Medihub - Medical Information - ENT

The parotid gland is a largest of 3 sets of major salivary glands (the other two being the submandibular and sublingual glands) and is found below the angle of the jaw. The gland can become enlarged because of infection but tumors are more common. Tumors of salivary glands follow a ‘80% rule’; 80% of salivary gland tumors are found in the parotid gland, 80% of parotid gland tumors are benign (Figure 4), 80% of benign tumors in the parotid gland are pleomorphic adenomas and 80% of minor salivary gland tumors are malignant.

Most parotid gland tumors present as painless lump below the angle of the jaw. A fine needle aspiration cytology is usually performed to determine the nature of the lump. CT and MRI scans may be ordered to give more information.

Although most parotid gland tumors are benign, surgical removal is generally recommended. This allows a complete histological examination of the tumor. In addition, up to 5% of benign tumors can turn malignant over time. Symptoms and signs of malignant tumors are rapid increase in size, hard and painful, fixation of lump to surrounding structures, facial weakness and presence of other neck lumps.

Surgery (Parotidectomy) requires a general anaesthesia and an overnight stay. Risks can be divided in early and late complications. Early complications include infection, haemorrhage and facial weakness (usually temporary in benign tumors) while late complications include gustatory sweating (Frey’s syndrome), tumor recurrence and cosmetic defect.