Malignant parotid gland tumors: a retrospective study

This is a comprehensive retrospective study (1965-1984) of 130 patients with malignant parotid gland tumors. Patients were studied by comparison of presenting symptoms, histopathologies, treatments, disease-free intervals, and ultimate intervals. Facial paralysis was noted on presentation in 23% of the cases and regional neck node metastases were noted in 13%. Both findings correlated with prognosis. Seventy patients underwent surgery alone and 30 patients received combined therapy. The remaining patients were excluded from the study. The overall 5-year survival rate was 50%, with a 44% risk of recurrence. Fifty-six percent of the patients whose conditions subsequently recurred had their facial nerves sacrificed at time of surgery. Selected patients who received combined therapy experienced better local regional control and a prolonged disease-free interval as compared with those who underwent surgery alone. Combined therapy, however, provided no survival benefit for this group of patients. Adjuvant radiation therapy is recommended in the treatment planning of selected malignant tumors of the parotid gland.