigraphy. For more advanced disease, molecular therapies tailored to somatic mutations are opening opportunities for redifferentiation of aggressive tumors which become amenable to radioactive iodine therapy which carries fewer side effects than other systemic therapies. These advances in the management of thyroid cancer with a personalized approach and de-escalation of treatment and follow-up are improving the way we treat thyroid cancer, avoiding overtreatment and improving patients' quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy in terms of neck failure of an initial neck dissection before definitive chemoradiotherapy in N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, as well as the dosimetric impact and the acute and delayed morbidity of this approach.All patients consecutively treated between 2009 and 2018 with definitive chemoradiotherapy using intensity-modulated conformal radiotherapy (IMRT) for a histologically proven N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were retrospectively included. The therapeutic approach consisted of induction chemotherapy, followed by cisplatine-based chemoradiotherapy preceded or not by neck dissection. Neck dissection was discussed on a case-by-case basis in a dedicated multidisciplinary tumour board for patients with a dissociated response to induction chemotherapy, defined as a better response on the primary than on the node. Chemoradiotherapy without neck dissection was systematically performed in case of a major lymph node response to induction chemotherapy (decrease in size of 90% or more). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy using a simultaneous-integrated boost delivered 70Gy in 35 fractions on macroscopic tumour volumes, 63Gy on intermediate-risk levels or extra-nodal extension and 54Gy on prophylactic lymph node areas.Two groups were constituted: 47 patients without an initial neck dissection (62.7%), and 28 patients with a neck dissection prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy (37.3%). Initial patient characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. The median follow-up was 60.1months (range: 3.2-119months). Incidence of neck failure was higher in patients without neck dissection (P=0.015). The neck failure rate at 5years was 19.8% (95% confidence interval: 7.4-30.6%; P=0.015) without neck dissection versus 0% following neck dissection. All lymph node failures occurred in the planned target volume at 70Gy. Upfront neck dissection suggested a decrease in the mean dose received by the homolateral parotid gland (P=0.01), mandible (P=0.02), and thyroid gland (P=0.02). Acute toxicity of chemoradiotherapy after neck dissection suggested a reduction in grade≥3 adverse events (P=0.04), early discontinuation of concomitant chemotherapy (P=0.009) and feeding tube-dependence (P=0.008) in univariate analysis. During follow-up, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of xerostomia, dysgeusia, dysphagia or gastrostomy dependence in univariate analysis.Neck dissection prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy in N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was associated with high neck control without additional mid and long-term morbidity.

To describe the clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of ductal carcinomas of the parotid gland.Five patients with ductal carcinoma of the parotid gland (primary and secondary carcinoma) treated, between 2007 and 2019, in our ENT department, were reviewed.Four men and one woman were included. The mean age was 61,4 years. One patient had a history of an invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Four patients consulted for swelling in the parotid region. One patient referred to our department for dysfunction of facial nerve. Skin invasion was found in one case. Four patients underwent total parotidectomy with sacrifice of the facial nerve (three cases). One patient underwent extended parotidectomy involving the skin. An ipsilateral selective neck dissection was performed in four cases. One patient had a parotid gland biopsy. Ductal carcinoma was primary in four cases and metastatic from breast origin in one case. Four patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Remission was obtained in three cases. One patient had a local and meningeal recurrence. The patient with metastatic carcinoma had pulmonary, bone, hepatic and brain progression.Ductal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor of the parotid gland. It can be primary or secondary. The treatment is based on surgery and radiotherapy. The prognosis is poor.

