[On the diagnosis and treatment of parotid gland tumors. Results of a nationwide survey of ENT hospitals in Germany].

BACKGROUND

It seems that the choice of the treatment modalities for parotid gland tumors frequently depends on personal experience more than on evidence-based criteria. A nationwide survey was conducted to obtain an overview of current practice in German ENT hospitals.

METHODS

A standardised questionnaire comprising 19 questions on the treatment and diagnostic methods for parotid gland tumors was sent to all ENT hospitals in Germany.

RESULTS

The overall return rate of the questionnaires was 128 of 170 (75%). The results confirmed highly variable strategies for the treatment of parotid gland tumors in Germany.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our survey and the upcoming establishment of a German database for salivary gland cancer in Erlangen, Germany, we hope to be able to clarify controversial topics on the treatment of parotid gland tumors in the near future.