Case-tailored indicated extracapsular dissection versus "one-size-fits-all" nerve dissection: Has the bet been won?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to trace the development of surgical therapy in a large cohort, examine its changes at one single institution that has been specializing in salivary gland pathologies over the last 22 years, and to determine the extent to which a possible shift in the surgical therapy of parotid benign tumors towards less radical methods was correlated with a change in the incidence of facial palsy and Frey's syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of the records of all patients treated for benign parotid tumors at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2022 was carried out. Surgical methods were classified into four groups: extracapsular dissection, partial superficial parotidectomy, superficial parotidectomy and complete parotidectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 4037 patients were included in the study. Our analysis demonstrated an increase in the total number of parotidectomies for benign lesions from 71 (2000) to 298 (2022), mostly due to the increase in extracapsular dissections (from 9 to 212). The increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with a significantly decreased incidence of perioperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with better functional outcomes over the years.

Differentiation of Salivary Gland and Salivary Gland Tumor Tissue via Raman Imaging Combined with Multivariate Data Analysis

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a relevant, highly diverse subgroup of head and neck tumors whose entity determination can be difficult. Confocal Raman imaging in combination with multivariate data analysis may possibly support their correct classification. For the analysis of the translational potential of Raman imaging in SGT determination, a multi-stage evaluation process is necessary. By measuring a sample set of Warthin tumor, pleomorphic adenoma and non-tumor salivary gland tissue, Raman data were obtained and a thorough Raman band analysis was performed. This evaluation revealed highly overlapping Raman patterns with only minor spectral differences. Consequently, a principal component analysis (PCA) was calculated and further combined with a discriminant analysis (DA) to enable the best possible distinction. The PCA-DA model was characterized by accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity and precision values above 90% and validated by predicting model-unknown Raman spectra, of which 93% were classified correctly. Thus, we state our PCA-DA to be suitable for parotid tumor and non-salivary salivary gland tissue discrimination and prediction. For evaluation of the translational potential, further validation steps are necessary.

Limited parotid surgery as sole form of treatment for carefully selected malignant tumours of the parotid gland: Still sufficient on the long-term?

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the oncological and functional outcome following extracapsular dissection as the sole form of treatment in locally limited low-grade malignant parotid tumours in the long term.

METHODS

The records of all patients treated for T1-T2 low-grade malignant tumours of the parotid gland solely by means of extracapsular dissection between 2005 and 2017 were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 16 cases formed our study sample (7 men, 9 women). Their mean age was 50.2 years (21-84 years). Mean follow-up was 107 months (60-201 months). In 6 cases the tumour was an acinic cell carcinoma, in 9 cases a mucoepidermoid carcinoma and in one case a basal cell adenocarcinoma. Regarding the T category, the tumour was Tis in one case, T1 in 12 cases and T2 in three cases. The five-year disease-specific survival rate was 100 %, as was local disease control. Facial nerve function was House-Brackmann grade I without exception.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed very encouraging long-term results following primary extracapsular dissection as the sole surgical therapy for carefully selected low-stage, low-grade, inferiorly located lesions in patients with high compliance.

LAY SUMMARY

The "one-size-fits-all" strategy of complete parotidectomy with neck dissection might be tantamount to overtreatment by less aggressive cases of parotid cancer. Extracapsular dissection seems to be oncologically sufficient for carefully selected T1-T2 low-grade cases in the long-term in patients with ensured follow-up.

Investigation of locoregional metastatic behavior in low-grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate primary locoregional metastatic behavior in a large sample of low-grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland following surgical treatment consisting of complete parotidectomy and neck dissection.

METHODS

The records of all patients treated for low-grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland by complete parotidectomy and neck dissection between 2007 and 2022 were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

94 patients formed our study sample (50 females, 44 males, female to male ratio: 1.14). The mean age was 59 years (range 15-95 years). The mean number of lymph nodes in the specimen from complete parotidectomy was 3.33 (range: 0-12). The mean number of involved lymph nodes in the parotid gland was 0.05 (range: 0-1). The mean number of lymph nodes in the specimen from the ipsilateral neck dissection was 16.2 (range 4-42). The mean number of involved lymph nodes in the neck dissection specimen was 0.09 (range: 0-2). Comparison of T1-T2 vs. T3-T4 cases revealed no statistically significant difference concerning the tumorous involvement of the lymphatic network (x² = 0.719, p = 0.396).

