Parotid space tumors of non-salivary origin.

A review of 700 parotidectomies showed that 98 procedures were performed for parotid space tumors of non-salivary origin. The clinical presentation in this group of patients did not differ significantly from the larger group of salivary tumors except for a higher incidence (12%) of the former in the younger age group. Of the 98 cases, 54 proved to be lymph node tumors, both neoplastic and inflammatory and 44 were tumors of various somatic origins. Among the latter group, bone and joint tumors, vascular lesions and some connective tissue tumors may be recognized preoperatively. Generally, however, the entire group of non-salivary tumors can be distinguished only intra-operatively, if at all. Correct recognition may lead to variations in operative techniques and extent of resection.