[Muco-epidermoid tumors of the parotid gland. Diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes].

On the basis of a retrospective series of thirteen cases treated between 1969 and 1989, the authors have studied the diagnostic and therapeutic issues connected with mucoepidermoid parotid tumors. The diagnosis is histopathological, but it is sometimes difficult to establish because of the histological polymorphism of these tumors. The degree of malignancy is variable and generally low. It is determined according to clinical and histopathological criteria, although there is not always a correlation between these criteria and the malignancy of evolution. Surgical exeresis is sufficient to cure most of these tumors. However, postoperative radiation therapy is indicated in case of tumoral invasion. Out of the ten cases of mucoepidermoid parotid tumor, nine were treated in first intention with exclusive surgery, and one case underwent postoperative radiation therapy. No local recurrence was noted. Out of the three patients who had a second-intention surgical exeresis, one died after repeated recurrence in spite of the complementary radiation therapy.