Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2004 Feb;47(2):99-102.

Mode of Parotid Invasion and Parotid Lymph Node Metastasis in External Auditory Canal Carcinoma

• Choi JY
• Lee HK
• Ryu JB
• Kim SG
• Song MH
• Choo KB
• Lee WS

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Until now, only a little is known about the mode of parotid involvement in external auditory canal (EAC) carcinoma. We examined the incidence of parotid node metastasis and direct parotid invasion in patients with EAC carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of parotidectomy and to provide the guidelines for performance of parotidectomy when dealing with EAC carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study comprised of 11 patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 10 patients with adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC). A retrospective review of the surgical specimens was undertaken with specific reference to parotid node metastasis and parotid invasion. RESULTS: Parotid node metastasis was noted only in two cases of advanced staged SCC, whereas none of the ACC patients showed parotid node metastasis. Direct parotid invasion occurred only in advanced staged SCC;however, it did occur in early stage ACC. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that elective parotidectomy for control of occult parotid node metastasis is necessary only in advanced SCC carcinoma, whereas parotid management to secure adequate safety margin is mandatory for advanced SCC and all cases of ACC.

Keyword

Parotid gland; Carcinoma; External auditory canal

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Ear Canal*
Humans
Incidence
Lymph Nodes*
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Parotid Gland
Retrospective Studies