title: High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the columella successfully reconstructed using bilateral nasolabial flaps set up in a sandwich shape and an auricular cartilage graft after surgical resection.
abstract: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) usually originates from the salivary glands. However, there has been no report on mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the columella. In this study, we report the case of a high-grade MEC of the columella that was successfully reconstructed after surgical resection with bilateral nasolabial flaps set up in a sandwich shape and an auricular cartilage graft. A 66-year-old man presented with a nodule on the columella. Histological findings were suggestive of a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Wide excision was performed, and the defects of the columella and the nasal floor were reconstructed with bilateral nasolabial flaps set up in a sandwich shape and an auricular cartilage graft. The postoperative cosmetic result was good with excellent tissue texture. The reconstructed columella had an appropriate, not bulky, width as well as satisfactory height and depth. This reconstructive technique is particularly useful for correcting the large defect of the columella with nasal septum and/or nasal floor defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshiyuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Akimasa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fujisawa
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawachi
authors.forename: Fujio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Otsuka
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000601:surgery*; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D060052:Nasolabial Fold / Q000601:surgery*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: auricular cartilage graft; columella; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; nasolabial flap; sentinel lymph node biopsy