Malignant Epithelial Tumors of the Parotid Gland

Salivary gland tumors are a rare group of complex, heterogenous histologies that are located mainly in the parotid glands, and less commonly in the submandibular glands, sublingual glands, and minor salivary glands of the upper aerodigestive tract. The wide variety of tumor etiology, microscopic histology, growth patterns, and tumor characteristics can make diagnosis and treatment challenging for clinicians. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and prognosis of parotid cancer. The chapter addresses in details and illustrates the different malignant parotid gland cancers, which include mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), acinic cell carcinoma (ACC), carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA), true malignant mixed tumor (TMMT), basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC), adenocarcinoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, and primary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).