Radiation therapy in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid.

Twenty-nine patients were treated by excision and post-operative irradiation following recurrence of pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumor) of the parotid. Eighteen of 20 (90%) patients with a first recurrence were controlled comparing favorably with series employing surgery only. Radiation therapy has a role to play as a surgical adjuvant in the management of these tumors, in particular when surgical difficulties are encountered and for second or subsequent recurrences.