Salivary Gland Tumors

Parotid Gland Surgery

Located in front of the ears, the parotid glands are one of the body's major salivary glands. They extend to the area beneath the earlobe along the lower border of the jawbone. Of all the salivary glands, about 80 percent of all tumors are most often found in the parotid gland. Only about 20 percent of parotid gland tumors are malignant.

Surgeons at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience treating all salivary gland tumors including malignant parotid tumors such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. On average, Mayo surgeons perform more than 150 parotidectomies (removal of part or all of the parotid gland) annually. Mayo physicians conduct research to better understand the behavior and optimal treatment of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors.

Generally, it is best to surgically remove a parotid tumor immediately. Although most tumors grow slowing and are benign, they will often continue to grow and can become malignant (malignant mixed tumor). Because an important facial nerve runs through the gland, parotid gland surgery is complicated. Surgical treatment of a parotid tumor generally requires a parotidectomy. Specialists do not recommend the removal of just the 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.