Ask a doctor on the topic of Otorhinolaryngology

Parotid gland tumor

September 6, 2011 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg

During a visit to the dentist, a hard lump was found below my left ear. I had a CT scan done a week ago and my doctor called me to see an ENT specialist and to have a biopsy done, most likely to remove the tumor in the parotid gland. I wanted to know exactly what is going to happen now. I am very worried. Thank you.

Dr. med. Ralf Berg

Dear Patient,

I have received a similar request before. Now that it is confirmed that it is the parotid gland, and an inflammation or blockage of the duct is unlikely, the following will now happen:
The ENT doctor will perform a fine needle biopsy to remove one or more pieces of tissue from the tumor. This procedure does not hurt much, as the injection site will be locally anesthetized. The sample will then be sent to the pathologist. The pathologist will stain and fix the tissue sample so that he can precisely identify the type of tumor cell under the microscope. Based on this, a decision can be made on which of the 3 procedures to use alone, in combination, and in what order: chemotherapy and, of course, surgical removal of the tumor.
Without knowing the exact histological structure of the tumor (histological/pathological findings), all statements about the therapy are mere speculation.

So, first go to the ENT doctor, who will take samples and explain the next steps to you. I assume that he will call you in once the histological report is available, and discuss the procedure and any questions with you. Of course, it's natural to worry, but only after examining the tumor tissue can more precise information be given about the prognosis and the course of action. And don't forget: there are also benign or very harmless tumors.
So, keep a clear head and get to the bottom of the matter.

With warmest wishes,
R. Berg