CONCLUSION

Low-grade primary malignant tumors of the parotid gland are characterized by an initially low metastatic potential, which justifies conservative forms of surgical treatment.

Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of superficial parotidectomy versus extracapsular dissection of the parotid gland: a single-centre retrospective study of 161 patients

Improvements in preoperative diagnostics and intraoperative techniques have made the surgical excision of benign parotid gland tumours less invasive. Extracapsular dissection (ECD) has become more popular in comparison to superficial parotidectomy (SP), the gold standard. Although clinical outcomes have been reported, reports on cost-effectiveness are limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of ECD versus SP in benign parotid tumour surgery. A retrospective cohort of 161 patients treated between 2012 and 2020 was collected. Data concerning demographics, clinical outcomes, and cost-efficiency were recorded. Analysis of the 161 unilateral parotidectomy cases (59 SP, 102 ECD) showed a significantly longer operation time, anaesthesia time, and length of stay for SP patients (all P < 0.001). Regarding postoperative complications, transient facial nerve weakness (P < 0.001) and haematoma formation (P = 0.016) were more prevalent in the SP patients. The frequency of positive margins was lower for SP (P = 0.037). No case of recurrence was identified with either technique. ECD showed excellent clinical outcomes as well as a reduction in complications when compared to SP. ECD is a viable alternative for superficial benign parotid gland tumours after thorough preoperative clinical, pathological, and radiological examination. The reduction in operation, anaesthesia, and hospitalization times with ECD is likely to result in a gain in cost-effectiveness.

Transoral robotic surgery for parapharyngeal carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (Ca ex-PA) comprises 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an approach being used to treat a variety of benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms. Recently, this technique has gained popularity as an alternative for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumor resection. To our knowledge, this is the first case of Ca ex-PA managed successfully by TORS of the PPS.

CASE

Fifty-nine-year-old male with incidental mass in PPS, initial diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma, who underwent transoral robotic resection. The histopathology diagnosis with minimally invasive Ca ex-PA findings and malignant component of high-grade epithelial/myoepithelial carcinoma and salivary duct carcinoma. Patient discharged on the fifth post-operative day without complications.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, TORS may be a safe procedure to remove selected Ca ex-PA from the PPS; however, further research is needed.

Presentation and outcomes of patients with clinically T1-2, N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma: The roles of elective neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy

Objectives

Examine the role of elective neck dissection (END) and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in early‐stage clinically N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).

Methods

The study is a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, 2004–2016. The study population included adult patients with MEC who underwent parotidectomy.

Results

A total of 1233 patients were included. Histopathology demonstrated well, moderately, and poorly differentiated MEC 47.12%, 39.98%, and 12.90% of the time, respectively. END was performed in 78.67% of patients, resulting in nodal upstaging in 4.43% and identification of extracapsular extension (ECE) in 0.72%. RT was utilized in 67.33% of patients with advanced pathological features. Neither END nor RT improved overall survival separately (p < 0.05) or combined (adjusted HR: 1.19, 95%CI: 0.52, 2.70, p = 0.68).

Conclusion

This study provides an epidemiological perspective regarding patients with clinically T1‐2, N0 MEC. There was no observed survival advantage with END and RT.

[Surgery for parotid gland cancer-controversial and proven aspects]

BACKGROUND

Due to the rarity of primary parotid malignancies, there are currently only limited clinical study data on the optimal surgical therapy. Parotid malignancies encompass a broad spectrum of more than 20 different histological subtypes with varying biology, which thus represents a challenge for even experienced pathologists and head and neck surgeons with proven expertise in salivary gland surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current literature on surgical therapy of the primary tumor and the cN0 neck as well as treatment of the facial nerve, and to shed light on the various controversial aspects of this topic.

RESULTS

In salivary gland oncology there is a trend towards safe (R0) but more conservative surgery. Currently, less-invasive surgical approaches could potentially be applied in a small subgroup with carefully selected caudally located and R0-resected "low-grade tumors" in stages T1-T2 and cN0 in relatively young patients with high compliance and more in the context of structured clinical studies. Elective neck dissection in the case of cN0 status should be carried out if risk factors for occult cervical lymph node metastasis (T3-T4a, "high-grade subtypes," advanced age, lymphangitic carcinomatosis) are present. In cases of small "low-grade parotid carcinomas," narrow resection margins or even microscopic tumor residues on the facial nerve can potentially be adequately compensated with adjuvant radiation therapy. However, due to the lack of solid data, the significance of the actual effect of the radiation in this situation should be viewed with great caution.

