Abstract
Thirty-five cases with malignant parotid tumors were retrospectively investigated regarding treatment modalities and treatment outcomes. As a result, the overall three-year survival rate as determined by Kaplan- Meier method was 64%. As for the T categories, thethree-year suvival rate of Tb was 47%, whereas that of Ta was 100%. Regarding the major histopathologic types, three-year survival rate of adenocarcinoma was 65%, while that of mucoepidermoid carcinoma was 60%.
Regarding the treatment modalities, T1 and T2 cases whose tumors were located in the superficial lobe without facial nerve invasion could be satisfactorily treated with only a superficial lobectomy which conserved the facial nerve. In the T2 cases with facial nerve invasion, the major stem of the facial nerve should be transected and removed. A total parotidectomy with a total removal of the facial nerve, however, is necessary for T3 and T4 cases. A radical neck dissection including at least an upper neck dissection may be necessary for N0 cases. In addition, radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgical treatment are also thought to be effective for some malignant parotid tumors.
