Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T23:18:53.375Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

First bite syndrome as presenting symptom of parapharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2011

A Deganello*
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
G Meccariello
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
M Busoni
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
A Franchi
Affiliation:
Section of Human Pathology, Department of Critical Care and Surgery, University of Florence, Italy
O Gallo
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Alberto Deganello, Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Florence, V le Morgagni 85 Florence, Italy Fax:  + 39 055 435649 E-mail: adeganello@hotmail.com

Abstract

Introduction:

First bite syndrome refers to the development of pain in the parotid region after the first bite of each meal.

Case report:

A man was referred to our institution with first bite syndrome as his only symptom. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck revealed a deep lobe parotid mass in close contact with the external carotid artery. Computed tomography guided fine needle biopsy indicated adenoid cystic carcinoma. Total parotidectomy was performed, with en bloc resection of the infiltrated external carotid artery and a selective neck dissection of levels Ib to III. High-weight ion radiotherapy was administered post-operatively.

Conclusion:

First bite syndrome has hitherto only been described following parapharyngeal space surgery. We present the first case of parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma presenting with first bite syndrome as the only symptom. The presence of first bite syndrome should prompt the clinician to investigate the parapharyngeal space and deep lobe of the parotid gland, especially in the absence of other signs or symptoms.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Gardner, WJ, Abdullah, AF. Parotid pain following superior cervical ganglionectomy: a clinical example of the antagonistic action of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. Am J Med Sci 1955;230:65–9CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2Haubrich, WS. The first-bite syndrome. Henry Ford Hosp Med J 1986;34:275–8Google ScholarPubMed
3Chiu, AG, Cohen, JI, Burningham, AR, Andersen, PE, Davidson, BJ. First bite syndrome: a complication of surgery involving the parapharyngeal space. Head Neck 2002;24:996–9CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4Netterville, JL, Jackson, CG, Miller, FR, Wanamaker, JR, Glasscock, ME. Vagal paraganglioma: a review of 46 patients treated during a 20-year period. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;124:1133–40CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5Chijiwa, H, Mihoki, T, Shin, B, Sakamoto, K, Umeno, H, Nakashima, T. Clinical study of parapharyngeal space tumours. J Laryngol Otol 2009;31:100–3CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6Kawashima, Y, Sumi, T, Sugimoto, T, Kishimoto, S. First bite syndrome: a review of 29 patients with parapharyngeal space tumor. Auris Nasis Larynx 2008;35:109–13CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7Emmelin, N, Muren, A, Stromblad, R. Effect of anastomosis between the hypoglossal and chorda-lingual nerves on the supersensitivity of the denervated submaxillary gland. Acta Physiol Scan 1957;41:1834CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8Kontis, TC, Johns, ME. Anatomy and physiology of the salivary glands. In: Bailey, BJ, ed. Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology, 2nd edn.Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1998;531–9Google Scholar
9Lung, MA. Autonomic nervous control of myoepithelial cells and secretion in submandibular gland of anaesthetized dogs. J Physiol 2003;546:837–50CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed