Is There A Role for Limited Parotid Resections for Primary Malignant Parotid Tumors?

Abstract

Background: Lateral or total parotidectomy are the standard surgical treatmentsfor malignant parotid tumors. However, some authors have proposed a more limited procedure.(2) Methods: We performed a review of the literature on this topic. Studies were included that metthe following criteria: malignant parotid tumors, information about the extent of surgical resection,treated with less than a complete lateral lobectomy, and information on local control and/or survival.Nine articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: Eight of the nine series reported favorableresults for the more limited approaches. Most used them for small, mobile, low-grade cancers inthe lateral parotid lobe. Most authors have used a limited partial lateral lobectomy for a presumedbenign lesion. The remaining study analyzed pediatric patients treated with enucleation with poorlocal control. (4) Conclusions: There is weak evidence for recommending less extensive proceduresthan a lateral parotid lobectomy. In the unique case of a partial lateral parotidectomy performed fora tumor initially thought to be benign but pathologically proved to be malignant, close follow-upcan be recommended for low grade T1 that has been excised with free margins and does not haveadverse prognostic factors.