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Purpose: To assess the diagnostic potential of the synthetic MRI (SyMRI) for differentiating Warthin's tumors (WT) from pleomorphic adenomas (PA). Materials and methods: Forty-nine individuals with parotid gland tumors (PA, n = 23; WT, n = 26) were recruited. Using two distinct regions of interest (ROI), SyMRI quantitative parameters of lesions were calculated, including mean and standard deviation (T1, T2, PD, T1sd, T2sd, and PDsd). Meanwhile, T1ratio, T2ratio, and PDratio (lesion/masseter muscle) were calculated based on the mean SyMRI quantitative parameters of masseter muscle (T1, T2, PD). Using the independent samples t test, we compared PA and WT parameters, while comparing the areas under the curve (AUC) using the DeLong's test. A multi-parameter SyMRI model was constructed using logistic regression analysis. Results: In PA, the T1, T1sd, T2, PD, T1ratio, T2ratio, and PDratio derived from full and partial lesion ROIs were significantly higher than in WT. According to the receiver operating curve analysis, the AUC of the quantitative parameters derived from full-lesion and partial-lesion ROIs ranged from 0.722 to 0.983 for differentiating PA from WT. T1 values derived from partial-lesion ROI delineation demonstrated the best diagnostic performance among all single parameters, achieving an AUC of 0.983. Using 1322 ms as a cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.46%, 100% and 93.88%, respectively. Conclusion: The SyMRI-derived quantitative parameters demonstrated excellent performance for discriminating PA from WT in the parotid gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While statistically rare in comparison to other head and neck tumours, parotid gland swellings are often encountered in clinical practice where one of the primary goals of examination becomes distinction between benign and malignant lesions. Hallmarks of malignancy are characterized by a female preponderance, history of radiation exposure, a positive family history, and clinical features like heterogenous consistency, fixity to skin/underlying tissues and involvement of facial nerve. Case presentation: Here we present a case of parotid swelling in a 72-year old gentleman from south India that had a curious amalgamation of both benign and malignant features. Conclusions: While benign, the risk of malignant transformation and rare multicentric occurrence indicates a need to keep basal cell adenoma in mind in case of parotid swellings and their surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study presents the authors' experience with performing parotidectomy while using the microscope and its outcomes, particularly concerning the identification and preservation of the facial nerve and its branches. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospital; in Rawalpindi. Period: January 2020 to December 2023. Methods: Enrolled 70 patients with parotid lesions treated patient selection was based on the presence of parotid lesions. Data was entered and analysed by using SPSS V.26. Results: The gender distribution was 29 males (41.43%) and 41 females (58.57%), with a mean age of 38.2 years. The majority of cases involved pleomorphic adenoma, constituting 74.28% (n=52) of the total cases. Other tumor types included Warthin tumor (5.71%, n=4), monomorphic adenoma (2.86%, n=2), Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (14.29%, n=10), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (2.86%, n=2). In terms of the type of surgery performed, 82.86% (n=58) of cases underwent superficial parotidectomy, while 17.14% (n=12) underwent total conservative parotidectomy. Regarding facial nerve outcomes, temporary facial nerve paralysis was observed in 8.57% (n=6) of cases, while permanent facial nerve palsy occurred in 2.86% (n=2) of cases. Conclusion: We have seen that a microscope is a very valuable assistant in the identification and preservation of the facial nerve. Thus, we can recommend its use during the procedure in order to prevent morbidity of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background While statistically rare in comparison to other head and neck tumours, parotid gland swellings are often encountered in clinical practice where one of the primary goals of examination becomes distinction between benign and malignant lesions. Hallmarks of malignancy are characterized by a female preponderance, history of radiation exposure, a positive family history, and clinical features like heterogenous consistency, fixity to skin/underlying tissues and involvement of facial nerve. Case presentation Here we present a case of parotid swelling in a 72-year old gentleman from south India that had a curious amalgamation of both benign and malignant features. Conclusions While benign, the risk of malignant transformation and rare multicentric occurrence indicates a need to keep basal cell adenoma in mind in case of parotid swellings and their surgical management.

Objective: Malignant melanoma situated in the parotid gland represents a rare clinical presentation, and the prognosis of these patients remains inadequately understood in comparison to other forms of malignant melanoma. This study aims to evaluate cases of parotid gland-located malignant melanoma under follow-up in our clinic. Material and Method: Records of five patients aged 18 and above, diagnosed with melanoma localized within or adjacent to the parotid gland, were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant clinical information such as patients' demographic data including age and gender, medical histories, presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes were evaluated. The overall survival of the patients was examined. Results: None of the patients included in the study had primary parotid gland melanoma. Among all patients, 4 patients had primary lesions that were cutaneous melanomas originating from the head and neck region, while in one patient, the primary lesion was uveal melanoma of the eye. While 3 patients included in the study had died, 2 patients were still being followed up. Conclusion: Primary melanomas localized to the parotid gland are extremely rare, and when encountered, a thorough medical history and careful physical examination can often reveal that the primary lesion is cutaneous melanoma, predominantly located in the head and neck region. It should be kept in mind that although rare, there may be primary intranodal melanoma cases whose primary is unknown or cannot be found in the parotid gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and objectives: Preoperative differentiation of malignant tumors (MT), pleomorphic adenomas (PA), and other benign tumors of the parotid gland is critical to clinical strategy, this study aimed to develop and validate a T2-weighted image (T2WI) based radiomics model through machine learning approaches for the triple classification of parotid gland tumors. Materials and methods: We retrospectively enrolled 147 patients from January 2010 to July 2022. T2WIs were used to extract radiomics features. Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy (mRMR) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms were used to select features. Using a 5-fold cross-validation strategy, radiomics models were constructed using a Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), and k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) for the triple classification of parotid tumors. The three models were evaluated and compared using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results: A total of 1057 radiomics features were extracted, and 8 features were selected to developed the radiomics model, including First-order Median, First-order Skewness, First-order Minimum, Original_shape_Flatness, Glcm Inverse Variance, Glcm Inverse Variance, Glszm Low Gray Level Zone Emphasis, and Glszm Small Area Low Gray Level Emphasis. The mean area under the curves (AUCs) for the radiomics models in training and validation sets through LR, SVM and KNN were 0.85 and 0.80, 0.85 and 0.80 and 0.83 and 0.79, respectively. Conclusion: The T2WI-based radiomics models through LR, SVM and KNN demonstrated good performance in the triple classification of parotid tumors.

Abstract Background Parotid gland agenesis is a rare, congenital, usually asymptomatic disorder. Until now, only 24 cases with unilateral, incidentally found, parotid gland agenesis have been described. Here, we present the first reported case of an ipsilateral preauricular neoplasm in a patient with unilateral parotid gland agenesis. During surgery, the position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves was documented. Furthermore, we performed the first sialendoscopy for this rare disorder to assess the number of duct branches, which might be indicative of the abundance of parotid tissue. Moreover, we looked for sialendoscopic characteristic features that could aid in identifying these patients in the ambulatory setting. Case presentation A 50-year-old Greek man presented with a painless, slowly enlarging mass in the right parotid space. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete absence of the right parotid gland without accessory parotid tissue. The right parotid gland was replaced by fatty tissue and the radiologist suggested a benign parotid tumor. Fine needle aspiration was indicative of a reactive lymph node. Sialendoscopy revealed only two branches within the right parotid duct. Surgical resection was performed through a conventional lateral parotidectomy. This revealed typical anatomic position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves despite the parotid tissue agenesis. Histopathology revealed a small lymphocytic lymphoma. Conclusions Surgeons should feel confident to resect tumors of the parotid space in patients with parotid gland agenesis. Reduced branching observed during sialendoscopy might indicate parotid gland agenesis. Physicians should be even more cautious than usual with the watch and wait strategy in patients with tumors of parotid gland agenesis, since the probability of a tumor being a benign salivary gland tumor might be lower than usual.

Abstract Objectives We primarily aimed to evaluate whether parotid incidental lesion (PIL) in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for staging evaluation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) would represent a possibility of extrahepatic metastasis or second primary malignancy (SPM). Additionally, we explored the incidence of PIL in HCC patients and examined any associated risk factors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with HCC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at our institution from 2010 to 2022. The pathological findings of PILs in HCC patients were investigated for confirmatory identification of the risk of HCC metastasis or SPM in parotid gland. Healthy controls received 18F-FDG PET/CT for health screening were also enrolled to compare the incidence of PILs with HCC patients. Various parameters associated with patient demographics and characteristics of HCC were analyzed to find the related factors of PILs. Results A total of 17,674 patients with HCC and 2,090 healthy individuals who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were enrolled in the analyses. Among the 54 HCC patients who underwent pathological confirmation for PILs, benign primary parotid tumor was most commonly observed (n = 43 [79.6%]); however, no malignant lesions were detected, including HCC metastasis. The incidence of PILs was higher in patients diagnosed with HCC compared with the control group (485 [2.7%] vs. 23 [1.1%], p = 0.002). Analysis for the risk factors for PILs revealed that patient age, sex, and positive viral markers were significantly associated with the incidence of PILs in patients with HCC (all p

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation (TA) for treating benign parotid tumors.Methods: Patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between January 2020 and March 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Change in tumor size (maximum diameter, tumor volume(V), volume reduction rate (VRR)) and cosmetic score (CS) were evaluated during a one-year follow-up period. We also recorded the incidence of any complications associated with TA.Results: A total of 23 patients (13 males and 10 females; median age 65 years, range 5–91 years) were included. The mean VRR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after TA was 37.03%±10.23%, 56.52%±8.76%, 82.28%±7.89%, and 89.39%±6.45%, respectively. Mean CS also changed from 3.39 ± 0.66 to 1.75 ± 0.93 (p

To assess the diagnostic performance of quantitative parameters from dual-energy CT (DECT) in differentiating parotid gland tumors (PGTs). 101 patients with 108 pathologically proved PGTs were enrolled and classified into four groups: pleomorphic adenomas (PAs), warthin tumors (WTs), other benign tumors (OBTs), and malignant tumors (MTs). Conventional CT attenuation and DECT quantitative parameters, including iodine concentration (IC), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), effective atomic number (Z eff), electron density (Rho), double energy index (DEI), and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve (λ HU), were obtained and compared between benign tumors (BTs) and MTs, and further compared among the four subgroups. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent parameters and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the diagnostic performance. Attenuation, Z eff , DEI, IC, NIC, and λ HU in the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP) were higher in MTs than in BTs (p < 0.001–0.047). λ HU in VP and Z eff in AP were independent predictors with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 after the combination. Furthermore, attenuation, Z eff , DEI, IC, NIC, and λ HU in the AP and VP of MTs were higher than those of PAs (p < 0.001–0.047). Z eff and NIC in AP and λ HU in VP were independent predictors with an AUC of 0.93 after the combination. Attenuation and Rho in the precontrast phase; attenuation, Rho, Z eff , DEI, IC, NIC, and λ HU in AP; and the Rho in the VP of PAs were lower than those of WTs (p < 0.001–0.03). Rho in the precontrast phase and attenuation in AP were independent predictors with an AUC of 0.89 after the combination. MTs demonstrated higher Z eff , DEI, IC, NIC, and λ HU in VP and lower Rho in the precontrast phase compared with WTs (p < 0.001–0.04); but no independent predictors were found. DECT quantitative parameters can help to differentiate PGTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The parotid is the largest salivary gland and is located anteriorly to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and laterally to the ramus of the mandible. Neoplasms in this gland are relatively rare, with 80% being benign and 20% malignant, primarily represented by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In the head and neck region, lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) accounts for 0.4% of malignant salivary gland tumors. Case Report: A 35-year-old man with no previous comorbidities was admitted to a Head and Neck Surgery Specialty Service for a painless right cervical mass of uncertain growth. Extensive diagnostic investigation revealed involvement of the contralateral parotid, associated with systemic lymph node enlargement. Thus, adjuvant radiotherapy was decided by the treating team. Conclusion: This case confirms the heterogeneous features and distinctive behavior that the disease can present, as seen with bilateral parotid LEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We primarily aimed to evaluate whether parotid incidental lesion (PIL) in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for staging evaluation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) would represent a possibility of extrahepatic metastasis or second primary malignancy (SPM). Additionally, we explored the incidence of PIL in HCC patients and examined any associated risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with HCC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at our institution from 2010 to 2022. The pathological findings of PILs in HCC patients were investigated for confirmatory identification of the risk of HCC metastasis or SPM in parotid gland. Healthy controls received 18F-FDG PET/CT for health screening were also enrolled to compare the incidence of PILs with HCC patients. Various parameters associated with patient demographics and characteristics of HCC were analyzed to find the related factors of PILs. Results: A total of 17,674 patients with HCC and 2,090 healthy individuals who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were enrolled in the analyses. Among the 54 HCC patients who underwent pathological confirmation for PILs, benign primary parotid tumor was most commonly observed (n = 43 [79.6%]); however, no malignant lesions were detected, including HCC metastasis. The incidence of PILs was higher in patients diagnosed with HCC compared with the control group (485 [2.7%] vs. 23 [1.1%], p = 0.002). Analysis for the risk factors for PILs revealed that patient age, sex, and positive viral markers were significantly associated with the incidence of PILs in patients with HCC (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that PILs are more frequently identified in patients with HCC on 18F-FDG PET/CT. However, no malignant PIL, including extrahepatic metastasis of HCC, was identified. Therefore, the presence of PIL should not impede or delay the treatment process for patients with HCC. Additionally, we suggested that for future swift and straightforward differential diagnoses of PIL, the development of additional protocols within the PET/CT imaging could be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of FACSalud is the property of Revista FACSalud and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Facial nerve dysfunction is the principal postoperative complication related to parotidectomy.

