About Parotid Gland Cancer
Key Highlights
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Multidisciplinary care ensures comprehensive treatment planning.Endocrinologist manages hormonal and metabolic side effects of cancer or therapy.Focus on preserving facial nerve function during treatment when possible.Coordinated approach between surgery, oncology, and endocrinology for holistic recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a malignant tumor (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma) in the parotid gland confirmed by biopsy.
- Presence of a rapidly growing, painless mass in front of or below the ear.
- Facial weakness or paralysis suggesting nerve involvement by the tumor.
- Persistent pain in the parotid region.
- Need for systemic evaluation and management of treatment-related endocrine issues (e.g., from radiation or chemotherapy).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, or PET scan) to determine tumor size and spread.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy for pathological confirmation.
- Pre-operative consultations with the surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, and endocrinologist.
- Blood tests to assess overall health and baseline endocrine function.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and surgical plan, including potential for facial nerve monitoring.
- Fasting as instructed prior to any surgical procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Facial nerve injury leading to temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis (facial droop).
- Bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the surgical site.
- Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating) where sweating occurs on the cheek while eating.
- Numbness or changes in sensation around the ear, cheek, or neck.
- Salivary fistula (leakage of saliva from the wound).
- Systemic risks from anesthesia.
- Endocrine dysfunction as a side effect of adjuvant therapies like radiation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring of surgical site and nerve function.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Careful wound care and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Possible use of a surgical drain for a few days post-operation.
- Gradual reintroduction of diet, starting with soft foods.
- Follow-up appointments with the surgical and endocrinology teams for progress assessment.
- Possible referral for physical therapy or facial rehabilitation if nerve function is affected.
- Long-term follow-up for monitoring recurrence and managing late effects of treatment.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering parotid gland cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with endocrinology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform parotid gland cancer. MediFyr helps you compare endocrinologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for parotid gland cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Sara Mehta, a 58-year-old high school...
Sara Mehta, a 58-year-old high school biology teacher, had always been health-conscious. For months, she felt a persistent, painless lump just below her left ear, which she initially dismissed as a swollen lymph node from a cold. When it didn't go away and she started experiencing occasional numbness in her cheek, she grew concerned. Her GP referred her to an endocrinologist, Dr. Kapoor, who ordered an ultrasound and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The results confirmed a diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma, a type of parotid gland cancer. Dr. Kapoor, with a calm and empathetic demeanor, explained that the recommended treatment was a superficial parotidectomy to remove the tumor while preserving the facial nerve. Sara was terrified of potential facial paralysis, fearing it would end her teaching career. The surgery was scheduled quickly. The procedure went well, with the surgical team successfully sparing the nerve. Her recovery in the hospital was uncomfortable, with facial swelling and a temporary drain, but she was immensely relieved to find she could still smile. Over the following weeks, with physical therapy, the numbness improved. The final pathology showed clear margins. Emotionally, Sara journeyed from denial and profound fear to cautious optimism. While she has some residual tightness and dry mouth, she is cancer-free and back in her classroom, her experience giving her a new, profound empathy for her students facing their own challenges.
Endocrinologists for Parotid Gland Cancer
Explore experienced endocrinologists who regularly perform parotid gland cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 5 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 50 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 3 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 27 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata