ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the outcomes of surgery for pleomorphic adenoma of the parapharyngeal space in relation to the surgical approach. MethodThis was a single-centre retrospective data analysis conducted from January 2008 to December 2020 on all patients who underwent operation for pleomorphic adenoma originating from the parapharyngeal space. ResultsTwenty-one patients with a mean age of 52.6 years were included. The transparotid-transcervical approach was the most common (52.4 per cent, n = 11) surgical approach, followed by transoral robotic surgery (28.6 per cent, n = 6) and conventional transoral surgery (19 per cent, n = 4). Post-operative complications included nine cases of transient partial facial nerve palsy and two cases of Frey's syndrome after the transparotid-transcervical approach and 2 cases of transient trismus and 1 pharyngeal wound dehiscence in the conventional transoral approach group. Complete macroscopic excision was always achieved, and no recurrence occurred during follow up. ConclusionThese three approaches can provide adequate tumour visualisation, a high rate of clear excisional margins and an acceptable morbidity.

Objectives: Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) of the head and neck is a critical condition, known for its severe impact and high mortality rates, often linked with diabetes, odontogenic infections, and immunosuppression. Observations from the University of Ottawa's Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery indicate an increase in NF cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began, suggesting a possible association between COVID-19 and NF. This study aims to assess the incidence of NF since the pandemic's onset and explore its association with COVID-19. Design: Conducted as a single-center retrospective review from January 1, 2015, to April 7, 2023, this study included patients over 18 with histopathological confirmation of NF, analyzing clinical risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. Patients were divided into pre- and post-COVID-19 groups for comparison. Results: Out of 16 patients, 68.7% were in the post-COVID-19 group, with a notable increase in 2022. The most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (43.8%) and history of odontogenic infection or extraction (31.3%). Only one patient (6.3%) presented with concomitant COVID-19 infection and NF. All patients underwent treatment with serial surgical debridement and IV antibiotics with mortality rates rising to 12.5% post-pandemic. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates an increased incidence of necrotizing fasciitis cases in our institution following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma is an uncommon neoplasm arising in minor salivary glands. We present a rare case of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma in the base of the tongue. We report a case of a 38-year-old female presented with a progressive history of hemoptysis and dysphagia over the course of 4 years. Examination revealed a mass originating from the base of the tongue with a biopsy confirmed as hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma . An Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed literature review was conducted due to the rarity of this type of tumor. The patient underwent surgical excision with immediate reconstruction with radial forearm free flap followed with adjuvant radiotherapy and was disease free at her most recent follow-up (12 months). Our review included a total of 13 new cases, including our case. The majority of the cases presented with dysphagia. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, and overall these patients have a good prognosis. Our case highlights a rare presentation of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, successfully treated with surgical excision, free tissue reconstruction and adjuvant radiotherapy.