Oncological Efficacy and Postoperative Outcomes of Low Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Treated With Partial Parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of extent of parotidectomy on surgical and oncologic outcomes in low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LGMEC).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for LGMEC from 2000 to 2022 was conducted. Clinical features collected included demographics, facial nerve function, operative techniques, postoperative complications/facial nerve function, and recurrence.

RESULTS

58 patients were included; 10 patients underwent partial parotidectomy (PP), 38 underwent superficial parotidectomy (SP), and 10 underwent near-total/total parotidectomy. PP and SP patients had smaller tumors and more superficial tumors compared to near-total/total parotidectomy group ( = .03). PP and SP were more likely to have negative margins and less locoregional disease compared to near-total/total parotidectomy patients ( < .01). Near-total/total parotidectomy were more likely to undergo facial nerve resection (20% vs 0% for PP & SP respectively) ( = .05). Immediate postoperative facial nerve function was significantly better among PP patients (73% HB I) compared to SP (44% HB I) and near-total/total parotidectomy patients (0% HB I) ( < .01). Most patients regained their facial nerve function although only 40% of the near-total/total parotidectomy patients had a HB I at the time of last follow up ( < .01). Patients were followed for a median of 6.2 years, during which only 1 patient (total parotidectomy) had a recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

PP offers a safe and effective approach for small LGMEC tumors, ensuring better facial nerve function postoperatively with minimal complications compared to more extensive surgery.