Perforator Flaps and Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer across the world. Despite a general reduction in tobacco consumption and therefore reduction in risk exposure there has been an increasing incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Progress made in the past decades in free tissue transfer reconstruction and robotic surgery have merged into transoral robotic reconstruction with free perforator flaps for head and neck.

Medical associate professionals in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Recent discourse around the implementation of medical associate professions (MAPs) into medical specialties has proven divisive and controversial. These roles could benefit oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) departments and grant trainees increased operating experience, but their implementation could prove detrimental to training. We discuss the potential impact in OMFS.

Incidental Thyroid Tissue in Sentinel Nodes From Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a surgical staging test in which sentinel nodes (SNs) undergo intensive histological analysis. SNB diagnoses early cancer spread, but can also reveal unexpected findings within the SNs. We review cases of incidental thyroid cells (TC) found in SNs from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to assess the prevalence of TC, and the clinical significance of these.

Head and neck mucosal melanoma: radiological considerations and UK imaging guidelines.

Purpose: Awareness of head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM) is important, as incorrect work-up can impact on the investigation and management of this rare and aggressive cancer. Following on from the 2020 HNMM UK guidelines, we set out the imaging recommendations and their rationale. To illustrate the key imaging characteristics, we also include a case series from our centre.