Cancer Metastatic to the Parotid Gland

Abstract

Carcinoma metastatic to the parotid gland is a region-specific disorder. History usually reveals a previous cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma. Physical examination may show scars of previous operations, current head and neck lesions, associated lymphadenopathy, and altered sensation. Investigations include fiberoptic naso-endoscopy, fine needle aspiration cytology, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Treatment options include surgery (ablative/reconstructive), radiotherapy (indicated for SCC and melanoma), chemotherapy (indicated for SCC), chemo-immunotherapy (may have a role for melanoma). Complications to avoid include (1) wound-related complications (skin flap necrosis and skin flap “button-hole” formation), (2) tumor-related complications (inappropriate surgery due to inadequate preoperative investigation or omitting neck dissection in patients with concomitant neck disease, tumor rupture, and local tumor recurrence), (3) gland-related complications (salivary fistula and sialocele), and (4) nerve-related complications (facial nerve injury, Frey's syndrome or gustatory sweating, and great auricular nerve neuroma).