Parotidectomy: preoperative investigations and outcomes in a single surgeon practice.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the value of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a preoperative evaluation for parotid tumours.


METHODS
Prospectively collected data on 77 patients, collected on a parotid database, were retrospectively analysed. Preoperative investigations were carried out and cytology, histopathology and clinical outcomes were evaluated.


RESULTS
The most common histopathology was benign lesions (89.6%), including pleomorphic adenoma (55.8%) and Warthin's tumour (11.7%). Melanoma (3.9%) and lymphoma (2.6%) were the commonest malignancies. Preoperative investigations included FNAC in 72 of the 77 patients (93.5%). FNAC had a sensitivity and specificity for benign tumours of 92.3 and 75%, respectively. FNAC for malignant tumours had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.8%. FNAC accurately diagnosed cell type in 85.9% of specimens for benign lesions, but only 50% for malignancy. Complications included wound infections (10.4%), salivary fistulas (6.5%) and temporary partial facial palsies in six patients (7.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude FNAC assists in preoperative assessment and surgical planning for parotidectomy. This confirms the usefulness of FNAC as a preoperative assessment of parotid masses.
Breast Oncology Unit, Frankston and Alfred Hospitals, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Adele N
AN
Burgess
Jonathan W
JW
Serpell
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome