Acinic cell carcinoma: collective review, including bilateral cases

Bilateral acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland is rare. On the basis of one case and a review of 486 parotid acinic carcinomas, unilateral as well as bilateral, total parotidectomy seems to be the treatment of choice for this low-grade malignant neoplasm that recurs commonly following inadequate excision. If involved by tumor, the facial nerve must be taken. Metastases are more likely to lung and bone than to regional nodes. For this reason, radical neck dissection is not routinely indicated.