Diagnosis and treatment results for parotid masses: A 10 year retrospective study of 156 patients

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the indications, surgical procedure, histopathological outcomes, and complications in patients presenting with a parotid mass retrospectively. Patients and Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients (94 males, 62 females; mean age: 51.1±17.2 years; range, 6 to 90 years) who underwent surgery in our clinic due to a parotid mass between January 2014 and December 2024 were included in the study. The indications, age and sex distribution, histopathological results, and complications of surgery were retrospectively examined. Results: Of the patients, 134 (85.9%) applied to the outpatient clinic due to painless swelling in the parotid area, and 22 (14.1%) presented with a fixed mass in the parotid region. The mass was located on the right in 60 patients, on the left in 93 patients, and bilaterally in three patients. The mass was located in the deep lobe in 24 patients, while it was limited to the superficial lobe in 132 patients. Superficial parotidectomy was performed in 126 patients, total parotidectomy in 18 patients, and total parotidectomy with neck dissection in 12 patients. Pathology results were reported as benign in 123 patients (non-neoplastic lesion in 13 patients) and malignant in 33 patients. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumor in 61 (55.45%) patients, followed by Whartin tumor in 37 (33.63%) patients. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most prevalent malignant tumors, affecting seven (21.21%) patients. Complications occurred in 21 (13.46%) patients. Facial paresis was the most common complication. Conclusion: The majority of parotid tumors are benign, and their treatment is surgical. The most common complication in parotid surgery is facial paralysis. Preoperative histopathological diagnosis, location of the mass, stage of the tumor, facial nerve invasion, and presence of palpable lymph nodes in the neck are important in planning the surgery.