Comprehensive Management of Head and Neck Tumors

The clinical evaluation of salivary gland tumors requires the physician to rely heavily on previous experience, a thorough knowledge of head and neck anatomy, and an understanding of the biologic behavior of the numerous histologically varied tumors that can occur in this system of glands. Historically, the salivary gland neoplasms were vaguely classified until Foote and Frazell presented their correlation of histopathologic and biologic behavior in 1953. The early ambiguity in histologic classification and biologic characteristics for salivary gland tumors meant that therapy was poorly directed prior to the 1950s. McFarland in 1933 stated that surgical treatment of these neoplasms was unnecessary. The integration of pathologic and clinical knowledge along with more sophisticated surgical and anesthetic methods during the last three decades has led to more appropriate and effective treatment.