Current Issues in Treatment of Parotid Gland Cancer and Advanced Surgical Technique of Robotic Parotidectomy

Abstract

Purpose of review: This paper analyzed previous research data to identify the most important issues to be considered during treatment of parotid gland cancer (PGC) and reviewed recent advancements in techniques in parotid surgery.

Recent findings: For successful treatment of PGC, a preoperative surgical plan should be designed with consideration of the histologic characteristics and anatomical complexity of the tumor, and the functional and anatomical integrity of the facial nerve should be carefully inspected during surgery and damage to the nerve minimized. The need for adjuvant radiotherapy should be determined based on intraoperative findings and pathologic findings of the specimen after surgery. Surgery and radiotherapy are the main treatment options for PGC. To optimize treatment outcomes for PGC, the extent of surgery should be decided according to histologic characteristics and extent of tumor resection, and use of adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered based on risk stratification.