Salivary gland tumors
"Tumors are the most important pathology of the salivary glands, since their treatment requires most of the time the complete removal of the affected gland".
DR. JORGE DE ABAJO LARRIBA
SPECIALIST. OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is a salivary gland tumour?
Most salivary gland tumours are benign but if left untreated, they grow and can cause more serious problems and become increasingly difficult to remove.
The largest of the salivary glands is the parotid gland and is the most commonly affected.
Tumours in this area usually start with a lump in front of or under the earlobe. It is important to be assessed by an ear, nose and throat specialist or maxillofacial surgeon so that the best treatment can be indicated at an early stage.
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Symptoms of salivary gland tumours
Salivary gland tumours are suspected by the presence of a tumour in the area, usually painless, and their diagnosis is confirmed by imaging tests.
The most common symptoms are:
- Lump in the periauricular area
- Discomfort with swallowing
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
How are salivary gland tumours treated?
Benign tumours in the parotid gland are relatively frequent and their removal is recommended for preventive reasons (over the years some can become malignant) or for aesthetic reasons, as they produce deformities.
The aim of treatment of salivary gland pathologies using minimally invasive techniques is to treat only the affected area of the gland in order to minimise the impact on subsequent quality of life.
With extracapsular dissection, and unlike conventional removal surgery, it is possible to preserve the gland in the vast majority of cases, reducing the risks that may involve aesthetic deformities such as facial nerve paralysis or loss of facial volume or Frey's syndrome (profuse sweating of the skin in the parotid region when eating).
In addition, the function of the organ, which in most cases is a healthy gland, is maintained. As these are minimally invasive techniques, pain is minimised and recovery is very quick, so that in most cases the patient can return to work the following day.
Treatment of salivary gland tumors will always be surgical.
Parotidectomy is a very delicate operation since the parotid gland is closely related to the facial nerve, which is in charge of moving the muscles of the face.
Therefore, an experienced maxillofacial surgeon must be able to perform the removal of any of the glands without affecting the nerves or the structures that surround them.
In addition, it is an operation that must leave well-disguised scars of a small size without damaging the facial nerve.
If during the removal of the injury was damaged the facial nerve, techniques can be performed facial nerve reconstruction. Our Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has great experience in this type of treatment.
We work in a coordinated and joint way with the related departments to achieve the best attention to our patients.
Malignant tumors sometimes require more aggressive treatments and need the removal of the facial nerve, neck lymph nodes, etc.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Otolaryngology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Navarra Clinic is a national and world reference in numerous highly specialized surgical procedures.
We have the latest technology and we perform all diagnostic tests in less than 48 hours in order to offer our patients the best solution in the shortest time possible.
We were one of the first centers in Spain to use robotic surgery in the surgical treatment with the Da Vinci® System.
Organized in specialized units:
- Otology - Hearing.
- Rhinology - Nose.
- Pharyngology - Throat.
- Laryngology - Voice.
- Balance disorders.
- Head and neck problems.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the treatment of hearing problems.
- Pioneers in axillary surgery to avoid scarring.
- National reference center in tissue sealing for tonsil removal.
Our salivary gland tumour expert team
