Rationale for Increasing Oncological Vigilance in Relation to Clinical Findings in Accessory Parotid Gland-Observations Based on 2192 Cases of the Polish Salivary Network Database

The accessory parotid gland (APG, Vth level) differs in histological structure from main parotid tissue. This gives rise to the hypothesis, mirrored in clinical observations, that the representation of tumours is different than in the rest of the gland. The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiological and histological differences of parotid tumours located in regions I-V, with particular emphasis on the distinctiveness of region V. To define the epidemiological factors that will indicate the risk of histological malignancy from clinically benign appearance, multicentre prospective studies conducted between 2017-2021 by five Head and Neck Surgery University Departments, cooperating within the Polish Salivary Network Database 1929 patients (1048 women and 881 men), were included. The age, gender, patient occupation, place of inhabitation, tumour size, clinical features of malignancy, histology, and facial nerve (FN) paresis were analysed for superficial (I_II) and deep (III_IV) lobes and with special regard to the tumours affecting region V. Twenty eight tumours were located exclusively in region V (1.45% total) and seventy-two tumours were found in region V exhibiting extensions to neighbouring regions (3.7% total), characterised as significantly younger and less frequent in retirees. In I-IV regions, approximately 90% of tumours were benign, with pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and Whartin tumour (WT) predominance. In region V, PA exceeded 75% but WT were casuistic (2/28). Incidences of malignancies in region V was 40% but clinical signs of malignancy were evident only in tumours > 4 cm or in the presence of FN paresis. In 19% of patients with a benign appearance, imaging revealed malignancy; however, 38% of patients showed false negative results both in terms of clinical and radiological features of malignancy. Logistic regression models in 28 patients with tumours located exclusively in region V vs. 1901 other patients and in 100 patients with V extension vs. 1829 other patients showed no clinical symptoms of malignancy binding with final malignant tumour histology as a single variable or in combination with other variables. The logistic regression models obtained in this study show strong linkage between tumour location and predictors (age, male gender, and tumour diameter) and also aimed to function as a good classifier. Our conclusion is that, despite the very clear image of the mid-cheek tumour which is easily accessible in palpation and ultrasound examination, it is necessary to improve oncological vigilance and preoperative patient preparation.

Parotid gland pleomorphic adenoma re-operations with regard to patient and surgeon satisfaction: what can be improved?

BACKGROUND

Surgery, the treatment of choice for parotid pleomorphic adenoma (PA), is associated with facial nerve palsy and decreased quality of life. Re-operation for PA recurrence (rPA) significantly increases these risks and constitutes a dilemma for both patient and surgeon. Factors influencing the success of re-operation, as well as the self-reported satisfaction of both sides, have yet to be addressed in the literature. This study aims to improve upon the decision-making schedule in PA re-operations, based on patient expectations, imaging, and concordance with the first operative report (FOpR).

METHODS

Seventy-two rPAs treated in a single tertiary center were collected and analyzed. The FOpRs and pre-operative imaging were divided according to defined criteria into accurate and non-accurate categories. The re-operative field and course were categorized as anticipated or unanticipated. The re-operation was categorized as satisfactory or unsatisfactory for both the patient and the surgeon.

RESULTS

The accuracy of FOpRs and pre-operative imaging was 36.1% and 69.4%, respectively. Re-operative courses were: 36.1% anticipated and 63.9% unanticipated. The most frequently omitted data were: presence of satellite tumors (9.7%), and amount of removed parenchyma (9.7%). Variables that most commonly affected FOpR non-accuracy were: tumor size (Chi2(1)=59.92; p < 0.001) and capsule condition (Chi2(1)=29.11; p < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between FOpR accuracy and re-operative course (Chi2(1)=1.14; p = 0.286), patient satisfaction (Chi2(1)=1.94; p = 0.164) or surgeon satisfaction (Chi2(1)=0.04; p = 0.837). Pre-operative imaging (Chi2(1)=36.73; p < 0.001) had the greatest impact on surgeon satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Accurate pre-operative imaging impacted surgeon satisfaction. The impact of the FOpR on re-operation technicalities and patient satisfaction was minor. Imaging precision should be improved to streamline the decision-making process of PA re-operation. This article proposes suggestions for a future decision-making algorithm as a starting point for a prospective study.Key messagesAccurate pre-operative imaging impacts both surgeon and patient satisfaction.There is no significant relationship between the accuracy of the first operative report and surgeon and patient satisfaction.There is a statistically significant relationship between patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Global DNA Methylation Profiling Reveals Differentially Methylated CpGs between Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenomas with Distinct Clinical Course

Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) are the most frequently diagnosed benign salivary gland tumors. Although the majority of PAs are characterized by slow growth, some develop very fast and are more prone to recur. The reason for such differences remains unidentified. In this study, we performed global DNA methylation profiling using the Infinium Human Methylation EPIC 850k BeadChip Array (Illumina) to search for epigenetic biomarkers that could distinguish both groups of tumors. The analysis was performed in four fast-growing tumors (FGTs) and four slow-growing tumors (SGTs). In all, 85 CpG dinucleotides differentiating both groups were identified. Six CpG tags (cg06748470, cg18413218, cg10121788, cg08249296, cg18455472, and cg19930657) were selected for bisulfite pyrosequencing in the extended group of samples. We confirmed differences in DNA methylation between both groups of samples. To evaluate the potential diagnostic accuracy of the selected markers, ROC curves were constructed. We indicated that CpGs included in two assays showed an area under the curve with an acceptable prognostic value (AUC > 0.7). However, logistic regression analysis allowed us to indicate a more optimal model consisting of five CpGs ((1) cg06748470, (2) cg00600454, (3) CpG located in chr14: 77,371,501−77,371,502 (not annotated in GRCh37/hg19), (4) CpG2 located in chr16: 77,469,589−77,469,590 (not annotated GRCh37/hg19), and (5) cg19930657) with AUC > 0.8. This set of epigenetic biomarkers may be considered as differentiating factors between FGT and SGT during salivary gland tumor diagnosis. However, this data should be confirmed in a larger cohort of samples.

The Baha® Attract System Implantations Significantly Improve the Quality of Life of Hearing-Impaired Patients in Long-Term Observations

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Baha® Attract system implantation on the quality of life of hearing-impaired patients, who were qualified for surgery due to various audiological indications.

METHODS

A total of 96 patients implanted with the Baha® Attract system were asked to fill in the set of questionnaires: the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing-Aid Benefit, and the BAHA Aesthetic, Hygiene, and Use. Totally 79 patients responded and were then analyzed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: A: with bilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss, B: with single-sided deafness, C: with unilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss, and D: others.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in quality of life measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory in all the analyzed groups, with a mean total score of 29.4 points (P < .001). Similarly, the evaluation by the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire showed a significant improvement in terms of the global score in all the analyzed groups, with a mean gain of 38.6% (P < .001). There were no differences between the groups. More than 90% of patients found the Baha® Attract system easy to place on their heads and maintain good hygiene. Of all the implant users, 81% were satisfied with the final aesthetic effect.

CONCLUSION

The implantation of the Baha® Attract system significantly improves the quality of life of hearing-impaired patients in all subjec- tive scales used. The system is effective for all audiological indications when strictly adhered to. The majority of patients are very satisfied with the aesthetic, hygienic, and utility aspects of the device.

Is the 3D exoscope better than the surgical microscope in parotid surgery: a prospective, randomized single-center study

Background

High-definition, three-dimensional (3D) exoscopes are being used to perform a growing number of head and neck surgeries. However, the use of the 3D exoscope in parotid gland surgery has not been previously described. Our initial experience with the VITOM 3D exoscope in the surgical treatment of parotid gland tumors is detailed here.

Methods

We made a prospective study of patients with benign parotid gland tumors indicated for surgical resection. Between January and December 2018, patients were randomly assigned to undergo surgery assisted with the VITOM 3D system (n = 31) or an operating microscope (n = 40). Visualization quality (greater auricular nerve, digastric muscle, tragal pointer), operating time, conversion rates, and surgical outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 71 patients underwent superficial (n = 18) or total parotidectomy (n = 53). No exoscope-related complications were observed. Five patients undergoing exoscope-guided deep lobe surgery required intraoperative conversion to a microscope. No differences were observed in the subjective quality of intraoperative visualization of key anatomical structures. However, a significantly higher percentage of patients in the exoscope group developed transient facial nerve paralysis (n = 9; 29% vs. n = 4, 10%).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the VITOM 3D is a valid visualization tool for parotid gland surgery, comparable to the operating microscope but with higher resolution 3D visualization, an increased degree of freedom of movement, and better ergonomics. However, the high rate of transient nerve palsy, possibly related to decreased depth perception and the brief learning curve, merits further investigation.

Expression of p16Ink4a protein in pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma proves diversity of tumour biology and predicts clinical course

Aims

The aim of the study is to correlate p16^Ink4a expression with the clinical courses of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), its malignant transformation (CaexPA) and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis (1998–2019) of 47 CaexPA, 148 PA and 22 normal salivary gland samples was performed. PAs were divided into two subsets: clinically ‘slow’ tumours characterised by stable size or slow growth; and ‘fast’ tumours with rapid growth rate.

