Recurrent mixed tumors of the parotid gland—results of surgical therapy

The clinical courses and methods of therapy of 26 patients with recurrent tumors of the parotid gland treated at the Stanford University and University of California at Los Angeles Medical Centers between 1955 and 1973 are reviewed. Seven approaches to the management of complete tumor removal and avoidance of permanent facial nerve injury are discussed. After analysis of 44 recurrences in 26 patients with mixed parotid tumors treated surgically and/or with radiation therapy, we concluded the following: The mean interval to first recurrence was 7.7 years (range 3–21 years), while that of the second was only 2.1 years. The mean time to third recurrence was 4.3 years. Surgery designed to spare the facial nerve resulted in transitory facial paresis or paralysis in 52% of the patients and permanent impairment persisted in 29% (minimum 3 year follow‐up); however, only 8% had a permanent facial paralysis involving greater than 20% of the facial nerve.