INTRODUCTION:Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) in adults is rare but associated with significant morbidity due to rapid extension into deep neck spaces and the risk of life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis and intervention remain essential, yet management strategies continue to be debated. This study aims to analyze epidemiological, clinical, imaging, and management-related characteristics of adult RPA cases and identify factors associated with disease severity, spread, and outcomes. METHODS:A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Otolaryngology Department of a tertiary university hospital between January 2016 and October 2025. Adult patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed RPA were included. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, microbiological findings, imaging results, airway status, management strategies, and outcomes, along with laboratory parameters including WBC and CRP levels. RESULTS:Eleven adults (seven males, four females; mean age 53.5 ± 15.4 years) were included. Mean WBC was 16.5 ± 3.11 ×10³/µL and mean CRP was 191 ± 110 mg/L. The most common symptoms were odynophagia and fever. Nine patients (81.8%) demonstrated radiological extension into deep neck spaces, most frequently the parapharyngeal and prevertebral spaces. Surgical drainage was performed in 10 patients; eight underwent transoral drainage, two required combined approaches, and two required tracheostomy. Staphylococcus species were the most common isolates. Mean hospitalization was 14.2 days (range 4-42). All patients survived. CONCLUSIONS:Adult RPA frequently presents with extensive spread beyond the retropharyngeal space, owing to the anatomical continuity of this compartment, which facilitates rapid extension to the parapharyngeal, prevertebral, and mediastinal regions. Contrast-enhanced CT is essential for defining disease extent. Prompt airway evaluation and early broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy combined with surgical drainage remains the cornerstone of management, contributing to favorable outcomes.

INTRODUCTION:One of the most common complications during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is bleeding, which increases the time of surgery. A strategy for reducing intraoperative bleeding is the administration of preoperative corticosteroids and antibiotics. METHODS:We aimed to assess the degree and intensity of inflammation in CRSwNP histological specimens from patients who received immediate preoperative treatment with oral corticosteroids and antibiotics, compared with those who did not. The study group consisted of 50 patients who received preoperative corticosteroids and antibiotics, and the control group consisted of 50 patients who had not received any pretreatment. Immunohistochemical expression of periostin in nasal polyp tissue from each group was evaluated and compared to assess the prognostic value of this protein. RESULTS:There is a statistically significant difference between the control group and the study group in periostin expression (increased in the former) (p < 0.001). The pretreatment group has a significantly lower score (study group means H-score = 112.7 (standard deviation (SD) = 40.4)/control group mean H-score = 159.4 (SD = 42.3)). Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation between periostin concentration and vascularity (microvessel density and optical density of the vascular endothelial marker) in the pretreatment group is not observed (rho = -0.02, p = 0.907; rho = 0.07, p = 0.713, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:The results support the preoperative administration of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics to reduce the degree and intensity of inflammation in CRSwNP; this may impact the surgical field during ESS. Further cohort studies are needed to validate this recommendation.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neuromodulation and bimodal stimulation for chronic subjective tinnitus in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES:PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE (January 2015-December 2025) searched per PRISMA 2020. REVIEW METHODS:Adult RCTs (≥ 18 years) with chronic subjective tinnitus (> 3 months) assessing validated outcomes (THI, TFI, TQ) for neuromodulation/bimodal interventions vs. sham/controls. Two-stage screening, Cochrane RoB-2 risk-of-bias assessment. Random-effects meta-analyses (REML) were performed when ≥ 3 comparable trials were available; effects reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. Main Outcomes and measures included change in tinnitus severity (THI/TFI/TQ) while secondary outcomes included loudness (VAS/NRS), durability, and adverse events. RESULTS:Twenty-six RCTs (n = 1576) met criteria: tES (11; n = 372), rTMS (8; n = 432), acoustic coordinated reset (1; n = 100), vagus nerve stimulation (2; n = 90), and bimodal stimulation (4; n = 582). Meta-analysis showed a nonsignificant pooled effect for tDCS (SMD -0.36; 95% CI -0.75 to 0.02; I2 = 51%) and rTMS (SMD -0.15; 95% CI -0.37 to 0.07; I2 = 0%). Single-trial evidence for coordinated reset showed no advantage over broadband noise. VNS demonstrated modest benefits with safety concerns limited to implanted approaches. Bimodal stimulation yielded consistent, clinically meaningful reductions (often ≥ 10-20 points on THI/TFI), with durability up to 12 months. Adverse events were mild/transient across noninvasive modalities. CONCLUSIONS:Noninvasive neuromodulation appears safe with average benefits; among modalities, bimodal stimulation shows the most consistent and durable clinical improvements. Standardized, adequately powered RCTs with harmonized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to refine targets and dosing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1:

