Search

A case of a 64-year-old woman is reported, who developed new-onset pain over a preexisting area of right mandibular fullness. Clinical examination, MRI, and fine-needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of a benign parotid gland tumor-pleomorphic adenoma, which was treated by total parotidectomy with complete removal of the tumor. When evaluating a patient with orofacial pain, oral health care providers should be cognizant of all potential differential diagnoses, especially in the setting of red flags such as persistent or enlarging facial swelling/fullness.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of tumor morphology, long-to-short diameter ratio (L/S), and ultrasound gray-scale ratio (UGSR) in the differential diagnosis of 3 parotid neoplasms.Preoperative ultrasound images of 17 patients with a malignant tumor (MT), 48 patients with pleomorphic adenoma (PA), and 39 patients with adenolymphoma (AL) were analyzed for imaging features and gray-scale histograms. Tumor morphology, L/S, and UGSR of MT, PA, and AL were compared. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were used to measure the differential diagnostic efficacy of L/S, UGSR, and both combined with tumor morphology.Morphologic features, L/S, and UGSR differed significantly in various pairwise comparisons of the 3 tumor types. Acceptable discrimination was detected between MT and AL with UGSR alone (AUC = 0.771) and between PA and AL with L/S and UGSR combined (AUC = 0.741). The combination of tumor boundary with UGSR yielded excellent discrimination between MT and PA (AUC = 0.853) and between MT and AL (AUC = 0.885), with sensitivity and specificity values greater than 0.800.These ultrasound parameters, alone or in combination, can provide a method for accurate presurgical differential diagnosis of parotid tumors.

Objective: Owing to histologic heterogeneity, biological behavior, and rarity, recommendations for the treatment of malignant submandibular gland tumors (MSGT) are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to present a single-center experience in the treatment of MSGT with an emphasis on surgical treatment, including indication on elective neck dissection (END). ----- Study design: Twenty-four MSGT were primary surgically treated (gland excision with neck dissection). Their records were retrospectively collected and analyzed. ----- Results: The most frequent histology was adenoid cystic carcinoma (41.6%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (25%) and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (16.7%). There were 18 elective and 6 therapeutic neck dissections. Histopathologic examination confirmed 29% (7/24) of positive neck dissection specimens. The Kaplan-Meier analysis presented rates of disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival (OS) of 81%, 78%, and 52% at 5 years, respectively. Patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy had significantly higher OS rates compared with patients treated with surgery alone (P = .0209). ----- Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that END has questionable benefit in early stage MSGT. Elective selective neck dissection levels I-III is recommended in high-grade and advanced stage MSGT without evidence of multilevel lymphadenopathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) use in reducing Frey syndrome (FS) rates in patients postparotidectomy.We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature comparing rates of FS with and without ADM use.Eight studies were shortlisted for qualitative study, of which 7 compared rates of FS with and without the use of ADM. A total of 211 patients underwent parotidectomy with the use of ADM. Of these, mean patient age was 44.7 (SD ± 7.2); 89 of 159 were pleomorphic adenoma (55.9%), 29 of 159 with histological diagoses stated were Warthin's tumor (18.2%), and 159 of 211 were other histologic diagnoses (25.7%). Subjective and objective incidence rates for FS were 23 of 211 (10.9%) and 7 of 211 (3.3%), respectively. Patients in whom ADM barriers were used had significantly lower rates of subjective and objective FS (relative risk = 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.57; P = .002; and relative risk = 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.33; P.001), respectively, compared to patients with no ADM.The use of ADM was associated with lower FS rates compared to no ADM and should be considered in routine use to prevent this condition.

Objective; Neoplasm of accessory parotid glands are very rare, accounting for only 1% to 7.7% of all parotid gland tumors. External appproaches including parotidectomy or facelift incision are the recommended treatment, allowing a good control over the anterior facial nerve's branches and Stensen's duct, but they require a large flap elevation and leave an external scar. Methods: We report the case of a 76-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of swelling in the right cheek. The patient underwent ultrasonography, FNAC and MRI which identified a subcutaneous mass over the anterior border of the masseter muscle. Results: An endoscopic-assisted transoral resection was performed, no postoperative complications were recorded. Final histology was consistent with pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusion: In selected cases, the endoscope-assisted transoral approach allow accessory parotid mass excision with better cosmetic results if compared to the transcutaneous approach. Although not negligible, the risk of facial nerve injury is minimized under endoscopic magnification.

Acinic cell carcinoma (AiCC) in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses has rarely been reported in literature. A recent study demonstrated that recurrent genomic rearrangement [t(4;9) (q13;q31)] is a driver event in AiCC of the salivary glands that could promote the upregulation of transcription factor nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3). In the current study, we evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and expression of NR4A3 in four new cases of sinonasal AiCC. All four patients were men (range, 27-70 years). The tumor involved only the nasal cavity in two patients, while the other two patients showed involvement of both the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus. Histologically, the tumor displayed a predominantly solid growth pattern and was composed of hematoxyphilic serous-like cells and scattered intercalated duct-like cells. Immunohistochemically, all cases expressed DOG-1. However, staining for mammaglobin, S-100, CA9, and P63 was absent in all patients. All four cases showed positive nuclear staining for NR4A3. In contrast, none of the other 39 sinonasal tumors, including secretory carcinomas, pleomorphic adenomas, mucoepidermoid carcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, renal cell-like adenocarcinomas, intestinal-type adenocarcinomas, non-intestinal-type adenocarcinomas, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenomas, presented with any positive NR4A3 nuclear staining. Additionally, NR4A3 rearrangements were observed in three cases with sinonasal AiCC by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and the expression level of NR4A3 mRNA was significantly increased in sinonasal AiCC compared with that in normal parotid tissue. Our study demonstrated that sinonasal AiCCs are characterized by an indolent nature and histopathological similarity to parotid AiCCs. Moreover, NR4A3 is a reliable biomarker for distinguishing sinonasal AiCCs from other sinonasal carcinomas.

Salivary gland neoplasms may pose diagnostic difficulties due to overlapping morphologic features. Recently, specific gene fusions have been discovered that correspond to particular tumor types, and can aid in accurate diagnosis. Gene rearrangements are commonly assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), although use of next-generation sequencing is increasing. However, there is no "gold standard" for fusion detection. We determined the concordance between FISH and a targeted RNA sequencing panel in gene fusion detection across twenty-two salivary gland tumors, including five mucoepidermoid carcinomas, four acinic cell carcinomas, four pleomorphic adenomas, two adenoid cystic carcinomas, two NUT carcinomas, and one each of basal cell adenoma, salivary duct carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, salivary duct carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and secretory carcinoma. Directed FISH testing based on the diagnosis was performed on cases that did not already have FISH conducted during clinical workup. Targeted RNA sequencing of 507 genes and their partners (using the Illumina TruSight Fusion Panel) was completed. Six of twenty-two (27.3%) cases had discordant results. In three cases, FISH results were negative while RNA sequencing results found fusion transcripts, which were all confirmed with RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. In three cases, RNA sequencing results were negative while FISH results were positive for a gene rearrangement. Thus, if fusion analysis results are conflicting with the morphologic impression, a second mode of fusion detection may be warranted. Although both methods have advantages and drawbacks, RNA sequencing provides additional information about novel fusion partners and fusions that may not have been originally considered.

Objective Salivary gland tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with complex clinicopathologic behavior. These tumors often show an extremely diverse morphology and significant histologic patterns, making diagnosis a difficult task. Owing to the considerable differences in prognosis, treatment, and follow-up, accurately distinguishing these histologic mimickers is imperative. The aim of the present systematic review was to establish the diagnostic utility of p63/p40 immunostaining in histologic differentiation of salivary gland tumors. Study Design An electronic search was carried out using MEDLINE by PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Trip, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. Articles in which both p63 and p40 immunohistochemical expressions were assessed were included for systematic review and their sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Risk of bias was analyzed for each study using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Results Ten eligible articles were included in the quantitative synthesis, which revealed a concordant positivity of p63 and p40 by nearly all cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma and most polymorphous adenocarcinomas showed discordant immunohistochemical expression (p63+/p40−). Conclusions The current evidence supports that integrated immunostaining of p63/p40 is a valuable adjunct for discerning enigmatic salivary gland tumors with true myoepithelial and/or squamous differentiation.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) consists of heterogeneous histological architecture mixed with epithelioid and mesenchymal forms. Various types of epithelial or myoepithelial malignancies arise from PA, but sarcomas are extremely rare. A human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA) clonality assay has suggested that PA is clonal in nature. However, clonality of various tumor components of PA would be difficult to determine with this assay. In addition, the results obtained should be carefully interpreted. PLAG1 rearrangements are considered a good molecular marker for neoplasticity in PA. We aimed to clarify the neoplasticity of the various tumor components present in PA using whole-slide fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Five PA cases positive for PLAG1 rearrangements were examined. Using an immunohistochemistry panel, cell components in PA were classified into eight cell types. To precisely localize PLAG1 rearrangement-positive cell components at the cellular level, sequential retrieval of whole-slide imaging (WSI) data of HE histology and FISH for PLAG1 rearrangement was carried out. PLAG1 rearrangements were detected in ductal cells, myoepithelial spindle cells, myoepithelial oncocytic cells, myoepithelial plasmacytoid cells, and mesenchymal chondroid cells, but not in mesenchymal lipid cells, mesenchymal fibrous cells, or vascular endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical PLAG1 expression was restricted to cell components harboring PLAG1 rearrangements.The results of the present study indicate that ductal and myoepithelial, chondroid cells are neoplastic but lipid, fibrous, and endothelial cells are not. PLAG1 immunohistochemistry is useful in discriminating neoplastic from non-neoplastic cell components. These findings may be important for elucidating tumorigenesis and the process of malignant transformation in PA.

Primary tumours of the salivary glands account for about 5 to 10% of tumours of the head and neck. These tumours represent a multitude of situations and histologies, where surgery is the mainstay of treatment and radiotherapy is frequently needed for malignant tumours (in case of stage T3-T4, nodal involvement, extraparotid invasion, positive or close resection margins, histological high-grade tumour, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, bone involvement postoperatively, or unresectable tumours). The diagnosis relies on anatomic and functional MRI and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for the diagnostic of benign or malignant tumors. In addition to patient characteristics, the determination of primary and nodal target volumes depends on tumor extensions and stage, histology and grade. Therefore, radiotherapy of salivary gland tumors requires a certain degree of personalization, which has been codified in the recommendations of the French multidisciplinary network of expertise for rare ENT cancers (Refcor) and may justify a specialised multidisciplinary discussion. Although radiotherapy is usually recommended for malignant tumours only, recurrent pleomorphic adenomas may sometimes require radiotherapy based on multidisciplinary discussion. An update of indications and recommendations for radiotherapy for salivary gland tumours in terms of techniques, doses, target volumes and dose constraints to organs at risk of the French society for radiotherapy and oncology (SFRO) was reported in this article.

Introduction Gland-preserving surgery is often used for benign tumours in the parotid gland. Partial superficial parotidectomy via a periauricular incision may bring satisfactory cosmetic outcomes but the disease control outcome remains unrevealed. This study evaluated functional and disease control outcomes after gland-preserving surgery via periauricular incision for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. Methods This longitudinal study included 248 consecutive patients with parotid pleomorphic adenoma who underwent the preservation of most normal parotid tissues and the facial nerve combined with the en-bloc resection of tumours via periauricular incision. Postoperative complications, subjective satisfaction, salivary function, and tumour recurrence were assessed in each patient. The secretory function of the salivary gland was measured using salivary scintigraphy at 6 months after surgery, and ultrasonography was regularly followed. Results Median tumour size was 2.5 cm (range, 0.8–5.2 cm) and median operation time was 55 min (range, 39–88 min). All tumours were safely removed by gland-preserving surgery via periauricular incision without extension to Blair or hairline incision and tumour spillage. Temporary and permanent paralysis of the facial nerve was 14 (5.6%) and none of the study patients, respectively. Postoperative complications were minor and Frey's syndrome was found in 6 (2.4%) patients. The Secretary function of the affected gland was equal to that of the unaffected gland. No patients had a recurrence for a median follow-up of 78 months (range, 24–126 months). Conclusions Functional gland-preserving surgery via periauricular incision can treat pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland with satisfactory functional, cosmetic, and disease control outcomes.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote cytological diagnosis of fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens from salivary gland lesions. Methods The current study was performed on 102 specimens from patients referred to the Alpha Prolipsis Cytopathology Department for preoperative evaluation of salivary gland lesions. In all cases, surgical excision followed the initial cytological diagnosis. (benign lesions, 11; benign neoplasms, 68; malignant neoplasms, 23). Videos were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on overall digital video quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. Results Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of precaptured videos and conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement was ranging from substantial to almost perfect with κ values of 0.71-0.89. Conclusions Videos production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of salivary glands FNAs. Videos of salivary glands FNAs can be used for accurate diagnosis, educational and second opinion purposes,. They can also be used for archiving, teleconsultation and educational purposes, improving the performance of the already existing static telecytology stations and small cytology departments’ quality indices.

Introduction Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a fibroblastic neoplasm characterized by a specific genetic alteration (NAB2-STAT6 fusion) and relatively specific immunohistochemical profile (STAT6/CD34 positivity), is seldom the subject of cytopathology data. We report our experience with scrape smears and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of SFT in a large patient cohort. Materials and methods A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). FNA biopsy smears, imprint smears, and cell blocks were performed and examined using standard technique. Results Thirty-four cases from 30 patients (M:F = 1.1:1; age range: 24-86 years, x = 58 years) met inclusion criteria for this study. All patients had prior or subsequent tissue confirmation of SFT. Twenty-seven (79%) specimens were FNAs, and 7 (21%) were scrape smears. Most cases (29, 85%) represented primary tumors, 4 (12%) were metastatic deposits, and 1 (3.5%) was a locally recurrent neoplasm. Sites included: pleura/lung 9 (26%), head/neck 8 (24%), lower extremity 7 (21%), trunk 4 (12%), intra-abdominal 3 (9%), upper extremity 2 (7%), and mediastinum 1 (4%). Mean tumor size was 7.2 cm (range: 1.5-19 cm). Three (9%) cases were diagnosed specifically as SFT. Remaining diagnoses were spindle cell neoplasm/proliferation 14 (41%), nondiagnostic 5 (15%), specific type of sarcoma 3 (9%), malignant round cell tumor 2 (6%), sarcoma 2 (6%), malignant tumor 2 (6%) and single cases of melanoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and mesenchymal tumor. Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing was performed in 7 of 27 (26%) cell blocks. Conclusion SFT FNA cytopathology is morphologically ambiguous, overlapping with a broad array of other spindle cell proliferations. A specific diagnosis is only possible with added staining of STAT6 coupled with a set of other IHC markers.

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors are a diverse group of lesions, with various origins and extremely different behaviors, leading to a variety of outcomes for patients. Therefore, the need to discover novel markers with the ability to predict the behavior of benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms is crucial. Syndecan-1 is a cell-surface protein with significant roles in various aspects of tumor function. Its expression in salivary gland neoplasms, especially their stromal component, has not been investigated. Objectives: We aimed to assess the immunopositivity of syndecan-1 in epithelial and stromal components of salivary gland neoplasms and to compare it between benign and malignant subtypes in addition to evaluating its correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. Methods: 133 salivary gland tumors were immunohistochemically stained with syndecan-1 and the intensity and percentage of this protein was determined, compared between the tumors and correlated with clinicopathologic factors. Results: Statistical analysis of lesions with a sufficient sample size showed significant differences in percentage and intensity between both epithelial and stromal components of all tumors (p

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) may overlap histologically with other salivary gland neoplasms, especially pleomorphic adenoma. MECA is characterized by cellular, uniform growth of myoepithelial cells and multinodular expansile invasive pattern with zonal cellular distribution. It may arise de novo or in association with pleomorphic adenoma (myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma). By immunohistochemistry, MECA is positive for cytokeratins and at least one of the myoepithelial markers, including S100. PLAG1 fusion is the most common genetic alteration. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and necrosis correlate with worse clinical outcome in MECA, and necrosis can be used to stratify MECA as high grade.

The aim of this study was to investigate sonographic findings of low-grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland. The sonographic findings of all patients treated for T1-T2 low-grade carcinomas of the parotid gland between 2003 and 2018 were retrospectively examined and compared with those of patients with pleomorphic adenomas for the following parameters: definition of tumor margins, echotexture, echogenicity, shape and vascularization. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test. A p value of

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of salivary gland tumors (SGTs) that were managed at a major referral center in Ghana. Study Design This was a retrospective study of all histologically diagnosed and managed Ghanaian patients with SGTs during the period January 2008 to December 2017. Information collected included age, gender, affected gland, presenting symptom, treatment modality, histologic diagnosis, and complications. Descriptive summaries of variables were generated. The χ2 test with Fisher's test was used to compare categorical variables with subsequent testing of association. Results The study included 116 patients, with 49 males (42.2%) and 67 females (57.8%), representing a ratio of 1:1.4. There were 82 (70.7%) benign SGTs and 34 (29.3%) malignant SGTs. The most common benign SGT was pleomorphic adenoma, which accounted for 62.1% of all SGTs. Malignant SGTs occurred more in older people, and the occurrence of SGTs was significantly at a lower age in males compared with females. Conclusions Although the general pattern of SGTs did not seem to differ significantly in comparison with the findings of a review performed 10 years earlier, the findings of this study could inform hypotheses generation for future studies to explore the risk factors and associations peculiar to the Ghanaian environment.

Salivary intracapsular carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (ICCXPA) and minimally invasive CXPA (MICXPA) generally have favorable outcomes. In contrast, widely invasive CXPA (WICXPA) frequently results in disease-related death. The aims of the present study were to analyze the differences in the clinicopathologic features between parotid gland ICCXPA or MICXPA and WICXPA and the prognostic factors for WICXPA.We performed a retrospective cohort study. The clinicopathologic parameters of patients with primary CXPA of the parotid gland from our 2001 to 2012 cohort were reviewed. The predictor variable was a set of heterogeneous factors grouped into demographic, clinical, and pathologic features. The primary outcome variable was the tumor diagnosis, grouped into 3 categories: ICCXPA, MICXPA, and WICXPA. For statistical analysis, ICCXPA and MICXPA were combined into 1 group, with WICXPA analyzed separately. The differences in the clinicopathologic parameters between the 2 groups (ICCXPA plus MICXPA vs WICXPA) were evaluated using the χA total of 241 cases of CXPA had been diagnosed, including 63 cases of ICCXPA, 52 cases of MICXPA, and 126 cases of WICXPA. The patients with WICXPA were older than were those with ICCXPA/MICXPA (59.6 vs 51.4 years; P .001) and had a larger tumor diameter (3.9 vs 3.3 cm; P = .040). The proportion of histologic high-grade tumor (P .001), proportion of carcinoma more than 50% (P .001), and proportion of lymph node involvement (P .001) was greater in those with WICXPA. Cox regression analysis indicated that age, T stage, and N stage were independent prognostic factors of DSS for those with WICXPA.Older age, later T stage, a greater proportion of carcinoma, histologic high-grade findings, and lymph node involvement were associated with parotid gland WICXPA. Age, T stage, and N stage were the important independent factors for predicting the prognosis of patients with parotid gland WICXPA.

Objective As the genetic changes in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile of somatic copy number alteration in RPA and pleomorphic adenoma (PA) by using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Study Design Four cases of RPA and 13 cases of PA were evaluated by using aCGH, using a 180 K platform. Data were analyzed by using Nexus Copy Number Discovery. Results The RPA group rarely showed any copy number alteration, except for 1 case that exhibited losses in 5 p15.33 p15.1, 5 q13.1 q35.3 and 12 q12 q13.11. The PA group also showed few copy number alterations, and the most frequent findings involved chromosomes 8: 8p21.3-p12 (gain), 8q12.1 (loss), 8p23.3-q24.3 (gain), and 8q12.1-q21.11 (gain). Genomic amplifications were revealed in the PA group, and the relevant affected genes were MAML2 and LIFR. Conclusions PA and RPA exhibit few somatic copy number alterations and show a similar genomic profile on aCGH.

Objectives: To validate the use of neck dissection as part of the management of parotid carcinoma. Design, setting, participants: Retrospective pathological and clinical data were retrieved from the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Head and Neck pathology archive for all primary parotid carcinoma resected at the centre between 1992 and 2014. Main outcome measure: The main outcome measure was the incidence of metastatic disease. Results: 54 of the 82 cases identified underwent a neck dissection. Nodal metastases were detected in 10 cases of carcinomas ex-pleomorphic adenoma (high grade, invasive), 2 salivary duct carcinomas, 1 adenocarinoma not otherwise specified (NOS) (high grade), 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 acinic cell carcinoma (high grade). No metastases were found in cases of acinic cell carcinoma (low grade), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (low grade), epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma and non-invasive carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the use of routine neck dissection in treating carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (high grade, invasive), salivary duct carcinoma, adenocarcinoma NOS (high grade), adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma (high grade).

Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma (CXPA) is a rare primary salivary gland malignancy, typically arising from a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma. This systematic review examines prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS) in major and minor salivary gland CXPA.Systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Open Grey databases from inception to 31st March 2022 for all English-language literature pertaining to 'carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma'. All study types with greater than five patients with CXPA of the major and minor salivary glands were eligible for inclusion.Of 8143 studies, 39 studies (n = 5637 patients) meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Median OS at one, three, five, and ten years were 90.0 %, 72.0 %, 61.9 %, and 45.0 % respectively for all CXPA. Higher staging, T stage, nodal disease, grading, and invasion ≥ 1.5 mm had worse outcomes. Histological subtype, perineural invasion, and radiotherapy did not demonstrate a consistent trend. Three studies were evaluated to have high risk of bias, and was removed for sensitivity analysis.Survival outcomes worsen with time for all salivary gland CXPA. Further research on histopathological features and the utility of radiation therapy is required to guide patient selection for more aggressive treatment.CRD42021238544 (PROSPERO).

The aim of this single-institution, observational study was to detect and explain any potential changes in the incidence of pleomorphic adenoma and cystadenolymphoma over a period of 19 years. The records of all patients who were treated for benign parotid tumours between 2000 and 2018 were evaluated and the data analysed to detect any potential changes in the incidence over time. A total of 2988 patients were studied, 1150 of whom had cystadenolymphomas (39%), and 1047 pleomorphic adenomas (35%). The dominance of cystadenolymphomas was first noted during the period 2004-2007 and remained stable throughout the following years (p=0.05). The predominant incidence of cystadenolymphomas has increased over time and is not expected to change in the next decades.

Purpose To evaluate multi-parametric MR imaging using pseudo-continuous arterial-spin labeling (pCASL) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating subtypes of parotid tumors. Material and methods This study was done on 61 consecutive patients (27 M, 34 F aged 15–75 ys: mean 42 ys) with parotid tumors that underwent pCASL and DWI with the calculation of tumor blood flow (TBF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Results The mean TBF and ADC of parotid malignancy (n = 20) (53.1 ± 6.9 mL/100 g/min and 0.66 ± 0.1 × 10−3 mm2/s) was a significant different (P = 0.001) than benign tumors (n = 41) (22.7 ± 2.7 mL/100 g/min and 1.28 ± 0.4 × 10−3 mm2/s) respectively. Multi-parametric TBF and ADC were used to differentiate malignant from benign tumors has an AUC (AUC) of 0.97, and the accuracy of 90%. There was a significant difference (P = 0.001) TBF between Warthin tumors (WT) (26.7 ± 9.7 mL/100 g/min) and malignancy. Selection of TBF of 30.5 mL/100 g/min to differentiate malignancy from WT revealed an AUC of 0.95 and the accuracy of 87%. There was a significant difference in TBF and ADC of pleomorphic adenomas (PA) from malignancy (P = 0.001). Multi-parametric TBF and ADC were used to differentiate PA from parotid malignancy revealed an AUC of 1.00. There was a significant difference in TBF and ADC of PA and WT (P = 0.001). Multi-parametric MRI using TBF and ADC used to differentiate PA from WT have an AUC of 0.99, and the accuracy of 92%. Conclusion Multi-parametric MR imaging using pCASL and DWI is useful for differentiating benign parotid tumors from parotid malignancy and PA from WT and TBF helps in discrimination of WT from parotid malignancy.

Objectives Plasmacytoid cells (PLCs) in salivary pleomorphic adenoma (SPA) are regarded as modified neoplastic myoepithelia and define plasmacytoid myoepithelioma (pMYO). However, histochemically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, PLCs fail to demonstrate frank myogenous properties. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) may explain the phenotypes in SPA. Our aim was to evaluate (1) PLCs with accepted or purported myoepithelial and EMT-related markers; and (2) pMYOs for PLAG1 aberrations by using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Study Design Eight SPAs with or without PLC-predominance and 3 pMYOs were immunohistochemically studied. Results PLCs in SPA and pMYO exhibited strong, scattered to diffuse positivity for K7, rare K14 positivity and were mostly negative for α-smooth muscle actin, h-caldesmon, and p63/p40. S100 staining was strong and diffuse, whereas calponin was variable. DOG1 was negative. PLCs in pMYO and PLC-rich SPA exhibited selective or diffuse WT1 and D2-40 immunoreactivity. EMT markers SNAIL/SLUG exhibited strong and variable immunoreactivity in PLCs in contrast to weak or absent E-cadherin expression. SOX10 was diffusely and strongly positive. PLAG1 rearrangement was present in 1 pMYO. Conclusions PLCs mostly fail to express myoepithelial markers; PLCs are neoplastic cells adapting to microenvironmental changes and capable of EMT; and tumors composed solely of PLCs are apparently SPAs depleted of a ductal component.

Mammaglobin is expressed in breast and salivary gland secretory carcinomas; however, its expression in salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs) still not well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence and distribution of mammaglobin immunoexpression in SDC ex-PA in different phases of the adenoma to carcinoma sequence evaluating its possible involvement in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, as well as to determine its expression in SDC de novo. Mammaglobin immunohistochemistry was performed in 84 SG tumors, including 41 pleomorphic adenomas (PA) without malignant transformation, 13 intracapsular SDC ex-PA, 5 frankly invasive SDC ex-PA, 25 SDC de novo and 10 secretory carcinomas. The reactions were qualitatively analyzed and digitally scored. Positive immunostaining for mammaglobin was observed in 37 out of 84 SG tumors evaluated (44.1%), but strong staining was consistently seen only in secretory carcinomas, SDC de novo and frankly invasive SDC ex-PA, while it was weaker in intracapsular SDC ex-PA and PA. In PA, mammaglobin expression was significantly associated with recurrence. This study has confirmed that the mammaglobin is commonly expressed in SDC de novo and secretory carcinomas. Its expression was higher in SDC ex-PA than in PA, suggesting that mammaglobin may play a role in its malignant transformation.

Objective Surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland is challenging since there is a considerable risk of facial nerve injury and a high re-recurrence rate. We investigated surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, focusing on management of the facial nerve. Methods We reviewed 29 patients who underwent surgery for recurrent benign pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland at our department between 1999 and 2018. We examined clinicopathologic features and risk factors for facial nerve injury during reoperation. Results Factors associated with difficulty in identifying the main trunk of the facial nerve during surgery were bilobar tumors, multiple tumors, and use of an S-shaped skin incision at the previous operation. When the facial nerve was identified intraoperatively, it could be preserved in 2/3 of patients, while the nerve was only preserved in 1/3 of patients when it was not identified. Factors related to permanent postoperative paralysis included recurrence in the deep lobe or both lobes and multiple tumors. Conclusion The probability of successfully preserving the facial nerve is relatively high if the nerve can be identified during surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, although intentional resection is necessary in some patients. Factors associated with difficulty in identifying the facial nerve are similar to those related to permanent postoperative paralysis, including bilobar tumors and multiple tumors. In patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, preservation of the facial nerve is difficult, when they may have undergone previous extensive resection or have multiple tumors requiring subtotal or more extensive resection.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is not common among malignant salivary tumors and an accessory lobe of parotid gland tumor with a carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma histology is even rarer. Management of these tumors include a high index of suspicion, good understanding of the anatomy and a meticulous surgical access. The exceptional localization of an ossified Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma in the accessory lobe of the parotid gland, never reported to date in the literature, has prompted us to report this case to stress the challenging difficulties related to clinical and histologic diagnosis and to analyze a minimally invasive intraoral approach. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is not common among malignant salivary tumors and an accessory lobe of parotid gland tumor with a carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma histology is even rarer. Management of these tumors include a high index of suspicion, good understanding of the anatomy and a meticulous surgical access. The exceptional localization of an ossified Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma in the accessory lobe of the parotid gland, never reported to date in the literature, has prompted us to report this case to stress the challenging difficulties related to clinical and histologic diagnosis and to analyze a minimally invasive intraoral approach.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in correctly identifying the presence of disease in the major salivary glands and correctly distinguish sialadenitis from pleomorphic adenoma. Study Design Twenty-one patients diagnosed with unilateral sialadenitis or pleomorphic adenoma were selected. The nonaffected contralateral glands were also analyzed. T1- and T2-weighted MRI and DWI were obtained using spin-echo pulse sequences with a 1.5 Tesla MRI device. The diagnostic performance of 3 observers was evaluated for detection of salivary gland alterations and differentiation between sialadenitis and pleomorphic adenoma based on evaluation of MRI in comparison with DWI. Results Intra-and interobserver reliability ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. DWI demonstrated greater sensitivity and accuracy values compared with MRI for both detection of disease and differentiation of sialadenitis from pleomorphic adenoma, with specificity values that were greater than or equal to those of MRI. DWI yielded significantly higher diagnostic odds ratios compared with MRI for both identification of disease and differentiation between lesions. Conclusions DWI demonstrated better diagnostic performance in the detection of alterations in the salivary glands and in differentiating between sialadenitis and pleomorphic adenoma compared with conventional T1 and T2-weighted MRI.

Objective This study aimed to reveal diagnosis, management, and treatment outcome characteristics of sinonasal pleomorphic adenoma and to identify predictors for disease recurrence. Methods This study comprised a retrospective review of data from seven patients with sinonasal pleomorphic adenoma who were treated by the authors at a tertiary medical center between January 2005 and May 2017. In addition, the MEDLINE database was searched for literature published in English. A systematic review of the published articles was performed. Results A total of 42 articles were eligible for review. Data from the seven treated patients and 101 patients described in the literature were included in the analysis. An endoscopic approach was employed in all cases treated at our institution, and recurrence was found in one patient with a large, 5.5-cm tumor. In reviewing prior publications, the mean age at surgery was 45.4 years, and the primary sign at diagnosis was nasal obstruction. The most common primary tumor site was the nasal septum (57.4%), and the mean tumor size was 3.6 cm (range, 0.5–10 cm) in 76 cases for which detailed information was available. Endoscopic endonasal resection achieved successful oncologic control in applied cases (25/25, 100%). Recurrence was found in eight of 101 patients. Multivariate analysis identified tumor origin of the paranasal sinus (adjusted OR 31.000, p = 0.016) as being significantly associated with a high prevalence of recurrence. Conclusion Pleomorphic adenoma is a rare benign tumor of the sinonasal tract. Surgery that achieves clear margins is the treatment of choice. The tumor may be accessible via an endoscopic endonasal approach in most cases, although incomplete resection of the tumor stem may allow for tumor recurrence. In addition, our findings suggest that a tumor originating from the paranasal sinus is significantly associated with a high prevalence of recurrence.

To investigate the diagnostic value of radial turbo-spin-echo (TSE) T2 mapping and readout segmentation of long variable echo-train diffusion-weighted imaging (RESOLVE DWI) for the differentiation of parotid gland tumors.One hundred and fifty-four patients with histopathologically confirmed parotid gland tumors were retrospectively recruited from June 2018 to May 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. There were 111 benign tumors and 43 malignant tumors. Benign tumors were further divided into pleomorphic adenomas (n = 69) and Warthin's tumors (n = 26). All patients were scanned using T2 mapping and RESOLVE DWI. T2 and ADC values and a combination of the two methods were compared and analyzed for the ability to differentiate parotid gland tumor types.The T2 and ADC values of benign tumors were significantly higher than those of the malignant tumors (127.97 ± 56.29 ms vs 97.53 ± 45.24 ms, 1.27 ± 0.40 × 10T2 mapping and RESOLVE DWI can be used to differentiate various parotid gland tumors. T2 values are comparable to ADC values.

Pleomorphic adenoma accounts for the majority of benign tumors of the salivary gland. It is also called mixed tumor because it is composed by ductal epithelial and myoepithelial cells, variably intermixed within a chondromyxoid stroma. The recurrence rate is around 3.4% and 6.3%, respectively at 5 and 10 years and, to date, there are no valuable predictive factors. Aim of our study was to assess the role of Ki67 proliferative index in our cases and through meta-analysis.Immunohistochemistry with Ki67 antibody was performed on 28 cases. A manual count of the signal was performed, to establish the proliferative activity. Statistical tests were applied to assess the correlation between the score and clinico-pathologic parameters. Further data were extrapolated from studies published on Pubmed, Cochrane and Web of Science database.Higher values of Ki67 were found among cases with larger size (p value = 0.0061) and showing greater cellularity (p value=0.0004). 19 papers were selected from the bibliographic search, concerning a total of 1187 patients affected by pleomorphic adenoma. In most of them, a higher Ki67 was detected among relapsing forms but results were controversial. In each study, several count methods were applied.The role of Ki67 in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands remains unclear. The lack of homogeneity of the data makes it very difficult to standardize them in order to draw a conclusion. It would therefore be desirable to carry out a comparison study of the various possible methods of Ki67 counting.

Cancers affecting the salivary glands have been an increasing incidence. Salivary gland cancer is not detected until it reaches an advanced stage, which would generally result in a poor prognosis and survival rate. Therefore, early detection as well as the screening of high risk populations with precancerous lesions remains an unmet medical need. In the present work, we present a NMR-based metabolomic study of the saliva of patients suffering from salivary gland tumours. Analysis of data was done using a combined approach based on PRICONA quantitative analysis and statistical multivariate analysis. Interestingly, both the analytical methods indicate that individuals affected by parotid tumour have a characteristic metabolomic profile characterized by abnormalities in the concentration of several aminoacids. Among these the most significant are those relative to Alanine and Leucine suggestive of an alteration in the metabolic pathways of glycogenic aminoacids and ketone bodies. Our data, describing the preliminary metabolomics fingerprint of parotid tumour, are consistent with the recent view that oncogenic signalling corresponds to alteration in the metabolism of nutrient pull (Vander Heiden et al., 2009), rather than to a single metabolite.

Purpose This study evaluated salivary function after extracapsular dissection (ECD) compared with partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) and classic superficial parotidectomy (CSP) of benign parotid gland tumors. The authors hypothesized that ECD would be superior to PSP and CSP in preserving postoperative salivary function. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses were performed for 43 consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomies of benign parotid tumors performed by a single experienced surgeon. Clinical data and pre- and postoperative whole salivary flow rates were compared among the operative procedures. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare means. A P value less than .05 was considered significant throughout the study. Results Tumor sizes did not differ among groups. Operative times, amounts of drainage, and hospital days for ECD were markedly decreased compared with CSP and tended to be decreased compared with PSP. Resection margins were exposed in 0, 12.5, and 6.7% of patients who underwent ECD, PSP, and CSP, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred less often (but not meaningfully) after ECD. Postoperative basal salivary flow rates in the ECD, PSP, and CSP groups were 0.39, 0.32, and 0.14 mL/minute, respectively (P = .05). Stimulated salivary flow rates remained stable for the ECD and PSP groups but decreased in the CSP group. Conclusion ECD is a safe and time-efficient surgical approach, offering early recovery from parotid tumors and better preservation of salivary function. ECD should be considered a surgical approach for parotid tumors, especially those in the parotid tail region, such as Warthin tumors.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the submandibular gland is known to have a very low recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological and capsular characteristics of submandibular gland PA, looking for any differences between submandibular PA and the reported data for PA of the parotid gland as possible explanation for its low recurrence rate. We reviewed 72 submandibular gland PAs resected at our center between 2000 and 2016. Patient age ranged from 14 to 77 years (mean, 47.2). At least follow (range, 12 to 170 months; mean, 82), none of the 72 patients developed a local recurrence. Histologically, all of the tumors were encased by a complete and intact anatomical capsule (100%). Pseudopodia were detected in 11 (15.3%) and satellite nodules in 3 (4.2%) cases. The histological subtype (according to Seifert et al.) was classic (mixed) in 39 (54.2%), stroma-rich/myxoid in 18/72 (25%) and cellular in 15 (20.8%) cases. A complete rim of healthy pericapsular tissue encasing the tumor and its capsule was observed in only 23/72 (31.9%) cases. In conclusion, submandibular PAs are characterized by consistent presence of an intact anatomical capsule, infrequent occurrence of pseudopodia, a remarkably infrequent occurrence lower frequency of secondary satellite tumor nodules and a comparatively lower proportion of the fragile risky myxoid subtype. Despite the fact that surgery of the submandibular gland can frequently lead to focal capsular exposure, the aforementioned capsular characteristics of submandibular gland PA are probably responsible for the excellent oncologic results.

Objective To present the results of patients who underwent superficial or total parotidectomy because of parotid gland tumors in our tertiary care clinic. Methods The data of 362 patients who underwent parotid surgery from January 2008 to November 2015 were collected and analyzed in demographic, histopathological features, and complications. Results Three hundred sixty-nine cases (performed in 359 patients) were analyzed and we assessed complications of parotid surgery such as transient or permanent facial paralysis and Frey’s syndrome. Pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin’s tumors consisted 74% of all parotid gland tumors. These tumors were generally located in the superficial lobe and tail of the parotid gland (81%). Also, tumor size in the positive surgical margin group was larger than in the negative surgical margin group ( p = 0.012). Conclusions Most of parotid gland tumors are benign. However, the frequency of malignancy increases in deep lobe of parotid gland. High grade malignant tumors have more tendency to have positive surgical margin during surgery, and facial paresis preoperatively.

Differential diagnosis among basal cell adenoma (BCA), basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the salivary gland can be challenging due to their similar histological appearance. Although frequent nuclear β-catenin expression and CTNNB1 mutations have been reported in BCA, further details of the Wnt/β-catenin signal alterations are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of Wnt/β-catenin signal alteration in BCA and morphological mimics. We performed immunohistochemical staining for β-catenin and mutation analysis for Wnt/β-catenin-related genes (CTNNB1, APC, AXIN1 and AXIN2) in BCA (n = 34), BCAC (n = 3), ACC (n = 67) and PA (n = 31). We also analyzed ACC-specific MYB and MYBL1 gene rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Nuclear β-catenin expression (≥3%) was present in 32/34 cases (94.1%) of BCA, and the nuclear β-catenin labeling index was significantly higher than in other tumor types (p = 0.0001). In BCA, we found mutations in CTNNB1, APC and AXIN1 genes (41.1%, 2.9% and 8.8%, respectively). In BCAC, nuclear β-catenin expression with CTNNB1 mutation was present in 1/3 cases (33.3%). As for ACC, nuclear β-catenin expression was observed in 3/67 cases (4.4%), but all 3 cases harbored either MYB or MYBL1 gene rearrangement. The results suggest that nuclear β-catenin immunoreactivity with appropriate criteria may be helpful to distinguish BCA from histologically similar tumors. However, a minor subset of ACCs with nuclear β-catenin expression require careful diagnosis. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signal alteration may play a role in the pathogenesis of BCA and BCAC.

Background The surgical management of benign parotid tumors is aimed at complete extirpation of the mass with preservation of facial nerve function. There is a relative paucity of literature pertaining to complications after benign parotid surgery and related risk factors. We aim to critically review the outcomes following treatment of benign parotid pathology when surgery entailed either complete superficial parotidectomy (CSP), partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) or extracapsular dissection (ECD). Material and methods This is a review of prospectively collected data of all parotidectomies performed between June 2006 to June 2016 for histologically-proven benign pathology of the parotid. Median follow-up time was 31.6 weeks. Results A total of 101 parotidectomies were carried out on 97 patients (40 CSP, 56 PSP and 5 ECD). Pleomorphic adenoma (48.4%) and Warthin's tumors (32.7%) were the most common pathologies. Temporary facial weakness occurred after 7 operations (6.9%). Facial weakness was permanent in 4 cases (3.9%). The rates of sialocele and salivary fistula were 4.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Only one patient (0.9%) developed Frey Syndrome postoperatively. No significant associations between extent of parotid surgery and postoperative facial nerve dysfunction (p = 0.674) or wound complications (p = 0.433) were observed. Univariate analyses for potential contributing factors such as advanced age, smoking status, tumor location or histology did not demonstrate any increased risk with developing postoperative complications. Conclusion Partial superficial parotidectomy was associated with low rates of morbidity to the facial nerve and surgical wound. The results were comparable to complete superficial parotidectomy. We recommend offering patient partial superficial parotidectomy where appropriate and this is in line with the current trend of minimising surgical dissection, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of short-term and long-term complications.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in 22 apoptosis-related genes in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of the salivary glands, in comparison with normal salivary glands (NSGs), and to address the differences in methylation patterns between smaller and larger tumors. Additionally, we investigated if the hypermethylation of differentially methylated genes between NSGs and PAs impacted the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription. Design Twenty-three fresh PA samples and 12 NSG samples were included. The PA samples were divided into 2 groups: PAs with clinical size larger than 2 cm (n = 12) and PAs with clinical size 2 cm or smaller (n = 11). DNA methylation at the promoter region of a panel of 22 genes involved in apoptosis was profiled by using a human apoptosis DNA methylation polymerase chain reaction array, and the transcriptional levels of genes showing differential methylation profiles between PAs and NSGs were assessed. Results TNFRSF25 and BCL2 L11 were highly methylated in PAs, in comparison with NSGs, irrespective of tumor size. However, no difference could be observed in the mRNA transcription between PAs and NSGs. Conclusions Hypermethylation of the proapoptotic genes BCL2 L11 and TNFRSF25 is observed in PA. However, this phenomenon did not impact mRNA transcription.

Malignant mixed tumors of the salivary gland are a group of neoplasms comprised of carcinoma-ex-pleomorphic adenoma, carcinosarcoma, and metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma. An alternative classification, malignant mixed tumor-not otherwise (MMT-NOS), is a diagnosis of exclusion for neoplasms that do not fit the previous histologically profiled subtypes. The objective was to provide a comprehensive assessment of MMT-NOS and determine prognostic factors.This retrospective cohort study queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patient and tumor characteristics of US patients with MMT-NOS of the major salivary glands from 1973 to 2016. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine 5-year survival and prognostic factors.434 patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 61.5 years. The majority of neoplasms were high grade and stage (70.8% grade III/IV; 63.8% stage III/IV). Extraparenchymal extension (40.6%) and lymph node involvement (28.5%) were common; distant metastases (2.4%) were rare. Treatment included surgery (93.0%), radiation (51.6%), and chemotherapy (10.4%). Facial nerve sacrifice was common (50.8%). Median survival was 66.5 months. 5-year overall and disease-specific survival were 65.7% and 83.0%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, nodal involvement (HR 7.0; P 0.001), surgery-radiation-chemotherapy (HR 6.1; P = 0.02), extraparenchymal extension (HR 2.50; P = 0.04), and tumor size4 cm (HR 1.3; P = 0.03) were prognostic factors.Despite high stage and grade at diagnosis, MMT-NOS portends a good 5-year prognosis and low rate of distant metastasis. Prognostic factors were nodal involvement, tumor size, and extraparenchymal extension.

To investigate the efficacy of the maximum signal intensity of tumour on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images for differentiating Warthin's tumours (WTs) from pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) and malignant tumours (MTs).One hundred and fifty-four histopathologically confirmed parotid tumours, including 76 PAs, 45 WTs, and 33 MTs, were analysed. MRI results were compared with pathological findings. The maximum signal intensity of tumour and the average signal intensity of spinal cord were measured on T1-weighted images, then the tumour-to-spinal cord signal intensity ratio (T1-max-SIR) was calculated. The distribution of T1-max-SIRs among the three groups of tumours was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess the ability of T1-max-SIRs to differentiate parotid tumours. In addition, the interobserver agreement between readers was assessed using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).T1-max-SIRs were higher in WTs than in PAs (p0.001) and MTs (p0.001), and no significant difference was found between PAs and MTs (p=0.151). The area under the curve (AUC) of T1-max-SIRs for differentiating WTs from PAs was 0.901, with a sensitivity of 91.1% and a specificity of 82.9%. The AUC of T1-max-SIRs for differentiating WTs from MTs was 0.851, with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 78.8%. Readers had excellent interobserver agreement on T1-max-SIRs (ICC = 0.989; 95% confidence interval, 0.985-0.992).T1-max-SIRs can be useful for differentiating WTs from PAs and MTs with high diagnostic efficiency.

Background There have been no reports about quantitative evaluations of enhancing components of parotid tumors on conventional MR imaging. Purpose To evaluate the signal intensity of the enhancing components of tumors, including pleomorphic adenomas (PAs), Warthin tumors (WTs) and malignant tumors (MTs), on various MR sequences and to assess the usefulness of quantitative evaluations for differentiation among the three groups of tumors. Material and methods A total of 39 histologically proven tumors, including 15 PAs, 17 WTs and 7 MTs, were enrolled in this study. The tumor-to-spinal cord contrast ratio (TSc-CR) was calculated by dividing the signal intensity of the lesion by that of the spinal cord on MR sequences, including T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and postcontrast gadolinium-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was selected in each tumor. Furthermore, the differences in the TSc-CRs and the ADC values among the three groups of tumors were statistically evaluated. Cutoff values were determined for the prediction of tumor histology. Results The TSc-CRs of PAs were significantly higher than those of WTs and MTs on T2WI and CE-T1WI. The sensitivities and specificities were 100% and 87.5%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 1.31 for the TSc-CR of T2WI; and 83.3% and 100%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 2.00 for the TSc-CR of CE-T1WI. For the ADC values, sensitivity and specificity for discriminating PAs from WTs or MTs were both 100% when the cutoff value of the ADC was set at 1.40×10 −3 mm 2 /s. Conclusion ADC maps and the quantitative evaluations using the TSc-CRs on T2WI and CE-T1WI were useful for discriminating WTs or MTs from PAs. However, discrimination between WTs and MTs was difficult using any MR sequence.

