Tumors of the accessory lobe of the parotid gland: a 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The differential diagnosis of midcheek masses include pathology arising from normal anatomic structures or from variations of normal accessory parotid gland tissue. Accessory parotid gland tissue has been described as salivary tissue adjacent to Stenson's duct that is separate from the main body of the parotid gland. We report our 10-year experience with the diagnosis and treatment of eight accessory parotid gland neoplasms that have been followed by the senior authors.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of our experience with eight accessory parotid gland neoplasms.

METHODS: A literature review and retrospective chart review of our experience with accessory parotid gland tumors over the past 10 years. The presentation, evaluation, management, treatment, and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS: Eight cases of accessory lobe parotid tumors were identified, which have been followed since the date of initial treatment. All of the patients presented with a slowly growing cheek mass. There was one case of carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma, one case of undifferentiated carcinoma (small cell carcinoma), one case of basal cell adenocarcinoma, one case of benign salivary cyst, two cases of pleomorphic adenoma, and two cases of monomorphic adenoma. A standard facelift approach or modified Blair incision was used to excise these tumors.

CONCLUSIONS: Neoplasms of the accessory parotid gland are rare. Management of these tumors include a high index of suspicion, good understanding of the anatomy, and meticulous surgical approach.