INTRODUCTION:Reliable assessment of both functional and aesthetic outcomes is essential in rhinoplasty. The Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) is widely used internationally, but no validated Greek version was previously available. The objective of this prospective comparative observational study is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the SCHNOS for Greek-speaking patients. METHODS:The SCHNOS underwent forward-backward translation, expert review, and pilot testing. A total of 49 participants were included (24 rhinoplasty patients and 25 controls). Internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)), and discriminant validity (Mann-Whitney U test) were assessed. RESULTS:Internal consistency was excellent (SCHNOS-O α = 0.90; SCHNOS-C α = 0.98). Test-retest reliability was also excellent (ICC = 0.990 and 0.995). Rhinoplasty patients scored significantly higher on both subscales than controls (P < 0.001), confirming discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS:The Greek SCHNOS is a reliable and valid patient-reported measure for functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty outcomes.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the contribution of voice therapy in improving voice quality and voice-related quality of life (QOL) in patients treated for early glottic cancer with Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery (TLM). Study Design This is a randomized-controlled study of 40 patients (20-intervention group and 20-control group). All underwent TLM surgery, and only the intervention group participated in voice therapy. The same voice assessment and recording protocol was applied in both groups and included subjective and objective voice measurements. Patients in the intervention group were assessed four times (presurgery, after voice therapy, 1 month after voice therapy, and 6 months postsurgery). Patients in the control group were assessed twice (presurgery and 6 months postsurgery). Methods Each patient of the intervention group attended eight voice therapy sessions. Voice assessment included the self-reported Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), perceptual voice analysis using the GRBAS scale, and acoustic voice analysis [Mean F0, Jitter (local), Shimmer (local), and Mean Harmonic-to-Noise Ratio (HNR)] was computed using Praat software. For the inter-rater reliability (between raters—first author), two expert raters assessed the voice samples with the GRBAS scale for both groups. Results Statistical analysis showed significant voice quality improvement in both subjective (perceptual) and objective (acoustic) assessments for the intervention group. Additionally, a significant improvement was observed in the QOL of intervention group patients, related to the enhancement of their voice quality after voice therapy. Inter-rater results showed similarities which were more pronounced in the “Grade” parameter for Connected Speech and less pronounced in the “Grade” parameter for Maximum Phonation Time /i/. Conclusions The present study proved the efficacy of voice therapy in voice rehabilitation for patients treated for early glottic carcinoma with TLM surgery. Improvements in voice quality and voice-related QOL were confirmed by VHI, GRBAS, and Praat measurements.

