To summarize the preliminary experience of endoscopically assisted mid-cheek benign tumor resection using a single preauricular or transoral incision and to evaluate its indications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Thirty-six patients with benign mid-cheek tumors were prospectively enrolled, including 11 males and 25 females, aged (37.2± 15.9) years and ranged from 11 to 65 years old. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: endoscope-assisted tumor dissections through a single preauricular incision (preauricular group, 19 cases) or transoral incision (transoral group, 17 cases). Their surgical approaches were introduced, and the tumor long-axis length, incision length, operative time, estimated intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage amount and time, aesthetic satisfaction, perioperative complications, and follow-up were recorded and analyzed.

The difference between the tumor long-axis lengths in the preauricular group [(2.2±0.9) cm] and the transoral group [(2.1± 0.7) cm] was not statistically significant (t=0.46, P=0.687), and all surgical procedures were completed as planned. There was no significant difference in the incision size (t=1.57, P=0.100) or operative time (t=0.44, P=0.736). Compared with the preauricular group [(30.8±8.7) ml], transoral group [(23.6±8.9) ml] significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (t=2.97, P=0.006) and improved aesthetic pleasure (t=3.44, P=0.015). Two cases of earlobe numbness and one case of temporary facial palsy were observed in the preauricular group; two cases of postoperative effusion were noted in the transoral group, and no signs of nerve injury were detected. No tumor recurrence was found during the 1-54-month of follow-up.

Endoscopic-assisted preauricular or transoral incision for dissecting mid-cheek benign tumors provides excellent aesthetic and minimally invasive results, reducing complications and obtaining satisfactory aesthetic results.

Facial neoplasms; Mid-cheek area; Endoscopes; Preauricular incision; Transoral incision