Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the infraspheno-temporal fossa. Latero-facial resection combined with multiple osteotomies

Tumors Involving the Infratemporal Fossa: A Systematic Review of Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Infratemporal fossa (ITF) tumors represent various pathologies and are seldom described in the literature, reflecting their rarity. Here we review the literature on tumors invading ITF and describe patient characteristics, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the clinical presentation, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes.

RESULT

A total of 27 articles containing 106 patients with ITF tumors (median tumor size: 24.3 cm³ [interquartile range, 15.2-42 cm³]) were included (median age: 46 years [interquartile range, 32-55 years]; 59.4% were males]). Of the confirmed tumor pathology data, schwannomas (n = 24; 26.1%) and meningiomas (n = 13; 14.1%) were the most common tumors. Facial hypoesthesia (n = 22; 18.5%), auricular/preauricular pain (n = 20; 16.8%), and headaches (n = 11; 9.2%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Of patients who had surgical resection (n = 97; 95.1%), 70 (73.7%) had transcranial surgery (TCS) and 25 (26.3%) had endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). Among available details on the extent of resection (n = 84), gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 62 (73.8%), and 5 (6.0%) had biopsy only. Thirty-five (33.0%) patients had postoperative complications. Among cases with available data on reconstruction techniques (n = 8), four (50%) had adipofascial antero-lateral thigh flap, three (37.5%) had latissimus dorsi free flap, and one (12.5%) had antero-lateral thigh flap. Fourteen (13.2%) patients had adjuvant chemotherapy, and sixteen (15.1%) had adjuvant radiotherapy. During a median follow-up time of 28 months (IQR, 12.25-45.75 months), 15 (14.2%) patients had recurrences, and 18 (17.0%) patients died. The median overall survival (OS) time was 36 months (95% confidence interval: 29-41 months), and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 61%.

CONCLUSION

Various tumor types with different biological characteristics invade the ITF. The present study describes patient demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Depending on the tumor type and patient condition, patient-tailored management is recommended to optimize treatment outcomes.

Primary orbito-cranial adenoid cystic carcinoma with torcular metastasis: a case report and review of the literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare neoplasm arising from the exocrine glands such as salivary glands, lachrymal glands, upper respiratory tract, breast or uterine cervix. Intracranial involvement is commonly from direct skull base involvement, although metastasis may rarely be seen. The predisposition of the adenoid cystic carcinoma for perineural and perivascular invasion is the prime reason for the locally invasive character of the tumour, often extending into the cranium via foramina at the skull base. The authors report a case of primary orbito-cranial extradural adenoid cystic carcinoma and cranial metastasis away from the primary site. This patient initially had a local excision, and later an exenteration of the right eye followed by with radiotherapy. Within months she presented with an extradural cranial recurrence, distant torcular metastasis without any neurological deficit. Craniotomy and radical excision was undertaken as these tumours have slow growth rates, and long term survival of the se patients even in the presence of local recurrence and metastasis has been well documented.

Dumbbell tumor of the anterior skull base. Meningioma? No, adenoid cystic carcinoma!

BACKGROUND

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm of the exocrine glands. Because of its tendency for skull base involvement and intracranial spread, ACC should be diagnosed promptly by the neurosurgeon, although discrimination from meningioma is often difficult. Radical resection of such tumors requires familiarity with complex craniofacial approaches.

CASE DESCRIPTION

An unusual case of dumbbell-shaped ACC centered over the planum sphenoidale is presented. Regular margins and neuroimaging features suggested a preoperative diagnosis of meningioma. The lesion was gross, totally resected in a two-staged procedure through frontobasal and transfacial approaches, with good functional and aesthetic result.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiologic, histologic, and clinical features of ACC are reviewed. ACC is rarely encountered by the neurosurgeon; however it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of skull base tumors. Interdisciplinary surgical approaches represent the major advance in the treatment of these complex neoplasms.