We have two major salivary glands on both sides of neck called parotid gland and submandibular gland.
We have two parotid glands on either side of neck in front of ears. Most of the tumours that arise are benign (non cancerous) in this gland. Most common tumour that arise in this gland is pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin’s tumour.
1)Swelling in front or below ear, pain less.
2)Slow growing swelling
Most common cancerous lumps that arise in this gland are Muco-epidermoid carcinoma (MEC), Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), Acinic cell carcinoma.
1)Swelling in front or below ear, pain less.
2)Rapid increase in size of pre-existing lump.
3)Facial nerve weakness (deviation of mouth, inability to close eye)
4)Neck node swelling
5)Ulceration of facial skin above swelling
Surgery is main stay of treatment for parotid gland tumours called Parotidectomy.
Advanced tumours may require post surgery- Radiotherapy.
This is a delicate surgery due to involvement of facial nerve. Facial nerve travels through parotid gland and divides into two branches which supply one side of face. It is responsible for movement of one side of face, rather for facial expressions. Injury to this nerve can cause complete or partial facial paralysis on same side.
1)With our surgical experience since last 10 years we are adept at safely dissecting out parotid gland from facial nerve.
2)Use of magnification loupes for precise handling of nerve.
3)Use of continuous nerve monitor to avoid stretch injury of nerve.
This picture shows facial nerve after superficial parotidectomy with small incision.
Facial nerve after parotidectomy.
Pleomorphic adenoma of parotid with modified incision so that scar is not visible.
Post surgery picture with concealed scar
Most patients need a average stay of 4 days for minor surgery to 7 days in major surgeries. ICU stay is required for major surgery. Patients will have feeding tube for maintaining nutrition during hospital stay. Radiotherapy is done as outpatient procedure
It is around 1 lakh - 1.5 lakh, sometimes vary on seriousness of the cancer
Avoid exposure Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papillomavirus (HPV)
1 week is the recovery period for Salivary Gland Tumors treatment but again it depends on the condition of the patient.
Dr Rahul Buggaveeti is the best Salivary Gland Tumors doctor in Hyderabad.
