Squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: A population-based analysis of 2545 cases

Abstract Purpose Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the parotid gland is an uncommon tumor, which generally affects older patients. In this study, we explore various aspects of this entity using a national population-based database. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was used to extract data on frequency, incidence, and disease-specific survival (DSS) from 1973 to 2009. Variables analyzed included age, gender, race, histologic grade, stage and treatment. Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted. Results A total of 2545 cases were identified. Parotid SCC was most common in males (79.8%), whites (92.9%), and patients aged ≥ 75 years (51.4%). Incidence increased slightly over the past three decades (annual percent change 1.90%, p p p  = 0.0016), regardless of whether or not radiotherapy was given. Conclusion Parotid SCC is uncommon, and data on treatment decisions are limited. Our study profiles the demographic, clinicopathologic, incidence, and survival features of this entity. Perhaps most notably, our results support the practice of END of the N0 neck.