Safe Surgical Margin Research Articles

Tumor dimension-dependent microscopic extensions of hypopharyngeal cancer: Therapeutic implications for larynx-preserving hypopharyngectomy.

Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) is well characterized by the early submucosal spread of cancer cells into adjacent subsites of the hypopharynx and deep tissues, advocating a wide extent of treatment. However, the microscopic extensions (ME) from gross tumors, according to the primary tumor dimensions, has not been reported in detail. We included patients who underwent upfront curative surgery, and retrospectively reviewed pathology specimens from 45 HPC cases. The distance of the MEs, defined as tumor infiltration beyond the gross tumor border on the submucosal and deep sides, was measured. We analyzed potential correlations between MEs and various physical tumor factors. A rough linear correlation between the submucosal ME and the maximal diameter of tumors was found (p < .001, r2 = 0.225). Deep MEs did not correlate with tumor physical factors. However, the MEs differed significantly by the T status (p = .033 and .015 in submucosal and deep sides). In T1-2 tumors, the submucosal MEs were less than 0.5 cm, whereas those of T3-4 tumors were 1.5-2.0 cm. In HPC, local MEs beyond the gross tumor border correlated with primary tumor T status. Our findings support that the surgical safety margin for HPC can be adjusted according to tumor dimension.

Feasibility of intraoperative assessment of safe surgical margins during laryngectomy with confocal laser endomicroscopy: A pilot study

ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of intraoperative assessment of safe margins with Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE) during planned partial or total laryngectomy. MethodsEight patients with confirmed larynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and planned partial or total laryngectomy were included in this study in March 2020. Two head and neck surgeons and one pathologist were asked to classify carcinoma or healthy epithelium in a sample of 94 representative sequences (5.640 images), blinded to the histological results (H&E staining). ResultsHealthy mucosa areas showed epithelium with cells of uniform size and shape with distinct cytoplasmic membranes and regular vessel architecture. CLE optical biopsy of SCC demonstrated a disorganized arrangement of variable cellular morphology. We calculated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 80.1%, 72.3%, 87.9%, 85.7%, and 76.1%, respectively. A distinct transition between healthy appearing tissue and suspicious lesions could also be detected. ConclusionCLE can be easily integrated into the intraoperative setting, generate real-time, in-vivo microscopic images of the larynx for evaluation and demarcation of cancer. If validated in further studies, CLE could eventually contribute to a less radical approach by enabling a more precise evaluation of the cancer margin.

Partial cecum resection using endostapler in acute complicated appendicitis with appendiceal base necrosis.

IntroductionThe method of stump closure is controversial in complicated patients, especially with appendix base necrosis or perforation.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of partial cecum resection technique with an endostapler in patients with appendix base necrosis or perforation.Material and methodsThirty-six patients who underwent laparoscopic partial cecum resection due to appendix base necrosis or perforation between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. In acute complicated appendicitis with appendiceal base necrosis or perforation, it was performed by laparoscopic partial cecum resection using an endostapler within a safe surgical margin. Demographic characteristics, duration of operation, days of hospital stay, and intra- and post-operative complications were evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of the patients is 42.72 ±16.69, female/male ratio was 19/17 (52.8%/47.2%). No intraoperative complications developed. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 104.75 ±34.96, 4.58 ±2.82 days, respectively. Post-operative complications developed in 5 (13.7%) patients. One of them was wound infection (2.7%), 2 of them were ileus (5.5%) and 2 patients had an intraabdominal abscess (5.5%). Stapler line leak was not observed in any of the patients.ConclusionsThe use of an endostapler in laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective technique in cases where appendix base necrosis, appendix perforation or severe inflammation affects the base of the cecum.

