Malignant tumors of the hard palate: Report of 4 cases and review of the literature. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hammouda, Y.; Halily, S.; Oukessou, Y.; Rouadi, S.; Abada, R.; Roubal, M.; Mahtar, M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 78(2021)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Malignant tumors -- Hard palate -- Surgery -- Rehabilitation -- Prognostic factors; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.12.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Hard palate cancer is a rare malignant tumor. Different histological types have been described in the hard palate which can affect its different structures. A retrospective review of 4 patients who underwent Surgical resection by trans oral approach was performed for different histological types of malignant tumors of the hard palate. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for malignant tumors of the hard palate. A variety of surgical procedures that can be used via a trans oral approach. Survival rate depends on several factors, including early diagnosis, histological characteristic and appropriate management. Abstract: Introduction: Cancer of the hard palate is a fairly rare malignant tumor. Different histological types have been described in the hard palate, and that can affect its different structures. Diagnosis is based on biopsy with histological examination and possibly on immunohistochemical markers to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other diagnostic hypotheses. The aim of this study was to determine histopathologic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of malignant tumors of the hard palate. Patients and methods: A retrospective review of 4 patients who underwent Surgical resection by trans oral approach was performed for different histological types of malignant tumors of the hard palate. These included squamous cell carcinoma (case1 and case 2), mucosal melanoma (case 3), and adenocarcinoma (case 4). Results: The T stage was analyzed for all cases. Two cases were classified as T2 stage with a tumor size between 2 and 4 cm and the two others, given the extension to the maxillary and nasal cavity were classified as T4a. Cervical lymph node metastasis was found in three patients. Discussion: Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for malignant tumors of the hard palate. There is a variety of surgical procedures that can be used via a trans oral approach. Reconstruction of palatal defects with a prosthesis is sufficient, whereas larger defects will require a local, regional or even microvascular free tissue flap. The differences between these surgical techniques are presented, and indications are discussed. Conclusion: The therapeutic management for malignant tumors of the hard palate is essentially surgical, with or without postoperative radiotherapy, discussed on a case-by-case basis. Survival rate depends on several factors, including early diagnosis, histological characteristic and appropriate management.