PAROTID CANCER

Parotid cancers are relatively rare but will be encountered in any hea d and neck oncology practice. Their histopathological diversity merits a specific classification, particularly as prognosis is often closely associated with histological type. Tumour stage is also of prognostic significance. Diagnostic value of aspiration cytology and frozen sect ion analysis remains unresolved for this group of tumours. Surgery rem ains the mainstay of treatment with primary rather than delayed recons truction of the facial nerve should this be required. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.