BACKGROUND: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and auditory systems. This study aims to assess the prevalence, type, and severity of bilateral hearing loss (HL) in PCD and Kartagener syndrome (KS) patients, examining age-related differences and chronic impacts of otologic pathologies. METHODS: A total of 19 patients (38 ears), including 6 children and 13 adults, were evaluated from June to September 2021. Comprehensive clinical examinations included otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry (PTA) for air and bone conduction. Tympanometry findings were compared with otoscopic results. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v16.0 (SPSS Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA), with a significance threshold of P ≤ .05. RESULTS: Hearing loss was identified in 42.1% of patients, with conductive HL predominant in children (3 out of 4), while mixed HL was more common in adults (3 out of 4). Tympanometry results showed 57.9% type A and 42.1% type B findings, correlating with otoscopic observations. Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) and tympanosclerosis (TS) were the primary pathologies contributing to middle ear damage. Age was significantly correlated with HL severity (P= .005). Mild HL was most common (62.5%), followed by moderate HL (25%) and moderately severe HL (12.5%). CONCLUSION: This study identifies distinct age-related patterns in the type and severity of HL among PCD patients, with sensorineural components observed in adults due to progressive middle ear damage. Audiological evaluations are essential for identifying these complications. Further research is needed to optimize treatment approaches and understand the progression of HL in PCD/KS patients.

Jugulotympanic paragangliomas (JTPs) are rare, benign, but locally aggressive neuroendocrine tumors of the temporal bone and jugular foramen. Due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures, they can cause considerable morbidity. This study retrospectively assesses treatment outcomes in JTP patients, examining the effectiveness of surgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery (RS) in tumor control and recurrence prevention. A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 adult patients diagnosed with JTP from January 2022 to December 2024. Data collected included demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical approach, histopathology, and follow-up imaging. Tumors were classified using the Fisch system, and the Ki-67 index was used to assess proliferative activity. Eleven patients (seven females and four males; median age = 64.5 years) were included. Tumor sizes ranged from 1.0 × 0.5 cm to 2.7 × 2.2 cm. Based on the Fisch classification, six tumors were class B, two were class A, one was class C1, and one was class D1. All patients underwent surgical excision via an endoaural-transcanal approach with potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser hemostasis. Complete resection was achieved in five cases; six required additional stereotactic RS. Follow-up imaging showed no recurrence in fully resected cases, and tumor control in those treated with RS. Most tumors had a Ki-67 proliferation index < 5%. Surgical resection remains the preferred treatment for small, accessible JTPs. For most glomus jugulare cases, as well as residual or surgically complex tumors, a combination of surgery and RS plays a crucial role in effective management. The Ki-67 proliferation index does not independently predict recurrence.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), a branch of the vagus nerve, plays a crucial role in phonation, respiration, and airway protection. Dysfunction of the RLN can result from various factors, including trauma, surgery, endotracheal intubation, infection, and systemic diseases, leading to clinical symptoms such as hoarseness, stridor, dysphagia, and severe respiratory distress. This systematic review examines the impact of systemic diseases on RLN function. Through an analysis of cases from the English literature, the review demonstrates that RLN dysfunction in the context of systemic diseases is multifactorial, often involving complex pathophysiology. Key findings highlight that RLN dysfunction can be caused by autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurological conditions, as well as medications. The review discusses the diagnostic challenges associated with these conditions, as symptoms often overlap with other disorders, complicating accurate diagnosis. The importance of early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach to management is emphasized, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, increased awareness and understanding of the diverse causes of RLN dysfunction in systemic diseases are essential for effective diagnosis and management.

Introduction:There is a lack of community-dwelling population-based examinations of geriatric dysphagia and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Objective:To assess the prevalence of geriatric dysphagia and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in a community-dwelling population from a rural area. Methods:Volunteers from Velestino, a 4,000-person community, were given the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaires at the health center. Demographic, medical, and pharmaceutical histories were recorded. Results:160 participants (92 females, 68 males) self-presented. Ages were between 65-95 years (Mean 76.04). 27 (16.88%) scored an abnormal EAT-10 and 13 (8.13%) RSI over 13. RSI was statistically correlated with total and positive only EAT-10 scores. Age and gender did not affect EAT-10 or RSI scores. The EAT-10 score decreased with age progression. Conclusion:This is one of the few studies to investigate the relationship between geriatric dysphagia and LPR in a rural population. A 23.0% prevalence of dysphagia was observed in elderly adults as well as an increase in both EAT-10 and RSI scores with age progression. More studies are needed to explore this field.