The Offprint of an Abnormal Pre-Parotidectomy Electrodiagnostic Finding in a Normally Functioning Facial Nerve: Correlation with Intraoperative Findings, Histology and Postoperative Facial Nerve Function

The aim of this study was to search for associations between an electrodiagnostically abnormal but clinically normal facial nerve before parotidectomy and the intraoperative findings, as well as the postoperative facial nerve function. The records of all patients treated for parotid tumors between 2002 and 2021 with a preoperative House–Brackmann score of grade I but an abnormal electrophysiologic finding were studied retrospectively. A total of 285 patients were included in this study, and 222 patients had a benign lesion (77.9%), whereas 63 cases had a malignant tumor (22.1%). Electroneurographic facial nerve involvement was associated with nerve displacement in 185 cases (64.9%) and infiltration in 17 cases (6%). In 83 cases (29.1%), no tumor–nerve interface could be detected intraoperatively. An electroneurographic signal was absent despite supramaximal stimulation in 6/17 cases with nerve infiltration and in 17/268 cases without nerve infiltration (p < 0.001). The electrophysiologic involvement of a normal facial nerve is not pathognomonic for a malignancy (22%), but it presents a rather rare (~6%) sign of a “true” nerve infiltration and could also appear in tumors without any contact with the facial nerve (~29%). Of our cases, two thirds of those with an anatomic nerve preservation and facial palsy had already directly and postoperatively recovered to a major extent in the midterm.

Is Revision Surgery Necessary for Patients With High Risk of Recurrence After Parotidectomy? A Multicenter Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Close margin is a frequent situation after parotidectomy. The need for systematic prophylactic revision surgery is a question that arises regularly for malignant tumors, as it exposes to a high risk of facial palsy, while oncological benefits are unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

retrospective study.

SETTING

Multicentric.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We included all patients operated for systematic revision surgery in case of close margins after parotidectomy for a malignant tumor and analyzed the rate of tumor residue and its risk factors.

RESULTS

A tumor residue was identified in 43.5% of 23 cases, but none in case of initial complete excision with supra-millimetric margins. Invaded lymph nodes were identified in 6 cases, but none in case of low-grade tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic revision seems mandatory in case of infra-millimetric margins and high-grade tumors or positive lymph node; further studies are needed to confirm whether it can be spared for T1-T2/N0 low-grade tumors, with close margins but complete initial excision.

Can Ultrasound in Combination with Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification Predict the Dignity of a Parotid Tumor?

Pre-operative evaluation of a parotid gland tumor is crucial in guiding treatment. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of B-mode ultrasound in combination with Virtual Touch imaging quantification (VTIQ) in the assessment of parotid lesions. A prospective study of 268 patients with parotid lesions was conducted. Pre-operative ultrasound findings and VTIQ data were compared against histologic results. Ill-defined margins on ultrasound were associated with a significantly higher risk of malignancy (odds ratio [OR] = 1224.0, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 151.8-9872.7). Faster mean shear waves on VTIQ (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.47-2.23, per 1 m/s increase) and an area with shear wave velocity >6.0 m/s involving >70 % of the lesion (OR = 19.80, 95 % CI: 6.22-63.07) were associated with higher risk of malignancy. Addition of VTIQ to routine pre-operative B-mode ultrasound can provide supplemental information on the dignity of a parotid tumor, allowing for peri-operative procedural optimization.

Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma Diagnosis During Global Health Engagement Operations

INTRODUCTION

In global health engagement settings, performance of oncologic surgery is evaluated by understanding the host nation healthcare capacity to include inpatient care support and the available postoperative adjunctive therapy to include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present a case during Pacific Partnership 2018 of a patientwith a malignant facial mass diagnosed postoperatively. A literature review was conducted, searching specifically for cases related to pleomorphic adenoma (PA), carcinoma ex-PA, cases of misdiagnosis, and global health engagement operations.

RESULTS

The patient presented without constitutional symptoms, clinical lymphadenopathy, or cranial nerve VII weakness with a preoperative host nation diagnosis of a benign salivary neoplasm (PA). Postoperatively, a gross total resection of the mass was diagnosed as high-grade adenocarcinoma-a carcinoma ex-PA of the parotid gland. Oncologic staging was noted to be advanced at T3N0, and the patient was referred back to the host nation surgeons for radiation oncology consultation and clinical surveillance to follow.

