Parotidectomy: preoperative investigations and outcomes in a single surgeon practice.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the value of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a preoperative evaluation for parotid tumours.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on 77 patients, collected on a parotid database, were retrospectively analysed. Preoperative investigations were carried out and cytology, histopathology and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The most common histopathology was benign lesions (89.6%), including pleomorphic adenoma (55.8%) and Warthin's tumour (11.7%). Melanoma (3.9%) and lymphoma (2.6%) were the commonest malignancies. Preoperative investigations included FNAC in 72 of the 77 patients (93.5%). FNAC had a sensitivity and specificity for benign tumours of 92.3 and 75%, respectively. FNAC for malignant tumours had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.8%. FNAC accurately diagnosed cell type in 85.9% of specimens for benign lesions, but only 50% for malignancy. Complications included wound infections (10.4%), salivary fistulas (6.5%) and temporary partial facial palsies in six patients (7.8%).

CONCLUSION

We conclude FNAC assists in preoperative assessment and surgical planning for parotidectomy. This confirms the usefulness of FNAC as a preoperative assessment of parotid masses.