TRANSORAL ENDOSCOPIC-ASSISTED EN BLOC RESECTION OF MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA: AN ALTERNATIVE TO EXTRA-ORAL ROUTE

Abstract

The most common approache for the resection of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the maxilla are the extraoral conventional incision. The standard treatment is en bloc resection with wide safety margins and subsequent reconstruction of the jaw, the resulting scars could be devastating to the patient’s postoperative appearance. In this study we reported endoscopically assisted approach that offers a less aesthetically invasive technique, with complete removal of the lesion. Four patients were included, they were diagnosed of having mucoepidermoid carcinoma by clinical examination, computed tomography imaging in saggittal and coronal planes, and preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy. They had endoscopically assisted resections through intranasal approach to resects the upper and the proximal medial extension of the lesion, while the rest had been removed through the trans-palatal route. A pre operative primary acrylic splint was prefabricated to act as a primary obturator. All the resections were successful without recurrence after 2 years follow up. Endoscopically assisted resection of such lesions provides it complete removal with excellent cosmetic results. With this technique there was no facial paralyses, nor recurrences, with excellent aesthetic and functional results. The patients returned back to normal in the short term. It provides a viable alternative to conventional approaches.