A 60-year-old patient has a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland (4 cm), involving the superficial lobe with no facial nerve involvement and no nodal disease. The treatment of choice is:
- A Superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation ✓
- B Enucleation alone
- C Total parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice
- D Radiation therapy alone
Correct answer: A. Superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation
Explanation
Pleomorphic adenoma (mixed parotid tumor) is treated by superficial parotidectomy for tumors confined to the superficial lobe, with meticulous facial nerve identification and preservation. Enucleation is condemned because the tumor has pseudopods that breach the pseudocapsule, leading to a very high recurrence rate. Total parotidectomy is reserved for deep lobe involvement or malignant tumors requiring nerve sacrifice. Radiation alone is inadequate.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.