Parotid glands tumours: overview of a 10-years experience with 282 patients, focusing on 231 benign epithelial neoplasms

Salivary gland tumours are uncommon, representing less than 6% of head and neck neoplasm. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign epithelial salivary gland neoplasm, comprising 50%-74% of all parotid tumours. It is followed by Warthin's tumour (4-14%). The authors retrospectively reviewed 282 eligible patients surgically treated for parotid gland tumours in the last 10 years, focusing on 231 benign epithelial neoplasms. Clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and surgical outcome were discussed. The diagnosis of a parotid gland neoplasm must be considered in any patient presenting with a lump near the mandible. Smoking habit is important in Warthin's tumour pathogenesis. Fine needle aspiration citology (FNAC) can't lead alone to histological diagnosis. Only surgery can give histological certainty of benignity, thus preventing malignant degeneration, lump infection or risk of size-dependent surgical complications. Conservative formal parotidectomy appears to be the treatment of choice. Tumour pseudopodia and capsule ruptures are recognised factors involved in pleomorphic adenoma recurrences but also tumour multicentricity might play an important role.