Results

Positive p16^Ink4a expression was found in 68 PA and 23 CaexPA, and borderline expression in 80 and 20, respectively. All 22 (100%) normal salivary gland samples presented with no p16^Ink4a expression. Significant difference in p16^Ink4a expression was observed between normal tissue, PA and CaexPA (χ² (4)=172,19; p=0.0001). The PA clinical subgroups were also evaluated separately, revealing additional statistical relations: ‘fast’ PA and CaexPA differed significantly in p16Ink4a expression (χ² (2)=8.06; p=0.01781) while ‘slow’ PA and CaexPA did not (χ² (2)=3.09; p=0.2129). 3-year, 5-year and 10-year survival among p16^Ink4a positive CaexPA patients was 100%, 90.56% and 60.37%, respectively, and in CaexPA patients with borderline p16^Ink4a expression was 90.0%, 73.64% and 22.20%, respectively. Statistically significant difference between expression pattern and survival rate was observed (F Cox test – F (16, 24)=2.31; p=0.03075).

Conclusions

Our study confirms no p16^Ink4a expression in normal tissue, but reveals differences in expression between ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ PA. We suggest that p16^Ink4a overexpression is connected to PA proliferation and subsequent malignant transformation to CaexPA. Borderline p16^Ink4a staining correlates with worse prognosis of CaexPA.

Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenomas Presenting With Extremely Varied Clinical Courses. A Single Institution Case-Control Study

Objective

Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) with divergent clinical behavior, differing from the vast majority of PAs, were distinguished. “Fast” PAs are characterized by an unexpectedly short medical history and relatively rapid growth. The reference group consisted of “slow” PAs with very stable biology and long-term progression. We divide the PA group as a whole into three subsets: “fast,” “normal,” and “slow” tumors. Our goal is a multifactorial analysis of the “fast” and “slow” PA subgroups.

Methods

Consecutive surgeries in a tertiary referral center, the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, were carried out between 2002 and 2011. Out of 1,154 parotid tumors, 636 (55.1%) were PAs. The data were collected prospectively in collaboration with the Polish National Registry of Benign Salivary Gland Tumors. The main outcome measure was the recurrence rate in “fast” and “slow” PA subgroups. All surgical qualifications and surgeries were performed by two experienced surgeons.

Results

Slow PAs, compared to fast PAs, presented in older patients (53.25 ± 15.29 versus 47.92 ± 13.44 years). Multifactor logistic regression analysis with recurrence (yes/no) as the outcome variable, fast/slow as the predictor variable and age, gender, margin, FN status as covariates showed that fast PAs were significantly predicting recurrence vs. slow PAs (p = 0.035). Fast PAs were increasing the risk of PAs 10-fold vs. slow PAs, exp β = 10.20, CI₉₅ [1.66; 197.87]. The variables impacting relapse were recent accelerated growth of the tumor OR = 3.35 (SE = 0.56), p = 0.030, positive margins OR = 7.18 (SE = 0.57), p < 0.001, incomplete or bare capsule OR = 9.91 (SE = 0.53), p = 0.001 and location III OR = 3.12 (SE = 0.53), p = 0.033. In the multivariate model only positive margin was selected as the best predictor of relapse, OR = 5.01 (SE = 0.60), p = 0.007.

Conclusions

The simple clinical aspect of slow or fast PA progression is of great practical importance and can constitute a surrogate of the final histopathological information that is derived from the surgical specimen. The slow or fast nature of the PA to some extent indicates prognostic features such as recurrence risk. This finding requires correlation with histological and molecular features in further stages of research.

The impact of accurate documentation of parotid tumor operative reports on secondary surgical procedure

OBJECTIVE

To develop a comprehensive operative report schema based on the accuracy of primary operative reports (OpR) assessed on a department's experience with parotid gland tumor re-operations.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center, the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland from 2008 to 2017.

SUBJECTS

Out of 1154 surgeries, 71 patients underwent reoperation. Their OpR were categorized into accurate and non-accurate, and re-operation field and re-operation course were categorized as anticipated or unanticipated, according to defined criteria.

INTERVENTION

None Main outcome measures: The impact of accuracy of the first OpR on re-operation course.

