Salivary Gland Tumor Surgery

Bardhaman Maxillofacial Clinic: Your Trusted Partner in Salivary Gland Tumor Surgery.

This is for informational purposes only. Salivary gland play a crucial role in producing saliva to aid digestion, maintain oral health, and facilitate speech. The major salivary glands include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

These tumors of salivary gland can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors, such as pleomorphic adenomas, are more common, while malignant tumors, like mucoepidermoid cancer or adenoid cystic tumors pose a greater health risk. The incidence of salivary gland tumors is relatively low, but they can occur in individuals of all ages.

Salivary glands are also prone to infections, which can lead to conditions like sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) or salivary duct stones. These issues can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in swallowing or speaking.

Overall, Salivary Gland Tumor Surgery can significantly improve a person’s quality of life by enhancing their ability to speak, and smile confidently. It is a complex procedure, but with careful planning and by our skilled professionals, many patients achieve excellent results.

Types of Salivary Gland Tumors

• Benign tumors:Non-cancerous growths like pleomorphic adenomas.
• Malignant tumors:Cancerous growths, which can be aggressive..

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors

• A painless lump or swelling in the neck, jaw, or cheek.
• Facial nerve weakness.
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth.

Treatment: Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for salivary gland tumors. The specific procedure depends on the size, location, and type of tumor. Common surgical procedures include

• Superficial parotidectomy:Removal of a portion of the parotid gland..
• Total parotidectomy: Removal of the entire parotid gland.
• Submandibular gland excision: Removal of the submandibular gland.

Recovery Process

The recovery time for salivary gland tumor surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's health. Generally, it involves

• Hospital Stay:A short hospital stay is usually required.
• Pain Management: Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort.
• Diet: A soft food diet is recommended initially.
• Facial Nerve Monitoring: Close monitoring of facial nerve function is crucial, as it can be affected by surgery.
• Scarring: Depending on the surgical approach, there may be visible scarring.

Potential Complications

While complications are relatively rare, they can occur. Some potential complications include:

• Facial Nerve Injury:This can lead to facial weakness or paralysis.
• Infection: Infection at the surgical site can occur but is usually treated with antibiotics.
• Swelling and Bruising: These are common side effects that typically subside over time.
• Salivary Fistula: A leak of saliva from the surgical site, which can be treated.
• Recurrence of Tumor: In some cases, the tumor may recur, requiring further treatment.

It's important to follow our experienced surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery.