What Patients Should Know About Salivary Gland Tumor Surgery
A salivary gland tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in a salivary gland, most commonly in the parotid gland located near the ear. While many tumors are benign, some can be cancerous. Parotid surgery is often recommended to remove the tumor, confirm the diagnosis, prevent further growth, and protect surrounding structures such as the facial nerve. What Is a Salivary Gland Tumor? A salivary gland tumor occurs when cells within a salivary gland begin to grow abnormally. These tumors can develop in any salivary gland, but approximately 70–80% occur in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland in the body. Tumors may be: Benign (non-cancerous) Malignant (cancerous) Even benign tumors are often removed because they may continue growing and can occasionally undergo changes over time. Where Is the Parotid Gland Located? The parotid glands are located on both sides of the face, just in front of and below the ears. These glands produce saliva, which helps:...