ENT - Parotidectomy

What are the parotid glands?

Your parotid glands are found on both sides of your face, just in front of your ear. There are 3 glands that make saliva, but your parotid glands are the largest.

The saliva they produce helps you when chewing and swallowing. It can also start to digest the food you at before it reaches your stomach.

What is a parotid lump?

A lump develops because of an overgrowth of cells. 80% of these are not aggressive and are called benign tumours. Occasionally, there might be a tumour which can spread to other organs. This is known as a malignant tumour. Sometimes a benign tumour can become malignant, so it is recommended to treat it as early as possible. Your doctor will work out which type it is by taking a sample with a small needle.

What is a parotidectomy?

This is the surgery to remove the tumour. You will be asleep for the operation, which will last around 2 hours. An incision will be made from the front of your ear to your neck, and then the tumour will be removed.

What are the risks?

As with any operation, there is a risk of bleeding and infection, but this is rare. Nerves that control the muscles and feeling in your face run near your parotid gland. Your surgeon will work to keep these safe, but sometimes they may get bruised, and this can make the muscles in your face feel weak. This usually lasts for around a month, however, there is a 1% chance that this will be a permanent change.

Also, one of the sensory nerves must be cut. This means your ear lobe and face will feel numb after the operation. Facial numbness usually resolves, but you can expect your ear lobe to be permanently numb. Sweating and flushing around the cheek when eating is also a risk and is called Frey’s syndrome. This is treatable.

What happens afterwards?

You might find you have some pain when chewing. This can last for the next few days. You should be able to go home the same day. When you get home, you should have 2 weeks off work to allow the wound to heal properly. You will need also to have your clips taken out after 7 - 10 days. This will be arranged with the district nurses.

Summary

• Most tumours are benign, and these can sometimes become malignant
• Parotidectomy is the surgery to remove this tumour from the parotid gland
• The main risks are facial weakness, numbness, and Frey’s syndrome

Contact us

If you have any more questions about your operation, do not hesitate to contact your consultant’s secretary.
Kathy.oshea@nca.nhs.uk
Tel: 0161 206 4758

Or contact the specialist nurse Kate Hindley
kate.hindley@nca.nhs.uk
Tel: 0161 206 3186

If you would like more information, please visit the ENT UK website: www.entuk.org/patient-information.