Defect Reconstruction in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient using Novel Patient-Specific Polyether Ether Ketone Implant

Oral squamous cell cancer comprises of one-third of carcinomas of the maxillofacial region. The principle of treatment involves the resection of the lesion with safe surgical margins. However, the rehabilitation of resected soft and hard tissues remains a challenging aspect for the maxillofacial surgeons. In the past few years, the alternatives for maxillofacial rehabilitation have been transmogrified. The profoundness of functional and esthetic significance of the face has led to evolving concepts in the field of reconstruction. With the emerging trends and search for a better reconstruction modality, a novel, biocompatible, and nonmetallic material that is polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was introduced that has shown to have good success rates in the past few years. However, its utility in the reconstruction of mandibular segmental defect is yet to be studied extensively. This case presents our success in reconstructing a mandibular segmental defect in an operated case of oral squamous cell carcinoma using a patient-specific PEEK implant with a follow-up period of 2 years.

Tumoral Resection followed by Blepharoplasty in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in the Lower Eyelid of a Horse

Background: Equines are routinely subjected to enucleation due to palpebral tumors. Blepharoplasties in horses, especially in the lower eyelid, are rarely performed due to the difficulty of sliding once the tissue around the eyes presents low mobility. Defects involving more than 50% of the lower eyelid is considered challenging after tumor removal. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most reported neoplasm in horses, being very common in regions of the lower eyelid, third eyelid, sclera and or cornea. The aim of this study is to present the Destro VY skin advancement flap as a blepharoplasty technique performed after surgical excision of a SCC, with total commitment of the lower eyelid, completely covering the right eye of a mare.Case: A 8-year-oldmarePaint Horse, weighing420 kg,was referred for evaluation of tumor tissue of 6.0 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm, with nodular and ulcerated appearance, involving the right lower eyelid, in its total extension and completely covering the eye, without adhering to it. Considering the initial suspicion of SCC, the treatment strategy performed was surgical eyelid excision and maintenance of the eye, followed by blepharoplasty as an attempt to reconstruct the eyelid. Under general inhalation anesthesia, the animal was placed in left lateral recumbency, when the surgical region was prepared and local anesthetic block was performed. After antisepsis, a skin incision was made circumscribing the tumor, respecting a margin of 10 mm apart and excision of all visible tumor tissue was performed followed by intralesional ozone therapy. Blepharoplasty was performed to cover the portions of the exposed lacrimal and zygomatic bones, as well as correction of the eyelid aesthetics. For this, Destro VY skin advancement flap was performed for reconstruction of the lower eyelid. An incision of approximately 7 cm in V-shaped skin was performed, and the subcutaneous tissue under the V was dissected, maintaining a central pedicle, responsible for the vascularization of the flap, which was slid, approximately 20 mm, towards the eye. After obtaining the desired skin approximation, Y-suture was performed, covering the exposed bone and reconstructing the lower eyelid. In the postoperative period, local instillation of mitomycin eye drops and systemic meloxicam administration were instituted. The mare had her vision restored, presenting satisfactory morpho functional and aesthetic results and no tumor recurrence during 1-year of follow-up. Discussion: The repair of lower eyelid imperfections is challenging, especially when they have large defects, and there are no reports of performing the Destro VY skin advancement flap technique in horses for lower eyelid reconstruction. In this case, the importance of the blepharoplasty technique is emphasized, avoiding enucleation, preserving horse’s vision and aesthetics. In addition, aiming to avoid tumor recurrence, especially if surgical safety margins can not be achieved, other complementary treatments should be associated, including intralesional ozone therapy, mitomycin, an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug, and meloxicam, a COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, as performed in this study. It is concluded that the use of the Destro VY skin advancement flap technique for reconstruction of the external lamella in cases of SCC in the lower eyelid of horses is a feasible technique, which preserves the animal's vision, as well as aesthetics. The safety margin in the surgical excision of the SCC and the association of complementary therapies in the resolution of the condition are important points also to be considered.Keywords: epidermoid carcinoma, equine, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, skin tumor. Título: Exérese tumoral seguida de blefaroplastia no tratamento de carcinoma de células escamosas em pálpebra inferior de equino

Surgical Management of the Breast and Axilla after Neoadjuvant Therapy.