Objectifs : Développer et valider un outil servant à évaluer les compétences chirurgicales des résidents en Oto-rhino-laryngologie et chirurgie cervico-faciale (ORL-CCF) pour l’évidement cervical. Méthodes : Une revue systématique de la littérature a été réalisée afin de recenser les méthodes validées pour évaluer les compétences chirurgicales en ORL-CCF. Les procédures chirurgicales pour lesquelles elles ont été développées ont été répertoriées. La revue a permis d’identifier un déficit en outils d’évaluation spécifiques aux procédures oncologiques en ORL-CCF, incluant l’évidement cervical. Une méthode de Delphi modifiée a été utilisée afin de développer une liste d’étapes essentielles à la complétion d’un évidement cervical. Cette liste a été combinée à la grille générale du Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) pour développer un outil spécifique à l’évidement cervical. Cet outil a été validé en salle d’opération auprès de l’équipe d’oncologie ORL-CCF de l’Université de Montréal et de ses résidents. Résultats : Un total de vingt-neuf évaluations ont été complétées au cours de l’année académique 2016-2017. L’acceptabilité a été jugée élevée auprès des résidents et des chirurgiens d’ORL-CCF, avec pour seule disparité l’utilisation formative ou sommative de l’outil. Les études de validation ont démontré des scores significativement plus élevés chez les résidents séniors que chez les juniors, ainsi qu’une progression significative des scores au fil du temps (p, Objectives: To develop and validate a new tool assessing surgical competency for Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (OTL-HNS) residents learning neck dissection. Methods: A systematic review of literature was done to list methods developed to assess surgical competency in OTL-HNS. The surgical procedures for which these tools were developed were catalogued. A lack of evaluation tools specific to oncologic procedures in OTLHNS was identified, which includes neck dissection. A modified Delphi method was used to develop a list of steps deemed essential to a group of experts in order to complete a neck dissection. This list was combined to the general list of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) tool to develop a tool specific to neck dissection. This tool was validated in the operating room with the collaboration of the OTL-HNS oncology team of Université de Montréal and of the residents of this program. Results: A total of twenty-nine evaluations were completed throughout the 2016-2017 academic year. Acceptability ranked high for both residents and staff, with a single discrepancy in responses regarding a potential formative as opposed to summative use of the tool. Validation study results demonstrated significantly higher checklist scores for senior residents as opposed to junior residents, as well as a significant score progression over time (p

International audience; The neck dissection technique has been precisely defined. It allows resection of lymph node groups, comprising at least groups IIA, IIB, III and IV according to Robbins’ classification for head and neck cancer. Neck dissection is classically performed in an upwards and forwards direction, but the technique can vary according to the site of lymph nodes. The authors describe the central role of dissection of the triangle between the spinal accessory nerve and the internal jugular vein at the beginning of neck dissection in order to facilitate group IIB dissection while avoiding traction on the spinal accessory nerve and to ensure early control of the internal jugular vein superiorly; release of the vein also facilitates subsequent dissection of the thyrolinguofacial trunk and identification of the hypoglossal nerve. This specific dissection and its role has not been previously described in the literature. This triangle constitutes the posterior part of group IIA, but is intimately related anatomically to group IIB dissection.

Chyle fistula is a known complication in cervical surgery. It can lead to a postoperative lymphorrhea. There is no consensus on its management. The aim of this work is to propose a management strategy for postoperative chyle leak.A literature review was conducted using PubMed database.Six prospectives articles were included. The enteral diet allowed a success in 57% of cases, and in these cases a lymph flow less than 580 mL/day. Parenteral nutrition was effective when the flow was less than 1050 mL/day. Reoperation was performed in case of failure of the nutritional treatments.Several therapeutics are available. From this meta-analysis, we developed a management strategy. We initiate an enteral diet when lymph flow is less than 500 mL/ day. Parenteral nutrition is used if the flow rate is between 500 and 1000 mL/day or in case of inefficiency of enteral diet during 10 days. Finally, revision surgery is necessary when the flow is greater than 1000 mL/day or when parenteral nutrition was ineffective in 10 days.

Optimal timing of neck dissection remains debated in the conservative management of patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.The files of 63 patients with radiographic evidence of bulky or necrotic nodal metastases treated by up-front neck dissection and definitive radiotherapy between 2000 and 2012 at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed.The primary site was oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal or laryngeal in 63%, 21% and 13% cases, respectively. Overall, 83% of the tumours were staged pN2b or more. Extracapsular spread was found in 48 cases (77%). After a 48-month median follow-up, the 3-year locoregional control and overall survival were 88% and 68%, respectively. Only one isolated failure occurred in the dissected neck.This combination therapy provides a good locoregional tumour control. It should be considered as an option in laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas with bulky or necrotic nodal metastases at presentation.

