Pleomorphic adenomas, or benign mixed tumors, make up 65% of all salivary gland tumors. They also can be found as solid tumors in other parts of the head and neck region, such as the auditory canal, the eyelids, and the orbital area. In this study, we investigated extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck region retrospectively at a tertiary care center. Between March 1998 and June 2009, 37 patients underwent primary surgery for extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck. The duration of symptoms, radiographic findings, operative procedures, and pathologic findings were documented. Of the 37 patients enrolled, 22 were male and 15 were female, with a median age of 57 years. Tumors were found in the soft palate, hard palate, nasopharynx, orbital area, trachea, buccal mucosa, cheek, nasal septum, upper lip, lower eyelid, and external auditory canal. Cellular variant of the pleomorphic adenoma was found in four patients, while the remaining patients presented with the classic variant. No myxoid subgroup was noted in our study. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was observed only in one patient for whom radical surgery was performed. Twenty-eight patients (76%) had long-term follow-ups, with the average follow-up period being 4.5 years. Local recurrence was observed in three patients, and they underwent revision surgery during the follow-up period. Our results indicate that extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas are most commonly found in the soft palate. Wide excision was the treatment of choice, although its efficacy might be compromised with cosmetics and functional structures of the head and neck. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients is necessary.

This study confirmed that Al2O3 particles were formed in IN718 alloys during the fabrication by both selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM). Different heat pattern and atmospheres in SLM and EBM result in different distribution and volume fraction of Al2O3 particles. The Al2O3 oxides would act as nucleation sites for the precipitation of Nb/Ti carbides, leading to the formation of unique core-shell composites with Al2O3 in the center and Ti/Nb at the periphery. In order to investigate the oxygen content introduced during SLM and EBM, the volume fraction of Al2O3 formed in spark plasm sintering (SPS)-fabricated substrate, by consolidating the pre-oxidized IN718 raw powders at 800 °C, was utilized. The oxygen contents introduced to IN718 substrates during SLM and EBM fabrication were calculated to be 0.030 wt% and 0.099 wt%, respectively.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not increase stroke risk. The average annual stroke incidence rate after idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was comparable with that in the general Taiwanese population. The study patients experienced stroke because they carried the risk factors for stroke. In patients with modified risk factors for stroke, efforts should be made to prevent stroke rather than idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Our data demonstrate that neck dissection does not increase the risk of stroke in patients with oral cavity cancer. Patients have higher risk of stroke after cancer treatment because of their older age, specific comorbidities, and/or type of postoperative treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 63-70, 2017.