Adenocarcinoma of the parotid

All of the consultants considered needle biopsy an integral tool in management of a parotid neoplasm. If the tumor was limited to the superficial lobe of the parotid, they were split between ordering no further tests (Drs. Johnson and Glenn) and proceeding with a CT scan (Dr. Beckford). If frozen section revealed adenocarcinoma, the consultants agreed that a total parotidectomy with preservation of any uninvolved nerve would be in order. If the nerve had to be sacrificed, repair should be with a greater auricular or sural nerve graft. Two consultants (Drs. Beckford and Glenn) would search for a distant primary or metastasis. Controversy regarding management of an N0 neck divided the group into favoring neck dissection (Drs. Beckford and Johnson) and a modified radical neck dissection (Dr. Glenn). In the case of anaplastic carcinoma the consultants differed by suggesting an extended resection (Dr. Beckford), total parotidectomy with nerve preservation (Dr. Johnson), and total parotidectomy with modified radical neck dissection (Dr. Glenn). All the consultants recommended postoperative radiotherapy.