Preoperative radiological assessment of parotid tumours represents a crucial step in the planning of a parotidectomy in order to avoid post-operative facial nerve paralysis. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of the novel 'M-line' in predicting the facial nerve position and compare it to various radiological methods in the same context. 66 patients whom had underwent parotidectomy for parotid tumours from January 2012 to February 2021 were analyzed. Parotid tumour location were identified using the retromandibular vein, facial nerve line, Conn's arc, Utrecht line and the 'M'-line were compared to the intraoperative location of parotid tumours.The 'M'-line is a novel hypothetical line (drawn between the lateral surface of the mandible to the lateral border of the mastoid process) used to identify the location of the facial nerve radiologically. The 'M-Line' and other methods of radiological assessments were associated with statistical significance in predicting if the parotid tumours were superficial or deep to the facial nerve (p-value
Temporal bone cancer, a relatively rare disease, accounting for less than 0.2% of all tumors of the head and neck and is associated with a poor outcome; often presents in a subtle manner, which may delay diagnosis. It should be suspected in any case of persistent otitis media or otitis externa that fails to improve with adequate treatment. Despite advances in operative technique and postoperative care, long-term survival remains poor). It includes cancers arising from pinna that spreads to the temporal bone, primary tumors of the external auditory canal (EAC), middle ear, mastoid, petrous apex, and metastatic lesions to the temporal bone. Here is a report on a case of temporal bone carcinoma presenting with right otalgia, otorrhea and facial paralysis. The patient was initially diagnosed as mastoiditis and later the clinical impression was revised to temporal bone carcinoma (undifferentiated type), based on the pathologic findings.
We studied the ethmoidal arteries using preexisting computer tomography of the paranasal sinuses (CT PNS) and statistically scrutinized data obtained between genders. A descriptive study from 77 CT PNS dated January 2016-December 2016 were collected and reviewed by two radiologists. A total of 54 (108 sides) CT PNS were studied of patients aged 18-77 years. 37 are male, 17 are female; with Bumiputera Sarawak predominance of 25 patients, 12 Malays, 16 Chinese and one Indian. Rate of identification are as follows: anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA)-100%, middle ethmoidal artery (MEA)-30%, posterior ethmoidal artery (PEA)-86%. The average distance from AEA-MEA is 8.1 ± 1.52 mm, MEA-PEA is 5.5 ± 1.29 mm and AEA-PEA is 12.9 ± 1.27 mm. The mean distance from PEA-the anterior wall of sphenoid is 7.7 ± 3.96 mm, and PEA-optic canal is 8.5 ± 3.1 mm with no statistical difference when compared between gender. AEA frequently presented with a long mesentery 57.4%, while 87.1% of PEA was hidden in a bony canal. The vertical distance of the AEA-skull base ranges from 0 to 12.5 mm whilst PEA-skull base is 0-4.7 mm. There is no statistical difference in distances of AEA, MEA nor PEA to skull base when analyzed between genders; t(82) = 1.663, p > 0.05, t(32) = 0.403, p > 0.05 and t(75) = 1.333, p > 0.05 respectively. We newly discovered, that 50% of MEA is hidden in a bony canal, and its distance to skull base ranged 0-5.3 mm. MEA and PEA less commonly have a short or long mesentery. Knowledge on the ethmoidal arteries especially in our unstudied population of diverse ethnicity, gains to assist surgeons worldwide, when embarking in endoscopic transnasal surgeries.
Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a rare entity of malignancy. It has been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and in regions where it is endemic, such as Southeast Asia, EBV is typically associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The incidence of such malignancies in the young population is unusual. Here we report a 17-year-old with a 5-year history of a painless right submandibular mass presenting with a sudden increase in size for one month before surgery. Neck examination revealed a firm right submandibular gland measuring five by five cm, with an irregular surface, non-tender with normal overlying skin. We performed a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and he underwent computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck. He underwent a right submandibulectomy. Lymph nodes from levels I and II were also removed. The final histopathology was reported as LEC. Following this tissue diagnosis, another follow-up surgery, a modified radical neck dissection, was carried out for locoregional clearance. Postoperatively, he completed chemoradiotherapy treatment and is now on regular follow-up.
