CARCINOMAS of the parotid gland account for 10% of all malignant tumors of the anatomical area of the head and neck. Their wide variation in histologic pattern is reflected in a similar variation in clinical behavior. While surgical excision offers the optimal chance of cure, it is complicated by two factors: (1) the lack of an anatomical capsule, thus complicating complete surgical removal; and (2) the presence of the facial nerve and its branches within the substance of the gland. Thus, radical excision of the gland can only be accomplished by complete excision of the seventh nerve in addition to partial excision of the mandible. These procedures result in serious cosmetic and functional deformities and should only be performed if a reasonable chance of cure can be anticipated by removal of these structures. This study was undertaken to evaluate radical surgical excision in the management of malignant tumors arising in