Clinico-pathological findings of recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland

Abstract

We analyzed the clinical courses and pathological findings of six recurrent benign pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland, compared with fifty-nine primary pleomorphic tumors. Primary cases were treated with extirpation of a tumor nodule with a surrounding area of parotid tissue with preservation of the facial nerve. Of the 59 patients, 42 who had follow-up information have had no recurrent tumors during a average 6. 6 years follow up period. On the other hand, all six recurrent cases had received surgical enucleation or excisions elsewhere. To avoid the recurrence of the primary pleomorphic adenoma it was considered to be very important to remove a tumor completely without damaging the tumor capsule. CT scan is very useful to know the relationship between the recurrent tumor and the surrounding important organs. In order to determine the surgical approach and procedures for those cases, it is important to obtain the information of the previous pathological diagnosis or surgical procedures. For the recurrent tumor, complete extirpation of the tumor and surrounding operative scar was necessary for the management of the tumor. When the tumor was tightly adhesive with the facial nerve, sacrifice of the nerve and immediate nerve transplantation might be required. © 1991, The Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan, Inc. All rights reserved.