Parotid Gland Tumors

Most salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid gland (about 85%). Many of these tumors are benign lumps that are imbedded in the regular parotid gland tissue.

However, if they are left alone, many will be transfomed into cancers of various histological types. The key is to recognize that any new lump in the parotid gland needs to be further investigated by a referral to an ENT surgeon.

The specialist will likely order CT or MRI scan studies and do a biospy or surgically remove the lump. Further therapy depends on the cell tests (histology report). If cancer is found, the tumor is excised with a wide margin in the healthy tissue, followed by radiation and routine follow-up visits to monitor for recurrences.

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Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 84.

2. Noble: Textbook of Primary Care Medicine, 3rd ed.,2001, Mosby Inc.

3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 85.

4. Rakel: Conn's Current Therapy 2001, 53rd ed.,2001, W. B. Saunders Company

5. Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st ed.,2000, W. B. Saunders Company

6. Mandell: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 5th ed.,2000, Churchill Livingstone, Inc.

7. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 265.

8. MF Williams: Otolaryngol Clin North Am; Oct1999; 32(5): 819-834.

9. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 106.

12. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last Modified: Jan. 10, 2012