Long-Term Survey to Assess Recurrence and Complications of Surgically Treated Pleomorphic Adenoma

Abstract

Objective(s):

To (1) report on the long-term recurrence rate of surgically managed pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and (2) assess long-term surgical outcomes after parotidectomy

Methods:

Cross-sectional survey of all patients with a pathologic diagnosis of PA who underwent surgical management in a tertiary care center from 01/1997 to 12/2023 and had access to an electronic patient portal. Surveys were delivered via electronic patient portal or phone call with 6 questions to assess recurrence and long-term surgical outcomes. Time to first recurrence and recurrence free survival were analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

Results:

Seven hundred-forty-five patients met inclusion criteria and received the survey, with a 56% response rate (n = 420). The clinical median follow-up length was 51 days, which extended to a median length of 6.2 years following the survey. The median change in follow-up length was 5.37 years (P < .001). The recurrence rate was 1% at 5 years, with a median time to first recurrence of 7.54 years. 13% and 9% of responders reported facial asymmetry and incisional cosmetic concerns, respectively. 33% of patients reported experiencing Frey syndrome, which increased from 5.2% of survey responders with documented Frey syndrome at their original post-operative assessment.

Conclusion:

Long-term assessment of PA outcomes confirms low recurrence rates, suggesting regular surveillance of recurrence is likely unnecessary. Complaints of Frey syndrome increased in frequency with longer term follow-up, which should be considered during patient counseling.

Level of Evidence:

3