What Are Parotid Gland Tumors?
The parotid glands are the largest of your salivary glands and play an important role in producing saliva to break down food and support digestion. You have one parotid gland on each side of your face, located near the ears.
Parotid tumors are growths that often appear as a lump or swelling near the jawline, cheek, or in front of the ear. While parotid gland tumors are often benign, some can be malignant, which is why you should schedule an evaluation at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance, CA if you ever notice an unexplained mass in this area. Even a benign tumor can start to affect nearby nerves and muscles as it grows.
Common symptoms of a parotid gland tumor include:
- Swelling near the ears
- Facial weakness
- Numbness
- Changes in your face's natural movement
Our ENT specialists in Torrance, CA offer a thoughtful, precise approach to identifying and treating parotid gland tumors. If you have any questions about facial growths or have started to notice any of the above symptoms, schedule a consultation with our providers.
How Do You Treat Parotid Gland Tumors?
Before recommending a treatment plan, your Beach Cities ENTS specialist will examine the mass, using ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI to determine its size and location. They may also perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the growth and testing it to learn whether it's benign or cancerous.
In most cases, the recommended treatment for a parotid gland tumor is surgical removal (parotidectomy). This surgery is done with general anesthesia and may require a short stay at the hospital post-procedure to monitor your health. After administering anesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision near the ear, taking care to ensure any scarring is minimal and easily hidden. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, they may remove just the growth or the entire gland before closing the incision.
If the tumor is malignant, your provider may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy after your parotidectomy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for a Parotid Gland Tumor?
Not all parotid tumors are dangerous to your health, but they can have an impact on your confidence and peace of mind. At Beach Cities ENTS, we offer compassion, support, and reassurance for individuals in the Torrance, CA and surrounding areas who suffer from parotid gland tumors, providing benefits that include:
- Removing the lump and improving facial symmetry
- Preventing the tumor from continuing to grow
- Reducing the risk of the tumor becoming more serious over time
- Protecting nearby structures, including the facial nerve
- Providing clear answers about whether the tumor is benign or malignant
- Supporting early treatment if the growth is cancerous
Beach Cities ENTS Reviews
Very knowledgeable and personable - She has been seeing our son since he was one year old for ongoing ENT-related issues. She has helped us navigate complicated issues and seems to favor lowest level of intervention medically required, which we prefer. She always seems genuinely happy to see her patients and she is good with him. We will continue to see her only as long as she is practicing.
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Dr. Levine was great. My Son had surgery and he made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. He even called on a Sunday to see how he was doing. He was professional, caring, and took the time to answer all of our questions. I am in healthcare and am really particular. The office staff was also friendly, welcoming, and efficient, making every visit a pleasant experience. I highly recommend Dr.Levine and his entire team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are most parotid gland tumors cancerous or benign?
Approximately 80% of parotid gland tumors are benign. The most common type is a pleomorphic adenoma — a slow-growing, non-cancerous tumor. However, even benign tumors are typically removed because they can grow, become uncomfortable, and in rare cases transform into cancer over time. All parotid masses should be evaluated promptly by an ENT.
What is parotidectomy surgery and does Beach Cities ENT perform it?
A parotidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the parotid gland (the largest salivary gland, located in front of and below the ear). A superficial parotidectomy removes the outer portion of the gland and is the most common procedure for benign tumors. Ask at your consultation whether Beach Cities ENT performs this procedure and what to expect.
How is a parotid gland tumor diagnosed?
Evaluation begins with a physical exam and review of your history. Imaging — typically an MRI or CT scan — is used to characterize the mass. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) may also be performed to sample cells for analysis. In some cases, the definitive diagnosis is made at the time of surgical removal.
How long is recovery from parotid gland surgery?
Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks. You may experience temporary swelling, numbness near the ear, or a mild scar at the incision site. One specific consideration with parotid surgery is the facial nerve, which runs through the gland — your surgeon will take great care to preserve it. Discuss recovery expectations and potential risks in detail at your preoperative appointment.
How quickly should I be seen if I notice a lump near my ear or jaw?
You should be evaluated within a few weeks of noticing a new mass in this area, particularly if it is growing, is hard, or is accompanied by pain or facial numbness. Call our office to schedule — we will prioritize your appointment if needed.
Don't Ignore Unexplained Growths
Not every parotid tumor is serious, but every mass deserves attention. With early evaluation and treatment at Beach Cities ENTS, you can protect the structures in your face and potentially save yourself from cancer. If you believe you may have a parotid gland tumor, schedule a consultation with our ENT specialists in Torrance, CA as soon as possible to get the answers you need to move forward.