The Surgical Management of Parotid Gland Tumours

Background: The parotid tissue can give rise to a large variety of benign and malignant neoplasms. The objective of this study was to describe the management and outcome of parotid gland tumours over a 15-year period.

Method: The records of consecutive patients treated by parotid gland excision from January 1995 to December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Data recorded were age, gender, history, physical findings, surgical procedure, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), final pathological diagnosis and complications.

Results: The vast majority of patients (306) had benign neoplasms, and 14 patients had malignant neoplasms. Overall, pleomorphic adenoma contributed to 76% of the lesions, and Warthin's tumour to 17%. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAB was 79% and 100%, respectively. There were 15 cases of marginal mandibular transitory paresis and 12 cases of seroma. Marginal mandibular definitive paralysis was observed in three cases with malignant tumour.

Conclusion: Standardised parotidectomy is a safe operation, with a low complication rate.