Chronic rhinosinusitis has an incidence of 15% in India. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), in case of failed medical management, is the current treatment protocol in Chronic rhinosinusitis. This study aims to assess the outcome of FESS as measured by subjective quality of life indices; Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22. It also assesses the predictive factors which influence the outcome after FESS. The study was conducted among 100 patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS, after failure of medical management. Immunocompromised or pregnant patients and patients with history of previous sinus surgery or malignancy were excluded from the study. The evaluation was done using Lund Kennedy endoscopy scores, Lund Mackay CT scan scores and RSDI and SNOT-22 questionnaires (baseline and 3 months post-op). Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskall Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Chi-square test. p
The aim of this study is to assess the pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) and other parts of temporal bone such as mastoid air cells and to investigate if there was any association between the aeration of these structures among the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian) as this would be representative of Asia. A retrospective review of 150 computed tomography (CT) scans of PNS and temporal bones was done and analysed. The pneumatization of each area was obtained and compared using statistical analysis. Patients with a history of previous medical or surgical problems in the intended areas were excluded from the study. The pneumatization of the mastoid air cells and other temporal bone parts were noted to be symmetrical in more than 75 %. There was a positive correlation between the pneumatization of mastoid air cells and that of the sphenoid sinus. The prevalence of Agger nasi, Haller's and Onodi cells was observed to be significantly higher in the Chinese group. Preoperative assessment of the temporal bone and PNS with CT scan may be helpful in the evaluation of their anatomical landmark and decrease the possibility of surgical complications related to 3D structures.
Pharyngeal lipoma of the upper aero-digestive system is extremely rare. It is typically benign, slow growing and symptoms would depend on its size and location. Surgical intervention is often needed especially for large tumour with impending airway obstruction. Here we present a case of potentially life threatening presentation of pharyngeal lipoma.
Adenotonsillectomy is the commonest otorhinolaryngology surgery for paediatrics. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and outcome of adenotonsillectomy in a tertiary center in Malaysia. This was achieved by studying the demographics, indications, co-morbidities of patients and its association with the complications of the procedure. This retrospective study was conducted from November 2011 until October 2016. Medical records of patients aged 2-12 years old who had adenotonsillectomy done in our center were retrieved for data collection. A total of 143 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Median age was 7.52 (± 2.98 SD) years old. Allergic rhinitis was the commonest co-morbidity (40%). Recurrent tonsillitis was the main indication (60%), followed by sleep disordered breathing (SDB) without apnea (29%), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (7%) and other indications (4%). Post-operative paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission was very low (1.4%) and was reserved for those with severe OSA with complications. None of the patients admitted to PICU post-operative had respiratory complications. The prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding was only 2.1%. There was no significant association between patient's co-morbidity with operative complications (p = 0.269). Adenotonsillectomy is indicated for children with recurrent tonsillitis and paediatric SDB. The two most severe complications, namely post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage and respiratory complications occurred but incidence was low. Criteria of post-operative PICU or paediatric high dependency unit admission for paediatric SDB has to be based on multiple clinical and logistics factors and not only patients co-morbidity and indication of surgery.
The cross sectional study was conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC), Malaysia from August 2012 to December 2013. All patients implanted with in UKMMC from December 2001 until December 2012 was included. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaires and UKMMC questionnaires were used as part of the assessment tool. The GBI is a scoring which measures the change in health status produced by surgical interventions. UKMMC questionnaires was invented by our department to assess questions related to social and life style of patients and also the cosmetic perspective Baha implant and other daily related activities. The audiological assessment was assessed using hearing aid gain threshold. Complication with regards to skin reaction was graded using Holger Skin Classification. A total of 40 patients underwent Baha implant were recruited but only 35 patients fulfilled the criteria and included in this study for analysis. Age of patients ranged from 5 year old to 38 year old, with median of 13 years old. There were 22 patients (62.8%) were male and 13 patients (37.1%) were females. Almost all cases were canal atresia except one adult patient was a case of bilateral chronic discharging ear with chronic irritation with ear mould. Majority of patients 21 (60%) have hearing level of moderate to severe hearing loss (40-89 dB) and 14 patients (40%) have mild to moderate hearing loss (20-39 dB). The level of hearing was retested post operatively. All of the patients have improvement in their aided hearing with the range of 10-25 dBL which is statistically significant at p value of <0.05. The GBI was scored positively in all subscales. Majority of patients (91.4%) used BAHA more than 4 h per day and 88.6% agreed that BAHA is cosmetically acceptable. All patients experienced some form of skin irritation (Holger grade 1-2) however only 20% required surgical intervention. All our patients have range of 10-25 dB improvement of their aided hearing which is statistically significant at p value of <0.05. BAHA has been proven to show significant benefit in audiological improvement and quality of life.
