Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: Institutional experience and review of the literature

Background: Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the parotid gland is a challenging surgical issue with controversy regarding management and long term outcome. Methods: All patients who were operated for recurrent PA of the parotid gland between the years 1991 and 2013 were reviewed. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic variables, and operative details were collected retrospectively. Results: A total of 22 patients were operated for recurrent PA of the parotid gland. Mean interval between recurrences was 7 and 6 years for first recurrence and second recurrence, accordingly. Second recurrence was significantly influenced by younger age at initial treatment (P = 0.009). Only two patients (9%) with a recurrence developed facial nerve paralysis following surgery. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to nine patients with no evidence of disease progression or recurrence. There were no cases of malignant transformation. Conclusions: Recurrent PA of the parotid gland tends to occur in long intervals in a multifocal pattern. Adjuvant radiotherapy could be suggested as an alternative for surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:714–718.