Parotid Tumor – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Parotid tumors are the most common type of salivary gland growths. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be malignant (cancerous).

Common symptoms include:

• Swelling in the face or jaw
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of facial movement

ENT specialists (otolaryngologists) typically diagnose and treat these conditions since they specialize in ear, nose, and throat issues.

Salivary glands exist throughout the mouth area—in the lips, cheeks, mouth, and throat. However, tumors most frequently occur in the parotid glands specifically.

Understanding the difference between benign and malignant parotid tumors is important for proper treatment planning.

Signs and Symptoms

A parotid tumor often appears as a lump or swelling on one side of the face, typically near the ear or cheek area.

This swelling might develop slowly over time. People with these tumors may experience difficulty swallowing or opening their mouth widely.

Some individuals notice numbness in certain parts of their face. Facial muscle weakness might also occur on the affected side. Pain in the face is another possible symptom that some patients report.

When You Should Consult a Healthcare Provider

If you notice any unusual lumps, swelling, numbness, or weakness in your face, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Don’t delay seeking medical advice if you have trouble swallowing or opening your mouth fully.

Even mild symptoms deserve attention, as early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Causes

Parotid tumors develop when cells in the parotid glands undergo DNA changes. These glands, located in front of each ear, are responsible for producing saliva that aids in food digestion.

The root cause of parotid tumors remains uncertain for medical experts. What we do know is that these tumors form when cellular DNA—the instruction manual for cell behavior—becomes altered.

In healthy cells, DNA provides clear directions for growth, multiplication, and eventual cell death. When DNA changes occur, cells receive faulty instructions.

These altered cells may:

• Grow and multiply faster than normal
• Continue living when they should naturally die
• Accumulate in excessive numbers

Sometimes these DNA changes transform normal cells into cancer cells. These abnormal cells can:

• Invade surrounding healthy tissue
• Destroy normal body structures
• Break away from the original tumor
• Travel to distant body parts (metastasis)

The process of cancer spreading to other areas of the body is called metastatic cancer. This happens when cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and establish new tumors in different locations.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase your chances of developing parotid tumors:

• Age: While parotid tumors can develop at any age, they occur more frequently in older adults. The risk gradually increases as you get older.
• Previous radiation exposure: People who have received radiation therapy to the head or neck region have a higher risk of developing parotid tumors later in life.
• Workplace exposure: Certain occupational environments may increase risk, particularly:
  • Rubber manufacturing industries
  • Jobs involving nickel exposure
  • Other environments with specific industrial chemicals

These risk factors don’t guarantee that someone will develop a parotid tumor, but they may increase the likelihood. Many people with parotid tumors have no identifiable risk factors.

Regular medical check-ups are important, especially for those with known risk factors. If you notice any unusual swelling near your ear or jaw area, particularly if it persists for more than two weeks, consult with a healthcare provider.