Parapharyngeal space pleomorphic adenoma: a 30-year review.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the treatment results of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the parapharyngeal space at a single institution during a 30-year period.


METHODS
A retrospective review.


METHODS
This study was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 44 patients with PA of the parapharyngeal space treated at a single medical center from January 1975 to November 2005.


RESULTS
Of the 44 patients with PA, 35 patients underwent 38 excisions. Eleven men and 27 women were treated surgically. Follow-up varied from 24 months to 180 months. There were three recurrences in two patients. Recurrence rates at 5 and 10 years were equal at 7.9%. Gender, age, tumor volume, surgical approach, pathologic surgical margin status, and prior resections were evaluated for significant prognostic factors. Advanced age proved a poor prognostic indicator (P < .05). History of prior resection (P < .01) was significant for recurrence. Positive surgical margins (P = .69) proved a negative association.


CONCLUSIONS
We report low recurrence rates in this patient population with two important prognostic indicators. History of prior resection is significant to predict recurrence. Interestingly, positive surgical margins are actually shown not to effect risk of recurrence. Local recurrence of the tumor is associated with further recurrence and less favorable prognosis.
Mendelsohn
Abie H
AH
Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Bhuta
Sunita
S
Calcaterra
Thomas C
TC
Shih
Hubert B
HB
Abemayor
Elliot
E
St John
Maie A
MA
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult