Salivary Gland Tumor Removal Surgery (Parotidectomy) in Turkey: Costs, Recovery & Outcomes

What is a parotid tumor?

Located just below and in front of the external auditory canal of each ear, the parotid glands play a crucial role in the production of saliva and its secretion into the mouth through the salivary ducts. This saliva facilitates chewing, swallowing, and digestion of food.

Occasionally, growths called tumors can develop in the parotid glands. Fortunately, most (about 80%) are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not pose a risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

However, malignant parotid tumors do exist. In fact, the most common type of malignant tumor is squamous cell carcinoma. Other types of tumors that can affect the parotid gland include adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and pleomorphic adenoma.

Surgery (parotidectomy) is generally the treatment of choice for the majority of salivary gland cancers.

Symptoms of parotid gland tumor

Salivary gland cancer does not necessarily cause any noticeable symptoms. In fact, it is most often discovered during a regular dental checkup or physical examination.

Symptoms of parotid gland tumors may include:

• A painless lump or swelling in the area of the ear, jaw, lips, inside the mouth, or neck.
• Facial weakness or paralysis.
• Numbness.
• Fluid leaking from the ear.
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth wide.
• Persistent ear pain.

Parotidecomy: What does it involve?

Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland.

During a parotidectomy, the surgeon may remove the tumor as well as some of the surrounding tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are removed. The extent of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor and the involvement of nearby structures, such as lymph nodes.

Parotidectomy postoperative follow-up

After parotidectomy, the patient may experience moderate pain, which can be relieved with pain medication. If there is a risk of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Patients may also experience temporary or permanent changes in saliva production, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth.

In some cases, numbness or weakness of the face may occur due to damage to the facial nerve during surgery.

The prognosis for patients undergoing parotidectomy depends on factors such as the type and stage of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both to prevent the cancer from returning or spreading.

Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider are important to monitor for signs of recurrence or spread.

Potential risks of parotidectomy

Rare complications may occur after parotidectomy surgery:

• Severe bleeding or hematoma, which may require additional procedures to control the bleeding.
• Decreased mobility or paralysis of facial muscles.
• Decrease or loss of sensitivity in the earlobe. This is usually temporary, but sometimes physical therapy is required to restore full mobility of the earlobe.
• Surgical site infection.
• Frey's syndrome: This is sweating of the taste buds. Patients report facial swelling and sweating in the surgical area of the parotidectomy during feeding.
• Definite facial paralysis is rare.
• First Bite Syndrome (FBS): Painful spasm of the parotid region that occurs with the first bite of food during chewing and diminishes thereafter. This pain usually accompanies every meal.
• Frequent loss of sensation around the ear, especially in the lobes.
• Trismus: inflammation of the master muscle, transient and mild.

Parotidectomy: Find the best surgeons with Turquie Santé

The treatment of parotid gland tumors requires exceptional surgical precision due to the proximity of the facial nerve, which is responsible for facial expressions. At Turquie Santé, we guarantee the best medical care from experienced surgeons in Turkey and around the world.

Our partner surgeons have perfect mastery of advanced surgical techniques, ensuring good results both functionally and aesthetically. Our clinics are equipped with the latest medical technology and meet the strictest international safety and hygiene standards.

Every patient at Turquie Santé benefits from a personalized treatment plan developed in consultation with an experienced multidisciplinary team. We provide support at every step, from booking appointments to recovery, offering constant moral and logistical support.

Feel free to contact us for a free teleconsultation with one of our experienced parotid surgeons. We'll help you understand your treatment options and choose the best solution for you.