What is the Parotid Gland?
The parotid gland is one of the major salivary secreter whose function is to produce saliva . There are two parotid glands present that are located on each side of the face , in front of the ears and stretch towards the lower moulding of the lower jaw . The parotid glands are creditworthy for secrete thin spittle that travels into the mouth to help with chewing and digesting of intellectual nourishment .
What are Parotid Gland Tumors?
Abnormal growths occurring inside the parotid gland are known as parotid secreter neoplasm . legal age of these growths are benign in nature , i.e. they are non - cancerous ; however , in some typeface , they can be malignant ( cancerous ) also . Rarely , the growth get a line on the parotid gland can be enlargedlymph nodesor tumors rise from other location , which have metastasise into the parotid gland . Around 80 % of neoplasm which arise from the parotid tissue are benignant and slow maturation ; whereas , malignant parotid neoplasm have a variety of types and feature where some of them can be fast growing and fatal .
Causes of Parotid Gland Tumors
The exact movement of parotid gland tumor is not well-defined . It is reckon that the tumor develop as a result of mutations in DNA of the parotid cellular telephone , which allow rapid division and generation of the cubicle leading to collection of cells and resulting in formation of neoplasm .
Symptoms of Parotid Gland Tumors
Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Tumors
An ENT ( Ear , Nose , and Throat ) doctor will serve in confirming the diagnosis of parotid secreter tumor . A careful aesculapian history and nail physical examination of the patient is done . imagination tests , such asCT scanorMRI scanhelps in determine the position and size of the parotid tissues . Fine needle biopsy can be done of the parotid tissues to look for comportment of malignant cells .
Treatment of Parotid Gland Tumors
Surgery is the chief treatment of option for parotid gland tumour where the parotid gland can be removed either partially or completely ( parotidectomy ) . Parotidectomy can also be done for inveterate infection of the parotid gland and if there is an obstruction of the flow of the spittle from the parotid secretory organ leading to continuing magnification of the parotid secretor .
If the parotid secretor tumor is benign , is not increase in size and the patient is not having any symptoms , then observation of the condition can be done . This is especially urge if the affected role ’s world-wide health is not good and it is insecure for the patient role to undergo general anesthesia . However , operating theatre is always rede because the benign parotid tumour can potentially turn cancerous , which can be more hard to transfer if they stay like that for a long time and continue to increase in sizing .
Risks of Parotidectomy
Scar : Patient will have a scar in front of the auricle journey down to the upper part of the neck . In most of the patients , the healing of the cicatrix goes well and some patients may have a slightly enhance and red colored scar that fades gradually . seldom , patient can grow a keloid or a thick scar . Other than this , there is a slight hollow consider in the jaw area or impudence from where the parotid tissue paper was removed .
Facial Weakness : The facial nerve which is responsible for controlling facial drift move through the parotid gland . Facial nerve is also authoritative for closing the eyes , move the back talk and wrinkle the nose . In bulk of the case , the parotid gland can be removed without any facial spunk damage . However , if the parotid gland tumor is heavy in sizing or if its view is such that the surgeon has to get rid of the facial nerve , or its small branches to ensure complete remotion of the neoplasm , then this could result in lasting facial paralysis . Other than this , if the facial nervus is not for good injure , then also there may be facial weakness present or lessen movement of the facial muscles , as the face recovers from the parotidectomy .
Numbness : There can be spiritlessness palpate in the outer boundary of the pinna and the earlobe after parotidectomy , which commonly break up step by step .

Salivary Fistula : In rare cases , spit secrete from the remaining parotid tissue can run out through an opening in the tegument incision . handling is done with compressive dressings and healing is achieved in a few day .
Frey ’s Syndrome : After parotidectomy , about a minority of the patient may live sudate on the side of the face where surgery was done during eating . In many cases , this is minor and not noticeable . However , if it becomes vexing , then medications can be prescribed for relief .
Other complication : These let in infection , bleeding and worldwide anesthesia complication which are the risks associated with every surgery , but seldom occur with parotid OR .
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