Controversy in the Surgical Extent of Parotidectomy, Neck Treatment, and Adjuvant Treatment of Parotid Gland Cancer

Abstract

This paper analyzed previous research data to identify the most important issues to be considered during treatment of parotid gland cancer (PGC) and reviewed recent advancements in techniques in parotid surgery. For successful treatment of PGC, a preoperative surgical plan should be designed with consideration of the histologic characteristics and anatomical complexity of the tumor, and the functional and anatomical integrity of the facial nerve should be carefully inspected during surgery and damage to the nerve minimized. The need for adjuvant radiotherapy should be determined based on intraoperative findings and pathologic findings of the specimen after surgery. To optimize treatment outcomes for PGC, the extent of surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy should be decided according to histologic characteristics and risk stratification.