1)Where is the parotid gland situated?
Parotid is a gland which produces most of the saliva. It is situated in front of the ear and extends just behind the jaw bone. There is one parotid on each side.
2) What type of tumours can happen in the parotid gland?
2. Malignant tumours like mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma etc.
3) What are the symptoms of parotid gland cancers?
Benign tumours present as swellings just beneath the ear lobe. They tend to be slow growing The symptoms which may suggest malignancy are:
4) What are the tests done to diagnose parotid gland tumours?
The tests done to diagnose parotid tumours are usually a FNAC which stands for fine needle aspiration cytology.
Apart from this MRI or CT scan is done especially if malignancy is suspected PET scan may also be requested in malignant tumours.
5) What are the types of surgery performed for parotid gland tumours?
The parotid is divided into superficial lobe and deep lobe by the facial nerve Removal of the superficial lobe of parotid is usually performed for benign tumours like pleomorphic adenoma. This is called superficial parotidectomy
Removal of both superficial and deep lobe is sometimes required for more aggressive tumours . The facial nerve is preserved. This is known as total conservative parotidectomy.
In certain cases where the facial nerve is involved it might have to be sacrificed . This is called radical parotidectomy
In malignant tumours it may be important to remove the neck lymph nodes as well . This is known as neck node dissection.
6) What are the risks associated with surgery for parotid tumours?
The main risk in parotid surgery is injury to the facial nerve. The facial nerve has 5 branches which supplies the entire face. Any damage to these nerve produces weakness of the face. This may result in incomplete closing of the eyelids and deviation of the angle of the mouth. Other complications are bleeding at the time of surgery and infection
7) If diagnosed to have parotid cancer are additional treatment required?
This will depend on the pathology report. If the grade of the tumour is high or the lymph nodes are involved then radiation might be required. In certain cases chemotherapy too is required.