Background. The histologic classification of epithelial salivary gland
tumors may present difficulties due to their great morphologic divers
ity. Methods. In this study, 478 parotid gland tumors were reevaluated
and reclassified according to the 1991 WHO histologic classification
of salivary gland tumors. Results. In 56 cases, the original diagnosis
was changed, either within the benign or the malignant tumor group. i
n six cases (1.3%). the original diagnosis was changed from benign to
malignant or vice versa. Conclusions. During the mean follow-up period
of 10.3 years, no events occurred supporting or rejecting the propose
d change in diagnosis in these six patients. With regard to the three
cases in which an original malignant diagnosis was made, the possibili
ty of an overdiagnosis, and therefore an overtreatment, remains. (C) 1
998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.