The indications for the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for the management of breast cancer have broadened immensely in recent years. Initially intended mostly for inoperable breast cancers, this modality has then became the standard of care for locally advanced cancers. This treatment allowed safe surgical margin resection and in many patients with large tumors it allowed breast conserving surgery, avoiding the need for mastectomy. As clinical experience with NAC has increased along with the introduction of novel medications and better understanding of tumor biology, the indications for its use have become even more common for the treatment of some subtypes of early breast cancer. Furthermore, the use of NAC was found to have an impact on decreasing the need for axillary lymph node dissection in selected patients presenting initially with positive lymph nodes. This article will review the current practice and indications of NAC in breast cancer as well as some controversial issues regarding the surgical management of the breast and the axilla following neoadjuvant treatment.

Survival and Operative Outcomes After Salvage Surgery for Recurrent or Persistent Anal Cancer.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a relatively rare cancer comprising less than 2.5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. The standard treatment for anal SCC is primary chemoradiation therapy which can result in complete regression. After successful treatment, the 5-year survival is approximately 80%. However, up to 30% of patients experience recurrent persistent or recurrent disease. The role of surgery in the treatment of anal cancer, therefore, is limited to the management of recurrent or persistent disease with abdominoperineal resection and/or en bloc adjacent organ excision. Salvage surgery after irradiated anal cancer can be technically demanding in terms of acquisition of oncologically safe surgical margins and minimization of postoperative morbidity. In addition, 5-year survival outcomes after salvage resection have been reported to vary from 23% to 69%. Positive resection margins are generally regarded as the important risk factor associated with poor survival outcome. Perineal wound complications are the most common major postoperative morbidity. Because of the challenges of primary wound closure after salvage abdominoperineal resection, myocutaneous flap reconstruction has been performed to reduce the severity of perianal would complications. We, therefore, descriptively reviewed contemporary published evidence describing the treatment and outcomes after salvage surgery for persistent or recurrent anal SCC.

The role of penectomy in penile cancer-evolving paradigms.

Penile cancer is a rare cancer, with the majority treated with penile preserving methods. There remains a role for partial and totally penectomy for advanced and more proximal penile cancers. Significant functional and psychological morbidity can ensue for patients undergoing surgical management. Recent studies and guidelines are changing the way Urologists approach surgical management of penile malignancies. Reductions in safe surgical margin recommendations from 2 cm to 3–5 mm provide surgeons with the ability to perform penile preserving techniques to maximise patient functionality. These guidelines are reflected by recent studies showing that smaller surgical margins; although heralding higher rates of local recurrence, have no detriment on cancer specific or overall survival rate. Although oncological clearance remains the primary outcome for surgical management of penile cancer, the ability to perform radical salvage surgery at a later date means patients are more likely to experience a longer period of functionality without sacrificing oncologic outcomes. The importance of patient education on regular self-examination as well as clinic follow up are key in identifying local recurrence and planning salvage surgery if needed to maintain oncologic control. Ongoing studies into the functional and psychological outcomes of patients undergoing partial penectomy show encouraging results however further studies are needed to elucidate long-term outcomes. The evolving paradigm of surgical management in penile malignancy is shifting to favour organ preserving techniques in order to maximise functional, psychological and aesthetic outcomes without compromising patients’ oncologic outcomes—however a role still exists for radical surgery in advanced penile malignancy.

Accuracy of Frozen Section Examination in Oral Cavity Cancers.

