Is the surgery for the removal of benign parotid tumor safe?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is aged around 80 years. He has had a painless lump on the left side of his jaw beneath his ear for three years. Last year, we got an ultrasound and FNAC done, and his doctor suggested getting the lump removed by surgery. He is taking only ayurvedic medicines. Also, he underwent PTCA 15 years back. Kindly advise on whether it is safe to perform surgery at this age. Will there be any complications, like his facial nerve getting affected? Is it safe to leave it that way? Is there any medication to prevent the increase in the size of the swelling? Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have reviewed the pictures you shared (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). The photograph you sent suggests a parotid gland swelling, and FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) report has not confirmed any specific diagnosis. However, considering his age and slow growth of the swelling, it can be either Warthin's tumor or a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, both of which are benign tumors. Treatment always depends on the patient's general condition and the speed of tumor growth. If it is growing very slowly, then you can avoid getting surgery, considering his age and other health issues. I suggest you to go for an ultrasound-guided FNAC. If the report suggests a benign swelling, you can get an ultrasound every year. If the size increases rapidly, then surgery can be considered. Otherwise, the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits of slowly growing benign tumors at his age. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no such treatment available to prevent growth of parotid benign tumors or benign swellings. I hope this helps. Thank you.