Radiation therapy appears to be useful in postoperative management of patients with parotid gland tumors. Because the local recurrence rate is excessive, postoperative irradiation should be routinely considered for high grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas, all squamous cell, adeno- and undifferentiated carcinomas of the parotid. Doses should be at least equivalent to 6,500 rads in 6 weeks to 4 cm. depth (or measured tumor depth). The radiation fields should cover the base of skull and lower neck to prevent extension of the cancer.