Copyright of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria is the property of Thieme Medical Publishing Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most of salivary tumors are benign in nature and are typically diagnosed and classified based on their histopathological presentation. Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands is a rare, benign disease accounting for 1% to 3% of salivary gland tumors. Despite its low incidence, basal cell adenoma is the third most common benign tumor of the salivary gland after pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor. It usually appears as a firm and slow-growing mass. Due to the prognosis, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is required. In this report, we present two cases; a 62-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic, and slow-growing mass and a 64-year-old woman with a static-sized mass in the parotid gland. In both cases, the mass was completely excised, postoperative pathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. We also review the literature and discuss this rare entity. Abbreviations: BCA, basal cell adenoma; BCAC, basal cell adenocarcinoma; CT, computed tomography; FNA, fine needle aspiration; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Cutaneous metastasis from malignant tumors can cause symptoms such as exudates, bleeding, and pain, which remarkably reduce patient's quality of life. Herein, we report a case in which radiation therapy using the Quad Shot regimen was effective in the treatment of cutaneous metastasis from parotid gland cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of intraparotid lymph node metastasis in parotid malignancies and its association with overall survival. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the charts and histopathological findings of 43 patients with parotid malignancies who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2015. Epidemiological and pathological data were recorded. Overall survival was calculated, and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the role of metastasis intraparotid lymph node as a prognostic factor. Results: The incidence of metastasis intraparotid lymph node was 46.5%. Advanced-stage and high-grade tumors were associated with a higher metastasis intraparotid lymph node risk. Survival was significantly decreased in the metastasis intraparotid lymph node group, overall cohort (hazard ratio, 7.52), and advanced-stage group (hazard ratio, 4.62). No significant prognostic factor was revealed by multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Metastasis intraparotid lymph node is common and may negatively affect survival in parotid malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characterization of parotid tumors before surgery using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can support clinical decision making about the best-suited therapeutic strategy for each patient. Objective: This study aims to differentiate benign from malignant parotid tumors through radiomics analysis of multi-parametric MR images, incorporating T2-w images with ADC-map and parametric maps generated from Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI).Material and Methods: MRI scans of 31 patients with histopathologically-confirmed parotid gland tumors (23 benign, 8 malignant) were included in this retrospective study. For DCE-MRI, semi-quantitative analysis, Tofts pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling, and five-parameter sigmoid modeling were performed and parametric maps were generated. For each patient, borders of the tumors were delineated on whole tumor slices of T2-w image, ADC-map, and the late-enhancement dynamic series of DCE-MRI, creating regions-of-interest (ROIs). Radiomic analysis was performed for the specified ROIs. Results: Among the DCE-MRI-derived parametric maps, wash-in rate (WIR) and PK-derived Ktrans parameters surpassed the accuracy of other parameters based on support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Radiomics analysis of ADC-map outperformed the T2-w and DCE-MRI techniques using the simpler classifier, suggestive of its inherently high sensitivity and specificity. Radiomics analysis of the combination of T2-w image, ADC-map, and DCE-MRI parametric maps resulted in accuracy of 100% with both classifiers with fewer numbers of selected texture features than individual images. Conclusion: In conclusion, radiomics analysis is a reliable quantitative approach for discrimination of parotid tumors and can be employed as a computer-aided approach for pre-operative diagnosis and treatment planning of the patients.

Abstract Background In our previous cadaveric study, we highlighted the posterior auricular artery (PAA) as a potential landmark for early identification of facial nerve (FN) when performing parotidectomy. However, further clinical study is critically needed before this landmark could be applied in clinical practice. Methods For 31 patients enrolled, we tried to identify the FN by the guide of the PAA during parotidectomy. Additionally, the FN function was evaluated during follow‐up. Results PAA could be exposed in 28 out of 31 (90.3%) patients during parotidectomy. Moreover, the FN trunk could be identified by the guide of the PAA in all these 28 patients with identifiable PAA. Furthermore, no iatrogenic FN damage happened in this study and the transient FN dysfunction rate was 5.7%. Conclusion The PAA is an ideal landmark for early identification of the FN trunk when performing parotidectomy.

Key Clinical Message Cutaneous metastasis from malignant tumors can cause symptoms such as exudates, bleeding, and pain, which remarkably reduce patient's quality of life. Herein, we report a case in which radiation therapy using the Quad Shot regimen was effective in the treatment of cutaneous metastasis from parotid gland cancer.

Cavernous hemangioma (CH), or cavernoma, is a type of benign tumor occurring mostly in the brain, liver, skin, and retina.1,2 Although less commonly, CH can also occur in the spine, orbit, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, and long bones.1 CH comprises a cluster of abnormally dilated blood vessels that form a mass or lesion.2,3 CH is more commonly found in women than men and typically occur between the ages of 40 and 60. Their precise incidence needs to be well-established; however, they account for 2-4% of all parotid gland tumors.2 Still, they are considered one of the less parotid gland common types of tumors.2,3 Most parotid gland tumors are benign, with only about 20% malignant.1,2 CH is typically diagnosed by imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. The location, size, symptoms, and general health of the patient are among the variables that affect how cavernous hemangiomas are treated. Treatment options in symptomatic cases with functional impairment and high risk of bleeding, include medical (steroid or interferon), embolization, surgery, or radiosurgery.2,4 Parotid gland tumors can be either benign or malignant. CH of the parotid gland is a relatively rare but well-documented entity in the medical literature. There is currently not enough knowledge on the prevalence of CH in the parotid gland; there were roughly 50 cases reported worldwide, most of which were individual case reports. Overall, the literature suggests that cavernous hemangioma of the parotid gland is a rare benign entity more common in females and typically presents as a painless mass in the parotid gland area. Surgical removal is the primary treatment, and this entity has a good prognosis and a low recurrence risk.1-4 CH of the parotid gland can present with various symptoms, including a painless mass or swelling in the area of the gland, facial nerve weakness or paralysis, and even hearing loss in some cases. The diagnosis of a CH is usually based on imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, which can show a well-defined, sharply demarcated mass with areas of low and high intensity.2-4 A hemangioma's histopathological appearance can help determine the appropriate management and treatment options. Capillary hemangiomas may be treated with topical or oral medications, while surgical removal may be necessary for cavernous hemangiomas, depending on their size and location.2,3 Treatment options for parotid gland cavernous hemangiomas depend on the lesion’s size and location, the patient's symptoms and overall health status. In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary, which can be challenging due to the proximity of the facial nerve and the risk of its injury. In other cases, observation or radiation therapy may be recommended.3-5 Cavernous hemangioma is a type of vascular malformation, but other types of vascular malformations can present with similar symptoms or imaging findings. The differential diagnosis of vascular malformation with cavernous hemangioma includes (i) Venous malformation: a type of vascular malformation that affects veins, and it can look similar to cavernous hemangioma on imaging studies. However, venous malformations typically have a more uniform appearance, while cavernous hemangiomas have a characteristic “popcorn” appearance due to multiple blood-filled spaces; (ii) Capillary malformation: a type of vascular malformation that affects small blood vessels called capillaries. Capillary malformations can present as flat, red, or pink marks on the skin and can sometimes be mistaken for cavernous hemangioma; (iii) arteriovenous malformation: a type of vascular malformation that involves abnormal connections between arteries and veins. Arteriovenous malformations can cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits and can be mistaken for cavernous hemangioma on imaging studies; (iv) Lymphatic malformation: a type of vascular malformation that affects the lymphatic vessels and can cause swelling or abnormal growths. Lymphatic malformations can sometimes be mistaken for cavernous hemangioma in imaging studies.4,5 Figure 1 refers to a 42-year-old female patient with a painless, slowly growing mass in the right parotid