Evaluate the risk brought by the traditional practice in the evolution of the foreign bodies of the aesophagus.30 years old male with migration from the oesophagus of a fish bone in soft tissue of the neck, which could have been favored by the traditional practice. The diagnosis of migration was suspected when a laterocervical mass appeared after a traditional processing. The rigid aesophagoscopy was negative and the scanner allowed to identify the foreign body in an extraluminal location. It was removed by cervicotomy. Postoperative was uneventful.

In patients' management affected by head and neck cancers, surgery takes a major place with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An updating of the surgical techniques available, and validated indications seems useful to harmonize the head and neck oncological surgery practices and so optimize its safety. A focus on the quality assurance in head and neck surgical oncology is proposed.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract or head and neck cancers, are localized in a complex anatomical region with a major lymphohilic locoregional cervical extension. Cervical lymph node surgery is systematized and drainage areas are sectorized with an increasingly conservative attitude. Improving imaging techniques allow the realization of selective neck dissection; sentinel node techniques are being evaluated. The traditional dissection is reserved to the lymph in capsular rupture or cervical interstitial mass.

The aim of this article is to present the determination and delineation of nodal target volumes for head and neck cancers treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. The delineation on computerized tomography scanner (CT scan) requires a precise methodology. Different elements are necessary: clinical examination, diagram of the initially involved lymph nodes, surgical and pathological reports and medical imagings (CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography). The different clinical target volumes are approached and the concept of selectivity of neck nodal targets is specified according to current literature.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin tumor. The aim of our study was to analyze the prognosis of patients operated on for CCM and having no lymph node involvement after analysis of sentinel lymph node (SLN).This was a retrospective study of 10 cases of CCM stage I or II who received the SLN technique in our institution between 2003 and 2010. RESULTS Among the 10 patients, 7 had an identification of at least one SLN, among which the node could be surgically removed in 6 cases. In cases of failure of SLN technique, a neck dissection +/- parotidectomy was performed. No lymph node metastasis was found in our series. Mean follow-up was 38 months. The overall survival rate was 100% at 2 years and 50% at 5 years. The Disease-free survival was 85% at 2 and 5 years.Our results show that the technique of sentinel lymph node is a reliable tool for evaluating nodal status of patients with CCM and that pN0 patients have a good prognosis.

To assess the rate of complications of radical lymph node dissection following sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with malignant melanoma.A single-centre retrospective study was performed between 2001 and 2009. All melanoma patients who first had a sentinel node biopsy followed by a radical lymph node dissection were included.Seventy-four patients had radical lymph node dissection after confirmation of metastasis in a sentinel node. The sites of the lymphadenectomy were axillary in 51% of patients, groin in 43%, neck in 5% and popliteal in 1%. A nodal metastasis was observed in 12 of 74 lymph node dissections. Median follow-up time was 41.5 months (3-135 months). At least one complication was seen in 47 patients (64%). Early complications were: postoperative infection (n=9; 12%), lymphocele (n=22; 30%), chronic seroma (n=9; 12%), postoperative haematoma (n=6; 8%), and wound separation (n=7; 9%). Late complications were: lymphoedema (n=30; 41%), joint complications (n=10; 14%), fibrous scar (n=11; 15%), chronic pain (n=6; 8%) and hyposensitivity (n=6; 8%). Two patients were rehospitalised for a complication. The complication rate was 53% for axillary location and 81% for inguinal location (P=0.02).Radical lymph node dissection performed after positive sentinel node biopsy in melanoma patients is associated with significant morbidity.

