[Metastases to the parotid gland and parotid region]

Among the malignant tumors found within the parotid gland, the primary tumors, as well as a metastatic tumors may be found.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristic, and preliminary assessment of treatment results of metastatic tumors to the parotid gland and the parotid region.

The retrospective analysis of 60 cases with metastatic tumors to the parotid gland and parotid region, selected from the material of Dept. ORL H&N Surg. Holy Cross Cancer Center in Kielce - Poland (2001-2008), with the analysis of age, sex, localization and histopathology of primary tumor, stage according to O'Brien classification, diagnostic methods and treatment modalities, and analysis of 3 and 5 years survival.

In the analyzed group of 60 patients (35M + 25F), in the age ranging from 31 to 92 years (mean age 73,5), the most common primary localization of metastatic tumor was skin of the head and neck (Squamous Cell Ca - 41,6%; Malignant Melanoma 25,0%). The therapy with radical intention was applied in 75,0% of patients treated, mostly combined surgery and radiotherapy. 25,0% of patients received symptomatic and palliative treatment only. In the group with 3 (17 cases) and 5 years (6 cases) of observation accordingly, 53,1% and 33,3% total survival was achieved.

The most common primary localization of metastases to the parotid region are Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma of the head and neck skin. Metastases to the parotid gland and region are usually diagnosed in the advanced local stage of the disease. The treatment of choice in mentioned above metastases are surgery followed by radiotherapy. The unfavorable prognosis of metastatic tumors to the parotid gland and parotid region may be improved, with systematic follow up of the patients with the skin cancer.