gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Parotid gland tumors are a heterogenous group hystopathologically characterised by different biological behavior, requiring different therapeutic approaches. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice in parotid gland tumors.

Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on 104 pacients with parotid gland tumors treated in the ENT Department Timişoara, over a period of ten years. In the study group a number of 78 pacients were diagnosed with benign parotid tumors and 26 pacients were diagnosed with malignant tumors. In establishing an accurate diagnosis were used investigation such as: video-endoscopy, sonography, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Pacients were treated by surgery alone or with postoperative radiotheraphy.

Results: The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (67,94%), followed by Warthin’s tumor (28,20%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma were the most common malignant tumor, representing each 23,07% of all malignant tumor. Superficial parotidectomy was the most frequent intervention performed in 58 pacients. Other procedures were limited excision in 15 pacients, total conservative parotidectomy performed in 25 pacients, radical parotidectomy in one pacient and extensive radical parotidectomy in 5 pacients. Neck dissection was performed in 19 pacients. Radiotherapy, was used in 22 cases with malignant tumors.

Conclusions: Parotid tumors are characterized by great histopathological variety. Treatment often includes surgical resection as the primary modality for benign and malignant lesions. Neck dissection should be considered in all malignancies of parotid gland.