Presentation and Management of Parotid Gland Tumours at Bayero University Teaching Hospital, Kano

Parotid gland tumours encompass a wide spectrum of benign and malignant pathologies that require accurate histological diagnosis and appropriate surgical management. This study describes the clinical presentation, histopathological patterns, and surgical management of parotid gland tumours at Bayero University Kano (BUK) Teaching Hospital, Kano State, North West Nigeria, from 2019 to 2023. A retrospective case series of 60 patients with confirmed parotid tumours was reviewed. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, duration of symptoms, clinical features, fine needle aspiration cytology findings, final histopathology, operative procedures, and facial nerve outcomes. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most prevalent benign tumour, accounting for 58% of cases. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant histological subtype. Superficial parotidectomy was performed for most benign lesions, while total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection was performed for malignant cases. Facial nerve injury occurred in 12% of cases, predominantly temporary. The study recommends preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology for all parotid masses, structured parotid surgery training for surgical residents, and increased awareness of malignant transformation risks among clinicians managing salivary gland lesions in North West Nigeria. Keywords: parotid tumour, pleomorphic adenoma, parotidectomy, Kano, salivary gland