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Parotid Tumor

Parotid glands, two in number, are salivary glands located just in front of the ears on each side of the face. They play a crucial role in producing saliva, which aids digestion, maintains mouth moisture, and promotes dental health. There are three major salivary glands, including the parotid glands, and several smaller salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth, throat, and lips

Parotid Tumor — hero image

About Kayakriti and Your Surgeon

A short walk-through of our Lucknow clinic, plus a brief introduction from Dr. Amit Agarwal.

A quick tour of Kayakriti clinic, Lucknow

A quick tour of Kayakriti clinic, Lucknow

Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal

Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal

Know more about Kayakriti →

Introduction

Parotid glands, two in number, are salivary glands located just in front of the ears on each side of the face. They play a crucial role in producing saliva, which aids digestion, maintains mouth moisture, and promotes dental health. There are three major salivary glands, including the parotid glands, and several smaller salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth, throat, and lips

Understanding Parotid Tumors

Parotid tumors are the most common among all salivary gland tumors. These tumors result from the abnormal growth of cells within the parotid glands. While most parotid tumors are non-cancerous, they can potentially transform into cancerous conditions. There are two primary types:

Benign Tumors: These tumors exhibit slow, non-aggressive growth and arise from various intracellular events within the gland. They typically grow slowly, are painless, and do not invade nearby tissues. However, they can exert pressure on adjacent structures, potentially causing functional issues. Pleomorphic Adenoma is the most common benign parotid tumor. It is slow-growing and has a low likelihood of turning malignant.

Parotid Cancer : Benign parotid tumors can undergo malignant transformation over time if left untreated. This transformation significantly impacts prognosis and treatment options.

Symptoms of Parotid Tumor

  • A lump or swelling near the jaw, neck, or mouth, often painless
  • Asymmetrical facial appearance
  • Fullness or swelling in the cheek
  • The sensation of fullness in the parotid gland

If a tumor becomes cancerous, additional symptoms may manifest:

  • Painful swelling in the parotid gland region
  • Sudden onset of pain in the swelling
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Numbness in part of the face
  • Muscle weakness on one side of the face, leading to facial paralysis
  • Trouble opening the mouth widely
  • Difficulty in speech
  • Unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of parotid tumors is unknown, but research suggests genetic predisposition and smoking may contribute. Risk factors include:

  • Age: More common in elderly individuals
  • Radiation exposure, such as during radiotherapy
  • Occupational hazards: Certain jobs like rubber manufacturing, asbestos mining, and plumbing may pose a higher risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing parotid tumors involves various methods:

  • Patient history and physical examination, including palpation for lumps or swelling
  • Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) or biopsy to determine if the tumor is cancerous
  • Sialendoscopy to evaluate ductal issues
  • Imaging techniques like ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans to assess tumor size and extent

Dr Amit Agarwal’s Focus During Consultation

  • Discussion about chances of facial nerve injury or palsy during surgery. This can lead to weakness or paralysis of one side of the face. It could be transient due to stretching or pressure over the nerve which gets auto-corrected within 3 to 6 months. It can also be a permanent injury, but the chances are very rare (less than 1 percent).
  • Surgical options can be customized accordingly if the tumor is benign and not extensive and if the patient is not willing to accept any risk of facial nerve injury.
  • Discussion with the patient is also done regarding post-surgical follow-ups, prognosis, and any treatment required after the surgery.

Surgical Options for Parotid Tumors

The choice of surgery depends on the tumor type, location, and potential involvement of facial nerves. Surgical options include:

Superficial Parotidectomy: This surgery is the most common choice. It involves removing the parotid gland above the facial nerve while preserving the nerve itself.

Extracapsular Resection: This surgery removes the tumor along with some healthy parotid gland tissue. It is suitable for small tumors in the superficial lobe and for patients who wish to avoid the risk of facial nerve injury.

Total Parotidectomy: For larger tumors, cancers, or those involving nerves, complete removal of the parotid gland, along with potential nerve reconstruction, is performed. Dr. Amit Agarwal specializes in nerve-sparing total parotidectomy.

Recovery After Surgery

  • Patients can typically go home the day after surgery.
  • A drain may be placed in the incision area to prevent fluid accumulation.
  • Recovery generally takes one to two weeks, with sutures being removed after a week.

Post-Surgery Care and Risks

Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and straining, keep the wound clean, and not worry about temporary facial nerve paralysis, which often resolves on its own. Possible risks and complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, and more.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

  • For cancerous parotid tumors, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery. These treatments help eliminate any remaining cancer cells and manage advanced cases.
  • It’s important to consult with Dr. Amit Agarwal to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.
See the difference

Before & After — Parotid Tumor

Drag the handle to compare. All photos are real patients shared with consent.

Images shown are intended to provide general treatment insight only. Every patient is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition and treatment plan.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What are Parotid Tumors, and what are the common causes and risk factors associated with their development?
Parotid Tumors are growths or masses that occur in the parotid gland, a major salivary gland located near the ear. Common causes and risk factors include genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, and certain medical conditions.
What are the different types of Parotid Tumors, and how are they typically categorized based on their characteristics and pathology?
Parotid Tumors can vary in type, including benign tumors like pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors like mucoepidermoid carcinoma. They are categorized based on their histological features.
How are Parotid Tumors diagnosed, and what diagnostic methods are used to confirm the presence and type of parotid tumor?
Diagnosis involves a clinical examination, imaging studies like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans, and often a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor.
What are the available treatment options for Parotid Tumors, and how do they differ based on the type and stage of the tumor?
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, depending on the type and stage of the parotid tumor.
How does Kayakriti Clinic specialize in managing Parotid Tumors, and what sets their approach apart in providing comprehensive care for patients with these tumors?
Kayakriti Clinic specializes in Parotid Tumor management with a focus on precise diagnosis, tumor removal, and post-operative care. Their approach includes a team of experts experienced in salivary gland surgery.
What are the advantages of choosing Kayakriti Clinic for the treatment of Parotid Tumors, and how do they ensure comprehensive care for patients with these tumors?
Kayakriti Clinic offers a patient-centric approach to Parotid Tumor treatment, providing personalized surgical plans, minimally invasive techniques, and supportive care to optimize recovery and quality of life.
Real stories

What our patients say about Kayakriti

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