DISCUSSION

Diagnosis of carcinoma ex-PA-a rare form of salivary gland malignancy-is not always straightforward because of its high degree of cellular heterogeneity, leading to inconsistencies in preoperative sampling results. This case addresses the preoperative diagnostic challenges associated with this type of malignancy, different types of possible treatment modalities aimed at reducing postoperative morbidity, and the preoperative and postoperative challenges that are critical to address during health engagement operations.

Investigation of Sonographic Criteria for Reliable Identification of T1-T2 Low-Grade Malignant Tumors of the Parotid Gland

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 <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 310 patients (62 with T1-T2 low-grade malignant tumors, 248 with pleomorphic adenomas) were evaluated. Our analysis detected a statistically significant difference in the definition of margins, echotexture, echogenicity and shape. Furthermore, we could detect a specific pattern (anechoic islets in a small hypoechoic lesion with distal enhancement) appearing far more frequently in low-grade malignant lesions. It seems that there is still potential to reduce the incidence of the false working hypothesis "benign lesion" on imaging of low-grade malignant tumors.

Is There A Role for Limited Parotid Resections for Primary Malignant Parotid Tumors?

(1) Background: Lateral or total parotidectomy are the standard surgical treatments for malignant parotid tumors. However, some authors have proposed a more limited procedure. (2) Methods: We performed a review of the literature on this topic. Studies were included that met the following criteria: malignant parotid tumors, information about the extent of surgical resection, treated with less than a complete lateral lobectomy, and information on local control and/or survival. Nine articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: Eight of the nine series reported favorable results for the more limited approaches. Most used them for small, mobile, low-grade cancers in the lateral parotid lobe. Most authors have used a limited partial lateral lobectomy for a presumed benign lesion. The remaining study analyzed pediatric patients treated with enucleation with poor local control. (4) Conclusions: There is weak evidence for recommending less extensive procedures than a lateral parotid lobectomy. In the unique case of a partial lateral parotidectomy performed for a tumor initially thought to be benign but pathologically proved to be malignant, close follow-up can be recommended for low grade T1 that has been excised with free margins and does not have adverse prognostic factors.

MAML2 rearrangement as a useful diagnostic marker discriminating between Warthin tumour and Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Warthin tumour is the second most common benign neoplasm of salivary glands. Despite its relatively characteristic histology, it may sometimes mimic other lesions. Here, we report two female non-smoker patients diagnosed with low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with oncocytic epithelium and prominent lymphoid (Warthin-like) stroma and with molecularly confirmed MAML2 rearrangement. In addition, we screened a consecutive series of 114 Warthin tumour cases by means of MAML2 break apart fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess its value in differential diagnosis. MAML2 rearrangement was detected in both mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases, while all Warthin tumours were negative. Taking into account the literature data, Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinomas are more frequently observed in women, while a slight male predominance and smoking history are typical for Warthin tumour. In addition, the patients with Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma were significantly younger than those with Warthin tumour. To conclude, Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma may usually be suspected based on histology, while the diagnosis can be confirmed by means of molecular assays such as FISH. The investigation of MAML2 status is particularly advised when Warthin tumour is considered in a young, non-smoking, female patient.

Preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies: Variation in use and impact on surgical margins

OBJECTIVES

Determine rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies, identify factors associated with its use, and its association with surgical margins.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Commission on Cancer-Accredited Institutions.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We included 5533 patients treated surgically for a parotid malignancy 2004-2014 in the National Cancer Database. Chi-squared tests, univariable, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate predictors of preoperative biopsy (defined as needle, aspiration, or incisional), and associate biopsy with surgical margins.

RESULTS

Preoperative biopsy was utilized in 26.0% of patients. Biopsy was more likely in patients >60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, P = .035), advanced clinical T stage (vs. T1,T2 OR: 1.23, P = .009; T3 OR: 1.26, P = .026; T4A OR: 2.05, P < .001), advanced clinical N stage (vs. N0, N1: OR: 1.39, P = .013; N2/3: OR: 1.63, P < .001), in academic centers (OR: 1.18, P < .024), and in higher volume centers (vs. low, medium OR: 1.28, P = .002; high OR: 2.16, P < .001). Biopsy use increased over time (vs. 2004-2006, 2007-2010 OR: 1.20, P = .047; 2011-2014 OR: 1.39, P < .001). Biopsy was associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in patients with clinical T1 stage (OR: 0.70, P = .012), and younger than 61 (OR: 0.79, P = .036).

