Thyroid carcinoma ranks as the seventh most common malignancy globally by incidence, though its mortality remains relatively low. We present a rare case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 32-year-old male, with supraglottic extension of the right thyroid lobe, managed successfully using a robotic-assisted bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA). The total operative duration was 4 h, and the postoperative course was uneventful, with early recovery and excellent cosmetic outcome. Histopathology confirmed multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (mpT2N1b) with central and right selective neck node metastases. This case expands the boundaries of robotic thyroidectomy, demonstrating its feasibility and safety even in anatomically challenging scenarios. It emphasizes the potential need to revise current selection criteria as surgical expertise and robotic precision continue to evolve.

Lipomas are benign tumors which may develop in any part of the body. They are usually asymptomatic when small in size, but can present with symptoms when the size is larger and involving oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx. A 35 yr/M patient presented with bilobed lipoma meauring approximately 7.3 × 4.1 × 2.9 cm arising from supraglottic region extending till hypopharynx. Excision of lipoma was performed via Trans oral robotic surgery with minimal to none complications. Historically, lipomas of oro-laryngopharynx have been surgically excised using cervical, endoscopic or lateral pharyngotomy. We propose the use of transoral robotic surgery for the management of large lipomas of oro-laryngopharynx which is less morbid than open techniques.

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is a common benign midline swelling mostly effecting children. Although, rare but it also shows affinity towards adult population. A 54 y/F presented with TGDC in submental region measuring 2.4 × 2 × 1.6 cm. Excision of cyst was done using robotic assisted bilateral axillo breast approach (BABA). Robotic assisted bilateral axillo breast approach (BABA) approach is an evolving approach for head and neck surgeries. It is frequently being used in operating thyroid malignancies and neck dissections in higher centres. For patients of today we recommend excision of TGDC using robotic assisted bilateral axillo breast approach (BABA) approach as a novel approach.

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma is a well-defined entity but its presence in the pyriform sinus (PFS) is very rare. There is a high risk of failure to locate these in such unusual locations leading to failed parathyroidectomy. 41 year old female patient presented to our outpatient department with complains of multiple joint pains and on biochemical evaluation was diagnosed with hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid scan and SPECT CT done subsequently showed features of left ectopic parathyroid adenoma in PFS. Flexible laryngoscopy showed a nodular lesion in the left PFS. She underwent Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and post operatively her parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels normalised. She has been on follow up for past 2 years and is disease free with normal biochemical levels. This is a rare case of ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the pyriform sinus and only the second case reported in literature which has been treated by TORS.

Myofibrosarcoma is a distinct mesenchymal malignancy which commonly occurs in head and neck region. It has a high tendency for local recurrence and distant metastasis. 39-year-old male presented with epistaxis, nasal obstruction and left sided complete loss of vision. He underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and guided biopsy. MRI scan showed a lesion epicentred in the left maxillary sinus, superiorly extending into the orbit. He underwent Class 4b maxillectomy with neck dissection, tracheostomy and free flap reconstruction. Histopathological examination yielded final diagnosis as myofibrosarcoma of maxilla. The patient was planned for adjuvant radiotherapy and has been disease free for 3 years.

Cervical lymph node metastasis is one of the most common clinical presentations of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Occult thyroid carcinoma is described as absence of primary tumour or with presence of microcarcinoma in thyroid with cervical lymph node metastasis. Frequency of occult thyroid cancer has decreased due to developments in imaging and improved accuracy of histological examinations. 38 year old male presented to us with complaints of swelling over the left side of neck for the past 2 months. Ultrasonography was suggestive of multiple suspicious enlarged nodes in left level II, III, IV and V and fine needle aspiration cytology showed features of metastatic PTC. He was planned for total thyroidectomy with central compartment clearance and bilateral functional neck dissection. Final histopathology staging was pT0N1b. Radioactive iodine (RAI) screening showed residual functioning thyroid and later therapeutic RAI was administered. He has been on regular follow up and disease free for 1 year post treatment. Occult thyroid carcinoma is a rare diagnosis with multiple treatment plans. Few hypothesis for this entity includes tumor regression, ectopic thyroid carcinoma or missed pathological findings.