Malignant schwannoma is a rare peripheral nerve-sheath tumour. It represents 5 to 10% of soft tissue sarcomas according to Grobmyer et al. in 2008 [1]. The cervico-facial localisation is very rare, representing only 1% of mandibular tumours.We report a case of a 64-year-old male patient who developed a malignant schwannoma at the level of the inferior dental nerve. In spite of the initial complete resection of this lesion, the patient has developed a recurrence with a proximal extension. For this reason, he has been transferred to our centre, where we conducted a wide surgical resection, associated with a homolateral neck dissection and postoperative external radiotherapy. After 1 year of follow-up, we did not observe any recurrence.Malignant schwannoma is a rare lesion which develops at the level of the peripheral nervous system sheath. Its cervico-facial localisation is very scarce, and its diagnosis is difficult to establish in spite of a complete radiological examination; definitive diagnosis depends on the histological examination. There is no strict consensus for the management of these lesions, however a wide surgical excision and neck dissection associated with or without postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are the gold standard methods of treatment. The prognosis is usually bad due to the high risk of recurrence, sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Dermoid cysts of the submandibular region are rare. We report an exceptional case with extension to the neck.The patient presented with a voluminous left submandibular cystic tumor with extension to the neck and to floor of the mouth. Ultrasonography and CT scan contributed to the diagnosis and to chose the best surgical approach in case of large cyst. In our case, the tumor was removed using a double cervical and intraoral approach. Histopathological examination confirmed a dermoid cyst.We report an exceptional case of dermoid cyst originating from submandibular region. A double surgical approach was necessary for tumor resection. Tumor removal must be complete; the submandibular gland may be removed if necessary.

Hyalinizing trabecular tumors (HTT) are very rare thyroid tumors whose diagnosis is difficult, particularly in cytology. They are frequently diagnosed as papillary carcinomas due to the cytological similarities between those two tumors (anisocariosis, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, nuclear grooves and nuclear overlapping). Here, we report two HTT cases which were initially diagnosed as papillary carcinoma, on the preoperative cytology and for which the patients underwent total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection. From these two cases and a literature review, we have searched for diagnostic criteria which could increase the sensitivity of HTT diagnosis in thin layer cytology. We have found that only the identification of the fibrillar and hyaline material within the cellular cluster of the HTT seems discriminating between both tumors, even though it is difficult to diagnose it is difficult to diagnose on thin layer cytology. One major help for the diagnosis would be the typical membranous and cytoplasmic MIB-1 immunostaining. However, no experiment has been undertaken with thin layer smears for HTT.

An anatomical model of the dissection of the human neck, supraclavicular and submandibular regions, was studied in order to determine its anatomical accuracy. The sample was made of brightly coloured wax and was of female appearance. Formally, it belonged to the collection (n(o) 23) of a medical doctor: Spitzner (1813-1894). It was donated late in the 20th century to the Delmas, Orfila and Rouvière museums, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 6(e), université Paris-Descartes (catalog n(o): 1222, SRA-1995). It measured 36cm in width and 27cm in height. With the camera, it was pictured on its main views and every 5-degree on 270° along its vertical axis in order to obtain a tri-dimensional, photographic reconstruction. The arterial and venous vessels were enhanced and the thyroid and submandibular glands as well. The musculo-osseous frames limited five main regions of dissection. Neither nerves nor lymphatics were represented. The author of this wax sample remains unknown (no signature). The aspect does not look like the samples of the Tramond or Auzoux's factories. The Spitzner collection was primarily an itinerant exhibition; however, it is of a highly anatomical quality. It is well known by the anatomical art world, especially abroad: its aesthetical features and facial characters make it very recognizable.

