Colossal Parotid Tumors: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge

Tumors of the salivary glands constitute 3% of all head and neck tumors. The parotid gland (PG) is the most common site involved in 85% of cases. PG tumors' size varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters and is about 2-6 cm on average. However, because of insidious growth and asymptomatic nature, untreated tumors of the PG can attain large size. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), as large as 33 cm in size or 26.5 kg in weight, has been reported in the literature. Similarly, untreated Warthin's tumor (WT) rarely becomes giant, size up to 20 cm is reported. Giant PG tumors are commonly symptomatic and have a rare tendency to become malignant. We are reporting two giant PG tumors with different histopathological diagnoses, PA and WT of size 15x15 cm and 10x8 cm, respectively. Therefore, with a size of 10 cm, our case is the second-largest WT reported in the literature. Both the giant PG tumors were present for 15-20 years, and mild pain and discomfort were the only symptoms. We had the differential preoperative tissue diagnosis in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) because of varying consistency. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck were done for these cases for preoperative planning. Compared to the former, the latter was more informative about nerve involvement preoperatively. Both the patients underwent superficial parotidectomy, and meticulous dissection was done to identify and safeguard the facial nerve and its branches. We had a challenge in closing the flaps, which was achieved with an acceptable cosmetic outcome. Both the patients were discharged in stable condition with minimal facial nerve weakness.