Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL), part II: Management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Abstract

Introduction: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) for the management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) of the parotid gland.

Method: A review of the literature was performed by a multidisciplinary task force. Guidelines were drafted, based on the articles retrieved and the work group members' individual experience. There were then read and re-edited by an independent reading group. The proposed recommendations were graded A, B or C on decreasing levels of evidence.

Results: Complete resection under neuromonitoring is recommended in case of RPA. The risks of progression and malignant transformation, which are higher the younger the patient, have to be taken into consideration. The risk of functional sequelae must be explained to the patient. MRI is recommended ahead of any surgery for parotid RPA, to determine extension and detect subclinical lesions. Radiotherapy should be considered in case of multi-recurrent pleomorphic adenoma after macroscopically complete revision surgery at high risk of new recurrence (microscopic residual disease), in case of RPA after incomplete resection, and in non-operable RPA.

Keywords: Parotid; Pleomorphic adenoma; Recurrence; Salivary glands.