Parotid gland

The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands.  Diseases of the parotid gland include infections, obstruction due to calculi (stones), or tumours.  Tumours of the parotid gland usually present as a lump on the side of the face or upper neck.  The majority of tumours are benign, however, most will require removal to rule out malignancy.  Warning signs of possible malignancy include if the lump is painful, if there is any weakness of the face, or there are any other lumps in the neck.  In addition, skin cancers can spread to the parotid gland, so any parotid swelling in a patient with history of skin cancer should be urgently referred for further assessment.

Work up for patients with swellings of the parotid gland will generally include needle biopsy and MRI or CT scan. The major challenge with parotid surgery is because the facial nerve goes through the parotid gland, and divides into branches within the parotid gland.  Therefore the finesse of parotid surgery is about performing complete removal of the tumour, while at the same time protecting and preserving all branches of the facial nerve. 

Professor Sheahan is an expert parotid surgeon and has performed over 500 parotid surgeries for both benign and malignant conditions.