Treatment of locally advanced parotid malignancies with parotidectomy and temporal bone resection.

PURPOSE: In this study we review our institution's experience and outcomes with temporal bone resection and parotidectomy in the treatment of advanced parotid malignancies.

METHODS: Patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection and parotidectomy from 2007-2013 were identified in the EPIC electronic medical record. Primary tumor location, staging, surgical procedure, and patient demographic and outcome data were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent combined temporal bone resection and parotidectomy for parotid malignancy. Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common pathologies. Two year disease free survival was 40%. Distant metastases were the most common site of disease recurrence. Only nodal disease was predictive of reduced disease free survival, though pre-operative facial paralysis showed a trend towards significance. Margin status and operating for recurrent tumor did not influence outcome in our series.

CONCLUSION: Local and regional tumor controls are attainable with combined skull base approaches to advanced parotid malignancies. Unfortunately these cases have a high rate of distant recurrence despite negative margins and local control.