title: Management of malignant parotid tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aims of this study were to review our experience in the treatment of malignant parotid tumors in material from one center over a 12-year period and to assess treatment outcome and particularly survival.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one patients treated primarily by surgery were included in the study. Complete data regarding the demographic details of the patients, tumor stage, presence of regional/distant metastases, treatment, tumor histology, grade, and follow up were compiled. With reference to the extent of tissue removed, partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in 11 patients, superficial parotidectomy, in 14 patients, and total radical parotidectomy, in six patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median time of follow-up was 64 months, ranging from 8 to 144 months. Eight patients developed recurrences. Six patients died within the follow-up time. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 82.2% and 76.7%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 74.8% and 69.8%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For patients with malignant parotid tumors, the treatment should be individualized according to the findings of each specific case, and regarding surgery, particular care and attention should be paid to maintaining all or part of the facial nerve whenever possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Dental School, University of Athens, Ipsilantou 45-47, Athens 10676, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Papadogeorgakis
authors.forename: Lampros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goutzanis
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Petsinis
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alexandridis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D059146:Metastasectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome