American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is the primary treatment for mucoepidermoid carcinoma?

1. Superficial parotidectomy

2. Total parotidectomy with MRND

3. Radiation therapy

4. Chemotherapy

The correct answer is: Total parotidectomy with MRND

The primary treatment for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, particularly when it arises in the salivary glands such as the parotid gland, is total parotidectomy with modified radical neck dissection (MRND). This surgical approach is utilized to achieve complete removal of the tumor along with the involved glandular tissue and potentially affected lymph nodes in the neck. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is known for its varying degrees of aggressiveness, making it essential to excise the tumor thoroughly to minimize the risk of recurrence. Total parotidectomy ensures that any malignant cells residing in the parotid gland are removed, while the MRND addresses potential lymphatic spread, particularly when there is a concern for nodal involvement based on clinical or imaging findings. Other treatment modalities, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, may play roles in the management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, particularly in cases that present with advanced disease or in patients who are not surgical candidates. However, they typically serve as adjunctive therapies rather than the primary intervention. Superficial parotidectomy may be appropriate for less aggressive tumors or specific situations but does not provide the same level of comprehensive management for mucoepidermoid carcinoma as the