Close surgical margin after conservative parotidectomy in early stage low-/intermediate-grade parotid carcinoma: Outcome of watch and wait policy

Patients with early-stage primary parotid carcinoma have a good chance of recovery and normal function of 7th nerve when treated solely by surgery. Is such cases the surgeon must decide whether to perform radical procedure or to preserve facial nerve [1]. Excision of the nerve, regardless of various reconstruction techniques, is associated with a severe aesthetic and functional defect. On the other hand, positive surgical margin is an independent negative factor [2,3]. In the case of a positive margin it is necessary to carry out a radical procedure (frequently with excision of 7th nerve) and/or radiotherapy.

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