Article
Satellite nodules – a limited factor for the extracapsular dissection of the pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland
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Published: | July 23, 2012 |
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Introduction: The enucleation of the pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, which was one of the general type of treatments in the last century, was discovered as one of the main risks for recidives and thus replaced by lateral parotidectomy. During the last years, it became increasingly common to replace the lateral parotidectomy by an extracapsular dissection. At this the emergence of satellite nodules might influence the risk for negative recidives.
Method: In a retrospective analysis 313 pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland were removed at the department of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery at the German armed force hospital in Ulm between 1999 and 2006. They were histologically examined and evaluated in respect to their frequency of satellite nodules.
Result: In 24.7% of the pleomorphic adenomas, which were removed in the first surgery, satellite nodules were discovered. The majority of this group (64%) are actually pleomorphic adenomas of the stroma-rich subtype.
Conclusion: The frequency of satellite tumor nodules of the overall samples was much higher than expected. Stroma-rich pleomorphic adenomas were represented the most. From this perspective, it is reasonable to rethink the replacement of lateral parotidectomy by extracapsular dissection.