Lymphatic Malformations Involving the Parotid Gland

Abstract

Introduction: Cases of salivary gland involvement of lymphatic malformations have been occasionally reported in the literature. Of all the lymphatic malformations in the salivary glands, the parotid is the most common site. The present study aimed to analyze a series of lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the localization, symptoms, management and outcome was performed.

Results: Out of a total of 20 patients with lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland, 4 patients suffered from lymphatic malformations limited to the parotid gland (type I) and 16 patients from extensive cervicofacial lymphatic malformations involving the parotid gland (typeII). In 2 cases with type I disease and 4 cases with type II disease the malformations could be completely resected. In 3 patients with type II lymphatic malformations a partial resection was performed. The other patients were closely observed. 8 of them had already been treated elsewhere with surgery, sclerotherapy or laser therapy. One patient suffered from facial paralysis and 1 from transient facial nerve weakness immediately after surgery. In all, 11 patients suffered from persistent lymphatic malformations despite several attempts to reduce or resect the lymphatic malformation.

Conclusion: The treatment of lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland remains challenging and persistent disease after therapy is common. Care should be taken to excise the entire malformation during initial surgery in order to avoid recurrence.

Key words

lymphatic malformation - parotid gland - type

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