Surgical approaches for infratemporal fossa tumor resection: Fifteen years' experience of a single center

Abstract

Background The aims of this study were to report our center's experience with infratemporal fossa (ITF) tumors, to review the treatment modalities and outcomes. Methods Data of patients that underwent resection of ITF tumors in a single tertiary referral medical center were collected and analyzed. Results Sixty‐three patients were included. Sarcoma was the most common pathology (18; 29%). The most common surgical approach was the preauricular‐orbitozygomatic approach (24; 38%), followed by endoscopic, craniofacial resection, and combined approaches. Forty‐seven patients (75%) required reconstruction, 23 (49%) involving free tissue transfer. Thirty‐five patients (76%) with malignant lesions required adjuvant therapy consisting of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both. Thirty‐three patients suffered from complications related to surgery or adjuvant therapy. The three‐ and five‐years survival rates for malignancy were 82% and 66%, respectively. Conclusion Complete surgical resection of ITF involving tumors is feasible, providing good long‐term survival. Multidisciplinary approach is the key for success.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors

“…The proximity to cranial nerves and other vital structures has made the PPF and infratemporal fossa (ITF) historically challenging to access and resect. Several authors have reported that the rate of negative margin resection of tumors involving the PPF and ITF ranges from 56% to 77% 189–192 . He et al.…”

Interdisciplinary management of skull base surgery

“…33 This approach has proven effective for resection of malignant pathologies in the infratemporal fossa with overall three-and five-year survival rates for patients of 82% and 66% respectively. 34,35 Modifications with extension to the hairy scalp allow comparable outcomes of the surgical site with the consequence of smaller visible scars. 36 Transfacial approaches are used for resection of anterior skull base pathologies and pathologies within the paranasal sinus.…”

An Oncoplastic Approach to Primary Pediatric Pterygomaxillary Osteosarcoma

“…2,5,7,8,10,11 Osteosarcomas rarely arise within the pterygomaxillary region/infratemporal fossa. [12][13][14] When involving the mandible and maxilla, the main symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain, swelling, and ulceration. 5 Pain is typically attributable to compression of adjacent nerves or periosteal impingement.…”

“…10,16 Treatment of osteosarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach. 4,8,13,14 Conventional treatment typically consists of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection. 1,3,15 While chemotherapy regimens are attributed to increased survival rates, the mainstay of treatment is complete surgical resection.…”