WHAT ARE PAROTID TUMORS?
Parotid tumors are abnormal growths within the glands. Most of these growths are benign (non-cancerous), but occasionally they can be malignant (cancerous). On rare occasion, the growths can be enlarged lymph nodes or even non-parotid tumors which have spread into the parotid glands. Of tumors which arise from the parotid tissue, most (about 80%) are slow growing and benign. In contrast, malignant parotid tumors have a range of characteristics and types, with a few being fast growing and life-threatening. HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE? If a tumor of the parotid gland is suspected by you or your primary care doctor, you should be seen by an Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon. A careful history and thorough physical examination will then be carried out by your surgeon. A CT scan (an x-ray test that helps to determine the size and position of the parotid tissues) or an MRI scan (an imaging test that does not use x-rays and helps to determine the size and position of parotid tissues) will be ordere
