Reliability of clinical examination in the diagnosis of parotid tumours.

This study included 128 superficial lobe parotid tumours seen over a 27-year period. Using data stored in a prospective manner the sensitivity and specificity of regarding every lump in the tail of the parotid as being either a pleomorphic adenoma or other benign tumour was assessed. We found that 71% of all lumps in the tail of the parotid with no facial palsy were pleomorphic adenomas, sensitivity 0.88 and specificity 0.50. We also found that 96% of lumps in the tail of the parotid with no facial palsy, pain, trismus or fixation were benign, sensitivity 0.91 and specificity 0.84. We feel this information is useful in managing elderly patients and those reluctant to undergo surgery. It provides additional evidence as to the nature of the tumour and can be considered with the results of fine needle aspiration cytology (if available).