Salivary Gland Tumor Removal Surgery (Parotidectomy) in Turkey: Technique, Recovery and Risks

What is a parotid tumor?

Located just below and in front of the external auditory canal of each ear, the parotid glands produce saliva and release it into the mouth through the salivary ducts. This saliva helps with chewing, swallowing and digestion.

Tumors can develop in the parotid glands. About 80% of them are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant parotid tumors do exist. The most common types are mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma, while squamous cell carcinoma is less frequent. Benign tumors include pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor. Pleomorphic adenoma is benign but can recur, and rarely becomes malignant over time.

Surgery (parotidectomy) is generally the main treatment for salivary gland cancers and for benign tumors that grow or cause symptoms.

Symptoms of parotid gland tumor

A parotid tumor does not necessarily cause symptoms. It is often discovered during a dental checkup or a physical examination.

Symptoms of parotid gland tumors may include:

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

See a doctor promptly if a lump grows quickly, becomes painful, or if you notice weakness on one side of the face.

Parotidectomy: what does it involve?

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

• Superficial parotidectomy removes the part of the gland located above the facial nerve. It is often used for benign tumors in this area.
• Total parotidectomy removes the whole gland, with careful preservation of the facial nerve whenever possible.

During the operation, the surgeon identifies and protects the facial nerve, often with nerve monitoring. For a malignant tumor, the surgeon may also remove surrounding tissue and lymph nodes (neck dissection). The extent of the surgery depends on the size, location and type of the tumor and on the involvement of nearby structures.

Parotidectomy postoperative follow-up

After parotidectomy, you may have moderate pain, which is relieved with pain medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a risk of infection. A drain is sometimes left in place for a short time.

Changes in saliva production, such as a dry mouth, can occur temporarily or permanently.

Numbness or weakness of the face can occur if the facial nerve is affected during the surgery. Your surgeon follows this closely.

The prognosis depends on the type and stage of the tumor. For some malignant tumors, treatment also includes radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is used only in selected cases, as decided by the oncology team.

Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor for signs of recurrence.

Potential risks of parotidectomy

Complications can occur after parotidectomy:

• Severe bleeding or hematoma, which may require another procedure to control the bleeding.
• Reduced movement or paralysis of facial muscles, which is often temporary but can sometimes be permanent or require prolonged rehabilitation. Permanent paralysis is rare.
• Decreased or lost sensation in the earlobe, caused by injury to a sensory nerve running close to the gland (the great auricular nerve). The numbness often improves over several months but can sometimes be permanent.
• Surgical site infection.
• Frey's syndrome: sweating and flushing of the skin in front of the ear while eating, caused by nerve fibers that regrow abnormally after surgery. It can often be managed, for example with topical antiperspirants or botulinum toxin injections, as discussed with your surgeon.
• First Bite Syndrome: a painful spasm of the parotid region at the first bite of a meal, which lessens afterwards. In some patients the pain accompanies every meal.
• Trismus: temporary stiffness of the jaw muscles that makes it harder to open the mouth.

How Turquie Santé organizes your parotidectomy in Turkey

The treatment of parotid gland tumors requires precision because of the proximity of the facial nerve, which controls facial expressions. Turquie Santé is not a clinic: we organize your treatment with partner surgeons in Turkey.

Outcomes depend on the tumor and cannot be guaranteed. Our service includes:

• Review of your medical file by a specialist, who studies your imaging and test results.
• A detailed quote before you travel.
• Airport welcome and transfers in Turkey.
• An interpreter during your stay.
• Assistance 7 days a week for your questions.

Send us your imaging and medical reports to receive a quote.