To present a new surgical technique for oropharyngeal tumours. We describe the technique together with the indications, limits and pitfalls.Transverse cervical collar incision. Bilateral neck dissection according to patient's nodal status. Infrahyoide muscles dissection from the posterior-inferior surface of the hyoid bone body. Division of this structure bilateraly at it junction with greater corns. Push back and up of the hyoid bone together with its suprahyoid muscles upon the mandible. Incision of the mouth floor Push down of the tongue to the cervical region. Tumour bloc resection with optimal exposure. Wound closure with or without reconstruction according to the size of surgical defect. Reposition of the hyoid bone and suprahyoid muscles in place, and suture of infrahyiod muscles to hyoid bone. Neck closure. Transitory tracheotomy. MAIN INDICATIONS: T2-3 of tongue base and vallecula, T2-3 of tonsil.Surgical therapy, alone or integrated in a multimodality program, maintains an essential role in the management of patients with oropharyngeal tumours. In locally advanced tumours transmandibular approach is the method usually employed. Despite the wide surgical exposure, this approach may cause significant morbidity secondary to mandibular interruption. To avoid this, mandible-sparing procedures as suprahyoid, transhyoid and transpharyngeal approaches are advocated, but usually need complex manoeuvres and don't allow a large field for resection. These problems can be solved with the described technique we called transhyoid bucopharyngectomy.Transhyoid bucopharyngectomy is an easy and safe procedure for head and neck surgeons, offers an acceptable level of postoperative swallowing and speech function, without the morbidity associated with transmandibular approaches, besides providing a good and wide exposure of the tumour to be removed. Bone invasion is the most important limit for this technique.

The presence of metastases in cervical lymph nodes (except distant metastasis) is the most significant independent prognostic factor in carcinoma of the head and neck. The purpose of this article is firstly to review the anatomy of the neck compartments, the types of neck dissection and secondly to describe recommendations for the technical procedures required and thus to provide a full informative report to optimise management by the clinician.

Consider whether surgery alone in the treatment of early cancers of the hypopharynx can give identical or better results in terms of survival and local control than radiotherapy.Forty-five patients were operated on during the years 1991-2004. Surgical treatment consisted in a resection by the transoral approach in four patients and 41 patients had a partial pharyngolaryngectomy. An elective neck dissection was performed on 43 patients.The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 100, 95, and 75%. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year locoregional control rates were 93, 88, and 82% and were influenced by the presence of dysplasia on surgical margins (p=0.027). The oncological occurrences observed were five local recurrences, two nodal recurrences, ten second primary cancers, and two metastases. Five locoregional failures out of seven were controlled after a second treatment.Surgery alone gives completely satisfactory results in terms of survival and locoregional control. In case of recurrence, this makes it possible to operate on patients in nonirradiated areas with lower morbidity and mortality and better results. These results must be confirmed by a randomized trial.

To study the management and treatment of papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid.Retrospective study of 57 patients operated on their thyroid gland between 1995 and 2004. All patients had a frozen section of the specimen. Procedure varied according to histology results and presence of adenopathy.Procedure planned initially was a total thyroidectomy in 75% of patients (the other 25% were planned as hemi-thyroidectomy). Frozen section was positive in 46% of patients. We proceeded with 16 selective neck dissections (levels 2-3-4) and 10 bilateral "level 6" . Microcarcinomas were unique in 77% of cases. Extra-capsular spreading was noted in 39% of cases. Adjuvant Iodine 131 was administered to 36 patients (63%). Follow-up included clinic visits, ultra-sound and Tg levels. With a follow-up of 3 to 12 years, no recurrence or metastasis has been identified.Treatment of papillary microcarcinomas of the thyroid is controversial. If surgery is chosen as treatment, the extent both regarding the thyroid itself and the cervical nodes is debated. Because of the excellent prognosis, some authors have recommended, when risk factors are absent, to limit the treatment to the thyroidectomy. Others, because of the risk of local recurrence and distal metastasis, have recommended a very aggressive approach.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare malignant tumor mostly affecting adults. It accounts for 1 to 3 % of head and neck malignant tumors. It is very rarely observed in children under 10 years of age.A four-and-half-year-old boy was brought to consultation in our department, in June 2006, for a left cervical swelling having progressively increased over the previous two years. Cervical US confirmed the presence of a 2.3cm long tumor of the left parotid area, hyperechogenic and heterogenic, associated to a homolateral lymphadenopathy in the jugular and carotid region (zone II), 2cm in diameter. A total parotidectomy preserving the facial nerve was performed. The biopsy extemporaneous histological examination suggested a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Surgery was completed by functional neck dissection.Our four-and-half-year-old patient was one of the youngest cases ever reported. Malignant parotid gland tumors are very rarely observed in children: less than 19 cases have been published worldwide. Its occurrence in a young child under ten years of age is very rare. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma accounts for one third of all malignant parotid gland tumors.

