Treatment Outcomes of Total Versus Superficial Parotidectomy With Postoperative Radiotherapy for High-Grade Parotid Carcinoma Confined to the Superficial Lobe: A Propensity Score–Adjusted Analysis
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
17494478
eISSN
17494486
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105038552365
Journal Title
Clinical Otolaryngology
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Clinical Otolaryngology (2026)
Suggested Citation
Samuckkeethum W., Muenkaew Y., Ratanaprasert N., Supakmontri T., Ariyanon T., Naruekon J., Supanimitjaroenporn P., Iamsahakiat W., Kerr S.J., Snidvongs K. Treatment Outcomes of Total Versus Superficial Parotidectomy With Postoperative Radiotherapy for High-Grade Parotid Carcinoma Confined to the Superficial Lobe: A Propensity Score–Adjusted Analysis. Clinical Otolaryngology (2026). doi:10.1111/coa.70115 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116825
Title
Treatment Outcomes of Total Versus Superficial Parotidectomy With Postoperative Radiotherapy for High-Grade Parotid Carcinoma Confined to the Superficial Lobe: A Propensity Score–Adjusted Analysis
Author's Affiliation
Chulalongkorn University
Siriraj Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Ramathibodi Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
The Kirby Institute
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
National Cancer Institute Thailand
Siriraj Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Ramathibodi Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
The Kirby Institute
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
National Cancer Institute Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: The optimal surgical management of high-grade parotid carcinoma confined to the superficial lobe remains controversial, with limited evidence comparing total and superficial parotidectomy in this setting. Objective: To compare oncologic outcomes and complications between total parotidectomy with postoperative radiotherapy (TP + PORT) and superficial parotidectomy with postoperative radiotherapy (SP + PORT). Study Design: Multicentre retrospective cohort study. Methods: Adult patients (> 18 years) with high-grade parotid carcinoma confined to the superficial lobe treated between 2011 and 2023 were identified at tertiary centres. Exclusion criteria included preoperative facial nerve palsy, metastatic disease to the parotid gland, prior head and neck radiotherapy, receipt of concurrent chemoradiation and follow-up < 12 months. Results: A total of 108 patients were included (TP + PORT, n = 63; SP + PORT, n = 45) with a median follow-up of 53 months. Baseline characteristics were comparable except for older age and a higher proportion of Milan category VI cytology in the TP + PORT group (p < 0.05). Local, regional and distant recurrence rates and mortality did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.55, 0.26, 1.00 and 0.36, respectively). All local recurrences occurred within 24 months (mean: 7.2 months). Age and positive resection margins were independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.01). Five-year overall survival was 73.0% in the TP + PORT group and 81.5% in the SP + PORT group. IPTW-adjusted analyses confirmed no significant differences in recurrence or mortality between groups (hazard ratio for mortality, 0.78; 95% CI: 0.32–1.90; p = 0.59). Permanent facial nerve palsy was significantly more common after TP + PORT (14.3% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001), while other complications were similar. Conclusion: Superficial parotidectomy with adequate margins followed by PORT achieves comparable oncologic outcomes with significantly fewer complications and may be preferred for high-grade parotid carcinoma confined to the superficial lobe. Level of Evidence: 2d (JBI).