To evaluate the impact of dysfunction of the facial nerve after superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma of the superficial lobe, we prospectively analysed the data of 79 patients using the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and the Short-Form 36-Item (SF-36) questionnaires up to 12 months postoperatively. The function of the facial nerve was grading on the House-Brackmann Scale. Results at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were compared with preoperative (baseline) measurement. The maximum reduction in FDI scores coincided with the highest facial paresis values at one week. Physical values on the FDI significantly decreased during the first three months (p = .039 at 3 months) and psychosocial values improved significantly from then onwards (p = .001 at 12 months). At 12 months, there were signs of full recovery compared with the preoperative baseline, and it was even exceeded in some psychosocial items. The SF-36 questionnaire showed no significant differences at any time during the study. The FDI was a useful instrument with which to understand the impact of facial disability and wellbeing associated with physical, social, and emotional aspects after superficial parotidectomy. Unlike the SF-36 questionnaire, the FDI offers clinicians a tool with which to counsel patients and better inform them about the anticipated results of operation before superficial parotidectomy.

Objectives (1) To verify whether appropriate selection of cutoff values for dynamic and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters optimizes the accuracy of preoperative differential diagnosis of parotid malignancies and pleomorphic adenomas. (2) To define the role of preoperative MRI in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors. Study Design The retrospective analysis included 221 surgical patients with parotid tumors. Aside from ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy, the preoperative protocol included dynamic and diffusion-weighted MRI. Final diagnoses were based on histopathologic examination of surgical specimens. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative MRI with various combinations of cutoff values. Results Twenty-four patients with parotid malignancies (10.8%) and 57 with pleomorphic adenomas (25.8%) were identified. Parotid malignancies had significantly lower values of apparent diffusion coefficient and Tpeak, as well as significantly higher values of Tmax and washout rate. An apparent diffusion coefficient ≤1.267 × 103 mm/s2 yielded optimum accuracy in identification of parotid malignancies (95.8% sensitivity and 93% specificity). Conclusion Diffusion-weighted MRI is effective in differential diagnosis of parotid malignancies. Optimization of preoperative diagnosis of parotid tumors should include preselection identification of Warthin tumors on the basis of dynamic MRI, followed by identification of pleomorphic adenomas based on diffusion-weighted MRI and cytologic examination of the remaining lesions.

Objective First bite syndrome is the development of pain in the ipsilateral parotid region after the first few bites of food and can be seen after surgery of the upper cervical region. The aim of this study is to highlight the etiology of this potentially debilitating chronic pain syndrome. Materials and methods Retrospective review of 53 patients undergoing surgery of the upper neck between 2002 and 2013. Results FBS developed in 16 patients (30%). Partial resolution of FBS symptoms occurred in 69% and complete resolution in 12%, whereas 15% had no change. FBS was most common in the patients who had tumor arising from deep lobe of parotid gland in comparison with other sites (50% vs 18%, p = 0.017). FBS developed in 57% of patients undergoing external carotid artery (ECA) ligation and in 12.5% of patients in whom ECA was preserved (p = 0.0008). Among the patients in whom ECA was preserved, FBS developed in 43% of the patients in whom sympathetic chain was sacrificed and in 4% of the patients in whom sympathetic chain was preserved. Conclusion Present results further support the role of sympathetic chain in the development of FBS.

Introduction and objectives The aim of this study is to present our experience with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for parapharyngeal space tumours. Patients and method This study is a retrospective review of 90 patients diagnosed with tumours of the parapharyngeal space and treated surgically between 1984 and 2015. Patients whose tumours were not primary but invaded the parapharyngeal space expanding from another region, tumours originating in the deep lobe of the parotid gland and head and neck metastasis were excluded from this study. Results 74% percent of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms were benign and 26% were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm (27%), followed by paragangliomas (25%), miscellaneous malignant tumours (16%), neurogenic tumours (12%), miscellaneous benign tumours (10%), and malignant salivary gland tumours (10%). The transcervical approach was used in 56 cases, cervical-transparotid approach in 15 cases, type A infratemporal fossa approach in 13 cases, transmandibular approach in 4 cases and transoral approach in 2 cases. The most common complications were those deriving from nervous injuries. Conclusions Most parapharyngeal space tumours can be removed surgically with a low rate of complications and recurrence. The transcervical approach is the most frequently used.

Objective Despite their similar cellular origin, pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) present distinct behaviors. This study aimed to analyze the immunoexpression of E-cadherin in PA and ACC of salivary glands, and to investigate differences in its expression in relation to E-cadherin gene ( CDH1 ) -160C/A polymorphism. Design Twenty-four PA (15 cell-rich and 9 cell-poor tumors) and 24 ACC (10 tubular, 8 cribriform and 6 solid tumors) were selected for the analysis of pattern of distribution, and cellular localization of E-cadherin. In addition, E-cadherin expression was evaluated using the H-score scoring system. The CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism was investigated by PCR-RFLP. Results No significant differences in pattern of distribution ( p = 0.181) and cellular localization ( p = 0.192) of E-cadherin were observed between PA and ACC. Comparison of PA and ACC cases revealed a higher median H-score in the latter ( p = 0.036). Cell-rich PA presented a higher H-score than cell-poor tumors ( p = 0.013), whereas no significant differences in E-cadherin expression were observed between ACC subtypes ( p = 0.254). The heterozygous genotype of the CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism was detected in only one PA and one ACC. H-scores for tumors carrying the polymorphism were below the lower quartile of their respective groups. Conclusions The results suggest that E-cadherin expression in PA and ACC is mainly related to cellular composition (epithelial cells versus myoepithelial cells) and degree of differentiation of myoepithelial cells in these tumors. The CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism does not seem to significantly influence the expression of E-cadherin in PA and ACC of salivary glands.

Synchronous benign and malignant tumours in the ipsilateral parotid gland are rare. We present a case of pleomorphic adenoma and oncocytic carcinoma in the same parotid gland. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of such synchronous multiple tumours, and that careful dissection and palpation during operation are important to diagnose them.