To assess the incidence of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and permanent hypoparathyroidism after central neck lymph node compartment (level VI) reoperation.Retrospective study including 18 patients who had undergone reoperative central compartment dissection between 1999 and 2008 for recurrent thyroid carcinoma or lymph node metastasis. All patients had been previously treated by total thyroidectomy for a thyroid cancer in another institution.Twenty-two central neck compartment reoperations were performed. Four patients needed a second reoperation for carcinoma recurrence. All patients had histologic evidence of metastatic lymph nodes or recurrent thyroid carcinoma. Two patients developed permanent hypoparathyroidism and four patients had postoperative permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. All of them had normal preoperative parathyroid and laryngeal function. In three cases, the recurrent laryngeal nerve disorder was intentionally resected for oncologic reasons. The fourth case occurred in a patient who needed a second reoperation with a sternotomy and mediastinal dissection.A central lymph node compartment reoperation can be performed with minimal morbidity when the recurrent laryngeal nerve is not invaded: 5.2% resulted in permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and 9% in permanent hypoparathyroidism. Careful identification and exposure of the inferior laryngeal nerve in a previously non dissected area is recommended.

The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap described by Pribaz in 1992 is a musculomucosa flap of the cheek plugged into the higher or lower facial pedicle artery. Indications in terms of substance losses in the oral cavity are numerous.Twenty cases carried out from 2003 to 2006 at the Oscar-Lambret Neck Surgery Cancer Center are reported with a study first on record, then a study on 15 patients (three deaths, two flaps take away for local recurrence). The dimensions of the flap, its epicritic sensitivity, its sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, the Semmes-Weinstein test and a key test of pique were analyzed. A neck dissection was most often done in the cases studied, and did not advise against the flap.The main indication was represented by tumors of the floor of the mouth. Individual susceptibility testing were broadly similar to the flap and on the opposite side healthy. The results seem to show that, as with skin flaps, there is a complete recovery of sensation.This flap is very reliable and most often resensitizes. The low ligation of the artery during neck dissection does not jeopardize the survival (rich regional anastomoses). The FAMM flap makes up for the loss of medium size substance, it represents a very good solution between directed healing and more consistent skin flaps.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic outcome and morbidity associated with management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) T3-T4 of the floor of the mouth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study (1993 and 2005). Inclusion criteria were: 1) Presence of a locally advanced (T3-T4) lesion of the floor of the mouth; 2) Pathological confirmation of SCC; 3) No previous treatment of the floor of the mouth; 4) Absence of any synchronous lesions at the primary endoscopic work-up; 5) Absence of distant metastasis outside the aero-digestive tract; 6) Karnofsky performance index > 70. All patients were treated by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. The statistical analysis was conducted using the stat-view software; categorical variables were compared using the Fisher's exact test; analysis of recurrence-free survival rate was done following the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used for the comparison of survival graphs. RESULTS: Fourty-seven patients were included in this study (42 men), of a mean age of 53.3 years. The majority of patients (93.6%) presented with a stage IVa tumour and no clinical evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy in 60% of cases. All patients underwent bilateral neck dissection adapted to the cervical lymph node status. Forty-one (87%) patients underwent partial mandibulectomy with fibula free-flap reconstruction in 32 cases (78%). Early local complication rate was of 32%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 34 days. Late local complication rate was of 17%. The immediate post-operative death rate was 2%. The rate of survival and recurrence free survival was of 47.5% and 47% respectively. The 3 survival-influencing factors were age (p = 0.02), margins of surgical resection (p = 0.002), and histologic cervical lymph node status (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: T3-T4 tumours of the floor of the mouth are managed by surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. There is a high rate of treatment-associated complications. The prognosis of locally advanced tumours of the floor of the mouth remains humble.

