Parotid Lump

What and where is the parotid gland? 

This is a paired large (major) gland producing saliva (spit) located on each side of the face overlying the mandible (jaw bone) immediately in front of the ears.

Lumps occur in the parotid due to abnormal overgrowth of some part of the salivary glands (a parotid gland tumour). The majority of these tumours are benign, which means that they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally, malignant tumours can occur in the parotid. Your specialist may recommend performing a fine needle aspirate (needle biopsy) of the lump to find out what sort of tumour you have. Sometimes a malignant lump in the parotid gland may represent a secondary cancer from cancer of the skin of the head or face.

If you are worried about any symptoms, talk to your GP or family doctor and ask for a referral to the MercyAscot Head and Neck Service.

 

 

Symptoms to watch out for

- Swelling in the face and jaw — usually non painful

- Numbness

- Facial prickling or burning sensations 

- Loss or limited facial movement