region. The mass had been present for the past 6 months and has gradually increased. The patient reported no other significant symptoms, such as facial weakness or pain. The physical examination revealed a soft, non-tender mass in the right parotid region that measured approximately 6 cm. The overlying skin was normal, and there were no palpable lymph nodes in the neck. The ultrasound examination showed a well-circumscribed, hypoechoic lesion within the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, measuring 5.2 cm. The lesion had a cystic appearance with internal septations, consistent with a vascular lesion. The patient underwent an MRI, which confirmed the presence of a well-defined, lobulated mass in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland, measuring 5.5 cm. The lesion was hyperintense on T2-weighted images and demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement with gadolinium. The imaging findings were consistent with a diagnosis of vascular malformation of the parotid gland. The patient was referred to a head and neck surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Due to the lesion’s size and location, surgical resection was recommended. The patient underwent a superficial parotidectomy, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of CH (Figure 1A-1D). The patient was followed up for several months after the surgery, and there was no evidence of recurrence or complications. Figure 1A - gross image showing normal salivary gland tissue along with a well-encapsulated tumor with areas of hemorrhage and comprising of numerous cystic spaces (vascular channels) scale bar = 2,5 cm; B - microscopic examination at low magnification showing normal salivary gland parenchyma along with a capsulated tumor comprised of many dilated vascular channels (H&E 100X); C - higher magnification image showing thick and thin walls vascular spaces in between fibro-muscular stroma (H&E, 400X); D - immunohistochemical reaction for smooth muscle actin (SMA) demonstrating smooth muscle bundles and vessel walls (SMA, 400X).:

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are a form of salivary gland malignancy. They are classified according to histological grade and perineural invasion (PNI). In another cancer subtypes, positive-PNI suggests increased poor prognosis; however, the role of isolated positive-PNI salivary gland MEC can still be better investigated as a risk factor. This study investigated whether isolated PNI is independently associated with poor outcomes. Retrospective study, cohort case-series, single-center hospital from 2009 to 2019. Patient demographics, primary tumor, intervention, and survival data are included. Univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan–Meier survival curve analyses were used for comparison.The study group consisted of 32 patients (15 PNI-positive tumors, and 17 PNI-negative tumors), all admitted for surgery. Univariate analysis showed differences in grade (p = 0.038), positive margins (p = 0.034), soft tissue invasion (p < 0.001), pathological stage (p = 0.014), recurrence (p = 0.015), distant metastasis (p = 0.015) and MEC related death (p = 0.015). The risk in PNI-positive patients to develop soft tissue invasion and positive surgical margins was OR = 8.57 and OR = 4.88, respectively. Multivariate analysis found age differences (p = 0.038), with OR = 1.08. The Disease Specific Survival (DSS) was worst in the PNI-positive group (log-rank p-value = 0.0011), where the probability of dying occurred in the 12–24 months period (log-rank p-value = 0.002). PNI-positive salivary gland MEC is an independent prognostic factor, with poor DSS, increased locoregional recurrence, close correlation with a more aggressive pattern of the disease, and should be reviewed as a high grade histological criteria. Our findings may imply changes in the clinical approach with a more aggressive attitude in the overall treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characterization of parotid tumors before surgery using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can support clinical decision making about the best-suited therapeutic strategy for each patient. Objective: This study aims to differentiate benign from malignant parotid tumors through radiomics analysis of multi-parametric MR images, incorporating T2-w images with ADC-map and parametric maps generated from Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Material and Methods: MRI scans of 31 patients with histopathologicallyconfirmed parotid gland tumors (23 benign, 8 malignant) were included in this retrospective study. For DCE-MRI, semi-quantitative analysis, Tofts pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling, and five-parameter sigmoid modeling were performed and parametric maps were generated. For each patient, borders of the tumors were delineated on whole tumor slices of T2-w image, ADC-map, and the late-enhancement dynamic series of DCE-MRI, creating regions-of-interest (ROIs). Radiomic analysis was performed for the specified ROIs. Results: Among the DCE-MRI-derived parametric maps, wash-in rate (WIR) and PK-derived Ktrans parameters surpassed the accuracy of other parameters based on support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Radiomics analysis of ADC-map outperformed the T2-w and DCE-MRI techniques using the simpler classifier, suggestive of its inherently high sensitivity and specificity. Radiomics analysis of the combination of T2-w image, ADC-map, and DCE-MRI parametric maps resulted in accuracy of 100% with both classifiers with fewer numbers of selected texture features than individual images. Conclusion: In conclusion, radiomics analysis is a reliable quantitative approach for discrimination of parotid tumors and can be employed as a computeraided approach for pre-operative diagnosis and treatment planning of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incision scars and postoperative cosmesis are critical in the management of benign parotid tumors. Traditional incisions have a typical visible scar in the retromandibular area or require wide skin flaps. Purpose: In this study, we introduced a new surgical approach called the tri-split flap approach and evaluated its technical feasibility and surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients with clinically benign parotid gland tumors underwent the tri-split flap approach and were followed for six to ten months postoperatively. Facial weakness, salivary fistula formation, first bite syndrome, earlobe numbness, and the subjective cosmetic results were evaluated. Results: All tumors were completely excised, and the patients were highly satisfied with the esthetic outcome of the surgery. No patients developed wound dehiscence, facial nerve injury, or first bite syndrome during the follow-up period. One patient developed a minor salivary fistula that resolved after three weeks. Conclusion: The tri-split flap approach not only provides adequate exposure of the surgical site to achieve complete resection of benign parotid gland neoplasms but also results in a very short and highly concealed post-operative scar. This technique is a potential surgical approach in parotidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncocytomas of the salivary gland are uncommon neoplasms that are characterized by polygonal cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and relatively uniform nuclei. They are benign in nature and have a low recurrence rate with complete surgical excision. Though uncommon, oncocytic and clear cell variants of malignant tumors may histologically mimic oncocytomas and identification of their distinguishing features is essential. A classic example of an oncocytoma is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon pathological entities, representing less than 5% of head and neck neoplasms. The prognosis of patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands is highly variable and certain clinical factors can significantly influence overall survival. Objective: To analyze the clinicopathologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence survival in patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands Methods: This retrospective study analyzed sex, age, race, education level, tumor location, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, margin status, treatment type, marital status, method of health care access and 15-year overall survival in 193 patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands. The X², log-rank Mantel-Cox, multinomial regression and Cox logistic regression tests were used (SPSS 20.0,p < 0.05). Results: The most common histological types were adenocarcinoma (32.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (31.1%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18.7%). The 15-year overall survival rate was 67.4%, with a mean of 116 ± 6 months. The univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.026), age > 50 years (p = 0.001), referral origin from the public health system (p = 0.011), T stage (p = 0.007), M stage (p 50 years was independently associated with a poor prognosis (p = 0.016). The level of education was the only factor more prevalent in older patients (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands older than 50 years have a worse prognosis and an independent association with a low education level.

Metastasis of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is rare and usually presented as a locoregional recurrence developed many years after excision of the primary tumor although the PA is the most common neoplasm in the parotid gland. We described a case of a 48-year-old male with a parotid tumor with multiple enlarged ipsilateral lymph nodes which suggested a malignancy. The tumors had been neither evaluated nor excised and preoperative evaluation revealed benign PA in both lesions. After the complete surgical excision, the final pathology was notable for benign PA with metastasis to regional lymph nodes. At 1 year follow up he was clinically and radiographically free of disease. This implies that pleomorphic adenoma can occur as initially metastasis to regional lymph node even though benign neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In our previous cadaveric study, we highlighted the posterior auricular artery (PAA) as a potential landmark for early identification of facial nerve (FN) when performing parotidectomy. However, further clinical study is critically needed before this landmark could be applied in clinical practice. Methods: For 31 patients enrolled, we tried to identify the FN by the guide of the PAA during parotidectomy. Additionally, the FN function was evaluated during follow‐up. Results: PAA could be exposed in 28 out of 31 (90.3%) patients during parotidectomy. Moreover, the FN trunk could be identified by the guide of the PAA in all these 28 patients with