Third window syndrome (TWS) is an inner ear condition caused by an additional compliant point in the otic capsule that disrupts auditory and vestibular functions. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence is the most common cause, presenting with hearing loss, vertigo, and autophony, significantly impairing quality of life. This study evaluated the pathophysiology, diagnostics, treatments, and recent advancements in TWS while identifying research gaps. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 70 studies from Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and UpToDate databases were analyzed. TWS affects inner ear mechanics, enhancing bone conduction and reducing air conduction. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluations, high-resolution imaging, and functional tests such as vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, which are known for their high sensitivity and specificity. Management strategies range from vestibular rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy to surgical interventions, including transmastoid and middle cranial fossa approaches, which achieve over 75% success. Emerging minimally invasive techniques, such as underwater endoscopic ear surgery and round window reinforcement, show promise but carry risks like cerebrospinal fluid leakage and inconsistent symptom relief. Advancements in TWS management have improved outcomes, yet gaps remain, particularly in terms of false-positive imaging and long-term efficacy. Future studies should prioritize predictive models and minimally invasive techniques. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve patient care.

OBJECTIVE:Laryngeal cancer is a significant head and neck malignancy, whose prevalence is increasing. Radiomics consists of high-dimensional and reproducible quantitative data which can serve as biomarkers with strong correlations to tumor staging, prognosis, and survival outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the knowledge from the existing literature regarding the value of radiomics in laryngeal cancer management. DATA SOURCES:Eligible articles were identified by a search of the Medline and PubMed bibliographical databases for the period up to May 2025. REVIEW METHODS:This scoping review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) framework. RESULTS:Thirty studies were deemed eligible, including a total of 3503 patients with laryngeal cancer. Primary objectives were the development of predictive models for overall survival, progression-free survival, local control, treatment response, and staging. Across studies, radiomics-based models consistently outperformed clinical or conventional imaging-based models in predicting key outcomes. Models combining radiomic features with clinicopathological variables achieved the highest accuracy. Recent advances include the use of deep learning, which further improved predictive performance compared to traditional radiomics. However, common limitations include heterogeneity in imaging protocols, feature extraction software, and model development algorithms, as well as a lack of external validation. CONCLUSION:Despite several limitations that currently hinder routine clinical adoption of radiomics, this rapidly evolving field demonstrates significant potential to improve staging accuracy, prognostication, and personalized management in laryngeal cancer.

The incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC), constituting approximately one in ten cancer cases worldwide, affects approximately 644,000 individuals annually. Managing this complex disease involves various treatment modalities such as systemic therapy, radiation, and surgery, particularly for patients with locally advanced disease. HNC treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach due to alterations in patients’ genomes affecting their functionality. Predominantly, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the majority of HNCs, arise from the upper aerodigestive tract epithelium. The epidemiology, staging, diagnosis, and management techniques of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), encompassing clinical, image-based, histopathological and molecular profiling, have been extensively reviewed. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a well-known predictive factor for HNSCC that initiates metastasis and significantly impacts HNSCC prognosis. Distant metastasis (DM) in HNSCC has been correlated to aberrant expression of cancer cell-derived cytokines and growth factors triggering abnormal activation of several signaling pathways that boost cancer cell aggressiveness. Recent advances in genetic profiling, understanding tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease, and immunotherapy have revolutionized treatment strategies and disease control. Future research may leverage genomics and proteomics to identify biomarkers aiding individualized HNSCC treatment. Understanding the molecular basis, genetic landscape, atypical signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironment have enhanced the comprehension of HNSCC molecular etiology. This critical review sheds light on regional and distant metastases in HNSCC, presenting major clinical and laboratory features, predictive biomarkers, and available therapeutic approaches.

