Prognostic factors of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma within the head and neck: A NCDB analysis

To characterize the prognostic profile of head and neck Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) and correlate findings with survival and surgical likelihood.

This retrospective cohort study queried the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2021 for all head and neck structures with histologically confirmed MEC. Using SPSS and GraphPad Prism, statistical analyses were conducted via Kaplan Meier Survival with Log-Rank Pairwise Comparisons, Cox Proportional Hazards Regressions, and Binomial and Multinomial Logistic Regressions.

A total of 17,713 patients were included. Significant findings include worsened overall survival (OS) and hazard ratios (HR) in relation to male sex, white race, non-Hispanic ethnicity, non-Private Insurances, non-Academic/Research treatment facilities, and not undergoing surgery. MEC in the Gum & Other Mouth and in the Lip had better OS and HR while MEC of the Nose, Nasal Cavity, & Middle Ear, MEC of the Tongue, and MEC of the Pharynx had worsened OS and HR in comparison to Salivary Gland MEC. Gum & Other Mouth MEC patients had significantly increased likelihood for Local Tumor Excision and Partial Organ Removal surgeries. Tongue MEC had significantly increased likelihood for Partial Organ Removal. Nose, Nasal Cavity, & Middle Ear MEC and Pharynx MEC had significantly decreased likelihoods for Local Tumor Excision or Total/Radical Organ Removal Surgeries.

By identifying key determinants of survival and surgical likelihood, this work provides valuable clinical insight into patient management and outcomes for a clinically significant malignancy. Additionally, this study comments on the role of accessible surgical care and social determinants of health regarding MEC.