identifiable PAA. Furthermore, no iatrogenic FN damage happened in this study and the transient FN dysfunction rate was 5.7%. Conclusion: The PAA is an ideal landmark for early identification of the FN trunk when performing parotidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) neurography using the 3-dimensional double-echo steady-state with water excitation (3D-DESS-WE) sequence for the preoperative delineation of the facial and lingual nerves. Materials and Methods: Patients underwent MR neurography for a tumor in the parotid gland area or lingual neuropathy from January 2020 to December 2021 were reviewed. Preoperative MR neurography using the 3D-DESS-WE sequence was evaluated. The visibility of the facial nerve and lingual nerve was scored on a 5-point scale, with poor visibility as 1 point and excellent as 5 points. The facial nerve course relative to the tumor was identified as superficial, deep, or encased. This was compared to the actual nerve course identified during surgery. The operative findings in lingual nerve surgery were also described. Results: Ten patients with parotid tumors and 3 patients with lingual neuropathy were included. Among 10 parotid tumor patients, 8 were diagnosed with benign tumors and 2 with malignant tumors. The median facial nerve visibility score was 4.5 points. The distribution of scores was as follows: 5 points in 5 cases, 4 points in 1 case, 3 points in 2 cases, and 2 points in 2 cases. The lingual nerve continuity score in the affected area was lower than in the unaffected area in all 3 patients. The average visibility score of the lingual nerve was 2.67 on the affected side and 4 on the unaffected side. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the preoperative localization of the facial and lingual nerves using MR neurography with the 3D-DESS-WE sequence was feasible and contributed to surgical planning for the parotid area and lingual nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic potential of the synthetic MRI (SyMRI) for differentiating Warthin's tumors (WT) from pleomorphic adenomas (PA)., Materials and Methods: Forty-nine individuals with parotid gland tumors (PA, n = 23; WT, n = 26) were recruited. Using two distinct regions of interest (ROI), SyMRI quantitative parameters of lesions were calculated, including mean and standard deviation (T1, T2, PD, T1sd, T2sd, and PDsd). Meanwhile, T1ratio, T2ratio, and PDratio (lesion/masseter muscle) were calculated based on the mean SyMRI quantitative parameters of masseter muscle (T1, T2, PD). Using the independent samples t test, we compared PA and WT parameters, while comparing the areas under the curve (AUC) using the DeLong's test. A multi-parameter SyMRI model was constructed using logistic regression analysis., Results: In PA, the T1, T1sd, T2, PD, T1ratio, T2ratio, and PDratio derived from full and partial lesion ROIs were significantly higher than in WT. According to the receiver operating curve analysis, the AUC of the quantitative parameters derived from full-lesion and partial-lesion ROIs ranged from 0.722 to 0.983 for differentiating PA from WT. T1 values derived from partial-lesion ROI delineation demonstrated the best diagnostic performance among all single parameters, achieving an AUC of 0.983. Using 1322 ms as a cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.46%, 100% and 93.88%, respectively., Conclusion: The SyMRI-derived quantitative parameters demonstrated excellent performance for discriminating PA from WT in the parotid gland., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Sun, Kuai, Huang, Ji, Jia and Wang.)

Objective: To investigate the ability of intra- and peritumoral radiomics based on three-phase computed tomography (CT) to distinguish between malignant and benign parotid tumors., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 374 patients with parotid gland tumors, all confirmed by histopathology. A total of 321 patients from Center 1 (January 2014 to January 2023) were randomly divided into the training set and internal testing set at a ratio of 7:3, whereas 53 patients from Center 2 (January 2020 to June 2022) constituted the external testing set. CT images of both the tumor and surrounding areas (2 mm and 5 mm areas surrounding the tumor) were reviewed, and their radiomic features were extracted for the construction of different radiomic models. In addition, a combined clinical-radiomic model was developed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The model's predictive performance was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves., Results: Among the models evaluated, Tumor + External2 model demonstrated superior predictive performance. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of this model were 0.986 in the training set, 0.827 in the internal test set, and 0.749 in the external test set. For the clinical model, independent predictive factors included symptoms, boundaries, and lymph node swelling. The combined clinical-radiomic model achieved AUCs of 0.981, 0.842, and 0.749 in the three cohorts, outperforming both the Tumor model and the clinical model individually., Conclusion: The CT-based radiomic models incorporating intratumoral and peritumoral radiomic features can effectively distinguish malignant from benign parotid tumors, and the predictive accuracy is further improved by incorporating clinically independent predictors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (AJCR Copyright © 2024.)