Background Parotid gland agenesis is a rare, congenital, usually asymptomatic disorder. Until now, only 24 cases with unilateral, incidentally found, parotid gland agenesis have been described. Here, we present the first reported case of an ipsilateral preauricular neoplasm in a patient with unilateral parotid gland agenesis. During surgery, the position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves was documented. Furthermore, we performed the first sialendoscopy for this rare disorder to assess the number of duct branches, which might be indicative of the abundance of parotid tissue. Moreover, we looked for sialendoscopic characteristic features that could aid in identifying these patients in the ambulatory setting.Case presentation A 50-year-old Greek man presented with a painless, slowly enlarging mass in the right parotid space. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete absence of the right parotid gland without accessory parotid tissue. The right parotid gland was replaced by fatty tissue and the radiologist suggested a benign parotid tumor. Fine needle aspiration was indicative of a reactive lymph node. Sialendoscopy revealed only two branches within the right parotid duct. Surgical resection was performed through a conventional lateral parotidectomy. This revealed typical anatomic position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves despite the parotid tissue agenesis. Histopathology revealed a small lymphocytic lymphoma.Conclusions Surgeons should feel confident to resect tumors of the parotid space in patients with parotid gland agenesis. Reduced branching observed during sialendoscopy might indicate parotid gland agenesis. Physicians should be even more cautious than usual with the watch and wait strategy in patients with tumors of parotid gland agenesis, since the probability of a tumor being a benign salivary gland tumor might be lower than usual.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a head and neck cancer (HNC) with a high mortality rate. OSCC is developed in the oral cavity and it is triggered by many etiologic factors and can metastasize both regionally and distantly. Recent research advances in OSCC improved our understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in and the initiation of OSCC metastasis. The key roles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in OSCC are an emerging area of intensive research as the ECM macromolecular network is actively involved in events that regulate cellular morphological and functional properties, transcription and cell signaling mechanisms in invasion and metastasis. The provisional matrix that is formed by cancer cells is profoundly different in composition and functions as compared with the matrix of normal tissue. Fibroblasts are mainly responsible for matrix production and remodeling, but in cancer, the tumor matrix in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also originates from cancer cells. Even though extensive research has been conducted on the role of ECM in regulating cancer pathogenesis, its role in modulating OSCC is less elucidated since there are several issues yet to be fully understood. This critical review is focused on recent research as to present and discuss on the involvement of ECM macromolecular effectors (i.e., proteoglycans, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases) in OSCC development and progression.

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare but serious condition primarily caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fungi, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, can also be a contributing factor. A systematic review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate the literature on fungal malignant otitis externa (FMOE), focusing on its etiology, patient demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment. Out of 464 articles identified, 10 were analyzed in detail, involving 197 patients with a mean age of 65.9 years. Of the total patients, 143 were male (72.6%), 52 were female (26.4%), and the gender of the remaining two was not specified. One hundred and fifty-five patients (78.7%) had underlying immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, and AIDS. Fungal cultures were positive in 107 cases (54.3%), with Candida and Aspergillus species being present in nearly equal proportions. There were no significant differences between fungal and non-fungal MOE in terms of clinical presentation and diagnostic methods. Conservative treatment was used in 179 patients (90.8%), with 172 of them (87.3%) receiving antifungals. Itraconazole and voriconazole were the most common antifungals, while amphotericin B was less frequently used due to side effects. In some cases, antifungals were combined with antibiotics. Surgical interventions were performed in 35 patients (17.8%), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used in 34 of them (17.3%). Eight patients with FMOE died, and the mortality rate was 4%. Late diagnosis, cranial nerve involvement, and inadequate treatment may contribute to higher mortality. Given the potential underdiagnosis of FMOE, early incorporation of antifungal medications into empirical treatment protocols could improve outcomes for patients with a poor prognosis.

