Abstract
One hundred and seventeen cases of the parotid tumors operated in ENT department of Hokkaido University Hospital during 10 years period of 1977 through 1986 were reviewed. Ninety five cases (81.2%) were benign tumors while 22 cases (18.2%) were malignant. Age distribution was in wide range, most numerous in the fifth decade. However, malignant tumors were not uncommon in younger generation. Pain, facial nerve paresis and adhesion to surrounding tissue were important features indicating the malignant nature of the tumor. Nevertheless, it should be stressed that more than half of the malignant cases lacked such signs and symptoms. The general principle of the parotid tumor is surgical removal, but postoperative irradiation should be done for the malignant tumors. Except in the latter cases, it is essential to identify the facial nerve for avoiding unnecessary insults to the nerve. Since 39% of patients with malignant tumor died of distant metastasis, it appears imperative to prevent the metastasis for improving the survival rate.
