[Parotid gland tumors. What not to do]

Patients with a tumour located anterior or inferior to the ear probably have a parotid gland tumour. These patients should be referred without further investigation to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Diagnostic measures that may be performed are fine needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonography. Biopsy or enucleation of the tumour should not be carried out. Correct treatment is parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve. Inadequate primary treatment may lead to a very unpleasant situation for the patient and for the physician. This is illustrated by three case histories.