Postoperative Imaging and Surveillance in Large Nerve Perineural Spread

Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Detection of Perineural Spread in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives  The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for the detection of perineural spread (PNS) in head and neck cancer patients. Methods  A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to May 20, 2022. We included diagnostic accuracy studies that used CE-MRI for the diagnosis of PNS in patients with head and neck cancer, using histopathology from surgical specimens as the reference standard. Potential bias and applicability of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADUS-2) tool. Pooled joint effect sizes of sensitivity and specificity were calculated by applying bivariate random-effects meta-analysis model. Results  Nine studies with 259 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CE-MRI for detecting PNS were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73-96) and 83% (95% CI: 73-90), respectively. Stratifying by MRI strength, 1.5 T had a higher sensitivity of 97% (95% CI: 47-100) compared with 3 T, which had a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI: 72-90). Both 1.5- and 3-T MRI had a similar specificity in detecting PNS of 85% (95% CI: 63-95) and 84% (95% CI: 75-91), respectively. Conclusions  CE-MRI provides good diagnostic test accuracy for the detection of PNS in head and neck cancer. Current evidence suggests 1.5-T MRI provides greater sensitivity compared with 3-T MRI.

Clinical outcomes in perineural spread of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma via the ophthalmic nerve

BACKGROUND

There are no large studies reporting oncological or survival outcomes for patients diagnosed with perineural spread (PNS) of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) via the ophthalmic nerve (V1). Where orbital exenteration may be necessary for curative treatment, it is critical to have survival data with which the morbidity associated with surgical treatment can be justified. Furthermore, with the emerging treatment option of immunotherapy, current standard of care outcomes are needed to help guide future trial design and eventually changed management guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the oncological and survival outcomes observed in patients with PNS of cSCC via V1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained cohort of patients with PNS of cSCC via V1 treated in a tertiary Australian head and neck oncology/skull base referral center. Consecutive sample of 53 patients managed between March 1, 1999 and April 30, 2020. Follow-up closure date was September 1, 2021. Curative-intent surgery, curative-intent radiotherapy, or palliative care was undertaken. Endpoints included five-year overall, disease-specific, and disease-free survival from the date of treatment.

RESULTS

Five-year Kaplan-Meier overall survival was 61.9% (95% CI 46.2%-74.3%), with disease-specific survival of 74.6% (95% CI 58.8%-85.3%), and disease-free survival 62.1% (95% CI 46.5%-74.3%). Survival was superior in patients treated via surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy than in those receiving surgery alone or definitive radiotherapy. Survival was superior among patients with less advanced disease as assessed by the Williams zonal staging system; patients with Zone 1 disease had disease-specific survival of 94.1% at 5 years with 82.5% disease-free survival.

DISCUSSION

Five-year oncological and survival outcomes in this cohort were favorable. Superior survival was observed in patients treated with curative-intent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Less extensive disease as delineated by the Williams zonal staging system was associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy confers favourable oncological and survival outcome in patients with V1 PNS, particularly with early disease limited to Zone 1.

Evaluation of facial nerve perineural spread from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma using 3T MR neurography

INTRODUCTION

Perineural spread (PNS) is a rare but potentially fatal consequence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head and neck. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 3T MR neurography in detecting and defining the extent of facial nerve (VII) PNS from cSCC, and highlight characteristic radiological features in peripheral branches to improve early diagnosis.

METHODS

Single-institution retrospective review of 38 patients with clinical, radiological, and/or histopathological findings consistent with VII PNS from cSCC who underwent pre-operative 3T MR neurography.

RESULTS

Compared to histopathology (gold standard), 3T MR neurography had a sensitivity of 89% and positive predictive value of 97%. In true-positive cases (n = 33), zonal extent was correctly identified in 100%. Seventy-nine% had simultaneous trigeminal nerve (V) PNS, mostly involving the auriculotemporal branch of the mandibular nerve (64%). When the causative lesion was absent (n = 23), the extra-temporal VII demonstrated asymmetrical enhancement alone (n = 6), bulky expansion (n = 8), or extra-neural spread (n = 9). Peripheral VII branch involvement, particularly the buccal and zygomatic, was readily identified using known anatomical landmarks.

CONCLUSION

3T MR neurography is highly accurate in evaluating VII PNS from cSCC, and thus should be specifically requested by physicians if suspicious for disease. Coexistent V PNS was common, highlighting the need to examine V branches to allow complete treatment planning. The unique radiological patterns identified showcases disease progression. As early detection improves patient outcomes, the radiologist must look for peripheral VII involvement in specific anatomical areas, which is within the capabilities of 3T MR neurography.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI in Detecting the Perineural Spread of Head and Neck Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study was to review the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting perineural spreading (PNS) of head and neck tumors using histopathological or surgical evidence from the afflicted nerve as the reference standard. Previous studies in the English language published in the last 30 years were searched from PubMed and Embase databases. We included studies that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (with and without contrast enhancement) to detect PNS, as well as the histological or surgical confirmation of PNS, and that reported the exact numbers of patients required for assessing diagnostic accuracy. The outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Heterogeneity was assessed with the Higgins inconsistency test (I2). P-values smaller than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 11 retrospective studies were found, reporting 319 nerve samples from 245 patients. Meta-analytic estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were as follows: sensitivity 0.85 (0.70-0.95), specificity 0.85 (0.80-0.89), PPV 0.86 (0.70-0.94), and NPV 0.85 (0.71-0.93). We found statistically significant heterogeneity for sensitivity (I2 = 72%, p = 0.003) and PPV (I2 = 70%, p = 0.038), but not for NPV (I2 = 65%, p = 0.119) or specificity (I2 = 12%, p = 0.842). The most frequent MRI features of PNS were nerve enlargement and enhancement. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma were the most common tumor types, and the facial and trigeminal nerves were the most commonly affected nerves in PNS. Only a few studies provided examples of false MRI diagnoses. MRI demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in depicting PNS of cranial nerves, yet this statement was based on scarce and heterogeneous evidence.

Persisting facial nerve palsy or trigeminal neuralgia - red flags for perineural spread of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC)

BACKGROUND

Perineural spread (PNS) of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) is a unique diagnostic challenge, presenting with insidious trigeminal (CN V) or facial nerve (CN VII) neuropathies without clinically discernible primary masses. These patients are often sub-optimally investigated and misdiagnosed as Bell's palsy or trigeminal neuralgia. This case series highlights the red flags in history and pitfalls that lead to delays to diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 19 consecutive patients with complete clinical histories with HNcSCC PNS without an obvious cutaneous primary lesion at time of presentation to a quaternary head and neck centre in Australia were identified and included for analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen had CN VII PNS, 17 had CN V PNS, and 13 had both. The overall median symptom-to-diagnosis time was 12-months (IQR-15 months). Eight patients had CN VII PNS and described progressive segmental facial nerve palsy with a median symptom-to-diagnosis time of 9-months (IQR-11.75 months). Eleven patients had primary CN V PNS and described well localized parathesia, formication or neuralgia with a median symptom-to-diagnosis time of 19-months (IQR 27.5 months).

CONCLUSION

PNS is often mistaken for benign cranial nerve dysfunction with delays in diagnosis worsening prognosis. Red flags such as progressive CN VII palsy or persistent CN V paraesthesia, numbness, formication or pain, particularly in the presence of immuno-compromise and/or a history of facial actinopathy should raise suspicion for PNS. Gadolinium-enhanced MR Neurography should be obtained expediently in patients with persistent/progressive CN V/CN VII palsies in patients with red flags, with low threshold for referral to a Head and Neck Surgeon.

