03/01/2026
CASE SCENARIO -
24 years old lady underwent Superficial Parotidectomy for Pleomorphic Adenoma.
Post operative histopathology report reveals Mucoepidermoid Ca (Intermediate grade)
What will be next plan of management?
Summary -
• 24-year-old woman
• Underwent superficial parotidectomy for presumed pleomorphic adenoma
• Final HPR: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma – intermediate grade
Changes the diagnosis from benign → malignant,
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Next plan of management (typical approach)
1. Completion surgery
• Completion total parotidectomy is generally recommended
• Especially if:
• Margins are close or positive
• Deep lobe was not addressed
• Facial nerve preservation if not involved
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2. Neck management
• Depends on clinical and pathological factors:
• Clinically N0 neck → often observation or elective neck dissection (levels I-III) in intermediate-grade tumors
• Clinically positive nodes → therapeutic neck dissection
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3. Adjuvant radiotherapy (very important)
Post-operative radiotherapy is usually recommended for:
• Intermediate-grade MEC
• Malignant salivary gland tumors after limited initial surgery
• Any of the following:
• Close / positive margins
• Perineural invasion
• Lymphovascular invasion
• Advanced T stage
Completion parotidectomy + adjuvant RT is the standard plan.
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4. Multidisciplinary tumor board
• Final decision should be made after discussion with:
• Head & neck surgery
• Radiation oncology
• Pathology (confirm grade, margins)