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Contemporary management of tumors of the salivary glands

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Abstract

Management of tumors of the salivary glands requires a detailed understanding of the anatomy and pathologic processes affecting these glands. Salivary glands give rise to benign and malignant neoplasms and are affected by a variety of systemic diseases. CT remains the most common primary imaging study; magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have also been explored. Fine-needle aspiration as part of the diagnostic evaluation remains controversial due to varying sensitivities and specificities. Surgical extirpation is the primary modality for management of tumors of the salivary glands. Parotid surgery carries a potentially high morbidity with possible unsightly scarring and facial nerve damage. Nontraditional surgical approaches and instrumentation, as well as facial nerve monitoring, can decrease the morbidity of a parotidectomy. In specific instances, malignant salivary gland tumors warrant cervical lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant therapy is primarily accomplished with radiation. Chemotherapy continues to play a palliative role in salivary gland malignancies; however, newer trials are investigating the therapeutic role of chemotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Suite 218, Chicago, IL, 60612-3824, USA

    Guy J. Petruzzelli MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Joseph M. Scianna MD
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  2. Guy J. Petruzzelli MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Guy J. Petruzzelli MD, PhD.

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Scianna, J.M., Petruzzelli, G.J. Contemporary management of tumors of the salivary glands. Curr Oncol Rep 9, 134–138 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-007-0011-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-007-0011-6

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