[Salivary gland tumors].
A standard histopathological classification of salivary gland tumor is presented by the World Health Organization and is widely used. It, however, needs a minor modification from the clinical point of view. Histologically there are different character according to different kinds of tumor. For instance malignant change occurs occasionally from benign pleomorphic adenoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma often causes distant metastasis. Therefore, treatment should be based on histological character of tumor. However, preoperative clinical examinations to differentiate high or moderate grade malignancies from benign tumors are not yet satisfactory. By these tests malignancies are sometimes taken for benign. Parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve is indicated not only benign tumors but also for malignancies of low grade extension and for moderate grade malignancies. Combined use of surgery with irradiation and anti-cancer drugs is presumed to be useful for prevention of recurrence and metastasis.
D006801:Humans; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography