Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: prognostic factors
A Coombs*, A Butler** & R Allison**

*Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Dunedin Hospital
** Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Christchurch Hospital

Introduction:
Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common parotid malignancy in Australasia. Prognostic indicators are not clearly defined and the extent of surgical resection is controversial.

Aims:
To compare our outcomes following surgery for metastatic cSCC of the parotid gland to those published in the literature and to identify prognostic factors associated with reduced disease-specific survival and locoregional control.

Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 63 patients who had surgery for metastatic cSCC of the parotid gland at a tertiary hospital over a 10 year period.

Results:
Five year overall survival was 53%, disease-specific survival 78% and locoregional control 72%. Immunosuppression and no adjuvant radiotherapy were associated with a significant reduction in disease-specific survival. None of the factors analysed had a significant effect on locoregional control rates.

Conclusions:
More extensive surgery, including lateral temporal bone resection, may improve local control rates in more advanced disease. The reduced survival of immunocompromised patients must be considered when planning their management.