Wide localized excision and reconstruction for minor salivary gland tumours

Insufficient excision is one of the main factors leading to recurrence of minor salivary gland tumours. Our aim is to perform large resections with immediate reconstruction in order to provide local control, as well as to achieve better cosmetic and functional results.

Four consecutive patients suffering from minor salivary gland tumours of the upper aerodigestive tract were treated: two had adenoid cystic carcinomas (one of the lateral oropharyngeal mucosa, one of the retromolar area); one had a polymorphous low-grade carcinoma (at the base of the tongue); and one had mucoepidermoid carcinoma (on the floor of the mouth). Two radial forearm free-flaps, a trapezius myocutaneous pedicled flap (including an adjacent osseous part of the scapula), and a sternocleidomastoid muscular pedicled flap were used, respectively, for reconstruction. Additional external radiation was used for three patients (60 cGy).

The postoperative course was uneventful for each patient, and the ability to chew and swallow was rapidly restored. Two patients, locally controlled, with adenoid cystic carcinomas died: one from brain metastases (four years post-surgery), the other with pulmonary metastases (eight-years post-surgery). One patient is alive with a recurrent tumour of the pterygomaxillary fossa (without trismus) sixteen years after the original operation; another patient is free of recurrent disease at the base of the tongue but has recently undergone surgery, with success, for two pulmonary metastases sixty months after the initial surgery.

For minor salivary gland carcinoma of the head and neck, large resection with immediate reconstruction affords fast recovery and long-lasting locoregional control. Additional radiotherapy is feasible.