RESULTS

In this series, OpR were 39% (14/36) accurate, 61% (22/36) non-accurate. Re-operation fields were 16% (11/71) anticipated, 37% (26/71) unanticipated. Re-operation courses were 37% (26/71) anticipated, 63% (45/71) unanticipated. An anticipated re-operation course followed 20% (5/26) of accurate and 20% (5/26) of non-accurate primary OpR. An unanticipated re-operation course followed 20% (9/45) of accurate and 40% (18/45) of non-accurate OpR. There is no significant relationship between the re-operation course and accuracy of the first OpR (Chi2(1)=0.69; p=0.40466). The most common variable that affected non-accuracy of the OpR was facial nerve function after surgery (6/12).

CONCLUSIONS

The operative report should be based on clear criteria, robust classification and comprehensive protocol. This will improve follow-up and facilitate the planning of re-operation.

Review and characteristics of 585 salivary gland neoplasms from a tertiary hospital registered in the Polish National Major Salivary Gland Benign Tumors Registry over a period of 5 years: a prospective study

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; A Polish National Major Salivary Gland Benign Tumors Registry (SGR) is a report of benign salivary gland neoplasms (SGNs) from 26 different centres in Poland, introduced in 2014. The aim of this study is to analyze demographic characteristics and clinico-pathological factors of benign SGNs treated in large tertiary institutions and to determine possible correlations between selected variables. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Material and method:&lt;/b&gt; Analysis of 585 patients recorded in SGR and operated on for SGNs in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Surgery, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland, over a 5-year period. Patient age, sex, occupation, place of residence, tumor location, size, histology, recurrence, facial nerve function after surgery, wound healing, surgery procedure, availability of pre-operative imaging examinations, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) results were analyzed. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; 338 females and 247 males with a mean age of 53 years were operated on. In total, 96.2% of tumors originated from the parotid and 3.8% from the submandibular gland. The most frequent primary tumor diameter was 2-4 cm (59.5%) followed by &lt;2 cm (29.2%) and &gt;4 cm (8.4%). Tumors of over 4 cm were frequently removed by partial superficial parotidectomy, while those under 2 cm - by extracapsullar dissection (ECD). Pleomorphic adenomas (PA) were predominant (58.8%), followed by Warthin's tumor (WT) - 37.1%. Patients with WT were on average 13.3 years older than patients with PA. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Discussion:&lt;/b&gt; This research can be helpful to better understand the clinico-pathological features of SGNs. Long-termin hospital-based analysis is important for subsequent metaanalyses and comparisons with other centers. The reasons why not all patients' data are reported to the national SGR should be further precisely analyzed.

Immunogenic and non-immunogenic hyperthyroidism. Recent trends in prealpine Switzerland and in coastal Poland

Annual occurrences of immunogenic (IH) and non-immunogenic hyperthyroidism (NIH) between Berne (1976, 1982, 1991) and Szczecin (1973, 1980, 1991) were compared. Out of 21,025 patients referred for thyroid examinations, 10.1% (average) were hyperthyroid. In Berne (former endemic goiter region) and Szczecin (without goiter endemicity) IH occurred in 41% and 68%, NIH in 59% and 32% of hyperthyroid patients, respectively. Within a stable incidence of NIH in Berne, toxic adenomas (TA) decreased from 41% (1976) to 17% (1991) (p < 0.005). In Szczecin, where iodine deficiency is in an early stage, the TA frequency did not change significantly: from 24% (1973) to 28% (1991). Increases of TA or of multifocal functional autonomy apparently "mark" incipient or, respectively, decreasing deficiencies in nutritious iodine. Hyperthyroid patients in Berne compared to Szczecin were older, both with IH (54 versus 45 y) and NIH (65 versus 52 y). Age at diagnosis was stable in Berne but increasing (p < 0.05) in Szczecin (from 43 to 52 y).

Tissue culture of maize: Selection of friable callus lines

Subnodal callus of the F 71 maize /Zea mays L./ inbred was subjected to selection for friability and intensive proliferation. This procedure resulted in three callus lines characterized by uniform structure and improved growth rate. Some characteristics of these lines as well as attempts to establish maize suspension cultures are described.

Mechanism of sex determination inRumex hastatulus Baldw

The results presented indicate that the sex determination mechanism in the Texas race ofR. hastatulus ♀ 2n = 10 (XX + 8A); ♂ 2n = 10 (XX + 8A)] is intermediate between theX/Y andX/A systems. In this race, sex is determined to some extent by theX/A balance, but theY chromosome also affects sex expression, maleness or intersexuality being correlated with different ratios ofX andY chromosomes.The results obtained for the Texas race are fully compatible with data presented by Smith (1963) for the North Carolina race [♀ 2n = 8 (XX + 6A); ♂ 2n = 9 (XX 1 Y 2 + 6A)]. It may be concluded that evolution of the karyotype in this species is not accompanied by changes in the mechanism of sex determination.