Salivary Gland Cancer

Parotid Gland Tumor Surgery

Surgeons at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience treating all types of parotid gland tumors. Each year, Mayo surgeons perform more than 150 surgeries to remove parotid gland tumors (parotidectomies).

Salivary glands

Enlarge

Surgery is recommended for almost all parotid gland tumors, whether cancerous or benign. Although most tumors grow slowly and are noncancerous, they will often continue to grow and can become cancerous (malignant mixed tumor).

Treatment of a parotid tumor generally requires removing the parotid gland (parotidectomy). The surgery can be complicated because a nerve controlling facial movement runs through the gland. Mayo specialists do not recommend the removal of just the parotid tumor (lumpectomy) because microscopic tumor cells can remain in the wound, causing the tumor to recur. A lumpectomy also increases the risk of damaging the facial nerve.

Mayo Clinic specialists pioneered the use of surgical techniques that reduce the effects of parotid gland surgery on a patient's appearance. At Mayo Clinic, parotid surgery is often performed through incisions that hide scars in the skin creases around and behind the ear. Mayo's surgeons are committed to minimizing the size of the surgical incision, preserving the facial nerve and reconstructing the surgery site.

Head and neck surgeons typically perform salivary gland surgery. Surgery may also be performed by oral surgeons or, at Mayo's campus in Minnesota, by plastic surgeons. A pathologist closely works with the surgeon, examining tissue during the operation to make sure all cancer is removed.

About the Parotid Glands

The parotid glands are the body's largest salivary glands. Located in front of the ears, the parotid glands extend to the area beneath the earlobe along the lower border of the jawbone. About 80 percent of salivary gland tumors are found in the parotid gland. Only about 20 percent of parotid gland tumors are malignant (cancerous).