Enlarging premaxillary mass: A unique manifestation of extranodal diffuse B-cell lymphoma

Lymphomas are the most common nonepithelial malignancy in the head and neck region. Among these, non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is the most prevalent, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype. NHL is known for its propensity for extranodal involvement, which can affect any anatomical location. The presence of perineural spread is frequently encountered in head and neck malignancies, including lymphomas. We report a case of a 40-year-old male with an enlarging infraorbital facial mass with associated erythema, pain, and paresthesia, which was subsequently found to be extranodal DLBCL with retrograde perineural spread along the infraorbital nerve.

Perineural invasion and perineural spread in periocular squamous cell carcinoma

Perineural invasion (PNI) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the periocular region is a prognostic marker of adverse tumour outcomes. PNI carries a well-established risk of tumour recurrence, regional metastasis and higher likelihood of mortality. This review will explore and stratify the risks conferred by histological PNI parameters. The radiological features of perineural spread (PNS) and the imaging sequences that delineate these findings will also be highlighted. Surgical excision with en face margin control is the preferred technique for achieving histological clearance. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves treatment outcomes in the setting of concomitant high-risk features. For locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous SCC, immunotherapy represents a novel treatment alternative. This review will provide an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of periocular SCC with PNI and PNS.

18F-FDG PET, contrast CT and MRI to comprehensively diagnose and assess rare perineural spread of squamous cell carcinoma to the greater auricular nerve

We present a case of a 78-year-old male with a primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma which spread via the left facial, trigeminal and greater auricular nerves. The patient presented with left facial droop and paraesthesia. Initial MRI scans demonstrated involvement of the trigeminal and facial nerves with no sign of a primary lesion. Abnormal enhancement within the left parotid substance on FDG PET-CT demonstrated the primary malignancy which was confirmed on histology by core biopsy. There was also focal avidity along the course of the left greater auricular nerve consistent with perineural infiltration, extending from the posterior aspect of the parotid to the left cervical plexus at C2/C3. To our knowledge, this is the second case of squamous cell carcinoma perineural spread to the greater auricular nerve imaged on FDG PET-CT scanning. This case highlights the importance of multimodality imaging correlation in the workup of primary head and neck malignancies and associated perineural spread, which is essential in adjuvant radiation therapy planning to reduce local recurrence, improve prognosis and overall survival.

Facial nerve perineural spread from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A single institution analysis of epidemiology, treatment, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine patients with facial nerve (VII) perineural spread (PNS) from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients managed by an Australian tertiary center between 2000 and 2019.

RESULTS

Seventy three patients were included. Most presented with recurrent disease (89.0%) and simultaneous trigeminal nerve (V) involvement (67.1%). Of the 55 patients (75.3%) who received curative intent treatment, 48 received surgery plus/minus post-operative radiotherapy. In these patients, 5-year disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival was 50.7%, 68.7%, and 58.1%, respectively. Pathological nodal disease, involved margins, increasing VII zonal extent, and concurrent zone 2 V PNS significantly worsened outcomes.

CONCLUSION

High rates of recurrent disease reflects the importance of adequate treatment of the primary. Surgery and post-operative radiotherapy remains the mainstay treatment. Outcomes are improved in early-stage disease and with clear surgical margins, reinforcing the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention.

Posttreatment Magnetic Resonance Imaging Surveillance of Head and Neck Cancers

Treatment strategies and recommended surveillance imaging differ for head and neck cancers depending on subsite and neoplasm type, and pose confusion for referring physicians and interpreting radiologists. The superior soft tissue resolution offered by magnetic resonance imaging is most useful in the surveillance of cancers with high propensities for intraorbital, intracranial, or perineural disease spread, which most commonly include those arising from the sinonasal cavities, nasopharynx, orbits, salivary glands, and the skin. This article discusses recommended surveillance protocoling and reviews treatment approaches, common posttreatment changes, and pearls for identifying disease recurrence in a subsite-based approach.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Perineural Spread of Head and Neck Cancer

Perineural tumor spread (PNTS) is one of the important methods of tumoral spread in head and neck cancers. It consists of a complex process that entails the production of certain chemicals or the production of certain cell receptors. Histologic type and primary tumor site play an important role in PNTS. Any nerve could be affected; however, the trigeminal and facial nerves are the most involved nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography detect the primary and secondary signs of PNTS. Functional imaging such as diffusion-weighted imaging and hybrid imaging act as problem-solving techniques.

