Is aggressive surgical treatment indicated for recurrent benign mixed tumors of the parotid gland?

The surgical treatment for recurrent or incompletely excised benign mixed tumors of the parotid gland is analyzed. In this series no operative procedure proved superior to another. For each patient the type of surgical procedure used must be individually selected. For patients with tumors recently excised or biopsied, superficial parotidectomy with excision of the skin scar is the minimal recommended procedure. Radiation therapy is not used as a primary method of treatment. It is, however, recommended postoperatively for patients with very advanced recurrent tumor or inadequate surgical margins.