Parotid masses: evaluation, analysis, and current management.

Two hundred thirty-one sequential parotid masses seen from January 1982 to July 1986 were reviewed for their clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, pathologic findings, and therapeutic approach. The results were compared with the previously reported findings on parotid masses. There were 146 (63.2%) benign tumors, 50 (21.6%) malignancies, and 35 (15.2%) nonmalignant lesions. Tumors were classified according to their histopathologic diagnosis. An asymptomatic mass was the most common presentation. Radiological evaluation was mainly with computed tomography. The primary surgical procedure was parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. A selected group of patients was referred for radiation therapy. Our study demonstrated that non-neoplastic lesions contribute a significant number of masses in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequently encountered malignancy. Deep lobe tumors were twice as common as previously reported.