Salivary or Parotid Tumors

Overview and Facts about Salivary or Parotid Tumors

Parotid tumors form in the tissues of the parotid glands, which are salivary glands located in front of and just below the ears. Parotid tumors are the most common type of salivary tumors, accounting for eight out of every 10 cases.

Most of these tumors are not cancerous, however, roughly 25% of all cancerous salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid glands.

Symptoms and Signs of Salivary or Parotid Tumors

The signs and symptoms of a parotid tumor may include:

• A lump or swelling on or near the jaw, in the neck or in the mouth
• Facial numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the face
• Persistent pain in the area where the gland is located
• Trouble swallowing and difficulty opening the mouth

Tests and Diagnosis of Salivary or Parotid Tumors

An otolaryngologist, or ENT doctor, can test for and diagnose a parotid tumor. The tests and procedures used to do this include:

• Physical exam: The doctor will feel around your neck, jaw, and throat for any lumps or signs of swelling
• Examining a tissue sample: Taking a biopsy and looking at the cells under a microscope can help determine if the tissue is cancerous or not
• Imaging test: An MRI or CT scan can be used to help determine the size and location of the tumor and whether or not it is cancerous

Causes and Risk Factors of Salivary or Parotid Tumors

Salivary gland tumors are fairly rare, accounting for less than 10% of all tumors that occur in the head and neck. Doctors are not exactly sure what causes these tumors.

Factors that could increase your risk for developing one of these tumors include being older and being exposed to radiation or to other substances.

Treatment and Care for Salivary or Parotid Tumors

The main treatment option for parotid tumors is to remove all or a portion of the parotid gland. Because the facial nerve, which controls movement of your face, runs through this gland, surgeons must take extra precautions to avoid damaging it.

If the tumor is cancerous, your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is much less commonly used as it has not been proven successful in treating parotid gland cancer.