The management of salivary gland tumours

The majority of the salivary gland tumours are of epithelial origin. The parotid gland is the most common location of these tumours. Surgery is the main modality for the management of salivary gland tumours. The dissection and preservation of the facial nerve are very important in most cases of parotidectomy. Partial parotidectomy has potential advantages in suitable cases. Sacrifice of the facial nerve is necessary for some patients with parotid carcinoma. The defects of the facial nerve should be reconstructed as soon as possible. Functional training of facial muscles is helpful for the recovery of facial nerve function. The indications for elective neck dissection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are discussed.