Oncocytes are epithelial cells having abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The presence of oncocytes in salivary glands pose a diagnostic challenge since they can be present in lesions ranging from non-neoplastic, benign to malignant. FNAC is a simple procedure which can aid in the pre-operative diagnosis of these lesions. This study is an eight year retrospective study in which salivary gland aspiration cytology cases having oncocytic cells and with available corresponding histopathology were included. These slides were reviewed for features like cellularity, presence of oncocytic cells, glandular elements, squamoid cells, nuclear atypia, mitosis, lymphoid tissue, necrosis. Twenty cases were included in the study. The mean age of presentation was 60 years showing male preponderance with parotid gland being the most common site of involvement. Concordant diagnosis on cytology and histopathology was seen in 16 cases and discordance was seen in 4 cases. All the discordant cases were reported as benign on cytology but on histopathology they were labelled as acinic cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and an intraparotid lymph node respectively. Review of discordant cases showed subtle findings like ill-formed acini, cytoplasmic vacuolation, goblet cells and dysplastic foci raising suspicion of a different diagnosis. The potential areas of pitfall and cause of discrepancy have been discussed in this study. It is crucial to be aware of the spectrum of lesions in which oncocytes are seen, to enable an accurate diagnosis on cytology. Careful evaluation of smears for subtle clues can minimize errors.
A brief review of snoring with regard to the aetiology, patho-physiology, investigations and treatment is presented. Questions and unresolved issues are highlighted, hoping to point out directions towards future studies.
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious granulomatous disease which is endemic in South East Asia. Most common presentation is pulmonary tuberculosis which is spread by droplets inhalation of mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare entity which poses a diagnostic difficulty as its presentation is greatly similar to that of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Herein, we describe two cases of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis which mimics nasopharyngeal malignancy leading to diagnostic difficulties.
Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a slow-growing but aggressive malignant skin tumour derived from sebaceous glands. SC most commonly occurs in the periocular region, whereas extraocular sites are rare. SC of the nasal dorsum is a rare pathology, and only a few cases are reported worldwide. Here, we report a case of an 80-year-old man who presented with a mass over the nasal dorsum, diagnosed morphologically and immunohistochemically as sebaceous carcinoma.
Extra nodal nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is relatively a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Variable clinical presentation with rapidly progressive necrosis of the cartilaginous and bony wall of the nose and upper respiratory passages leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. A 43-years-old patient presented with right nasal pain and furuncle-like swelling. The swelling progressed rapidly to cellulitis to the face up to the right eye. Within 2 months, it had advanced to necrosis of the lateral vestibular cartilage, medial maxillary wall, turbinate and nasal septal cartilage. Biopsy reported as non-Hodgkin diffuse T cell (angiocentric T cell) lymphoma.
Nasal irrigations have been used for centuries without any scientific data to determine its efficacy. Despite their widespread use, much confusion exist about the mechanism of action, preparation, indications and therapeutic advantage of nasal irrigations. Anecdotal evidence and poorly controlled studies add to the confusion. Recent evidence provides strong scientific justification of the benefits and advantages of using nasal irrigations in sinonasal symptoms relief. The present review of the evidence based literature highlights its efficacy and clinical applications.
Myeloid sarcoma is a rare malignant extramedullary neoplasm of myeloid precursor cells. This disorder may occur in concomitance with or precede development of acute or chronic myeloid leukemia. Sometimes, it is the initial manifestation of relapse in a previously treated acute myeloid leukemia. We report a case of 11 years old boy with acute myeloid leukemia in remission state, presented with short history of right otalgia associated with facial nerve palsy. Diagnosis of right acute mastoiditis with facial nerve palsy as complication of acute otitis media was made initially. Patient underwent simple cortical mastoidectomy but histopathology from soft tissue that was sent revealed diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. A leukemic relapse was confirmed by paediatric oncologist through bone marrow biopsy. Chemotherapy was commenced but patient responded poorly to the treatment.
Mastoid cysts are a rare condition that occurs either congenitally or secondary to chronic otological diseases with poor ventilation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity. In this presenting case, the authors report a case of secondary mastoid cyst with evidence of bony destruction and fistulous tract formation into adjacent structures. Concurrently, we reviewed other similar cases reported in the literature. A 12-year-old Malay boy with partially controlled allergic rhinitis presented with right-sided postauricular swelling and intermittent fever for three months. Examination revealed a non-tender bony swelling over the mastoid area. High-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone revealed a large bony lytic lesion at the inferior aspect of the mastoid bone. Multidirectional fistulous tracts towards the splenius capitis muscle were seen extending from the lesion. Right mastoid exploration was done and revealed an infected mastoid cyst. Complete removal of the cyst wall and saucerization of the mastoid cavity were performed. Our patient showcases the potential of mastoid cysts to cause bony erosion, fistulation and abscess formation. Complete removal of mastoid cysts is therefore advocated to prevent its potential complications and unwarranted recurrence.
Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of salivary glands is a rare malignant salivary gland tumour and demonstrates genetic and regional distribution. It commonly occurs in major salivary gland especially parotid gland. We report a case of LEC of submandibular gland occurring in a 70 year-old lady.