This study aimed to compare the intraoperative frozen section with the surgical margin in the postoperative surgical margins of the postoperative pathology of oral squamous cell carcinomas in order to examine the reliability of the frozen section. A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma in a tertiary hospital between January 2018 and 2019. The intraoperative frozen section examinations, grade of the tumor, number of lymph nodes, number of affected lymph nodes, depth of invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and extranodal extension were recorded from the pathological records. The concordance between the frozen section examination and postoperative pathology 2 methods was examined using the Cronbach α coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value regarding surgical margins, and accuracy were calculated and reported. Overall, 181patients who underwent surgery for oral cavity cancers were included; 118 (65.2%) were males. The mean (± standard deviation) age of the included participants was 57.4 ± 16.1 years. The most common tumour subsite was the tongue (n = 71, 39.2%). There was concordancy between the frozen, positive intraoperative malignancy and the postoperative pathology malignancy. The frozen, negative intraoperative malignancy and postoperative safe surgical margin did not significantly differ. As a result of intraoperative frozen examination, we found conformity between the postoperative pathology results of patients with positive and negative surgical margins. Frozen section examination could be used safely to examine intraoperative surgical margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Determinants and Implications of Excised Parenchymal Mass on Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Outcomes

To evaluate the association between excised parenchymal mass (EPM) and postoperative renal function (eGFR) following robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). EPM is the amount of healthy renal parenchyma excised during partial nephrectomy in order to achieve safe surgical margins. We evaluated 406 consecutive RAPN performed by a single surgeon to eliminate variations in technique as a factor in EPM. EPM (mL)=(specimen volume * π/6) - (tumor volume * π/6). RENAL score was categorized as easy (4-6), moderate (7-9), or hard (10-12). EPM was grouped into four categories: ≤ 3.9 mL, 4.0-9.9 mL, 10.0-17.7 mL, and >17.7 mL. eGFR was evaluated preoperatively, postoperative day 1 (POD1), 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Median age was 63 years (22-84 years), 252 (62.1%) were male, and median EPM was 9.9 mL (interquartile range 3.9 to 17.7 mL). The median EPM and interquartile range for each RENAL category was 3.7 mL (2.0, 7.9), 12 mL (5.7, 19.4), and 16.2 mL (7.9, 24.3), respectively. Higher EPM was associated with worse changes in eGFR at POD1 (P=0.005) and 1 month after RAPN (P=0.002) but was not statistically significant at the 6-month time period (P=0.35) CONCLUSION: Increased tumor complexity is associated with an increase in EPM during RAPN. Increased EPM is associated with eGFR decline at POD1 and 1 month post RAPN but not at 6 months postoperatively.

Organ Sparing Treatment for Low Risk Penile Cancer

Objective: The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the current concepts of organ-preserving procedures for penile cancer, and describe some of their indications, results and associated complications. Methods: An extensive search of review articles of the Pubmed literature was performed to find articles discussing only organ sparing reconstructive surgery which have contributed significantly to change traditional, frequently mutilating treatments, to develop less disfiguring surgery, and to improve patients’ quality of life over the last two decades. Results: A large number of articles were included in this study in which a major contribution to the change in the treatment was thought to have occurred and was documented as beneficial. Some articles reported novel techniques of less-mutilating surgery involving different forms of glans reconstruction with the use of flaps or grafts. The issue of safe surgical margins was also addressed. Conclusion: In highly selected cases of penile carcinoma, organ preserving techniques allowing phallus preservation has reduced the negative impact on functional and cosmetic outcomes of amputation without sacrificing oncological objectives based on stage, grade, and location of the tumour. Until more prospective studies are available and strong evidence is documented, organ preservation should be offered with caution. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 18, No. 1, Jan 2015 p.33-39

Application of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Bronchography and Angiography Reconstruction in Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy and Segmental Structure Analysis

