Tumours of the parotid region

Fifty-eight operatively treated tumours of the parotid region are presented. Of the tumours 85 per cent were benign and 15 per cent malignant. The percentage of pleomorphic adenomas was 36 per cent. During five years of observation there were no recurrences of benign tumours. Operative complications consisted of one paresis of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve and one death due to bleeding and aspiration during the first postoperative day. Frey's syndrome occurred postoperatively in 26 per cent of the cases. It is emphasized that parotid tumours should be concentrated to centres where surgeons have sufficient experience with these cases.