Aim: To assess the outcome of malignant parotid tumor cases operated in our institute and the lessons learnt.

Material & Methods: A retrospective observational study of 31 patients presenting with malignant parotid masses were analyzed over 2 years. Patients were investigated, diagnosed and staged according to AJCC 7th edition staging classication and the treatment modality selected on that basis. Postoperatively patients were assessed for complications like facial nerve palsy and Frey's syndrome etc. Patients were followed up every 3-6 monthly and their outcomes assessed.

Results & Discussion: Males comprised 61.29%. Most of the patients were in middle age group and main symptom was swelling at parotid site with an average duration of 2.5months. 19.5% of patients had facial palsy at the time of presentation and around 86% of them had high risk features with most of them developing metastasis.78% of patients presented in clinical stage 1 &2. All patients were treated with surgery. Elective neck dissection was done in 11 patients. The most common malignancy found was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (67%). Facial Palsy developed in 12 patients. A Total of 8 patients (25%) developed Freys syndrome which was managed conservatively. 18patients received PORT. The lowest mean disease free survival was seen in high grade mucoepidermoid cancer (9.1mths), while others had almost 2 years of disease free survival. 5 patients developed lung metastasis, With the Mean duration being 20.4 months.

Conclusion: Malignancies of the major salivary glands form a rare and diverse group of cancers. The extent of surgery is dictated by the stage of the tumour which can be supercial or total parotidectomy. LVI+, PNI+, facial nerve palsynd advanced stage are factors which indicate bad prognosis. Consideration should be given for neck dissection in N+ patients and in N0 neck, if associated with high risk features.

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Dr Radhika Rai

Resident, Jlnrc Bhilai, C.G., India

Email: drrairadhika@gmail.com, 9826047227