Objectives: This retrospective multi-institutional chart review study aims to present results from patients treated with Holmium:YAG laser-assisted sialendoscopic intraductal lithotripsy under local anesthesia.Methods: Preoperative ultrasound and/or CT were used for location and measurement of the stones. Local anesthesia was applied in all patients, Marchal all -in-one 1.3 mm and Erlangen 1.6 sialendoscopes were used. The laser was used with power settings limited by discomfort or pain. Inclusion criteria were stone size (all >5 mm) and fixed stones.Results: 42 patients, 48 stones were treated (30 males/12 females), 21 submandibular and 21 parotid. Ages ranged from 20 to 70 years (95 % CI: 43.37-51.58). Mean size was 6.2 mm (95 % CI: 5.71-6.72). Complete fragmentation was achieved in 66.7 % and incomplete in 33.3 %. Out of the incomplete fragmented 14 cases, seven (50 %) remained symptom free on follow-up. Maximum duration was 120 min. Minimum power settings of the laser was 4.8 Watts and maximum 18 Watts. Six patients expressed pain or discomfort that limited power increase and duration of the procedure. Total follow up time was 10 years. There were no major complications such as hemorrhage, nerve paresis or skin ulceration.Conclusion: The procedure is safe under local anesthesia, well tolerated by most patients and should be used in cases of small fixed and "intermediate-sized" stones as a single modality. Discomfort may limit power settings and duration. The later is the major disadvantage of the method.(c) 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

IntroductionThe complex nature of xerostomia prevents the establishment of a definite cure. Recently, research has pivoted towards stem cell transplantation for glandular reconstruction. The aim of this study is to provide an updated review of the existing research, to highlight the encountered challenges and research pathways, potentially enhancing the therapeutic applications of stem cell transplantation.MethodsThis is a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, using the following databases: PubMed (PMC), PMC Europe, Scopus, Medline, Research Gate, Elsevier. The main question was whether stem cell therapies can contribute to the treatment of xerostomia.Results19 of 226 publications met the criteria for this review, including 'in vivo', 'in vitro' studies and clinical trials. All 19 studies described thoroughly the stem cell source and the transplantation method, and documented results based on analytical and statistical methods of confirmation. Data show that the various sources of stem cells play a significant role, with bone marrow or adipose tissue-derived pluripotent blasts being the most utilized. Human transplants in mice have also been accepted and reversed hyposalivation. The effects have been beneficial especially in models undergone radiotherapy (IR) or exhibit Sjogren Syndrome-like symptoms (SS), suggesting that with appropriate treatment and enrichment techniques, stem cell transplantation seems effective regardless of the cause of the disorder. Extracts and co-cultures of gland and stem cells also seem to improve gland function.ConclusionAlthough in its initial stages, the use of stem cells seems to be a promising therapy to alleviate xerostomia regardless of its cause.

Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for parotid tumors and the level of surgical training among residents, as well as to further elucidate its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool in the hands of the treating physician. Materials and Methods:Surgical records from patients who underwent parotid surgery between 2014 and 2022 were retrieved. Residents reported their perceived level of training duringthese procedures. Contingency tables were used to correlate the cytological with final histopathological results. Results:A total of 286 patients who had undergone preoperative FNAC were included in the study. A preoperative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma or Wharthin's tumor was significantly associated with higher training scores among surgical residents. In contrast, a diagnosis of malignancy, other benign tumors, or indeterminate cytology was correlated with poor training scores (χ2 = 176.35; df = 2; p-value <0.001, Cramer's V 0.79). FNAC demonstrated a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 99.2% for detecting malignancy, with a positive likelihood ratio of 103.8 (95% CI: 26.02-414.34) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.12 (95% CI: 0.06-0.26). Conclusions:Our findingssuggest that preoperative cytological diagnoses of parotid tumors with a favorable prognosis, such as Wharthin's tumors, can enhance training and mentorship opportunities provided by senior surgeons. This is particularly significant for academic institutions with residency programs.