Parotid/Salivary gland tumors -
Parotid tumors (salivary glands in front of the ear) commonly present as swelling on the face in front of the ear. These tumors are commonly benign (non-cancerous), and few are cancers. Diagnosis is made by FNAC (needle test) from the swelling and imaging (CT/MRI). These tumors are almost always treated by surgery. Removal of the parotid gland with a negative tumor margin is enough for benign tumors. However cancerous tumors require additional neck dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the neck).
The parotid gland houses the facial nerve which is required for making different facial expressions. Meticulous dissection to remove the tumor completely while preserving the facial nerve is extremely important. Parotid surgery can be done with excellent oncological and cosmetic outcomes!!