The management of N0 neck remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) in managing N0 neck of oral cavity carcinomas.A retrospective chart review of 77 previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity with N0 neck from 1988 to 2001 was performed. Cervical treatments were "wait and see" policy in 7 cases, neck dissection in 56 cases, radiotherapy alone in 14 cases. 77 neck dissections were performed in which 62 were selective and 15 were radical modified.On pathologic examination, the average number of lymph nodes was 10.7 per neck. Occult disease (cN0pN+) was detected in 32.5%, and occult extracapsular spread (cN0pN+R+) was detected in 7.8%. The median follow-up was 43 months. The overall neck recurrence rate in patients with controlled primary disease was 2.4%. Recurrent disease developed in 2.9% of the cNOpN0 neck. Regional control rate of the dissected neck was 94%. No cervical recurrence occurred in 11 patients treated with SND alone. There was no survival or recurrence rate difference in T1T2pN0 patients with or without post-operative radiotherapy. Post-operative radiotherapy could be avoided in 27% of the dissected neck. One, 3 and 5 years overall survival rate were 89.3%, 77.7% and 63.2%.SND is an effective procedure for staging and treating the clinically negative neck of oral cavity cancer.

Twenty percent of melanoma are located on the head and neck. The treatment of advanced melanoma is still a controversial question. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of lymph node treatment in melanoma, and to try to determine guidelines for management.Sixteen male and 9 female patients (mean age 57.1 years) presenting with head and neck melanoma with parotid or cervical node involvement were treated by curative surgery.Most tumors were classified intermediate according to the Breslow thickness. The average of nodes involved was 2.3 with 44% of cases presenting with capsular rupture. The mean follow-up was 32 months. The mean delay of recurrence was 18.2 months. The 5-year probability of survival was 49.7% and the one none-recurrence was 15.8%. Patients without capsular rupture had a better prognosis (P=0.04).The management of advanced melanoma of the head and neck is still controversial, but: 1-worse prognosis of patients with advanced melanoma; 2-percentage of occult metastasis was about 20; 3-better prognosis for patients with palpable nodes who had neck dissection and postoperative radiation in cases of node involvement. Until the sentinel node technique becomes widely accepted and performed we recommend: prophylactic dissection (cervical or parotidectomy) in patients with intermediate thickness and without palpable nodes; when patients have resectable node involvement a postoperative radiotherapy.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine a rational of treatment of squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper gum and hard palate.We analyzed retrospectively a series of 34 patients treated over a period of 11 years.There were 19 women (76%); mean age was 67.3 years; 76% had advanced tumors; 28% had neck nodes. The 5-year survival rate was 33.7%; patients without node involvement had better prognosis (p=0.034). The 5-year rate of recurrence-free survival was 61%; patients without node involvement had better prognosis (p = 0.032). At the end of the study, only 42% of patients were still alive.This type of tumor is different from those of other locations in the oral cavity or oropharynx. At the present time, surgery associated or not with post-operative radiotherapy seems to be optimal curative treatment. The question of whether neck dissection should be performed remains debated for patients without clinically nodes.

Patient's age is known to have no influence on either treatment or prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.A 94-year old female patient, with a squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth, stage pT1pN0cM0, was classically treated by surgical tumor resection, selective neck dissection and immediate surgical reconstruction with a vascularized radial flap.This clinical case, which could be a record taking into account the patient's advanced age, confirms that treatment decision of oral squamous cell carcinoma must not be influenced by age. Only some age-related comorbidities must be considered.

We report the imaging features of an occult parathyroid adenoma with unusual location in the carotid sheath. Our patient presented with primary hyperparathyroidism. Following negative neck ultrasound and scintigraphy, exploratory neck dissection with partial thyroidectomy was performed twice over a 2 day period without biological response. Cervical and mediastinal CT and MRI were performed with no result. Digital angiography showed a tumoral blush supplied by the left inferior thyroid artery and located in close contact with the carotid artery. Venous sampling of the neck confirmed the left location of the adenoma and a third surgical intervention found the adenoma embedded in the left carotid sheath. This is an unusual case of parathyroid adenoma that necessitated the use of several imaging techniques.