Squamous and basal cell carcinoma with perineural invasion: pathophysiology and presentations

Squamous and basal cell carcinomas with perineural invasion are typically difficult to treat because of their propensity to metastasize, their aggressive nature, and the concept of skip lesions. Perineural invasion is an under-recognized and underdiagnosed condition even though the literature points to its high rate of incidence in squamous cell carcinoma and a nonnegligible incidence rate in basal cell carcinoma. Perineural invasion has been linked to higher recurrence rates and poorer prognosis. This review has been written to aid clinicians in identifying and managing the condition as early as possible by describing the clinical and microscopic manifestations of perineural invasion.

Imaging of the post-treatment neck

Post-treatment imaging of the neck is complex. It is important to have an understanding of the expected treatment related appearances as well as the possible complications. Common findings after radiation therapy include generalised soft-tissue oedema and thickening of the skin and platysma muscle. There are a number of complications of radiation that may be seen on imaging, including osteoradionecrosis, chondronecrosis, and accelerated atherosclerosis. Surgical procedures are variable depending on the primary tumour site and extent. The use of flap reconstructions can further complicate the imaging appearances. Any new nodule of enhancement or bone/cartilage erosion should raise concern for tumour recurrence. It is also important to assess for nodal recurrence. A standardised approach to reporting may help to increase accuracy and guide treatment decisions.

Imaging of orofacial pain

BACKGROUND

Orofacial pain is a common complaint, with an estimated 75% of cases caused by dental disease, specifically a diseased pulp. A small percentage of orofacial pain cases will require specialist referral most commonly to oral medicine specialists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons from a dental perspective, or otolaryngologists or neurologists from a medical perspective.

IMAGING MODALITIES

Following a thorough history and clinical examination, imaging is often required to narrow the differential diagnosis or answer a specific query related to the final diagnosis. A range of imaging modalities can be used to evaluate orofacial pain including dental panoramic tomography (DPT), intraoral radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine.

IMAGING PROTOCOLS

This paper provides a guideline outlining imaging protocols for categories of facial pain divided into: (a) unilateral odontalgia; (b) unilateral facial pain; (c) combined unilateral odontalgia and facial pain; (d) trigeminal neuralgia; (e) trigeminal neuropathic pain with or without other sensory, autonomic or motor features; (f) temporomandibular joint disorders and associated pain; (g) referred pain and (h) non-specific orofacial pain.

CONCLUSION

Imaging for orofacial pain should be tailored to answer a specific query related to the aetiology of the reported pain. This should result in a specific diagnosis or narrowing of the differential diagnosis as possible causes of orofacial pain are eliminated. Choosing the correct imaging modality and protocol based on the pain category is important for efficient and effective pain diagnosis and management.

Management of advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma infiltrating the skull base: a contemporary review

INTRODUCTION

This article provides an overview of the natural history and management of adenoid cystic carcinoma infiltrating the skull base (SB ACC).

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the available literature and discussion regarding the current management of SB ACC.

RESULTS

This review describes the unique pathology, appropriate diagnostic work-up and contemporary management options in SB ACC. There is a specific focus on the role of surgical resection with post-operative radiotherapy, given the literature suggesting a superior locoregional control rate. The importance of surgical decision making and varying surgical approaches are detailed. In addition, the emerging role of biological agents is discussed.

CONCLUSION

The gold standard for SB ACC is surgical resection and post-operative radiation, given the superior locoregional control. In patients not amendable to surgery, palliative radiation should be considered. The role of biological agents is still evolving. The complexity of SB ACC management mandates experienced multi-speciality management.