Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Parotid Tumor Surgery
The parotid glands are major salivary glands located near the jaw, just in front of the ears. Sometimes, these glands develop tumors, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Parotid tumor surgery is a procedure performed to remove these tumors to prevent complications such as difficulty swallowing, infection, or, in the case of malignant tumors, the spread of cancer. Tumors in the parotid glands can vary in size and may cause pain or swelling in the affected area. They are often detected through physical exams, imaging tests, or biopsies. The surgery's main objective is to remove the tumor while preserving the function of the gland and the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland. However, the exact nature of the surgery depends on the tumor’s size, type, and location. How is Parotid Tumor Surgery Performed? The procedure for parotid tumor surgery typically involves a surgical incision near the ear, allowing the surgeon to carefully access ...