In thoracoscopic segmentectomy, accurate preoperative identification of intersegmental vessels, bronchi, and the surgical safety margin is vital. We applied three dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) reconstruction to appropriately plan thoracoscopic segmentectomy for Patients with pulmonary nodules. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and accuracy of 3D-CTBA reconstruction for the identification of segmental anatomical structures and variation during thoracoscopic segmentectomy.We retrospectively analyzed data of 30 patients who underwent 3D-CTBA reconstruction before thoracoscopic segmentectomy between January and May 2019 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. We compared the individual target segment arteries, veins, and bronchi identified during surgery with the preoperative 3D-CTBA model to evaluate its effectiveness and accuracy. The accuracy of the preoperative 3D-CTBA model for the identification of target segmental arteries, veins, and bronchi was 99.08% (108/109), 98.39% (122/124), and 100% (118/118), respectively. Through 3DCTBA modeling, we found mediastinal and interlobar types of lingular segmental arteries in six patients, and central veins were not found in seven patients. In addition, we detected rare anatomical variations in two patients; one patient had the right apical segmental bronchus that stemmed solely from the right primary bronchus (tracheal bronchus), and the other had rare right basal segmental variant bronchi and vessels. The 3D-CTBA model can precisely predict segmental bronchi and vessels and identify anatomical structure variations before operation, which can aid surgeons to avoid incorrect operation and improve surgical efficiency. This has important implications for thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

Powered articulation by the SigniaTM stapling system for stapling position adjustments: optimizing safe surgical margins in thoracoscopic sublobar resection.

Accumulation of experience and advances in techniques and instruments have enabled surgeons to perform video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) safely for sublobar resection, including segmentectomy and wedge resection. A key to successful VATS sublobar resection is to have adequate resection margins and the appropriate use of articulated surgical staplers is essential for this purpose. The SigniaTM stapling system (Covidien Japan, Tokyo) has been used extensively in the fields of thoracic surgery. Its features include high maneuverability with fully powered articulation, rotation, clamping, and firing, which the surgeon can control with one hand. We introduce the "sliding technique" using the SigniaTM system, which allows for adjustment of the resection lines of the pulmonary parenchyma to optimize safe surgical margins with minimal stapler movement, and without repetitively moving the stapler in and out of the pleural cavity, during VATS sublobar resection.

Citorredução com quimioterapia neoadjuvante em mastocitoma canino: relato de dois casos

The objective of this work is related to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for preoperative mastocytoma cytoreduction in two dogs. Mastocytoma is one of the most common skin tumors in small animal clinics. It is characterized by being a malignant neoplasm originating from mast cells. It often accompanies as perineal, genital and inguinal regions, and can also reach trunk, limbs, head and neck. Older middle-aged dogs and brachycephalic breeds seem to be the most predisposed. This neoplasia has a varied behavior, may present as circumscribed, allopathic, erythematous and swollen formations, with or without soft conscience, ulcerated or not, manifesting from a single nodule to multiples nodules. The diagnosis is based on the findings of aspiration cytology, however histopathological examination can detect the degree of malignancy in grade I, II or II or in high and low grade. The indicated treatment is a surgical approach, whether or not accompanied by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The use of chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant method in surgery has the effect of reducing the tumor and increasing the surgical safety margin.

Pathological Validity of Using Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Securing Surgical Margins During Liver Resection.

This study investigated the use of near-infrared fluorescent imaging for securing safe margins during liver resection. This study included 125 patients who underwent liver tumor resection in 2014-2018. Indocyanine green testing was performed 2-14 days before surgery. Histopathological specimens of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy identified signals in 26/53 (49.0%) and 36/72 (50%) cases of HCC and CRLM, respectively. HCC demonstrated total, partial, rim, and combined fluorescence patterns; CRLM uniformly demonstrated rim fluorescence. Although rim fluorescence was seen in both HCC and CRLM, no malignancy was confirmed pathologically in the peritumoral area demonstrating fluorescence. The median widths of fluorescence from the tumor edge in HCC and CRLM were 1227.5 μm and 1608 μm, respectively, with no significant difference. Near-infrared fluorescent imaging can reliably detect safe surgical margins intraoperatively during liver resection.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Modified Inflation-deflation Methods for Distinguishing the Intersegmental Border

背景与目的对于早期肺癌，肺段切除术可以获得和肺叶切除术相同的肿瘤学疗效。肺段间交界面的精准界定是肺段手术的关键。本研究采用“改良膨胀萎陷法”行扩大肺段、亚段切除术治疗肺段间、亚段间磨玻璃结节（ground-glass nodules, GGN），评价“改良膨胀萎陷法”界定肺段交界面的精确性，和对扩大切除确保安全切缘宽度的有效性。方法回顾性分析本中心采用扩大肺段、亚段切除术治疗的患者83例。术前三维CT支气管血管成像（three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography, 3D-CTBA）显示结节累及段间静脉。根据三维重建设计手术，扩大切除结节所属的优势肺段或亚段，无法确定优势肺段、亚段时，选择较为简单的肺段、亚段切除方式。术中切断靶段血管、支气管后采用“改良膨胀萎陷法”确定肺段间或亚段间交界面，应用切割缝合器距离膨胀萎陷交界线2 cm-3 cm扩大切除部分相邻肺段或亚段肺组织。观察标本中膨胀萎陷交界线与结节的关系，测量切缘宽度，收集围术期临床资料。结果实施扩大肺段切除术56例，扩大肺亚段切除术27例，肺结节平均直径（0.9±0.3）cm。出现清晰可辨膨胀萎陷交界线79例，交界线形成时间（13.6±6.5）min。解剖标本观察发现，结节累及膨胀萎陷交界线55例，其余24例结节距交界线的最小距离（0.6±0.3）cm，平均切缘宽度（2.1±0.3）cm。无术后30 d死亡和重大并发症。结论改良膨胀萎陷法可有效界定肺段间、亚段间交界面，以此为标准可确保扩大肺段、亚段切除术治疗段间、亚段间小肺癌的安全切缘。

A case-control study of computer navigation assisted resection of primary sacral chordoma above sacrum 3 level

BackgroundThe operation of sacral chordoma resection is difficult especial in the tumor above sacrum 3 level and the local recurrence rate was high. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of computer navigation aided technology in primary sacral chordoma resection above sacrum 3 level through a case-control study, which including perioperative safety, surgical margin, postoperative recurrence and function results. MethodsThis is a retrospective case-control study. The clinical data of 25 patients received initial computer-assisted resection of sacral chordoma above the level of sacrum 3 from 2009 to 2016 were analyzed; the patients underwent non-navigation assisted resection of tumor above the level of sacrum 3 in the same period were matched and 25 patients were selected randomly. There was no significant difference between these two groups in gender (P = 0.370), age (P = 0.554), tumor transverse diameter (P = 0.836). The average maximum diameter of tumor in navigation group was significant bigger than that in non-navigation group (P = 0.005). The intraoperative safety results, surgical margin, postoperative complications, recurrence rate and function were compared between these groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference between navigation and non-navigation group in operative time (P = 0.105) and intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.537). There were 18 wide resections, 4 marginal resections and 3 intracapsular resections in navigation group; there were 6 wide resections, 12 marginal resections and 7 intracapsular resections in non-navigation group; the surgical margins of two groups were significant different (P = 0.003). There were 5 cases (20%) and 6 cases (24%) with wound complication in navigation group and non-navigation group (P = 0.733). The average follow-up was 49.6 (16–102) months in navigation group and 51.3 (12–110) months in non-navigation group. Three cases (12%) showed recurrence in navigation group and six cases showed recurrence (24%) in non-navigation group. The surgical margin was significantly related with tumor recurrence (P = 0.000). The average MSTS score was 27.3 (19–30) and 26.5 (20–29) in navigation group and non-navigation group (P = 0.374). ConclusionThe computer navigation aided technology can improve the accuracy of primary sacral chordoma resection, and make more cases achieve safe surgical margin. Compared with the traditional operation, the application of computer navigation in the larger tumor resection does not increase the operation time and intraoperative blood loss, which shows good safety.

Clinical Outcome of Minor Salivary Gland Cancers in the Oral Cavity: A Comparative Analysis With Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity.