CONCLUSION

The national rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancy is low at 26.0%, but has increased over time. Preoperative biopsy is associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in younger patients and those with early clinical stage, suggesting its increased use may improve surgical outcomes and decrease reoperation or adjuvant therapy in these subgroups of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 130:1450-1458, 2020.

Completion surgery after extracapsular dissection of low-grade parotid gland malignant tumors

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the oncological and functional outcome between extracapsular dissection and completion surgery on the one hand and sole extracapsular dissection on the other hand in small low-grade malignant parotid tumors.

METHODS

The records of all patients treated for T1-T2 low-grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland primarily by means of extracapsular dissection between 2006 and 2015 were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

Forty patients with T1-T2 low-grade parotid malignancies were detected. Our study showed outstanding oncological outcomes in both patient groups, the facial nerve function being significantly better after sole extracapsular dissection in the direct postoperative phase, with no differences between the groups in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed very encouraging preliminary results following primary extracapsular dissection as the sole surgical therapy for carefully selected low-stage, low-grade, inferiorly located lesions in patients with high compliance.

Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Major Salivary Glands: Explanations and Recommendations of the Guidelines From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to develop evidence-based, internationally agreed-upon standardized data sets for each anatomic site, to be used throughout the world. Providing global standardization of pathology tumor classification, staging, and other reporting elements will lead to achieving the objective of improved patient management and enhanced epidemiologic research. Salivary gland carcinomas are relatively uncommon, and as such, meaningful data about the many histologic types are not easily compared. Morphologic overlap between tumor types makes accurate classification challenging, but there are often significant differences in patient outcomes. Therefore, issues related to tumor type, tumor grading, high-grade transformation, extent of invasion, number and size of nerves affected, and types of ancillary studies are discussed in the context of daily application to specimens from these organs. This review focuses on the data set developed for salivary gland carcinomas with discussion of the key core and noncore elements developed for inclusion by an international expert panel of head and neck and oral-maxillofacial pathologists and surgeons.

Investigation of the surgical strategies for unilateral multifocal cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare multifocal extracapsular dissection with complete parotidectomy in the treatment of unilateral multifocal cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records from all patients treated for unilateral multifocal cystadenolymphomas of the parotid gland at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

203 patients were included in the study. 96 patients were managed by multifocal extracapsular dissection, 107 patients underwent complete parotidectomy. Metachronous tumors were detected in 7 cases (3.4%) with a significant difference in the occurrence rate between multifocal extracapsular dissection (7/96, 7.3%) and complete parotidectomy (0/107, 0%) (p = 0.004). Permanent facial palsy was significantly more common after complete parotidectomy (21/107, 19.6%) than multifocal extracapsular dissection (2/96, 2.1%) (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The functional benefit of multifocal extracapsular dissection was counterbalanced by the advantage of complete parotidectomy, in terms of recurrences. Extracapsular dissection is at its limit in cases of multifocal cystadenolymphomas and the indication for it should be thoroughly verified in each and every case.

Contemporary Management of Benign and Malignant Parotid Tumors

To report the standard of care, interesting new findings and controversies about the treatment of parotid tumors. Relevant and actual studies were searched in PubMed and reviewed for diagnostics, treatment and outcome of both benign and malignant tumors. Prospective trials are lacking due to rarity of the disease and high variety of tumor subtypes. The establishment of reliable non-invasive diagnostics tools for the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors is desirable. Prospective studies clarifying the association between different surgical techniques for benign parotid tumors and morbidity are needed. The role of adjuvant or definitive radiotherapy in securing loco-regional control and improving survival in malignant disease is established. Prospective clinical trials addressing the role of chemotherapy/molecular targeted therapy for parotid cancer are needed. An international consensus on the classification of parotid surgery techniques would facilitate the comparison of different trials. Such efforts should lead into a clinical guideline.

Incompletely treated malignancies of the major salivary gland: Toward evidence-based care

BACKGROUND

Unexpected malignancy is common in major salivary gland tumors due to variability of workup, creating challenging treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to define treatment-related outcomes for patients with incompletely treated major salivary gland tumors.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was completed of patients with incompletely treated major salivary gland tumors. Tumor burden at presentation was established and treatment categorized. The Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to determine predictors of survival and failure.

