What Is Parotidectomy and How Does It Relate to Facelift Procedures?
Parotid tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the parotid gland. This gland is the largest salivary gland in the body. It is located just in front of the ear and extends down to the angle of the jaw. The gland plays an important role in producing saliva, which helps in digestion and keeps the mouth moist. The development of the parotid gland happens early during the embryo stage. At the same time, nearby structures like lymph nodes and the facial nerve also form. Because of this, the gland is closely connected with the facial nerve , which controls movement of the face, and lymph nodes that help fight infections. Are parotid tumors dangerous or cancerous? Most parotid gland tumors are not cancerous. About 85% of these tumors are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. The remaining 15% are malignant and may require more advanced treatment. The most common type of benign tumor is called a pleomorphic adenoma or mixed tumor. These tumors usu...