Purpose: Salivary gland cancer (SGC) in the oral cavity is not common and has been less studied in comparison with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SGC in the oral cavity compared with oral SCC.Methods: The medical charts of the patients with SGC (N = 68) arising from minor salivary glands and SCC (N = 750) in the oral cavity between 1995 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical and pathological factors and treatment outcomes were compared to identify clinical differences between oral SGC and SCC in total cases and in tumor size and subsite (propensity score)-matched pairs (N = 68 in each group). In addition, pattern of local invasion was pathologically assessed in a subset of SGC and SCC tumors.Results: Patients with SGC in the oral cavity showed >90% survival at 5 years. Most common pathologies of SGC were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (39.7%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (35.3%), where high-grade tumors (including adenoid cystic carcinomas having solid components, grade 2 or 3) represented only 36.8%. Compared with oral SCC, surgery for SGC had narrow surgical safety margin. However, local control was very successful in SGC even with <5 mm or positive resection margin through surgery plus adjuvant radiation treatments or surgery alone for small low-grade tumors. Pathologic analysis revealed that the frequency of oral SGC with infiltrative tumor border was significantly lower than that of oral SCC (46.4 vs. 87.2%, P < 0.001).Conclusions: SGC in the oral cavity represents relatively good prognosis and has a locally less aggressive pathology compared with oral SCC. Adjuvant radiation can be very effective to control minimal residual disease in oral SGC. Our study proposed that a different treatment strategy for oral SGC would be reasonable in comparison with oral SCC.

ICG-induced NIR fluorescence mapping in patients with head & neck tumors after the previous radiotherapy.

The distinction between tumor and healthy tissues is complicated in the areas previously subjected to radiation therapy (RT). This is related to the fact that tissues can undergo delayed and irreversible deterioration such as inflammation, vascular alteration and fibrosis. The trials related to the fluorescence -guided surgery (FSG) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, previously subjected to RT, have not yet been reported. The present study addresses for the first time the possibilities of tumor near-infrared (NIR) imaging using Indocynaine Green (ICG) in irradiated areas. Four patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC were included in this study. All included patients were previously treated with RT with at least 50 Gy. RT-radiation fields from original treatment fully encompassed the second tumor or recurrence. ICG was injected via cephalic vein 45 min before the images were captured using a NIR camera system Artemis. The images were also captured before ICG injection serving as background signal. The fluorescence intensity measurements were carried out using specially designed software. ICG fluorescence clearly demonstrated a significant difference in fluorescence intensity between healthy and tumor tissues in 2 of 4 patients. Histology post-resection analysis confirmed a complete tumor resection with safe surgical margins. No difference between tumor and surrounding healthy tissue was detected in patients with an epidermoid carcinoma developed from sclerohypertrophic lichen. In our pilot study, we clearly established the feasibility of using NIR FGS with ICG to delineate tumor and healthy tissues in irradiated areas in infiltrating lichen-free tumors.

Two cases of breast angiosarcoma after breast conserving surgery

BackgroundBreast angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare malignant breast tumor arising from endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. The prognosis of AS is reportedly poor. However, the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation is still controversial. Surgery is the only curable treatment, and removal of AS with adequate surgical margin is important.Case presentationWe report two cases of primary and radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma (AS) after performing breast conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer. In case 1, a 72-year-old woman underwent right BCS with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer 5 years prior. She was diagnosed with AS of the right breast and underwent mastectomy with a wide skin resection of the breast. As the tumor cells were positive for c-myc, this tumor was diagnosed as a radiation-induced AS. In case 2, an 80-year-old woman underwent BCS without adjuvant RT. She was diagnosed with AS 3 years after BCS and underwent mastectomy with a wide skin resection of the breast. The tumor was diagnosed to be a primary AS because there were no episodes of RT or lymphedema. Both cases developed local recurrence within 1 year of surgery.ConclusionOur cases suggest that surgical margin is associated with the risk of local recurrence, and the difficulty of deciding a safe surgical margin should be set during preoperative diagnosis.