RESULTS

Of the 440 included patients, patients with gross residual or metastatic disease had a worse overall survival (OS; P < .001). Presentation status was an independent predictor of OS on multivariate analysis (gross residual disease adjusted hazard ratio [HR_adjusted ] 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-5.30; metastatic disease HR_adjusted 9.53; 95% CI 3.04-27.06).

CONCLUSION

Failure to achieve gross total resection during initial surgery resulted in worse OS. Adequate preoperative planning is required for initial surgical management to optimize tumor control and survival.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma evaluation and management: progress with optimism!

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) when diagnosed presents several diagnostic and treatment challenges. The standard treatment of surgery and postoperative radiotherapy has remained the standard of care for the past 3 decades. The purpose of this review is to update what's been reported and what's new since the last review in 2004.

RECENT FINDINGS

As accurate a histological diagnosis and staging of disease should be achieved prior to commencing any treatment. Patients' prognosis, in the long term, is determined by the finding of any solid tumour component in the examined excised specimen. The continued treatment of patients with ACC by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy has not changed in the long-term tumour-free outcome of patients. The majority of patients die because of loco-regional failure and/or distant metastases. Optimism is being generated by the findings at the molecular and genetic level of ACC giving hope that nonsurgical treatment can be complemented by novel treatments that will improve patients' disease cure and improved long-term survival.

SUMMARY

The histological grading determined by optical methods has not advanced our selection of treatment and new recent research findings on molecular and genetic factors give new hopes to changing the ACC classification, determining differing treatments and thus influencing an improved and prolonged tumour-free survival for more patients.

Extracapsular Dissection vs Superficial Parotidectomy of Benign Parotid Lesions: Surgical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness Analysis

Importance

The clinical implications of extracapsular dissection over superficial parotidectomy are controversial and limited in data on cost-effectiveness.

Objective

To compare extracapsular dissection with superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors with respect to surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective medical record review and cost-effectiveness analysis performed from August 2012 to November 2015 at a tertiary care institution. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions were included.

Exposures

Treatment by extracapsular dissection or superficial parotidectomy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Differences in postoperative complication rates and health services outcomes, including procedure time, anesthesia time, length of stay, and charges for surgeon, anesthesia, operating room, and hospital.

Results

A total of 46 parotidectomies consisting of 26 extracapsular dissections and 20 superficial parotidectomies met criteria. Of the 46 patients, 33 were women. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 83 years. Lesion features were similar between groups with most being pleomorphic adenoma. Procedure time (effect size, -1.31; 95% CI, -1.93 to -0.65), anesthesia time (effect size, -1.37; 95% CI, -1.99 to -0.70), and length of stay (effect size, -0.66; 95% CI, -1.25 to -0.05) were significantly shorter for extracapsular dissection compared with superficial parotidectomy. Moreover, anesthesia (effect size, -1.55; 95% CI, -2.19 to -0.86), operating room (effect size, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.45), and total hospital charges (effect size, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.74 to -0.49) were significantly less for extracapsular dissection while remaining charges, including surgeon, showed no difference. Finally, facial nerve weakness, great auricular nerve dysesthesia, and other relevant postoperative complications were comparable between groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, extracapsular dissection is a shorter, less costly, and equally safe alternative to traditional superficial parotidectomy when treating benign parotid lesions. Further follow-up is needed to ensure these perceived advantages are maintained over time.

Feasibility of a novel classification for parotid gland cytology: A retrospective review of 512 cytology reports taken from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals

BACKGROUND

A novel classification for parotid cytology has been previously proposed. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical relevance of this classification.

METHOD

Between 2010 and 2013, cytology reports from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals were retrospectively classified and compared to histological and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Based on the cytology reports of 512 patients, we revised our previous "P" system to a "Sal" (salivary) classification to encompass all cytologic outcomes. The percentage of patients with a final diagnosis of malignancy according to each category heading were: Sal 1 (inadequate) 7.9%; Sal 2I (nonneoplastic) 10%; Sal 2N (benign neoplastic) 1.4%; Sal 3 (atypical) 20.4%; Sal 4 (suspicious) 52.6%; Sal 5P (primary salivary gland malignancy) 71.4%; Sal 5NOS (malignancy not otherwise specified) 100%; and Sal 5M (metastasis) 91.7%.

CONCLUSION

By stratifying the probability of encountering a malignant neoplasm, the classification could guide clinical management decisions. A future prospective study is warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.