What is parotid gland tumor and what are the symptoms

The occurrence of parotid gland tumor is not scary, as long as it is discovered and treated in time, so patients with parotid gland tumor do not need to be too nervous. We should learn to distinguish the symptoms caused by parotid tumors in our daily life, because the symptoms of parotid tumors and other parotid gland diseases are similar.

Among the benign parotid tumors, pleomorphic adenoma is the most common, accounting for about 80% of parotid tumors. Among the malignant tumors, epidermoid carcinoma of the breast is the most common, accounting for about 10% of parotid tumors. The vast majority of patients with parotid tumors accidentally discover a painless, slowly growing mass centered on the earlobe.

Causes

Benign mesenchymal tumors are mainly hemangiomas and lymphangiomas, followed by lipomas. A few are neurofibromas arising from the facial nerve. Primary malignant lymphomas may also occur in the parotid gland. Other types of malignant tumors are rare. Pleomorphic adenomas grow slowly and expansively, and parotid tumors can be huge without facial paralysis. Sudden growth acceleration or onset of pain should prompt suspicion of malignancy.

Symptoms

Most parotid gland tumors occur in the glandular lobe tissue superficial to the facial nerve, accounting for more than 80%. The vast majority of patients with parotid tumors accidentally discover a painless, slowly growing mass centered on the earlobe. The duration of the disease is uncertain and may last for several years or even decades in the elderly. Symptoms of parotid gland tumors include pain, especially persistent pain that progressively worsens, or facial nerve dysfunction or paralysis, which is one of the signs of parotid gland malignant tumors, but not all malignant tumors have this symptom. Patients with malignant tumors and facial nerve paralysis have an increased rate of cervical lymph node metastasis and a poor prognosis. About 10% of parotid tumors occur in the deep tissue of the parotid gland. Due to its deep location, it is difficult to detect in the early stages. When it reaches a certain size, bulging of the soft palate above and behind the tonsil on the affected side can be seen.