Management of the Recurrent, Benign Tumor of the Parotid Gland

Abstract

On occasion, the salivary gland surgeon is faced with clinical management questions related to the treatment of parotid gland tumors. Some of these are intraoperative and include margin of resection, management of the facial nerve when tumor abuts its branches, judicious use of lymphadenectomy, and the appropriateness of nerve grafting. Other questions concern postoperative care-such as the use of radiation therapy, reoperation when a malignancy is reported after surgery, timing of follow-up, and management of a recurrent, benign tumor. Although all of these issues cannot be addressed in one review article, the author has attempted to offer a rational approach to one of the most perplexing-the recurrent, benign tumor. The recommendations offered are based on the literature and a clinical experience of two decades of salivary gland surgery. Within this review a number of other management issues noted above are also addressed.