Parotid Gland Tumour

Are All Parotid Tumors Cancerous? - Parotid Tumor Treatment in India

Finding a lump in front of your ear can be worrying. This short explains that most tumours in the parotid gland are benign, which means they are not cancerous, but that surgery is often the best way to be certain.

Understanding growths in the parotid gland

The parotid glands are your largest salivary glands, located just in front of your ears. A lump that develops in one of these glands is called a parotid tumour.

• Most are benign. About four out of five parotid tumours are benign, meaning they are not cancer. They do not spread to other parts of the body.
• Common benign types. The most common benign tumour is a pleomorphic adenoma. While not cancer, it will usually continue to grow if left alone. In rare cases, it can change into a cancerous tumour over many years.
• Malignant tumours. Cancerous, or malignant, parotid tumours are less common. These are more serious as they can invade nearby tissues and spread to other areas.

Diagnosis and treatment

To understand the nature of the tumour, a specialist will use a combination of tests.

• Imaging scans. An MRI or CT scan helps the surgeon to see the exact size and position of the tumour within the gland.
• Biopsy. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is often used. A very thin needle takes a small sample of cells from the lump for analysis. This can help show if the tumour is benign or malignant.
• Surgery is usual. Surgery to remove the tumour is the most common treatment for all types of parotid tumours. This allows a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and, for benign tumours, prevents them from growing larger.
• Protecting the nerve. The facial nerve, which controls movement in your face, runs through the parotid gland. A specialist surgeon's main priority is to carefully preserve this nerve during the operation.

This information is for general guidance. The right approach for any parotid tumour depends on the individual case. A specialist can provide a formal opinion after reviewing your medical reports and recent scans.