A retrospective analysis of management and survival of patients treated for temporal bone carcinoma.Thirty patients underwent treatment for carcinoma of the temporal bone. Twenty-five squamous cell carcinomas, 1 melanoma, 2 basocellular carcinomas and 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas were treated. Thirteen patients were treated before for the same disease.Staging revealed 12 T1 and T2, 6 T3 and 12 T4 tumours. The mean follow up was 5 years (2-276 months). The Kaplan Meier survival curves showed survival rates at 2 years of 82%, 67% and 32%, and at 5 years of 82%, 67% and 17%, respectively for the stages T1 or T2, T3 and T4. At the end of follow up at 9 years the survival rates were 66%, 66% and 17% for the stages T1 or T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Overall stages a complete remission was found in 65% and 23%, and deceased was 35% and 77%, respectively for the primary treatment group and the salvage surgery group.Long-term prognosis of the carcinoma of the external auditory canal mainly depends on the stage and primary treatment. Surgery (lateral temporal bone or subtotal temporal bone resection, both in combination with a neck dissection and a parotidectomy) and adjuvant radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for part of stage T1 and all T2 and T3 tumours. The improved survival (65%) of patients treated de novo compared with those treated with salvage surgery (23%) suggests that early referral and aggressive primary surgical treatment with postoperative radiotherapy offer the greatest chance of cure.

To evaluate the neck control after prior surgical management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and to quantify the ratio of patients among whom neck dissection did not have a real therapeutic value. To discuss the usefulness of the sentinel node biopsy in this group of patients.Retrospective analysis of patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity who had systematically a neck dissection.Thirty-nine files of patients have been processed. We found 45% patients classified pN0 (among whom about one half where classified pT4). With a mean follow-up of 19 months, we did not find any cervical lymph node relapse. Five patients died (13.5%) without any cervical disease.The systematic cervical lymph node dissection remains the most effective means to obtain the neck control of squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity. It however was applied without therapeutic value for 45% of the patients of this series. The validation of the sentinel node concept as a method of cervical staging should make it possible to avoid this surgical procedure in more than one third of the cases.

This study aimed at evaluating the relevance of sentinel node detection by lymphoscintigraphy in patients diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in the absence of neck adenopathy.A prospective study was carried out in 31 patients diagnosed with T1 to T3 squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity without any clinically detectable neck adenopathy. A lymphoscintigraphy was performed the day before surgery. All patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy guided by a gamma-ray detecting probe and modified neck dissection. Pathologic evaluation of the sentinel lymph node included, in addition to the standard protocol, immunohistochemical analysis and thin sections of E stained preparations.In 3 patients, the lymphoscintigraphy failed to detect any sentinel lymph node. In the remaining group of 28 patients, 20 patients showed a negative sentinel node concordant with a histologically negative neck dissection. In 5 patients, a positive lymph node was found although the rest of the neck dissection was negative. In 3 patients, sentinel lymph node was found to be negative but other neck nodes were positive. The overall sensitivity of lymphoscintigraphy in our study was 62%.Surprisingly, the results of our study do not support the clinical usefulness of sentinel lymph node detection as a reliable and accurate staging method in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. We observed that lymphoscintigraphy was not a reliable method for detecting micrometastases in patients diagnosed with a squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity without clinical evidence of neck matastases.

Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare but highly malignant tumor. The goal of this study was to present the case of a patient who underwent a multimodal treatment and to analyze prognosis factors.We present the case of a patient treated in 1996 for an anaplasic thyroid carcinoma with cervical cutaneous invasion. The initial surgical procedure was a total thyroidectomy extended to the anterior cervical skin associated to bilateral neck dissection. The patient underwent a differed reconstruction with musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Management was then supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.This patient is free of tumor 9 years after this multimodal management. She does not present any functionary sequela and plastic results of the reconstruction is considered as very satisfactory.Anaplastic carcinoma is one of more aggressive neoplasm affecting humans. This case report suggests that multimodality therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may offer hope for long-term survival. A musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap is a reliable solution to cover this large cervical defect.