INTRODUCTION:Mixed neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) refer to a heterogenous group of rare neoplasms which is usually composed of a neuroendocrine population which is either well differentiated and more frequently poorly differentiated along with a non-neuroendocrine component, each of the above accounting for at least 30% of the tumour population. It is most commonly seen in the gastro-entero-pancreatic tract. MiNENs have an aggressive behaviour due to its high grade neuroendocrine component and have poor prognosis. This is the first case reported in literature of a MiNEN in the oropharynx. CASE REPORT:69 year old male patient with no co morbidities presented to the outpatient department with complains of odynophagia for 1 month. He had history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with right selective neck dissection (SND) done in 2019 for carcinoma base of tongue. On flexible laryngoscopy, an ulcerative lesion was noted over the left base of tongue. Although PET scan done showed no significant abnormalities. Biopsy from the lesion showed features of poorly differentiated carcinoma along with morphological features of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (small cell carcinoma). He was planned for upfront surgery (TORS with left SND). Post operatively recovery was uneventful and patient was on ryles tube feed for 12 days. Final histopathology report showed features of mixed neuroendocrine non neuroendocrine neoplasm. He has been on follow up for 1 year with no features of recurrence. CONCLUSION:MiNEN is an aggressive tumour which has poor prognosis and is most commonly located in the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first case reported in oropharynx who has been successfully treated and has been on follow up.

INTRODUCTION:Neck dissection forms an important component in the surgical management of head and neck cancers. By using the conventional techniques of neck dissection, a conspicuous scar is inevitable for the patients. The development of robotic assisted neck dissection provides for a scar-free neck along with good oncological and functional outcomes. METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted in our institute from 2020 March to 2022 March, where robotic-assisted neck dissections performed via the modified bilateral axillo-breast insufflation technique. RESULTS:Eighty-two patients underwent robotic neck dissections in our institute. Notably, 79 patients were treatment-naïve. The average docking time was 12 min and console time was 160 ± 15 min. The mean lymph node yield was 28.2. The average post-operative stay was 5.6 days. The average follow-up was noted to be 6.4 months. The mean cosmetic satisfaction score in our patients was 4.45. Only one patient presented with nodal recurrence, who was identified as a defaulter for adjuvant treatment. Robotic neck dissection gives similar functional and oncological outcomes as compared with conventional neck dissection. Patients had excellent cosmetic satisfaction following the procedure. The limitations of these techniques include high cost of procedure and longer operating time. This is a level IV evidence study. CONCLUSION:Although good oncological, functional, and cosmetic outcomes have been attained in robotic assisted neck dissection, further randomized controlled studies need to be conducted to justify the added costs, cosmetic advantage, and the time taken. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:IV Laryngoscope, 134:4045-4051, 2024.

Venous malformations are low flow endothelial malformations with aberrant and ectatic venous channels. They are defects in vascular growth which causes functional and cosmetic impairment. Gradual growth in size of the lesion occurs due to venous congestion or thrombosis. Venous malformations in parapharyngeal space are a rare entity and are difficult to diagnose. Case Report. 13 year old boy presented with a history of hyposmia and progressive difficulty in breathing for a duration of 2.5 years. MRI face and neck with contrast showed a 4.5 × 4.3x3.6 cm lesion in the left parapharyngeal space. CT angiogram of brain and neck demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing mass in the left parapharyngeal region. PET scan illustrated an ill-defined mass in the left pre styloid parapharyngeal space. Biopsy from the lesion showed features consistent with venolymphatic malformation. Flexible laryngoscopy showed a bulge over the left soft palate region with narrowing of nasopharyngeal lumen. Patient underwent transoral robotic surgery for complete excision of the mass. Post-operative period was uneventful. He has been on follow up for the past 1 year with no evidence of any residual or recurrent disease. Venolymphatic malformation is a rare lesion in the parapharyngeal space which is difficult to diagnose pre operatively. Surgical excision is the preferred modality of treatment for deep seated lesions in the parapharyngeal space. The advent of transoral robotic surgery have reduced the morbidity and improved clearance for such cases.

131-I radioactive iodine (RAI) scan is an important modality in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer to detect recurrent or residual disease. Thus it is important to have knowledge about the possibility of false positive findings in these scans to avoid wrongful diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. We here by present a patient who underwent total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection and followed by radioactive iodine therapy for papillary thyroid cancer. He had 131-I iodine avid nodular lesion in the left parotid gland which was later proven to be oncocytoma on histopathology. False positive findings on radioactive iodine scans are a possibility which should be known to surgeons as well as nuclear medicine physicians for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a type of salivary gland carcinoma which is a low grade epithelial tumor and follows an indolent course. The main modality of treatment is surgical excision with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. A 33-year-old female patient presented to us with dysphagia, change in voice, and right ear ache. Clinical examination revealed an 8 cm × 6 cm submucosal growth over the right side base of the tongue crossing midline and also extending to anterior two-third of the tongue. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scan revealed tumor involving bilateral base of the tongue as well as anterior tongue. Biopsy from the lesion revealed HCCC with Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 gene arrangement. Upfront tracheostomy followed by intraoral surgery was performed and the specimen was removed in toto and wound closed primarily. Postoperatively, she was decannulated within a week and started full oral diet within 10 days. The final histopathology report indicated HCCC. The patient underwent 30 fractions of adjuvant RT and is on regular monthly follow-up with no signs of residual disease. HCCC is a low-grade epithelial tumor with an indolent course and rarely seen in the head-and-neck region. The ideal treatment modality is excision of the lesion with adequate margins with or without adjuvant treatment.

Chondrosarcomas are rare malignancies of the cartilage and myxoid chondrosarcoma is its variant which commonly occurs in soft tissue of extremities. Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of bone or soft tissue origin and is characterized by the presence of spindle cells admixed with well differentiated cartilage or chondroid stroma. They are mostly radioresistant tumours and surgical resections with adequate margins is considered as the ideal treatment modality with adjuvant radiotherapy in high grade tumours and add on chemotherapy, in case of presence of poor prognostic factors. A 51-year-old diabetic, hypertensive female patient presented to our outpatient department with difficulty in chewing food for a duration of 6 months. On clinical examination, she had an ulceroproliferative growth involving right lower alveolus and floor of mouth. MRI face and neck with contrast showed a 4.1 × 2.9 × 4.5 cm lesion involving right lower alveolus extending to floor of mouth. Biopsy showed features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. She was planned for upfront surgery (Right composite resection with modified radical neck dissection with free fibula flap). Patient was stable post-surgery and was discharged in stable condition. Final histopathology report was high grade myxoid chondrosarcoma. The case was presented in tumour board and the patient was planned for adjuvant radiotherapy. She has been on regular follow up for the past 2 years and shows no signs of recurrence. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of oral cavity is a rare entity and very few cases are reported. It is a malignant neoplasm which is diagnosed with the help of immunohistochemistry. Surgery is the ideal modality of treatment accompanied by adjuvant radiotherapy in cases of high-grade tumours.

We have divided the chest and neck flap elevation for neck dissection into four steps. The flaps are divided into three zones corresponding to the vascular structures, which can be injured in this area. Our modifications outline safe techniques of flap elevation for robotic neck dissection.

BACKGROUND Lymphangiomas are a group of benign swellings which are commonly seen in children. The most common sites of presentation is the head and neck region, less commonly seen in axilla, chest, liver, spleen, etc. The ideal modality of treatment has always been surgical excision irrespective of the site and age group. But with the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques, it is now possible to perform excision of parapharyngeal space lesions with minimal morbidity and good clearance.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male patient who presented with difficulty in swallowing and had undergone surgery twice outside, where Transcervical approach was attempted to remove the parapharyngeal mass, but failed. Magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a 6 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm left parapharyngeal mass. He underwent transoral robotic surgery for the excision of the parapharyngeal lesion and had an uneventful post-operative recovery.CONCLUSION Lymphangiomas are hamartomatous swellings which are benign in nature. The symptoms of the patient with large parapharyngeal mass include dysphagia, dyspnoea and neck swelling. Clinicoradiological evaluation is of utmost importance to determine the adjacent vital structures and the approach to the tumor. With the advent of robotics in oncology, transoral robotic excision is one of the best approaches to perform such a surgery.

Schwannomas are benign nerve tumours arising from the Schwann cells. Approximately 25-45% of schwannomas occurs in the head and neck region. Majority of schwannomas in the head and neck region arise from the vagus nerve. Trigeminal schwannomas account for about 0.2% of all intracranial tumours. Trigeminal schwannomas can originate from any section of the fifth cranial nerve, from the root to the distal extracranial branches, but majority develops from the Gasserian ganglion, usually growing in the middle cranium. Most common presenting symptom is facial pain. MRI is the imaging modality of choice and CT scan usually serves as a supplementary imaging especially for skull base tumours.47 year old male patient presented to the outpatient department with complains of swelling over the left side of palate. Contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrated a large bilobed heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue lesion in the left infratemporal fossa with widened foramen ovale and extension of lesion into the Meckel's cave, larger contiguous component extending into ramus of mandible. MRI scan showed a large lobulated mass in the left masticator space with intracranial extension. Biopsy of the lesion was suggestive of schwannoma. The patient underwent left composite resection with dural repair and free flap reconstruction. Post operatively, on day 5 he developed features of meningitis for which he was treated conservatively and later discharged in stable condition.Trigeminal schwannomas are rare tumours with very low chance of malignant transformation which commonly presents with facial pain. MRI is the imaging modality of choice. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

Osteosarcomas are rare and highly malignant bone tumours which are composed of malignant mesenchymal cells producing osteoid or immature bone. Maxillary osteosarcomas are rare tumours accounting for less than 1

Extraosseous osteosarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue neoplasm, and extraosseous osteosarcoma of the parotid gland is very rare. It has a very aggressive course, and there are no standardized treatment guidelines. We report the case of a 20 year old male patient who presented with history of right neck swelling since 6 years for which he had undergone right parotid surgery 5 years ago. The final histopathological report indicated that the mass was a pleomorphic adenoma. One year after the first surgery, the patient experienced recurrence of swelling over the operated site, and the size of the swelling has been increasing gradually since then. He was evaluated clinically, and a large mass was noted over the upper aspect of the right upper neck, extending to the occipital and parotid regions. An MRI scan was done which showed a 12 × 10 × 8 cm lesion centred in the right parotid gland, involving paraspinal muscles, C1–C2 vertebrae and extending into the parapharyngeal space. FNAC of the lesion showed features of pleomorphic adenoma. The patient underwent a complete excision of the tumour. The patient’s post-operative period was uneventful. The final histopathological report of the patient was extraosseous osteosarcoma of the parotid gland. The patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. He has been on regular follow-up for the past 6 months and has shown no sign of recurrence. EOS is an extremely rare tumour of the head and neck region which often requires extensive surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. It has a high rate of local recurrence and a very low disease free survival. Such patients should be kept on a close follow-up.

Objectives – Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an already well established modality of treatment for early stage oropharyngeal cancer. This case report will throw light on the role of TORS as a treatment option for oropharyngeal cancer in a salvage setting. Methods – This is a case of a 69 year old patient who was a follow up case of carcinoma base of tongue, status - post concurrent chemoradiation who presented with residual disease at the primary site. Results – TORS was used as a successful treatment modality for base of tongue carcinoma in a salvage setting. The surgical procedure included removal of the entire hyoid bone in toto along with the tumour which is not reported in literature. The procedure also helped us in achieving an R0 resection. Conclusion – TORS should be considered as an important management modality for tongue base tumours in upfront as well as salvage setting.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common differentiated thyroid neoplasm. Common sites of regional and distant metastasis includes lymph nodes, lungs and bone. 51 year old female patient who was a known case of PTC with a history of multiple surgeries, radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) and oral chemotherapy presented with a painful right parotid mass. PET scan demonstrated FDG avid lesions in the right parotid gland, cervical lymph nodes and other distant sites. Cytology report showed features of metastatic PTC. Patient underwent extended total parotidectomy with facial nerve resection, skin and masseter muscle resection and extended radical neck dissection. Final histopathology (HPE) report showed metastatic papillary carcinoma thyroid. Patient is currently on oral chemotherapy and on regular follow up. PTC rarely metastasizes to parotid gland and such cases have to be treated with surgery alone or with a combination of surgery and RAI based on tumour burden.